Tree rules

The wider problem with allowing council trees to obstruct any resident’s view should extend to private properties.

People come to Taupo¯ to buy or build a house at premium prices, with some panoramic views, mostly on the sloping land facing the lake.

The council should have a law that does not allow residents to plant trees “behind and to the sides of their homes that grow higher than the owner’s roof apex line of sight”, which obstructs their neighbours’ original view. The position and law of “heritage rights” to do and plant native trees, on their private land that will annoy their good neighbours, should be reviewed by council. Laws covering buildings being built, that is creating shadow and shade thus denying homes from sunlight, should extend to the growing of trees too.

LESLEY ALLSOPP