Click photo to enlarge
The root cause of the trouble rises above Taieri Rd, in
Dunedin. Photo by Stephen Jaquiery.
Two Taieri Rd, Dunedin, families are feeling out on a
limb fighting for resource consent to remove a soaring sequoia
tree they say damages driveways, drops debris and causes "huge
stress and anxiety".
The expansive Wellingtonia tree in Taieri Rd was the subject
of a recent hearing, which marked the second attempt by the
affected residents to gain official permission to remove the
giant redwood.
Two couples, Peter and Ruth Denton and Murray and Sylvia
Little, want to fell the 27m Sequoiadendron giganteum, saying
it restricted entry to their properties, had damaged drains,
and was a potential hazard.
There were 23 submissions in support of the consent, three
against and one that was neutral.
The committee heard the tree dropped debris on surrounding
properties, including on a nearby service station, where it
was a safety issue, and those living beneath it had serious
concerns for their safety in case it blew over during high
winds.
Council planner Karen Bain recommended in a report to the
committee the consent be declined, instead suggesting the
committee provide $6000, or half the cost of mitigation
works.
Counsel for the applicants, Alastair Logan, told the
committee of Dunedin city councillors Richard Walls, Fliss
Butcher and Andrew Noone the fundamental difficulty was the
tree was oversized, and out of place in the suburban
environment.
It was healthy, and could potentially grow as tall as 90m.
The roots interfered with vehicle access, and uneven
entrances were hazardous for pedestrians.
"The tree is a cause of anxiety and distress to the
applicants."
Mr Logan argued the issue should be considered afresh
following an unsuccessful request for consent in 2000, as the
problems experienced had become more pronounced as the tree
had grown.
It was listed as a significant tree, but the council's
district plan recognised even significant trees could
generate adverse effects.
Greg Denton said the tree had not been an issue when his
family bought the property 20 years ago, and the family had
no idea then it would become a problem.
It caused "huge stress and anxiety", especially during high
winds, something people who did not live there would not
comprehend.
Members of both households had health concerns, and the
damage to the driveway and limited access meant it was
difficult for ambulances and other emergency services
vehicles to drive on to the properties.
Protect Private Ownership of Trees Society secretary Jim
Moffat attacked the council's policy on significant trees,
which he said led to social injustice.
The council "took" trees from residents when it labelled them
significant, and homeowners often did not know what having a
significant tree on their property entailed.
Mr Moffat said it was a sad commentary when a private owner
who wanted to remove a significant tree had to become
embroiled with "a large, well-organised body" like the
council.
Nearby resident Jean Park said she spoke for the tree.
She felt sorry for the residents, but did not see how they
could not have realised when they bought the properties that
the tree would become an issue.
The tree bothered people underneath, but Mrs Park questioned
whether that was a good enough reason to allow its
destruction.
Cr Walls said a site visit would follow, before a decision on
the issue was made.
david.loughrey@odt.co.nz
