We’ve just moved from Sydney and bought a block of land to build our ‘dream home’ on, but there are a few trees in its way. What direction should we take from here if we need to remove them?
I would firstly read up on the DA procedures from the Council area that you are building in (see links below).
You would also have plans and direction from your architect and they can assist you in regards to the the DA process – which is handy as it is a lengthy process!
(If this is too daunting for you, there are professional Town Planners that can help you fill it out and ensure you are compliant in all areas.)
As part of the DA application, Council requires elements such as drawings and should trees be included in these then it will consider removal based upon your application.
Other information the Council may require from you are:
- Flood Study
- Geotechnical Report
- Heritage Impact Assessment
however it’s always best to wait for requesting correspondence from Council before you spend any additional or unnecessary money.
These applications can take some time, and you can wait and request the removal of the trees within this DA application OR you can request it separately as the land/tree owner through regular methods (see also your local Council’s guidelines regarding removing trees and any restrictions).
Note:
There is no guarantee that if you go through the regular channels via Council to request removal of a tree on your property that permission will be granted – particularly as the DA will contain all the evidence as to why you are requesting removal.
wollongong.nsw.gov.au/development/da/Pages/default.aspx
shellharbour.nsw.gov.au/Build/Development-Applications/Development-applications.aspx
kiama.nsw.gov.au/planning-and-development/development-assessment
Contact us if you need any more information.