By KATH GANNAWAY
“WHY weren’t we told?” was the question that was floating around Yarra Glen on Saturday as residents got together for a community celebration.
A number of people approached the Mail voicing concern that a stand of what they estimated were about 10 oak trees on Bell Street had been cut down, seemingly without any community consultation or warning.
Yarra Ranges Council, however, says all the necessary criteria for notification of the tree removal were fulfilled.
Yarra Glen resident Roz Holz phoned the Mail earlier in the week saying there was a lot of unrest about the loss of the trees which were on the boundary of a vacant block of land opposite Symons Street.
She said she had spoken to Yarra Ranges Council who advised that a submission went in to council in 2009, but that they were unable to say whether a permit had been issued.
“There was nothing wrong with the trees, and it’s only last year that the council planted new oak trees along both sides of Bell Street to complete the oak tree avenue.
“That area was the most dense green area of Bell Street, and it’s made a big difference as you drive into the town from that direction,” Ms Holz said.
Yarra Ranges Council on Monday confirmed that a planning permit had been issued for the removal of the trees that are on the boundary of a subdivision.
Communications manager Tracey Varley said the application, YR2009/920 was advertised in accordance with council’s planning approval process that requires notification of adjoining and immediate occupiers, along with a sign on the site.
“All the notifications indicated the proposal for tree removal, and one objection was received,” Ms Varley said.
She said that all the trees that were removed had been assessed by a qualified arborist and the majority were found to be growing close together and in poor form with a low life expectancy due to their location close to the Melba Highway.
“The removal of the trees will allow the construction of a footpath and kerb and channel along that section of road,” she said.
Replanting of native trees is a condition of approval within the new subdivision.
The application did not go to a council meeting, but was decided by delegation by council’s planning department.
