Townhouses building application · Essendon

Development type, as lodged

• This correspondence relates specifically to a tree located on the rear boundary between the two properties. We are seeking your approval to remove this tree, at our full cost, based on the following background and circumstances: Council originally classified the tree as protected on the basis that the driveway at 14 Raleigh Road was considered a right-of-way laneway. Council has since acknowledged that this assessment was incorrect. We are currently undertaking a townhouse development at 241 Pascoe Vale Road. Prior to erecting the building frames, we intend to reconstruct the rear boundary fence. Upon inspection, it has been noted that the existing fence has effectively been constructed through the tree, which is growing directly on the boundary line. Several large branches of the tree are dead. As a result, we engaged a qualified arborist to assess the condition of the tree. While the initial intent was to selectively remove unsafe branches, the arborist has advised that the tree should be removed in its entirety due to its significant lean and overall unhealthy condition. Discussions with Council’s Tree Management Team have confirmed that the tree is not located within a right of way and may be owned by either property. Council has advised that the most straightforward resolution is for both affected parties to agree to the tree’s removal in accordance with the arborist’s report. Council (Meredith tree team ) advised to contact oners corp at 14 Raleigh street to obtain consent form owners . Consent was granted . ( emails and letters may be provided ) once sumbitted we recived an email advising we need to apply via Vicsmart We propose to: Remove the tree entirely at our cost; Construct a new rear boundary fence at our cost; and Construct a retaining wall along the rear boundary, also at our cost, to facilitate safe and compliant development.