ABOUT 550 residents have objected to plans to cut back up to a dozen large trees near powerlines in Inglis Street, Ballan.
A petition signed by 546 locals was last week supported by the Moorabool council, but councillors pointed out that tree clearance around powerlines was required by law.
Cr Paul Tatchell said that while the council did not have a say, it could work with Powercor and let it know the plans were “looking disgraceful”.
“The town’s appearance has a dramatic effect on tourists and the older people around,” he said.
A report to the council said the introduction of new laws in 2010 had resulted in a dramatic change to clearance space required between trees and powerlines.
Petition organiser Jane Dennithorne said if Powercor had to “literally follow the letter of the law’’, trees in Inglis Street would be cut by up to four metres.
‘‘They’ll just be stumps in the ground,’’ she said.
Cr David Edwards suggested funding be sought for powerlines to be moved underground.
Powercor spokesman Drew Douglas said the company was working with the council and Energy Safe Victoria to balance regulatory obligations and community expectations.
Pruning works are expected to start early next month and will take about two weeks to complete.
