Faulder Ave native bush protection 2012

In October 2012, a  4000sq meter section tucked in behind Faulder Ave in Westmere was cleared of mature Kauri, Rimu Tanekaha and Pohutukawa.  Locals are worried about the effect of increased surface water run-off not only from the the unwise removal of trees and vegetation but also from additional roofs, roads, driveways etc. should permission be granted for development of the property.

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/from-narnia-to-wasteland/HVAIPKEJ2N4SWUCU7N3TYGULCI/

The key issues arising from the uncontrolled development of 35 -39 Faulder Ave are:

• Our cities’ heritage trees are no longer protected: Owing to a recent (Nick Smith) law change anyone can cut down any tree in residential 5 zoning.
• No consent is required for clearing land under 2000 sq meters. Council is under no obligation to notify affected parties of permits issued for tree felling on sites larger than 2000 sq meters .
• 39 Faulder Ave is deemed a flood zone due to poor drainage off the site. Now both the complete clearing of the trees and the resulting silt will increase flooding. Silting will also impact the ecology in Cox’s Bay.

A  letter writing campaign has been started by residents  regarding further development directed at Auckland Council and to  our Local MP Nikki Kaye mp.aucklandcentral@parliament.govt.nz seeking to reverse the recent amendments to the RMA that repealed collective protection of trees.

You can use the following letter as a template (or write you own) to write to Auckland Council

AUCKLAND COUNCIL Private Bag 92300, Wellesley Street, Auckland 1142

quentin.budd@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Attention: Planning Team Leader Quentin Budd

I am writing to you as a concerned Westmere resident/ neighbour/Citizen regarding the development of 35-39 Faulder Avenue, Westmere. The recent “clearing” of land has caused local residents to become worried, specifically about the effect of increased surface water run-off from not only from the the unwise removal of trees and vegetation but also from additional roofs, roads, driveways etc. should permission be granted for further development of the property.

Current situation:

Even before the removal of the trees the drainage of surface water from the natural valley on this land was already inadequate and is correctly designated a flood zone. With moderate to severe rainfall, the drain (which replaces what was once a creek) manhole covers are dislodged by water pressure making the area a hazard and a danger to children. The present drain simply cannot cope resulting in flooding of a metre or more in heavy downpours.

Concerns:

Before any permit to build on/develop this land is considered the effect of the recent almost total clearance of trees and vegetation should be evaluated. I would expect a minimum two year time period would be required to assess the new flooding effect to a crucial watershed that until recently had 80% coverage in plants, trees and grass.

There is now additional risk that silt, as a result of the clearing, will build up in the already inadequate drain and thus increase both the risk of and degree of flooding. I wish to point out that by giving approval for further development, the Council could potentially become liable to not only provide adequate drainage but for repairs to properties damaged by the work required to effect the necessary drainage or from flooding prior to commencement of such work. New drainage would involve tunnelling beneath the properties of 3 and 5 Fife Street, under Fife Street, beneath the Westend Tennis Courts, and under Westend Road to Cox’s Bay.

The Council will also need to consider the effect of additional silting/pollution to Cox’s Bay. The cost to the Council (and as such rate payers) could rapidly mount to millions of dollars. I am convinced that the above factors require detailed evaluation and consideration before any subdivision and building consents are approved. I implore you to use caution and assess the circumstances surrounding this property and evaluate thoroughly the potential consequences any further development would have on the environment and surrounding properties.

Please ensure that I am notified of further applications for the development of this land begore any permit is granted. I await your reply.

Yours sincerely,