Mrs Dillon highlighted the importance that mature trees would play as Tauranga moved towards more residential intensification through the council's compact city project.
The former council's decision was in response to a petition from six businesses in the area of the trees and a family trust. Neil Waites of Cantec Services in Second Ave West wrote that the trees caused serious problems to premises and businesses.
''We are united in our desire to have these trees removed and put an end to our problems and frustrations. Another issue which has become evident recently is the effects these trees have on people's health.''
Mr Waites said he had apparently developed asthma in the last two years, along with a women who worked across the road.
City arborist Ian MacKinnon's report said the trees were in good health and it was unlikely that the closest underground service, a water pipe 1.4m under the tree, would be affected by roots in the near future. The main theme of the complaints was the mess created by the trees.
Mrs Dillon was joined at Tuesday's meeting by Andy Greenslade of Greenslades Furniture whose business was near the trees. Mr Greenslade said that removing the trees would be a tragedy because of how they enhanced the area.
Councillor Bill Grainger said policies gave the council direction and there were many cases in which the council did not agree with policies. "We have got to take people's health into consideration.''
Mr Molloy said he intended to move a notice to revoke September's decision. It would require support from three other elected members.
Mayor Greg Brownless said Mr Molloy had the right to move a notice of revocation but whether he would get the numbers was questionable.
Council chief executive Garry Poole said Mr Molloy could petition to get the matter reconsidered at the next meeting of the council.