Resource consent given for removal of Pohutukawa Tree

Extract from a letter sent to NSCC Mayor, George Wood

North Shore City Council authorised the felling of a well established and protected pohutukawa tree (approx 5 metres height) which was located on the public road reserve outside 83 Hinemoa Street, Birkenhead.

The felling of this protected tree (Tuesday 11th September) was the result of a non-notified Discretionary Application (LX2126282) from Richard Beca with the stated reason being that the tree stood in the way of a proposed new vehicle crossing which was to provide access to the property.

Richard Beca has at present a Resource Consent Application (LH2126227) before Council for the building of a block of 20 apartments and 2 offices, that includes a crossing in the vicinity of the felled protected pohutukawa.

However, this application is not approved and is the subject of strong opposition and many submissions (more than 400) from the local community, including Birkenhead Residents Association and other groups. Because this application has not yet been reported on or heard by Council it has no actual substance.

Why was approval given to fell this protected tree on the basis that it was obstructing a crossing which does not exist, has no status, and may possibly never exist.

Birkenhead Residents Association would also like an explanation of why council officers made this application non-notifiable on the grounds that there were only two affected parties, NSCC itself, and the owners of 83 Hinemoa Street (the applicant himself). Written consent was obtained from these two parties. But Birkenhead Residents Association believes that all local residents are affected by the streescape of the area in which they live and should have received notification.

This is an unacceptable situation.

The Hearing Commissioners who heard and gave approval were Peter Burn and Bob Mitchell !

View the Application No: LX2126282 ASSESSMENT AND DETERMINATION REPORT ON A LAND USE CONSENT APPLICATION as a PDF file

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