Planning application
25/1040/TPO
17 Willsdown Road Exeter EX2 8XA
Proposal
Tree species: Holm oak - T3 in preservation order (TPO 439) (Doc 2) and T3 on the sketch plan (Doc 3). Proposed works The tree has grown significantly and now exceeds the safe limit for its location. The arborist has identified a significant structural defect caused by Ganoderma decay fungus emerging from the main load-bearing component. The tree also has a long-standing weakened bifurcation and stands in close proximity to residential property. On this basis, our arborist has recommended pollarding to reduce the risk of structural failure and to manage the long-term health and safety of the tree. (For a detailed assessment and supporting photos, please see Doc 1 - Doug Pratt arborist assessment). Arborist recommends the holm oak is reduced to circa 7/8 metres and crown lifted to 3.5 metres above ground level, as applied previously. (fyi: The same work was approved and undertaken approx 10 years ago.)
As published by the council, reference 25/1040/TPO
Timeline
Dates from the published record
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1 Aug 2025
Received by Exeter
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6 Sep 2025
Decision issued: Permitted
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26 Jul 2026
Added to PlanIndex
What a grant of permission means
The process from here
Permission has been granted, usually subject to conditions listed on the decision notice, some of which must be discharged before work starts. The decision notice on the council portal sets out exactly what was approved.
Work must normally begin within three years of the decision or the permission lapses. Neighbours cannot appeal a grant; challenging one means judicial review of how the decision was made, within tight time limits.
About trees applications
How this application type works
Tree applications cover work to protected trees: those under a tree preservation order need consent for pruning or felling, and trees in a conservation area need six weeks written notice before work starts. The council assesses the amenity value of the tree and can refuse consent, approve it with conditions, or in conservation areas make a preservation order in response.
Nearby applications
Within 500 metres
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26/0050/TPO Granted
2 Chestnut Court Exeter EX2 8XY
Horse Chestnut T1 Reasons for proposed work - The crown also hangs low over the road and over the garden. In some places it hangs less than 2m above ground level and is becoming obstructive. There is a large dead stub at 2m on the southern aspect as a result of poor previous pruning work. It is unsightly and contributes very little to the amenity of the tree. Proposed specification of works - Remove the branch stub located at 1.5m above ground level in the southwestern aspect. Remove the lowest branch in the south eastern aspect with an approximate diameter of 125mm. Crown raise the remaining crown to 4.5m above ground level. This should be achieved with a 75mm maximum cut diameter.
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21/1016/PD Granted
30 Waybrook Crescent Exeter Devon EX2 8XF
Single storey rear extension with lean-to roof, glazed doors and window.
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25/1284/FUL Granted
6 St Michaels Close Alphington Exeter EX2 8XH
Demolition of the existing bungalow and garage. Replacement two bedroom bungalow with integral garage (self- build).
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26/0395/TPO Granted
2 Westcombe Exeter EX2 8GH
T1 - 1Silver Birch (Betula pendula) Carry out a crown reduction in height, pruning the upper canopy back to the previously established pruning points, whilst selectively reducing and shaping the remaining canopy to maintain a balanced and natural crown form. The lower branches are to be retained to allow for the continued use of bird feeders currently installed within the lower canopy. All pruning cuts shall be made to suitable growth points in accordance with BS 39982010 - Tree Work Recommendations, ensuring the long-term health and structural integrity of the tree. All arisings generated from the works shall be removed from site and returned to a Devon Tree Services Ltd depot for recycling, leaving the area safe, clean, and tidy upon completion. Justification The proposed works seek to undertake a modest crown reduction to the height of the Silver Birch by approximately 1.5 metres, returning the canopy to either approximately 4.5 metres in height or to previous pruning points. The radial spread of the crown will remain unchanged. The tree is of relatively small stature and is located in close proximity to the adjacent property at 2 Westcombe, where it contributes to shading of internal living spaces and the immediate garden area. The proposed reduction is considered proportionate and necessary to increase natural light levels to the neighbouring property, thereby improving residential amenity. The specification has been carefully designed to ensure that the works are limited in scope and will not adversely affect the long-term health, structural integrity, or visual amenity of the tree. The main framework of the crown will be retained, and a high proportion of the foliage-bearing structure will remain following the works. All pruning cuts will be made back to suitable growth points in accordance with BS 3998:2010Tree Work Recommendations, with individual pruning wounds restricted to a maximum of 40 mm in diameter.
