Frank Chadinha said his daughter and her family had wanted to lay the synthetic grass after the verge had been reduced to sand and weeds for several years.
Mr Chadinha said the family had not been made aware of the City of Stirling’s policy affecting synthetic grass.
‘Multiple dwellings in our street and in the neighbourhood have installed synthetic turf and it did not cross our mind that it would be an issue,’ Mr Chadinha said.
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READ NOW‘We had several quotes from large well-known synthetic turf companies who came on site to quote full coverage on our verge with no knowledge of verge policy or requirements being mentioned.’
The City of Stirling earlier this year made changes to its verge treatment policy, banning synthetic turf, asphalt and concrete from verges for environmental reasons.
Mr Chadinha said he and his son-in-law Serge Hayon had tried to work with the City after they were told their verge did not comply with the new policy.
He said an application submitted to the City was rejected because the City’s verge treatment policy only allowed one third of an area to be laid with paving or synthetic turf.
City of Stirling acting infrastructure director Trevor Holland said the City advised ratepayers of the policy changes with the rates notices.
‘The development and implementation of the current verge treatment policy underwent a vigorous and lengthy process through council to come to the current content,’ he said.
Mr Holland said the City had put restrictions on synthetic grass and concrete due to the heat the material can produce in summer as well as maintenance costs and drainage issues.
The family confirmed they would comply with the City’s request and tear up the synthetic turf.