Two significant trees, thought to be around 100 years old, were cut down on a development site in Stockade Street, Ballarat East, last Thursday, despite being protected under the planning permit for the site.

Site developer Urban Latitude said yesterday the trees were removed because they posed a safety risk on the site.

City of Ballarat officers last night said an inspection by an approved arborist was completed after the trees were cut down but there would be no prosecution as they were deemed a safety risk.

Nearby residents took photos of the trees being removed, and have called on the City of Ballarat to better protect natural heritage in the area.

Developer Travis Melotte said the company had a duty of care to provide a safe environment for builders and future residents of the site.

“The report assessed the structural integrity, health and suitability to site and provided recommendations to reduce hazard potential,” Mr Melotte said.

“We are disappointed that these trees had to be removed. A vegetation plan has been endorsed by the City of Ballarat and planting of tree species native to the area will occur within the estate.”

Ballarat East Network organiser Erin McCuskey said after two years of fighting to protect the trees, including an appeal at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, the lack of information at the time the trees were cut down was not good enough.

“The issue remains that different arms of council have their own ideas of what is happening, and everyone is left wondering why these trees are gone,” Ms McCuskey said.

“We spent two years taking the developer to VCAT seeking improved outcomes for the site, one of which was the protection of these trees, and yet they have been cut down on Easter Thursday.”

She said the generational loss of the trees could not be restored and local residents would continue to seek more information.