Tree decision looming over nervous residents

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