Volume Builder DA requesting tree removal

setsquare · Jun 14, 2024 2:49 pm

Hi all,

I heard back from a volume builder that they wouldn't go ahead with lodging a DA with council that include requiring the removal of a tree. Is this normal / typical? I would have expected tree requests would be a normal part of the DA process and most volume builders would be used to lodging DAs with these requests.

Would be very interested to hear experiences from others. Have you found a different approach to this between volume and custom builders (i.e. custom builders are more willing to lodge DAs requiring tree removal)?

Thanks,

ponzutwo · Jun 14, 2024 3:10 pm

sounds like an excuse because they dont want the job

Ashington Homes · Jun 14, 2024 3:17 pm

setsquare

Hi all,

I heard back from a volume builder that they wouldn't go ahead with lodging a DA with council that include requiring the removal of a tree. Is this normal / typical? I would have expected tree requests would be a normal part of the DA process and most volume builders would be used to lodging DAs with these requests.

Would be very interested to hear experiences from others. Have you found a different approach to this between volume and custom builders (i.e. custom builders are more willing to lodge DAs requiring tree removal)?

Thanks,

Setsquare

Sorry to hear.

You will find that the project companies generally take on the easy jobs only. We have picked up a couple recently that had a few hairs and the project guys and girls just don't have the experience, knowledge or resources to deal with these challenges. It's a great niche for us!

So with your DA and the tree situation it will involve the builder getting an arborist report and making amendments to the SEE and some other bits and pieces and they just aren't geared up to be flexible for that.

Anyway, all the best with your build

Simeon

setsquare · Jun 14, 2024 6:26 pm

ponzutwo

sounds like an excuse because they dont want the job

They said they didn't want the risk of council push back and delays, but I thought a bit of negotiation with tree removal is standard part of DA process. I guess I'll be on the look out for alternatives.

Ashington Homes · Jun 15, 2024 4:30 am

setsquare

ponzutwo

sounds like an excuse because they dont want the job

They said they didn't want the risk of council push back and delays, but I thought a bit of negotiation with tree removal is standard part of DA process. I guess I'll be on the look out for alternatives.

From my experience and we work on the North Shore in Sydney which is a tree lover's paradise, it is always easier to include your tree removal in your DA application as part of the house rather than have a stand a lone application.

I have actually never had a stand a lone application approved to remove a tree.

The only other thing I can suggest is to see if there is a work around in your local council planning rules.

For example in one of the council areas we work in, they have a clause in their tree policy that allows for any tree to be removed within 4m of an approved structure. Now in NSW there are a number of structures which can be built as exempt developments ie without council approval but they are still approved. So you can technically build a shed in that zone and happy days, tree can go.

We also have the 10/50 bushfire rule which can be super helpful if you are lucky enough that it applies to you.

Anyway, best of luck

Simeon

CallyNoon · Jun 15, 2024 10:09 pm

In my council in Vic, before even starting on the plans my builder asked me to engage the council about a tree on the footpath that was in the way for a driveway.
They had a form online which I filled in, a guy came out a couple days later and talked about options, and if I'd be willing to pay for a new tree at another location.
Then an arborist reviewed it and provided a report, which had a value assigned to the tree. He gave the ok but I will need to pay the council for the value of the tree as well as for a new one, which is fine.
I forwarded on the decision to the builder and happy days.

hu1290 · Sep 29, 2024 2:13 pm

CallyNoon

In my council in Vic, before even starting on the plans my builder asked me to engage the council about a tree on the footpath that was in the way for a driveway.
They had a form online which I filled in, a guy came out a couple days later and talked about options, and if I'd be willing to pay for a new tree at another location.
Then an arborist reviewed it and provided a report, which had a value assigned to the tree. He gave the ok but I will need to pay the council for the value of the tree as well as for a new one, which is fine.
I forwarded on the decision to the builder and happy days.

Hi CallyNoon
Same issue here. I would like very much to know how much they had you to pay for the value of the tree as well as for a new one? Thanks heaps.

hu1290 · Sep 29, 2024 2:17 pm

setsquare

ponzutwo

sounds like an excuse because they dont want the job

They said they didn't want the risk of council push back and delays, but I thought a bit of negotiation with tree removal is standard part of DA process. I guess I'll be on the look out for alternatives.

Hi setsquare
Same situation here. I would like very much to know if you have already found out the resolution and what the resolution was ? Thanks leaps.