An Italian Cypress at the centre of a Thornleigh campaign has reportedly been saved after a neighbour purchased the property, despite Council saying it is neither heritage-listed nor almost 100 years old.
A Thornleigh resident has reportedly taken the extraordinary step of purchasing a neighbouring property to save an Italian Cypress that had been approved for removal as part of a residential development.
In Short
- Extraordinary Intervention: Thornleigh resident Professor Sally Macarthur purchased neighbouring 15 Dartford Road to prevent the felling of a mature Italian Cypress.
- Approved for Removal: Hornsby Shire Council had approved DA/1237/2022 for a two-storey dwelling, with an arborist report citing significant driveway encroachment.
- Contested Heritage: While an online petition of 500+ locals claimed the tree was a 100-year-old heritage specimen, Council confirmed it is approximately 60 years old and unlisted.
- Canopy vs Housing: The standoff highlights ongoing tensions between suburban infill development and tree canopy preservation across Sydney's north.
The tree, at 15 Dartford Road opposite Normanhurst West Public School, became the focus of a community campaign after plans emerged for its removal.
Campaign organisers described the Cypress as a nearly 100-year-old “heritage tree” and gathered more than 500 signatures through an online petition calling for its protection.
Neighbouring property owner Professor Sally Macarthur spent months campaigning to save the tree before ultimately purchasing the property.
However, Hornsby Shire Council has provided The Post with information that differs from some of the claims made during the campaign.
A Council spokesperson said the Italian Cypress is not heritage-listed and is estimated to be approximately 60 years old.
Council confirmed Development Application DA/1237/2022, involving demolition of the existing dwelling and construction of a two-storey home with an attached garage, had been approved. The development included removing the Cypress to accommodate the proposed driveway.
“Council officers concurred with the arborist’s assessment that the tree should be removed due to the significant encroachment associated with the proposed driveway and dwelling,” a Council spokesperson said.
The tree’s age, condition and significance were assessed in an Arboricultural Impact Assessment submitted with the development application and reviewed by Council’s arborist.
Council said the Cypress was not considered significant enough to retain given its location, species and the impact of the proposed development.
The dispute highlights the challenge of balancing the protection of established trees with new housing in Sydney’s suburbs.
Hornsby Shire Council said tree management officers assess development applications individually and review arboricultural reports before making recommendations about whether trees should be removed.
“While tree loss is not ideal, Council needs to balance the broader planning needs of the community by providing housing to meet the growing population,” the spokesperson said.
“Where appropriate Council requires replacement tree planting and landscaping to offset any loss of vegetation.”
For residents campaigning to save the Dartford Road Cypress, however, the tree represented an important part of the character and natural environment of the neighbourhood.
The campaign attracted support from residents and members of the wider community, with more than 500 people signing an online petition calling for the tree to remain.
After months of campaigning, the dispute reached an unusual resolution.
The Post was told that Macarthur purchased 15 Dartford Road from its former owners, securing the immediate future of the tree.
The purchase does not change Council’s assessment of the Cypress or its decision to approve its removal as part of the development.
Instead, a tree Council determined could be removed remains standing because a neighbour was prepared to purchase the property on which it grows.
Planning Terms Explained
- Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA): A detailed technical report by an AQF Level 5 consulting arborist assessing tree species, health, structural integrity, and the direct impacts of proposed construction works.
- Development Application (DA): A formal planning submission lodged with the local municipal council seeking statutory permission to carry out demolition, excavation, or building works.
- Root Protection Zone (RPZ) Encroachment: The extent to which building foundations, underground utilities, or vehicle driveways intrude into the ground area required to sustain a tree's root system.
- Heritage Listing: Formal statutory recognition under a Local Environmental Plan (LEP) or State Heritage Register that legally shields a property, garden, or tree from unapproved destruction.