Endangered bushland proposal would remove 43 trees
An application has been made to build a two-storey dwelling at 10 Peta Close, Umina, which would remove 43 trees from endangered bushland on the property.
The bush is classified as part of the Wagstaffe Spotted Gum-Ironbark Forest Endangered Ecological Community.
Trees proposed for removal include species such as Forest Oak, Spotted Gum, Grey Iron-bark, Cheese Tree, and Sweet Pittosporum.
The application prepared by Ward Architecture describes the 664.5 square metre site as "vacant" land and states that, for the development to proceed on the site which is identified as a bushfire risk area, the trees need to be removed to reduce the site's tree canopy to 20 per cent.
Only 11 trees are in positions that allow them to be retained while meeting the bushfire management requirements.
The application claims compensatory tree planting was not possible on the site as it would compromise the bushfire management plan.
The application proposes to use the Biodiversity Offset Scheme with "one ecosystem credit" to compensate for the tree removal.
Part of the land is also identified as a high landslip hazard area.
The proposed two-bedroom dwelling has an open-plan living-dining-kitchen area on the upper level.
Ground level has an artist's studio, a shower and a garage.
The application states the proposed development is located on the gently sloping western portion of the site, which is described as a limited level, narrow and long section of land that dictates the building's footprint and mass.
Excavation is needed to create a level building pad, it says.
It is claimed that privacy for neighbouring properties was considered with the main living and bedroom windows and deck oriented towards the native bushland to the south-west.
A geotechnical report states that the proposed construction was considered an acceptable risk, provided recommendations for foundations and slope treatment were followed.
Piles extending into bedrock were recommended for stability.
The design is claimed to comply with relevant development controls regarding building height, site coverage, and setbacks.
The application is currently on exhibition for public submissions until June 4.
SOURCE:
DA Tracker, 4 May 2025
DA/514/2025, Central Coast Council