Brendan Simpkins

A RECOMMENDATION was due to go before Gawler councillors last night following the unauthorised removal of trees in Willaston last year.

Six almond trees were removed from Holmes Street in September as part of a land development, however authorisation from council had not been sought prior to their removal, which is required by law.

Council staff had noticed the trees’ removal and the road verge levelled as part of the demolition of the property adjoining 6 Holmes Street.

Upon investigation, it was discovered that no development application had been submitted for the demolition of the dwelling prior to it being undertaken.

The trees formed part of an old orchard and were not listed on council’s approved tree species planting register, but were deemed street trees due to being located on the road verge.

The property owner, David Shammall, made a deputation to council’s Infrastructure & Environmental Services Committee on February 9 explaining the removal.

Mr Shammall had formally offered a counter payment of $2000, including GST, for the removal of the trees.

The committee was presented with the option to accept the counter offer or decline and request a payment of $6352 as required by council’s Tree Removal on Council Land policy.

The policy called for the six trees to be replaced, with 12 new street trees to be planted at suitable locations in town, with Holmes St being priority.

Staff recommended that the offer not be supported to ensure consistent application, with a concern that deviating from policy could run the risk of challenges in the future.

At the meeting, Councillor Cody Davies moved to support a payment of $3176 for the tree replacement, which was seconded by Cr David Hughes.

However that motion was lost, with councillors instead supporting the original counter offer of $2000.

At the February 23 council meeting, it was recommended that councillors formally adopt Mr Shammall’s counter offer.