The Auckland Council is considering new rules for Significant Ecological Areas after concerns raised by residents with SEAs on their properties.

These are:

Dead vegetation – Permit all removal of dead wood within SEAs

Trimming and pruning – Permit clearance of vegetation in SEAs to 3m from a dwelling with no restriction on area and permit trimming within 10m (as per notable trees 1e 10% within a year, sound arboricultural practice etc)

Further discussion and decisions are required at the decision-making meetings at the end of August in relation to whether this should apply to all buildings (as opposed to dwellings).

Exotic trees and vegetation – Allow removal of all non-native plant species within 10m of a building/dwelling and all plants on the Regional Pest Management Species register

Further discussion and decision are required at the decision-making meetings at the end of August in relation to whether this should apply to all buildings (as opposed to dwellings).

These “directions” were presented to the Auckland Plan Committee 13 August but simply received. Adoption will occur at the end of August.

Posted 15/8/13