Thornton residents whose homes front reserves in and older part of the neighbourhood, are suffering the consequences of their leafy environment.
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North Ward councillor Steve Procter told a recent council meeting that overarching trees are not only posing a threat to damaging homes during storms, but are also shading solar panels.
He raised the matter at a recent council meeting during debate on a review of Maitland City Council’s Tree Policy.
“After the April super storm we took down some remaining trees but I’ve still been getting complaints from residents who have installed solar panels and the trees are shading them,” Cr Procter said.
“We’re talking about these residents missing out on two hours of sun on their solar panels in the middle of the day.
“We’re encouraging ratepayers to be energy efficient but then we have this tree overshadowing issue which means they have no hot water,” Cr Procter said.
He said while a tree policy has to be set in place there needs to be a clause where council can talk to residents who are affected.
“There needs to be something in place so we can go out on their request and see how their solar panels are being compromised,” Cr Procter said.
“When Energy Australia has to do work they can take out trees.
“These residents are saying they need to take out trees but council does not allow it. It’s a double standard,” he said.