Group 'heartbroken' at loss of healthy shade tree
The Grow Urban Shade Trees group has said it is "heartbroken" that a healthy shade tree in Broken Bay Rd will be removed with the approval of an adjacent development application.
It described Booker Bay as "already a barren streetscape".
"Desirable parts of the world have Tree Preservation Orders in place to prevent irresponsible removals like this," said group member Ms Jen Wilder.
"We plead for logic and science to be the new norm here on the Central Coast too.
"Regardless of many objections, the Local Planning Panel has given permission for the removal of the tree to make way for not one driveway but two.
"The new dwelling will consist of two units.
"The applicant was not required to change the design."
She said the group believed many of the reasons given by applicant's arborist for removal of the tree were illogical and "set a dangerous precedent for all street trees in our area".
"Many of our supporters are elderly, parents with prams or have mobility issues and they are far more frightened of shadeless streets than of minor (or even major) tree root lift, that could be worked around."
She said people often underestimated value of a mature tree.
"They support bird life, clean pollutants and, of course, shade us against overwhelming heat."
SOURCE:
Social media, 11 Oct 2023
Jen Wilder, GUST