How Whitehorse Council Assesses Tree Removal

Direct Answer – Clause 52.37 Assessment Criteria

Whitehorse Council assesses tree removal under Clause 52.37 of the Victorian Planning Scheme once a Planning Permit is triggered. Assessment considers canopy contribution, neighbourhood character, urban forest objectives, tree condition, design alternatives, TPZ and SRZ compliance under AS 4970, and replacement planting, not exemption status alone.

When Does Council Assessment Apply?

A Planning Permit is required
A canopy tree meets Clause 52.37 thresholds
Development impacts a Tree Protection Zone (TPZ)
A Significant Landscape Overlay (SLO) applies
A Vegetation Protection Overlay (VPO) applies
A Heritage Overlay applies

What Whitehorse Council Evaluates

Canopy contribution to neighbourhood character
Urban forest canopy objectives
Structural integrity and health condition
Habitat and ecological value
Feasible design alternatives
Compliance with AS 4970 TPZ and SRZ standards
Deep soil allocation for replacement canopy

Refer to:

Suitable Canopy Trees

Deep Soil Master Planning

Retention Before Removal Principle

Design modification considered before removal
Structural or health-based justification required
AS 4970 TPZ and SRZ compliance
Replacement canopy planting where removal occurs

Supporting Documentation

Development Arborist Reports - Property Owners

Arborist Reports for Developers

Tree Removal Permit

Project Arborist

Tree Management Plans (AS 4970)

Frequently Asked Questions – Tree Removal Assessment

Does Clause 52.37 apply to all trees?

No. Clause 52.37 applies where canopy thresholds and planning triggers are met.

Clause 52.37 regulates canopy trees meeting measurable height, trunk circumference and spread criteria, particularly where development is proposed. Minor vegetation is not automatically captured.

Can poor tree condition justify removal?

Yes, where supported by objective arborist evidence.

Council requires documented structural instability, advanced decline or unacceptable risk before approving removal under planning controls.

Is replacement planting required?

In most cases, yes.

Clause 52.37 focuses on maintaining canopy outcomes. Replacement canopy planting is typically required to offset approved removal and maintain urban forest objectives.

Can design changes avoid removal?

Often. Council expects reasonable layout or design modification before removal.

Applicants should demonstrate that alternative setbacks, construction methods or layout adjustments were explored before seeking approval for removal.

Local Context – Whitehorse

Box Hill, Blackburn, Mitcham, Nunawading and Vermont South commonly trigger Clause 52.37 canopy assessment during redevelopment.

Suburbs We Service Across Whitehorse City Council Victoria

We provide Level 5 arborist reports, tree removal assessments and planning permit support across the entire Whitehorse City Council area. Whether your project is located in an established residential suburb or a high-density redevelopment zone, our arborists deliver council-ready documentation aligned with local planning controls and Clause 52.37 requirements.