The subdivision, at 45 William Maker Drive, comes after another at 4-5 William Maker Drive approved earlier this month, which is set to remove 54 trees. 

Staff said a “substantial stand of native trees” located at the latest site included species typical of box gum grassy woodland endangered ecological communities, but the trees were planted as landscaping 10-15 years ago and were unlikely to have a significant effect on habitat because they were juveniles. 

The applicant asked to leave at least one tree within the frontage of each property on William Maker Drive, which staff considered acceptable provided a tree management plan was submitted before construction started. 

Lots will range from 700-1000 square metres, with one lot containing an existing house left at 2591 square metres.

Ken Spooner, who lives opposite the development, said the trees were more than landscaping.

“[Developers have] flattened everything out there, there’s dust storms when it’s windy,” he said.

Cyril Smith said the current practice was not leaving a good legacy for the future appearance of Orange.

“Something like 400 native trees have been destroyed,” he said. 

Deputy mayor Joanne McRae reiterated her previous concerns about developments devoid of trees.

“I believe there’s an intent in this development [to keep some], it’d be nicer if we could tighten things up a bit, but the sentiment is there,” she said. 

“It is quite an outstanding spot amongst a sea of rooves in a fairly new development.”

Councillor Jason Hamling said there were large gumtrees in several housing estates.

“This one is landlocked so I don’t think you could keep all the trees but I think this development stacks up.”