SITE work has begun for a Mallabula unit complex that has neighbours on edge.
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Twelve trees were cut down last week to ready the site for construction if a buyer can’t be found for the council approved development in the next three months.
Paddy Hill lives opposite the site that residents and tourists have used for recreation over the years.
He’s concerned the trees have been cut down for nothing if a buyer can’t be found.
“It’s only a ploy to better present the site for sale,” Mr Hill said.
“They’ve got no intention of building the units. Developers aren’t stupid, it’s not going to make the site any more attractive.”
The 12 unit development met vocal opposition from nearby residents when Port Stephens Council approved the plans earlier this year.
The development that fronts Tanilba Road had been knocked back in 2009 when it failed to meet bush fire requirements.
It was only approved in February when a 20 metre buffer zone and strict fire safety construction standards were specified.
The property has been on the market since April 2015.
It will shortly be listed with a different agent now that a sewer line has been installed and the trees removed.
“It will be developed one way or the other,” Kelvin Statham said on behalf of his family, which owns the site.
“Mum would like to see it developed but if we can sell it in the meantime it would be easier.”
The trees have been removed prior to the issue of a construction certificate which fueled community concern.
Mr Statham said he consulted council with the plans.
“I went down to council and showed them the [development application] plans and the [planner] said it was fine,” he said.
A spokesman from the council said the development approval was sufficient to have the trees removed.
“A construction certificate is only required prior to the commencement of building works,” the council spokesman said.
“Tree removal and earthworks can be undertaken prior to the issue of the construction certificate.”
A licenced arborist was employed to carry out the work.
However one of the trees removed stood on the council’s land and the matter is under investigation.
“Council officers inspected the site [Thursday] and the works undertaken within the site boundary are consistent with the consent that has been issued,” the council spokesman said.
“This [additional tree] is being investigated by council staff.”
The Statham family has owned the site since 1979.
