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4 Comments

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1. Hi;

   My name is Simon Sonter (mob. 0409770049). I'm the tenant at 63 Ray Rd Epping. About a month ago the landlord entered the premises with some workmen to do "some surveying".
   On Sunday, while attending to some long-awaited repairs, the landlord mentioned that he would access the premises this week to "clean up some trees". I took this to mean that he was going to attend to any unsound branches in the large trees. I granted my permission for him to enter the premises while I was at work. I was advised that it would not be necessary to remove my vehicle from the car port (also not shown on diagram) immediately underneath one of the trees which was subsequently removed. This reinforced my impression that the planned works were minor.
   Yesterday when the landlord and workmen entered the property they removed 3 large trees (an additional ironbark tree of approximately 20-30 ft in height not mentioned in the application was also removed) and approximately 5 smaller trees less than 20 ft in height. They also damaged 2 gates, and relocated a garden shed which was not shown on the application. The trees were valued amenities of the property to me as the tenant.
   Late yesterday afternoon the real estate agent called asking me to remove my belongings from a second, secure garden shed (also not shown on the application diagram) so that work trucks could secure access to the property to clear materials. The second garden shed, unlike the first, is securely bound to a concrete foundation, and I believe that moving the shed will result in its destruction. I have declined to remove my belongings. This secure shed is a valued amenity of the property.
   At no time was I advised of this development application.
   I have been in residence at the property for approximately 8 years, and all council, real estate and mortgage correspondence to the premises has been addressed to the landlord at my address.
   Contrary to the application, all three trees were sound, and thriving (as photos of the remaining tree stumps will confirm) - although very windy weather over the past few years had cleared out some older and less sound branches of moderate size of both trees mentioned in the application.
   When I arrived home last night to find the devastation, I was shocked, and rang my real estate agent to revoke my permission for the landlord to enter the premises without my presence. This morning I have taken photos of the damage.
   I would be pleased to understand;
   - on what basis the soundness of the trees was assessed
   - whether the council confirmed the correctness of the drawing and application.
   - whether the removal of the additional trees was properly authorized or otherwise allowable.
   Thanks;
   Simon Sonter

2. I am shocked, too, Simon! That is really dreadful both in terms of the removal of the trees unnecessarily, and the treatment of you, the long-standing tenant. It shows no respect for the environment or people. I hope Parramatta Council looks into the unauthorised removal of the ironbark and other trees. No doubt any fine will be insignificant compared to the profit the owner will make after he demolishes your home and builds new housing on the land. Best of luck for the future, Simon. Parramatta Council, please look into this and other unnecessary removal of trees. Please help keep Epping a garden suburb.
   Sue Simmonds

3. Unfortunately I am not at all surprised . Daily we encounter applications to Parramatta Council to remove healthy trees in Eppjng and Eastwood which I believe are all too easily approved by Council.
   5 Maida Rd Epping is a recent prime example of investors trying to get rid of a perfectly healthily lemon scented gum tree. Local residents fought hard and we managed to save this tree. This MUST stop. And here is a landlord who has entirely taken matters into his own hands without an official application for the removal of this tree before Council . These are the laws we are meant to respect and abide by.The value our trees are vital for our health and green Community and Council must learn to appreciate and value our green history and green heritage.Urban development must have developed green scape in Epping.
   I really admire the tenant who has done the right thing and reported this illegal act to Council. I encourage all tenants and residents to keep an " eye out" and do the same. Be proactive to save our previous green scape.

4. It's a disgrace how many good, healthy trees are being destroyed in the community simply in order to improve the property value and ultimately to allow for further development. Council should get tough and enforce the laws.

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