Planning application
25/1681/CAT
The Old Coach House Mount Howe Topsham EX3 0BG
Proposal
T1- Ash Condition: Fair to declining. The tree is growing at a noticeable angle towards the dwelling. Issues: -Root activity is already causing damage to the low retaining wall along the driveway. -Continued growth poses a risk to a boundary wall of the driveway. -The lean towards the property presents a potential future hazard should the tree fail during adverse weather. -The trees root system also restricts the proposed widening of the driveway for vehicle access. Recommendation: Removal to prevent further structural damage and to improve site safety. T2 Elm Condition: Poor. The tree exhibits signs of decay and partial rot within the main stem. Issues: -Deteriorating structure with low amenity value. -Extensive ivy and bramble infestation. -Proximity to the boundary fence. -Contributing to shading of the rear elevation, exacerbating damp conditions. Recommendation: Removal due to poor health, structural weakness, and limited retention value. T3 Cherry Plum Condition: Poor. Ivy and bramble infestation present. Issues: -Toxic to dogs and potentially harmful to humans if ingested. -Provides little amenity or ecological value in current condition. -Growing into the garden fence and competing with adjacent trees. -Contributing to shading of the rear elevation, exacerbating damp conditions. Recommendation: Removal due to toxicity concerns, poor condition, and encroachment issues. T4 and T5 Apple Trees Condition: Poor. Infested with ivy and brambles for an extended period, reducing vigour. Issues: -Toxic to dogs. -Suppressed growth and limited productivity. -Contributing to shading of the rear elevation, exacerbating damp conditions. -Growing into the garden fence Recommendation: Removal due to poor health, toxicity concerns, and to improve sunlight and airflow to the rear of the house.
As published by the council, reference 25/1681/CAT
Timeline
Dates from the published record
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25 Nov 2025
Received by Exeter
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12 Dec 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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26/0028/FUL Granted
The Old Coach House Mount Howe Topsham EX3 0BG
Proposed new fenestration and roof lights
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24/0962/DIS Granted
43 Higher Shapter Street Topsham EX3 0AW
Discharge of conditions 3 (CEMP), 4 (materials samples) and 5 (cycle parking) of planning permission 22/0920/FUL granted on 21 October 2022.
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26/0483/LBC Awaiting decision
7 Lower Shapter Street Topsham EX3 0AT
Demolition of existing garage and replacement with double garage including accommodation in roof void above
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26/0482/FUL Awaiting decision
7 Lower Shapter Street Topsham EX3 0AT
Demolition of existing garage and replacement with double garage including accommodation in roof void above
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26/0413/LBC Withdrawn
7 Lower Shapter Street Topsham EX3 0AT
Proposed garage with overflow accommodation
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22/1122/FUL Refused
25 Monmouth Street Topsham Exeter Devon EX3 0AJ
Installation of six black PV solar panels on rear roof slope.
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.