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26/0701/DIS Granted
6 St Michaels Close Alphington Exeter EX2 8XH
Discharge of condition four (Construction management plan) of application ref 25/1284/FUL.
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23/0016/FUL Granted
2 St Michaels Close Alphington Exeter Devon EX2 8XH
Ground floor extensions at front and rear (including garage)
Other trees applications
In Exeter
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26/1122/CAT Awaiting decision
Collingwood Mews Bicton Place Exeter EX1 2PG
T1 - Lawson cypress, abutting and pressing on the side boundary wall: Fell
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26/1112/CAT Awaiting decision
Homedale Health 34 Denmark Road Exeter EX1 1SE
T1 Yew reduce canopy by approximately 1m and reduce disproportionately overgrown westerly limb by approximately 2m in order to re balance tree. T2 Pittosporum reduce by approximately 1m for maintenance.
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26/1116/CAT Awaiting decision
10 Magdalen Road Exeter EX2 4SY
T1 - Eucalyptus - Reduce away from property (no. 10 Magdalen Road) allowing a clearance of approximately 1.5m - 2m. Reduce away from neighbouring property (no. 12 Magdalen Road ) allowing a clearance of approximately 1.5 - 2m. Reduce lower branch towards road on Northwest aspect by 1.5 -2m. Crown raise lowest limb in neighbouring property by approx 1m -1.5m. Reason for works: The proposed works are intended to provide appropriate clearance from the neighbouring properties (Nos. 10 and 12) and the adjacent road, reducing the likelihood of branches coming into contact with the buildings during periods of high winds or continued growth. The crown reduction and selective crown raising will also allow increased natural light to reach the neighbouring properties while retaining the tree?s overall form, health and amenity value. The works represent a balanced approach to ongoing tree management and will help minimise the potential for future damage to nearby structures.
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26/1113/CAT Awaiting decision
40 Alphington Road Exeter EX2 8HS
T001 Elder - A full crown reduction of approximately 1.0-1.5 metres to reduce overall crown dimensions while maintaining a balanced and natural form. T002 Acer - Reduce and reshape the Acer crown by up to 0.5-1.0m on selected branch extremities to maintain a balanced natural form, undertake a light crown thin (approximately 10-15%) to remove congested and crossing branches, and carry out a minor crown lift where required to provide clearance beneath the canopy
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26/0574/TPO Granted
Block H Birks Halls New North Road Exeter EX4 4GE
The yew tree in question is showing signs of asymmetric crown formation. After previous limb failure causing a structural imbalance to the remaining crown. My proposal for the future vigour of this tree is to Install a dynamic cobra bracing system to support the imbalance of the lower structural limbs forming a strong three way triangulation of support for the lateral growth that has become very prone to wind through. Please see photo (Yew Reduction Points) for bracing points highlighted in blue. Selective thinning of the whole crown by removing internal growth with a maximum cut size of 60mm diameter 1.5m length by removing multiple smaller limbs I believe this will be more beneficial to the trees structure, and limit the amount of large wounds left by the thinning works. Allowing for better wind distribution through the remaining crown hopefully eliminating future wind through. by leaving the larger structural limbs intact for the future longevity of the structural integrity. please see photo (Yew Reduction Points) with cut points highlighted in red for chosen thinning points throughout the crown Remove failed limb back to the branch collar. The failed limb supported by lower crown hazard beam fracturing of the timber 150mm diameter 2.5m length this will be the largest of the limbs to be removed through suggested works. red dotted line on attached photo hard to see the hazard beam on the photo (Yew Reduction Points) Selective reduction of the height maximum of 1m in length 40mm cut size to the crown on selected limbs again highlighted in red so that again the risk of wind through will be reduced.