This is according to the celebrated architect Dennis Rabinowitz, who wants a revamp of the harbourside avenue that involves cutting down three of the 80-year-old trees.

But the fate of the figs has sparked a feud among some of Sydney's wealthiest citizens, fuelled by claims clearing the trees is more about carving out harbour views than adding Parisian style to the street.

''These beautiful trees are in a public park and cutting them down will only benefit a very small, narrow group of people who want to see the water,'' the president of the Darling Point Society, Charlotte Feldman said. The plan to redesign the street was endorsed by Woollahra Council 12 days ago but instantly challenged by a rescission motion. A final vote is set down for Monday night.

Ms Feldman and her neighbours - including prominent investment bankers, lawyers, dentists, a horticulturist and a former pilot who flew a helicopter in the television series Skippy - will join forces at a public meeting next to the figs at 10.30am today.

The same trees had their topmost foliage shaved off at the request of some residents two years ago, to allow homes along New Beach Road to enjoy direct views of the city skyline and the harbour bridge.

But Mr Rabinowitz said that, this time around, the removal of the trees has absolutely nothing to do with views.

''The views issue was one that was resolved many months ago - the idea that this is about views only suits the opponents of the park plan,'' he told the Herald. ''The motivation for this is all about good design.''

Mr Rabinowitz, who is part of a residents' group called the Rushcutters Bay Parks Enhancement Group - or RUBPEG - once lived in an apartment block where the view was partly obscured by the figs but has since moved.

''If you go down the Champs-Elysee in Paris, or any of the great boulevards, any avenue is defined by the rhythmic passing of an element,'' he said. ''The removal of these trees will reinstate the rhythm.''

If the plan goes ahead, the three figs will be cut down, one of them replaced with a different species of fig, while 27 less obtrusive trees will be planted alongside New Beach Road and in Yarranabbe Park.

Greens MP David Shoebridge had followed the figs issue for two years and was unconvinced water views were no longer a driving factor.

''I think the precedent issue is the key,'' Mr Shoebridge said.

''Other harbour property owners across Sydney will be watching very closely what Woollahra Council does here; if the public loses this case we can expect pressure on councils all over the city to take the chainsaws to trees on public land, just because it improves a view.''

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