Primary contact for the petition Phillip Norman has already met with Horsham council staff and raised the issue of the size and quantity of leaves from the plane trees, which are a significant burden for some residents.

Mr Norman also mentioned The intrusion of roots visibly on the surface of nature strips and front yards of some houses and the potential for the trees to become a greater problem as they become even larger.

Horsham Mayor Pam Clarke said the leaves were huge and did get caught in guttering.

“It’s a huge job, especially for elderly residents,” she said.

A report from council technical services director John Martin stated that residents in Horsham generally wanted to retain street trees where possible.

“To many observers, the street trees in Withell Street would be considered an excellent example of the goal that council should be aiming for with its street tree plantings,” the report stated. 

“The trees provide near full-width coverage of Withell Street and greatly assist in maintaining a cooler micro-climate in their vicinity.” 

Councillor Mark Radford, who works as an electrician, said he wired the first house in the area in question and was reminded of how it used to look without trees.

“It was a pretty flat and barren landscape. It has developed to become one of the most beautiful places in Horsham to live,” he said.

Cr Radford said street trees were valued by residents and the wider community.

“I acknowledge that trees drop leaves this time of year. They get beautiful new leaves that provide shade in the summer. I’m sure the birds appreciate them as well,” he said.

“I’d hate to see the trees removed. That would be a disappointing outcome. There may be another way to address some of the residents’ issues.”

Cr David Grimble said he supported Cr Radford’s comments.

“I think we do need to manage the removal of trees very carefully so we don’t end up with an outcome that detracts from the streetview.” he said.

Cr Grimble said opinions should be sought from Withell Street residents who did not sign the petition.