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11 Comments

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1. I would like to know which tree this application is applying to remove from 7 Forest Grove, Epping as there are very few trees remaining on this development site. I hope this does not mean the only reasonably sized tree on the nature strip near this property is now to be removed. To remove this tree from our street is unacceptable as it is picturesque, shady and cannot be replaced. We need to keep as many trees as we possibly can in the street. A large gum tree was recently removed from 19 Forest Grove, Epping, due to electrical caballing, and the street is now very hot. We residents are also very upset. I believe to remove another tree from our street would be detrimental to the environment and should not be allowed.

2. Margaret McCartney>
   I understand your concerns, however Epping being a crucial strategic location in a city that is rapidly growing, needs further development to accommodate this growth. I believe maintaining anti development stance would be extremely unfair to those young people who cannot get a foothold in the housing market. We need to open minded and really question whether sitting on quarter acre blocks is sustainable in a city where space is fast running out.

3. Dear Patrick and all
   I would like to make it clear that my comments relate specifically to a beautiful tree on the nature strip near 7 Forest Grove which our street would like to preserve. It is not on a building site. My comments do not relate to the numerous trees already removed on this development site and the other building sites in Forest Grove. I am all for affordable housing but that is another matter to my concerns about the loss of tree canapy on the nature strips in the street in which I live. I am glad young people can afford the $700,000 plus they would need to pay for a new unit in my street and this will address our housing shortage as you say. I look forward to having them as my neighbours.

4. I am also a long term resident of Epping presently living in Forest Grove. We are not against providing housing for future residents but I totally support Margaret where before our own eyes construction sites have already removed council nature strips of established trees without permission from Council. Now 7 Forest Grove is another site requesting the removal of a nature strip mature tree I believe is torally unacceptable for reasons as clearly explained by Margaret .

5. I endorse the comments by Christine Beasley and Margaret McCartney. The preservation of open spaces and vegetation is more important than ever.

   The implication that the over-development that Epping is experiencing is motivated by a wish to assist young people get established in the housing market does not bear close scrutiny. Fewer than one fifth of purchases are by first-time buyers, and of these some are purchased as investment properties either for themselves or on behalf of other investors. The push for large-scale development is motivated largely by developer profit, as illustrated by the fact that the interest in attracting additional families is focused almost exclusively on housing, which can be sold for a profit, with very little attention being paid to the infrastructure and amenities that will be needed to support them.

6. Patrick Brewis, I find your comments intriguing, to say the least. I can hardly believe you are a local resident. Perhaps you are a developer or have interests in development?

   As one who lives in the area and who was attracted decades ago by the aesthetic qualities, I speak in union with the locals who value the greenery.

   Having worked for many years in western and south western Sydney where such greenscape appears to be less valued, I can fully support the concerns of others who like me, are alarmed at the thought of further established vegetation being removed. This area of Epping, is congested and in my opinion, rapidly facing overdevelopment. At least, let the approved monstrosities be built around the vegetation, not over it.

   I agree with the other respondent who indicated that the unit developments do little to provide affordable housing to young people. They are far more likely to be used for tax minimisation purposes of investors.

7. Please keep the trees. They are so important to the whole community. Denuding the area of its vegetation heightens heat issues and lowers quality of the air just to mention a few small issues.
   In amongst the whole global warming debate loss of vegetation is put forward as a major contributor to the problem. This applies to little suburbs like Epping just as much as any other location.
   We may need more accommodation but we don't need a concrete jungle.

8. Margaret McCartney, Christine Beasley & Norman Jessup>

   I have noted that you have posted numerous anti development posts in Epping in the past. Please be mindful that there are a large number of Epping residents such as myself who welcome the changes taking place.

   Sydney will undergo a rapid transformation over the next two decades and the character of the city will change from that of a suburban city to a global one. As a Epping resident, I am quite excited about these changes taking place and we all should capitalise on Epping's prime location.

   Regarding the tree, yes, let's preserve as many trees on public property (i.e. nature strips) as they are difficult to replace.

9. I am not anti development as falsely accused. I am, however, against the pointless destruction and removal of trees and I do have a problem with overdevelopment. Please look at the demolition work underway in 4 Forest Grove, Epping and you will see how they are placing rubbish around the base of the trees on the boundary with Forest Park. These trees belong to the Park so they are not in the way of any development. I am against the way I continually see contractor's complete disregard for the trees (not to mention nature strips, local roads and public foot paths) but it is a missinterpretation to say I am against development.

10. I live on Blaxland road in one of the units next to Forest park and I'd love to see where this affordable housing is!? I'd like to meet any young people that can afford a $600,000+ 2 bedroom unit. I went to the launch of some other units at Macquarie Park the other day and it was ALL investors and starting prices in the $700,000 range. If I wanted to buy anything at the moment I'd be looking into the Blue Mountains or up onto the Central Coast for my partner and I and our two kids.

    I know this thread is just for a tree but the development around Epping is out of control and nothing is being done about the infrastructure around the area. Apart from maybe the train line but I'm unsure that's going to ease any issues once all of these new apartments come online.

11. I am strongly opposed to the cutting down of trees in Forest Grove, having heard that
    the builders want to be rid of them because they are inconvenient. We cannot live
    without trees - their beauty, oxygen producing, shade, softening of a street full of
    concrete buildings, and places for birds to sing and breed.

    Try living without trees, or less trees. The earth feels EMPTY

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