Woody pear removal explained

A woody pear tree on a building site in Kallaroo Rd, Umina, has been removed, despite no approval having been given for its removal, Gosford Council has been told.

Director of Development and Health Ms Colleen Worthy Jennings said a woody pear tree had been removed from the front of the dwelling.

"The dwelling has since been demolished and it is likely that the tree would have been damaged during this process if it had not been removed," she said.

"The tree removed was less than three meters in height and as such would not have been subject to the requirements of council's tree preservation order."

Ms Worthy Jennings was responding to Cr Terri Latella, who asked why two woody pear trees were destroyed and removed from the property, after members of the community had been contacted and reassured that such trees would not be removed.

Ms Worthy Jennings said a development application for the construction of a new dwelling was received and indicated there were numerous trees to be removed from the subject site.

The site was inspected and comments provided by council's relief tree assessment officer.

She said the woody pear trees were not included in the assessment and were not indicated on the development plans for removal.

The only concession granted was the removal of two eucalypts as they were in poor health, and the removal of a fig tree which, given its invasive nature, would impact upon underground structures and services if retained, she said.

Further site investigations revealed that there were still three woody pear trees existing upon the site and efforts had been made to protect one of them.

Council agenda Q.100, November 2