Planning application
26/0574/TPO
Block H Birks Halls New North Road Exeter EX4 4GE
Proposal
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.
As published by the council, reference 26/0574/TPO
Timeline
Dates from the published record
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21 Apr 2026
Received by Exeter
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24 Jul 2026
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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25/1140/DIS Decided
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26/0834/TPO Granted
Clydesdale Nash And Birks Grange Village Halls Of Residence University Of Exeter Lower Argyll Road Exeter
Excavations for utilities through W1 of TPO, in arboretum south of Cardiac Hill footpath: Excavate mixed utilities route (running east to west) to maximum width of 2m and depth of 1.2m with manholes. Excavate HV utility route Option 1 or Option 2 to 0.6m width and 1m depth (option to be informed and decided using hand dug trial pits as shown on the accompanying Arboricultural Utilities Plan). Works to be carried out according to the accompanying Arboricultural Method Statement (excavator operating on temporary ground protection guards, with localised tree protective fencing): Removal/pruning to facilitate utilities route: T2767 Birch ? crown lift eastern side of crown to 2.5m to provide clearance for excavator (Option 2 only). T2772 Zelkova, Keaki ? crown lift northern and eastern sides of crown to 2.5m to provide clearance for excavator. T2776 Fraxinus excelsior ?Jaspidea?, golden ash ? crown lift to 2.5 on north side of crown, removing deadwood, to provide clearance for excavator. Exempt works. T2787 Lodgepole Pine (Pinus contorta) ? crown lift to 2.5 on north side of crown, removing deadwood, to provide clearance for excavator. Exempt works. T2973 Betula albosinensis, birch ? remove 1.5m high young newly planted dead tree. Tree removal and pruning to be carried out in accordance with BS3998:2010 Tree work ? Recommendations. As the agent I am requesting a site visit with the Tree Consultant for the Council to show the proposed route / options and explain the design process / methodology for the works. Bouygues are asking to commence works on 06.07.26
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26/0161/TPO Granted
Block A Hill View Place Glenthorne Road Exeter EX4 4GZ
Yew located on the boundary of birks bank arboretum tpo No. 601 to be reduced away from adjacent footpath, to stop interference with foot traffic on a very busy path. Proposed crown lift and reshaping of the lower crown to stop the public having to duck under offending tree on a busy steep set of steps joining Glenthorne road to Clydesdale avenue and three student residential buildings. Limbs to be removed are are all small diameter 2" 5cm. All cuts to be taken to conform to following BS 3998:2010 standards. please see photos attached for cut point locations. no more than five cuts to achieve desired crown lift for head height clearance.
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21/0807/TPO Granted
Summercourt Lodge Hill Exeter Devon EX4 4AB
Sycamore TPO 503 ref T4 at Summercourt, Lodge Hill, EX44AB has had considerable squirrel damage over the past few years. Now, as leaves emerge, it is clear that the large central trunk (one of three) is dead. No leaves appear on this section and also there is a branch from it overhanging the road and a neighbour's property. We are concerned that this could become dangerous and would like to remove all or part of the tree, whichever is deemed suitable by the LPA tree expert.
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26/0285/FUL Awaiting decision
30 Streatham Drive Exeter EX4 4PD
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26/0578/LED Awaiting decision
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26/1122/CAT Awaiting decision
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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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26/1102/TPO Awaiting decision
2 Bathern Road Exeter EX2 7QE
T1 - Oak, crown lift to 5m above ground level where overhanging residential gardens only, maximum diameter of cut (MDC) 25mm. Reduce eastern aspect by 2m, MDC 50mm. Remove hazardous deadwood. T2 - Oak, crown lift to 5m above ground level where overhanging residential garden only, MDC 25mm. Remove hazardous deadwood. Justification: These mature trees are significantly impacting the reasonable use of the garden, crown lifting and reducing the eastern canopy will improve conditions and reduce dominance. The works are arboriculturally appropriate and will have a limited affect on the trees' physiological processes.