Residents object to Timbertop Dr tree removal
Residents of Timbertop Dr, Umina, have lodged objections to a development application for a property in the adjacent Corrong Cl because it would remove four large trees.
The application prepared by AJ Lewis of Wagstaffe would see alterations and additions to the ground floor level of an existing house, a new first floor and a new detached Colorbond garage with "concrete driveway and crossover" to Timbertop Dr.
"Access to the site is currently gained via number 1 Corrong Cl, Umina Beach.
"Due to this access being very tight, it is proposed that a new garage and access be constructed in Timbertop Dr."
Plans submitted with the application show the removal of four large trees for the double garage, two within the property and two on the council road reserve on Timbertop Dr.
The garage would have a setback of only 1.31 metres from the road reserve, where planning provisions require a six metre setback.
The application concedes the garage setback from Timbertop Dr does not comply with planning provisions.
However, it states: "There is 12 metre distance between the boundary of the subject property and the kerb side of Timbertop Dr."
The road reserve is wider along the back of this property than elsewhere along Timbertop Dr.
"Due to the steep nature of the sites along Timbertop Dr, there are numerous examples of non-compliance with regards to front boundary setbacks, especially garages for vehicle parking," the application states.
Despite the council's planning portal stating the application status was "Notification-Advertising", Timbertop Dr neighbour Ms Jennifer Bedford said she had not been notified and discovered the proposal "by pure accident".
She said she was hoping to save the stand of four very large gums.
"Apart from losing these valuable trees, this will impact on the native wildlife that calls our street home.
"Timbertop Drive is a haven for many native animals.
"Currently an echidna lives just 40 metres from where this garage will be built.
"There are several lyrebird families here, wallabies, snakes, lizards and possums all making their homes here and are sighted regularly.
"There is a large goanna regularly spotted, along with tawny frog mouths and a powerful owl.
"These trees are well established and destroying them is not in line with the Council's recently released Greener Places Strategy which states that older trees have greater habitat value than younger trees in the urban forest".
Ms Bedford said the development would "also change the face of our beautiful street where the reason most of us live here is to enjoy the nature and peace and quiet."
The application states: "The enhancements to this property will not only improve the aesthetics of the site but will also greatly improve the functionality as well.
"Only a very minimum amount of cut and fill is required for the proposed development. "
The closing date for submissions is Friday, February 11.
SOURCE:
DA Tracker, 4 Feb 2022
DA63926, Central Coast Council