Bryce Whiting, spokesman for the Thompson St and Lomond Cres Residents Group, said he would submit his response to the next community services committee.
Mr Whiting protested One Mile Ltd's application to remove mature exotic trees from the One Mile Reserve, adjoining the southern boundary of 84-92 Thompson St, at the community services committee meeting on Wednesday.
The developer wants to fell pine trees to provide clearer views from the apartment block.
Mr Whiting said residents did not want either the 30-unit visitor accommodation block proposed by One Mile Ltd, or the adjacent Buena Vista accommodation development to proceed on the street.
He said there was "a fight over the sub-zoning of the area in the plan change 10 process and [we're protesting against] the wanton destruction of exotic forest for the benefit of people who are here for a couple of days".
Becca Carter Hollings and Ferner Ltd, on behalf of One Mile Ltd, submitted a proposal to the council in April to remove trees and undergrowth and "implement a replanting regime" on the bordering reserve that would open up views to Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables and Cecil Peak.
Becca submitted that the application was consistent with council policy and previous applications approved in the location.
Meanwhile, Buena Vista (2006) Ltd's application for land use consent for 27 visitor accommodation units, underground and street level parking was declined by independent commissioners last September.
The company was appealing the decision in the Environment Court, Mr Whiting said.
At Wednesday's committee meeting, community services manager Paul Wilson said the area was covered by the council's plan, on which the public had been consulted, but he was concerned about the level of consultation between the developer and affected residents.
Cr Cath Gilmour said while removing non-native bush could be for the best, the council was being asked for a "carte blanche" consent.
She said more information was needed, including the developer's proof of consultation, tree removal plans and weed management plans.
The committee deferred the matter pending further investigation and consultation.
