Killarney Vale: 11 Trelawney St, knock down, rebuild plants attract 152 submissions

Is this the most complained about knock down, rebuild on the Central Coast? Read why plans for this cottage in a quiet nondescript part of Killarney Vale have attracted 152 objections.

Plans to knock down an existing small cottage and build a two-storey house at Killarney Vale have ended up before the Local Planning Panel, which usually deals with developments running into the millions of dollars.

A development application (DA) has received 152 public submissions since it was first advertised last November with the majority of surrounding residents concerned about the fate of a towering Norfolk Island pine located on the council reserve at the front of the property.

The towering Norfolk Pine (right) at the front of the cottage at 11 Trelawney St. Picture: NewsLocal

Under the plans an arborist’s report states major “first order” roots from the old pine have caused significant damage to the existing garage and driveway which are less than 3m away from the base of the tree.

The arborist’s report goes on to state the tree’s roots would suffer “serious damage” to the structural root zone from the redevelopment, which would impact the “stability and viability” of the tree.

The base of the tree is less than 3m from the driveway and garage with the roots causing significant damage. Picture: NewsLocal

“The redevelopment of this site will require the removal of this tree to facilitate the proposed plans,” the arborist’s report states.

“There are no options available to successfully retain this tree.”

A Central Coast Council report to the Local Planning Panel recommends approving the $907,225 project at 11 Trelawney St and the removal of the tree, despite the species being “aesthetically pleasing to most”.

“However it must be acknowledged that a tree of this species can cause damage to structures and infrastructure,” the council’s report states.

“Due to the size of the tree, and its location, it is no longer appropriate in proximity to the residential property and in this instance, it restricts a compliant vehicle access to the site.”

Artist's impression of 11 Trelawney St, Killarney Vale, which has received 152 submissions mostly objecting to the removal of a Norfolk Pine in the front. Picture: supplied

The tree has also been listed on council’s “significant tree register” since August last year after an application by a member of the community was supported by 32 signatures.

Among the reasons given include it was “used by Tuggerah Lakes boaties and fishermen as a landmark” and was highly visible from surrounding suburbs.

However the report states inclusion on the significant tree register does not afford a tree any further legal protection.

The rear of the property backs onto Tuggerah Lake and the tree is said to be used as a landmark by boaties. Picture: NewsLocal

Artist's impression of the rear of the property with the tree removed at the front. Picture: supplied

The redevelopment complies with all the relevant planning controls except for the front setback of the house, which would be 7.3m instead of a required 9.3m and the setback of the garage which would be 6.5m instead of the required 10.3m.

However the report to the panel states the setbacks are justified given the proposed size and scale of dwelling is compatible with many others in the direct area, will not block any views and features a “contemporary and thoughtful design” which suits the sloping block and adds “street appeal”.

The DA will go before the panel tomorrow.

Artist's impression of the rear of the property. Picture: supplied