Just over half of the neighbours responding to a recent council survey, oppose the removal of pines from the Half Mile recreational Reserve near Alexandra.

Sentiment appears fairly evenly split over whether the trees - considered by authorities to be wilding pines - should stay or be felled to prevent spread.

Fifty-six per cent of all 154 respondents – not just those who lived nearby – favoured removal of the trees to make way for a new landscaped, open area.

The Central Otago District Council (CODC) initially moved to fell the trees in October last year. 

With the bulk of funds coming from the Central Otago Conifer Control Group, the plan was to fell, clear debris and leave the site, after giving the public about 10 days’ notice of work beginning via a media statement.

After residents (who value the area for biking, walking and as protection from sun, wind and traffic noise) strongly objected, CODC halted work and proposed a development plan.

A view from the council reserved at Half Mile looking south-east with Jolendale Park to the left

The plan featured native plantings and highlighted features typical to the area like large schist rock formations.

The pines have been blamed for spreading seed across neighbouring land and contributing to the degradation of landscapes, something the residents’ group denies.

In response to council’s survey question regarding support for the development plan, 54 per cent agreed it would “enhance the area and meet the needs of the community”, while 38 per cent disagreed with that statement.

Of respondents who lived near the recreational reserve 49 per cent disagreed with the statement and 43 per cent agreed.

Seventeen of the total of 154 respondents lived outside of the Vincent Ward, according to a council report. Of the Vincent Ward respondents, 53 lived in the neighbouring area to the reserve.

Eighty percent of respondents said they use or have spent some time at the reserve, with 19 per cent visiting weekly.

The survey summary will be presented to the Vincent Community Board today (Tuesday July 26) but no decisions are yet required.

A further report by council staff detailing the next steps is scheduled for late this year after the local body elections. CODC executive manager planning and environment, Louise van der Voort confirmed yesterday that the trees will remain in place until after that report had been considered.