At the Shoalhaven City Council strategy and assets meeting on May 12 councillors voted for option 4 against the wishes of residents and would see a tree tunnel with over 300 mature trees destroyed.

Residents were hoping council would adopt option two for the lane upgrade, which instead moved part of the lane north and would mean only a few trees were removed.

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But, they now believe the majority of councillors have taken their side.

"We're very happy with where we think the decision is going," resident Tony Enright said.

"We're getting positive indications from some councillors the next vote will be different and we're living in hope that it will happen.

"We hope that councillors have seen the logic of option two compared to option four and that it will, at least in the foreseeable future, save those trees."

The tree tunnel along Taylors Lane is picturesque and has been featured in a number of wedding photos.

Tony believes when the area is further developed, the lane could be repurposed and become a feature.

"We as a community might end up with a wonderful opportunity for a treed tunnel that can be integrated with the urban release area and all the residents of that can actually put it to very good use for recreational purposes."