Hampton residents furious over trees facing axe to make way for development

Furious Hampton residents are threatening to chain themselves to two trees in a bid to stop them from being axed to make way for a $26 million luxury apartment.

Residents are not happy two trees are facing the axe to make way for a large development in Hampton. Helene Mayor, 83y, is the granddaughter of Charles Ralph of Ralph's Dairy. Picture: Ian Currie

Furious residents say they will chain themselves to two trees in Hampton to stop a developer from cutting them down.

The 70-year-old plus trees are on two Foam St properties, which back onto Alexander Park.

The popular park is enjoyed by hundreds of families, children and dog walkers each week.

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Regular par users say the trees provide shade cover and add character to the area.

But the trees are in the way for Circa Property Group, which recently bought the properties to redevelop into a $26 million luxury apartment.

It’s understood, Circa, which has not applied for any planning permits, notified residents it intended to cut the trees down once it takes ownership of the properties in January 2019.

The penalty for cutting the trees down without a permit is a maximum fine of $2000.

However, a large group of residents who said $2000 was a “mere slap on the wrist” for a developer, have swiftly mobilised to protect the trees.

Residents aren’t happy two trees may be cut down to make way for a huge development in Hampton. Picture: Ian Currie

Group spokesman Brian Anthonisz said he was “horrified” anyone would consider removing them.

“These trees should be protected because the community would be outraged if they were turned into sawdust,” he said.

“I feel so sad, powerless and invisible, these trees are at the mercy of developments that squeeze every single inch out of the block and seemingly disregard community values and interests.

“Hampton needs more protected green spaces not more high-rise developments.”

Mr Anthonisz said several members of the group were so passionate that they would chain themselves to the trees.

Bayside city planning and amenity director Hamish Reid said a permit was required for the pruning and removal of the trees.

“Any future planning application for the site would be assessed in accordance with the Bayside Planning Scheme which includes consideration of existing trees and neighbourhood character,” he said.

Circa Property Group did not respond to Leader’s questions.

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