What is point of tree policy?

I have just found out from Gosford Council that there is a Development Application [DA33230/07] to build five villas at 11 Flathead Rd, Ettalong/Booker Bay.

If this application is approved it will result in the destruction of eight or nine magnificent trees.

Not just trees, these are what I call heritage trees.

Huge and old, originally they must have formed part of the Blackwall Mountain vegetation but over time have become isolated by road and bridge works.

I bought my villa six years ago just because of these trees, and appreciate every day the birds that live there either permanently or seasonly.

What is the point of Gosford Council having a tree preservation policy if any little greedy developer can come along and say: "Oh, they are in the way - off with their heads"?

As if the area needed any more villas or town houses, they can't sell the current crop as it is.

How can we stop this vandalism of our vanishing heritage?

Nancy Marchant Ettalong Beach