The property had three trees on the front footpath and the builders had requested they all be removed. So I contacted Council and effectively the only way they will allow them to be removed is if there is a driveway that they are in the way of. 

One of the trees was in the way of the new driveway so we were able to have it removed. The cost for removal however needs to cover the replacement of a similar tree somewhere else in the council ward area and their rates are definitely not what I would call competitive with commercial rates but you have little choice. 

Anyway the tree was removed but the stump was left behind so we were concerned they were going to leave it that way. Fortunately they have now removed the stump too so that is all sorted.