Neighbours film protected tree destruction under cover of darkness
A group of men have been caught on camera in Northcote destroying valued gum trees at night. Witnesses who filmed them say a developer ignored planning laws, and they were verbally abused when they tried to intervene. WATCH VIDEO
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A developer accused of going rogue and chopping down protected trees on a Northcote property is under investigation.
Neighbours filmed a group of men using a chainsaw to chop down a number of trees under the cover of darkness at a property just off St Georges Rd on August 5.
They said they were then verbally abused when they asked the men to stop.
Darebin Council is investigating whether the alleged destruction breached permit conditions at the property.
VCAT issued a permit for the construction of a double-storey dwelling at the site with a number of conditions, including the protection of a number of trees on the property.
The property, which backs on to Merri Creek, also sits within an Environmental Significance Overlay and any removal of trees requires a permit.
The Leader understands at least four trees were cut down without permission.
The council is investigating breaches of the planning permit and the planning scheme.
The Leader spoke to a number of concerned neighbours, who asked to remain anonymous for safety reasons.
One homeowner in the same street said they heard a chainsaw start up around 5.30pm on August 5 and went outside to investigate.
“We went over and had a look and the owner was there with a couple of guys and they were chopping down all of the trees that were supposed to be protected,” they said.
“Some of the neighbours were quite upset. There was quite a lot of discussion going on.”
Another neighbour said onlookers gathered at the property had “looks of shock and horror” on their faces.
Multiple people said the men were aggressive and verbally abusive to the bystanders when they asked them to stop.
“My mother — she didn’t sleep that night. She was very shaken,” one witness said.
“You feel incredibly unsafe in your own home. It’s really hard when you don’t trust the people next door.”
Darebin Mayor Susan Rennie said illegal tree removal was a serious issue and she was determined to prevent the illicit removal of any vegetation.
“Once the investigation is complete, we will be reviewing our options in this matter before deciding on the most appropriate way to proceed given the seriousness of this alleged offence. This could include legal action,” she said.
The penalty for illegal tree removal varies between council areas, but in 2017 a developer was hit with a $30,000 fine for the illegal removal of trees from an Eltham property.
But some residents don’t think a monetary penalty will be enough.
“To just fine some thousands of dollars is actually equivalent to looking the other way,” one witness said.
“It’s toothless. It’s not going to change behaviour.”
“I don’t think it in any way disadvantages the owner. How blatant he’s been suggests that he’s not concerned.”
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Cr Rennie said the Municipal Association of Victoria has requested the State Government introduces legislation to give councils stronger enforcement tools and penalties to protect trees.
The Leader attempted to contact the developer for comment.