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Planning

Last Modified: 11 November 2009

Planning

Tree Protection

Tree Protection in the Residential Conservation and Residential Hill Zones

Changes have recently been made to the Resource Management Act placing certain restrictions on rules councils can enforce regarding tree protection on private property.

The Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 requires all councils to remove existing general tree protection rules from the District Plan by January 2012.

Until 1 January 2012 trees on private properties located within the Residential Conservation Zone and Residential Hill Zone with a trunk diameter that exceeds 0.2m measured at a height 1.5m are covered by existing District Plan provisions and are not able to be removed, topped or otherwise damaged as of right.

Rule 18.23 of the District Plan applies to trees in the Residential Conservation and Residential Hill Zones.

The Residential Conservation Zone includes areas adjoining Trentham Memorial Park, Palfrey Street, Rata Street, Chatsworth Road and parts of Pinehaven. The Residential Hill Zone includes the areas of Mt Marua Way and Kingsley Heights.

Click here to view the location of the Residential Conservation and Residential Hill Zones >>

The Amendment Act also includes the removal of rules prohibiting tree trimming as of October 1 2009. The Upper Hutt City District Plan currently allows for the trimming of trees in accordance with accepted arboricultural practice which will not alter the form of the tree and will not detrimentally affect its health. This provision is not affected by the changes to the act.

Rules related to notable trees as scheduled in the District Plan are also not affected by changes to the act.

Anyone looking to carry out work to trees should continue to contact council for guidance on what rules apply.

For further information please contact any member of the Council’s Planning team on (04) 527 2169 or visit the main reception of the Civic Administration Building at 838-842 Fergusson Drive.

Other Tree News: Review of the District Plan Tree Protection Provisions

Following on from the adoption of the Urban Growth Strategy the Council is undertaking a review of the current tree protection provided by the District Plan.

This review is in response to feedback from the community that more trees throughout the City could be protected. Any changes to the District Plan will be subject to the public consultation process. the adoption of the Urban Growth Strategy the Council is undertaking a review of the current tree protection provided by the District Plan.

This review is in response to feedback from the community that more trees throughout the City could be protected. Any changes to the District Plan will be subject to the public consultation process.