Community objects to destruction of Milkwoods
Following the proposed development of the Beverly Hills Hotel, residents have opposed the removal of the trees, despite suggestion of having younger trees of the same species planted at an alternative location.
MEMBERS of the public have until 11 July to submit their final objections and concerns with regards to the planned expansion and refurbishment of the Beverly Hills Hotel.
The development involves the culling of eight protected red milkwood trees and one white milkwood tree. According to the ecological assessment review (EAR) requested by Tsogo Sun, the holding corporation, at least one of the trees ‘appears to be relic in nature’.
Several local residents, including Carol Pearce and Juliet Seidl, have voiced their objections to both the hotel and the Northglen News. “We understand that progress has to be made, but we do object to the felling of these trees as far too many of Durban’s beautiful old trees are being cut down. They should at least try to find a way to work around or incorporate the trees into the development,” she said.
Seidl and Pearce also inquired about the relocation of the trees but were told that the milkwoods were not relocatable.
Simon Bundy, the specialist ecologist on this project, explained that the age of the trees made successful relocation difficult.
However, Sarah Allan, the project’s environmental assessment practitioner, assured the Northglen News that the trees would not be removed without environment consideration.
The hotel, she said, would not be allowed to cut the trees without a permit issued by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. “One of the conditions upon receiving the permit is to replace each of the trees that are destroyed with two or three trees of the same species,” she said.
Their aim, she added, would be to create coastal dune forest habitats in the vicinity of the McCausland pump station and along the promenade access to the McCausland pier.
The property earmarked for the extension lies north (towards The Pearls of Umhlanga), adjacent to the hotel on McCausland Crescent.
A public participation meeting will also be held at the hotel on Wednesday, 17 June at 5pm.
Contact Sarah on sarah.wine@iuncapped.co.za.
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