Southern Comfort Meadfoot Sea Road Torquay TQ1 2LQ

This site has had 2 applications since 2021: 1 approved, 0 refused.

• AT/2026/0143 Decided

  Southern Comfort Meadfoot Sea Road Torquay TQ1 2LQ

  I am applying to remove one large Eucalyptus nitens. This tree is growing close to the boundary with Suncourt about half-way between the highway and the house. It is in the region of 20m in height. General The garden has been carefully designed and has been noted for the variety and quality of its plants. The area around the tree is tightly planted with trees (as can be see from Drawing_01) including the following: Gleditsia triacanthos, Magnolia officinalis var biloba, Phoenix canariensis, Magnolia grandiflora, Catalpa bignionoides 'Aurea', . All these are large including the P. canariensis. There is a smaller Butia capitata and a Cornus cousa further away. In addition there are large shrubs including a Japanese maple, Tetrapanax, Viburnum and Camellia Glycerinia as a windbreak, Pseudopanax ferox as well as countless Trachycarpus fortunei. There is a large plane tree in the highway which largely screens these plantings from the roadway, especially during summer. Reasons for works 1. In common with other Eucalyptus which I have had growing in the garden and which have quite rapidly died, this tree has a large scar on its western side. The dimensions of the scar are about 1300mm by 150mm (at the widest). The inner wood is fully exposed, is soft and is discoloured. This defect is not apparent from the eastern (our) side of the tree. I have been advised that this tree will probably not survive more than another year or two. It may be relevant that a much smaller neighbouring Eucalyptus niphophila has recently fully died. 2. My neighbour in Suncourt has been telling me that he is concerned that the tree is growing too close to his boundary wall and large paved area which he fears may be damaged by its shallow roots. 3. My main concern is that the tree - given its height and exposure to winds in the Meadfoot Valley - now poses a risk by falling either onto the Southern Comfort driveway or onto the Suncourt one. It is thus constitutes a danger to persons

  Decided 13 Jul 2026 Trees

1. 9 Feb 2021

   Received by Torbay

2. 12 Jul 2021

   Validated

   Checked as complete and ready for consideration.

3. 8 Sep 2021

   Decision issued: Approval

4. 2 Sep 2026

   Added to PlanIndex

Torbay granted permission on 8 September 2021, subject to any conditions on the decision notice. Work must normally begin within three years or the permission lapses. More in our guide to what happens after a planning decision.

Applications for works to trees cover protected trees: consent under a tree preservation order, or six weeks notice for trees in a conservation area. More in our guide to planning application types.

• Southern Comfort Meadfoot Sea Road Torquay TQ1 2LQ

  AT/2026/0143 Submitted 28 May 2026 50 yards away

  I am applying to remove one large Eucalyptus nitens. This tree is growing close to the boundary with Suncourt about half-way between the highway and the house. It is in the region of 20m in height. General The garden has been carefully designed and has been noted for the variety and quality of its plants. The area around the tree is tightly planted with trees (as can be see from Drawing_01) including the following: Gleditsia triacanthos, Magnolia officinalis var biloba, Phoenix canariensis, Magnolia grandiflora, Catalpa bignionoides 'Aurea', . All these are large including the P. canariensis. There is a smaller Butia capitata and a Cornus cousa further away. In addition there are large shrubs including a Japanese maple, Tetrapanax, Viburnum and Camellia Glycerinia as a windbreak, Pseudopanax ferox as well as countless Trachycarpus fortunei. There is a large plane tree in the highway which largely screens these plantings from the roadway, especially during summer. Reasons for works 1. In common with other Eucalyptus which I have had growing in the garden and which have quite rapidly died, this tree has a large scar on its western side. The dimensions of the scar are about 1300mm by 150mm (at the widest). The inner wood is fully exposed, is soft and is discoloured. This defect is not apparent from the eastern (our) side of the tree. I have been advised that this tree will probably not survive more than another year or two. It may be relevant that a much smaller neighbouring Eucalyptus niphophila has recently fully died. 2. My neighbour in Suncourt has been telling me that he is concerned that the tree is growing too close to his boundary wall and large paved area which he fears may be damaged by its shallow roots. 3. My main concern is that the tree - given its height and exposure to winds in the Meadfoot Valley - now poses a risk by falling either onto the Southern Comfort driveway or onto the Suncourt one. It is thus constitutes a danger to persons

  Decided Trees
  Small domestic

• Osborne House Meadfoot Sea Road Torquay TQ1 2LQ

  P/2024/0522 Submitted 5 Aug 2024 50 yards away

  Replacement of existing window with double doors to garden.

  Granted Householder Windows or glazing 12 docs
  Domestic

• 1 Hesketh Mews Meadfoot Sea Road Torquay TQ1 2LT

  AT/2023/0101 Submitted 3 Apr 2023 50 yards away

  T1 Pittosporum and T2 Palm - Fell because located in a confined environment in very close proximity to a boundary wall and house.

  Granted Trees 5 docs
  Small domestic

• Hesketh Mews Meadfoot Sea Road Torquay TQ1 2LT

  AT/2023/0044 Submitted 13 Feb 2023 100 yards away

  T1 Tulip - to be reduced on the top by up to 1m to reduce wind sail, prune sides to ensure 2m clearance from the adjacent buildings

  Refused Trees 4 docs

• 8 Hesketh Mews Meadfoot Sea Road Torquay TQ1 2LT

  AT/2026/0175 Submitted 16 Jul 2026 100 yards away

  1x Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) Reduce the overall canopy of the tree as follows: Reduce the height of the tree by approximately 2.0 m, leaving a final overall height of approximately 10.0 m. Reduce the radial crown spread by approximately 1.50 m, leaving a final radial spread of approximately 5.50 m at all compass points. All works shall retain the tree?s main framework and natural form, maintaining a high proportion of the foliage-bearing structure. All final pruning cuts shall be made at suitable growth points in accordance with BS 3998:2010 Tree Work ? Recommendations. Crown lift all round by removing secondary and sub-lateral branch growth only, to provide a vertical clearance of approximately 2.4 metres between ground level and the lowest foliage tips, thereby achieving the desired clearance above the pavement and wall boundaries. Individual pruning wounds shall not exceed 40 mm in diameter. Tree Preservation Order/ Conservation Area Justification The proposed works are intended to provide long-term, sustainable management of this mature Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) whilst preserving its amenity value and natural form. The specified crown reduction is moderate in scale and will reduce the overall height by approximately 2.0 metres and the radial spread by approximately 1.5 metres, maintaining a balanced crown structure and retaining a high proportion of the foliage-bearing canopy. The works will improve natural light levels to the adjacent properties and garden areas, helping to reduce excessive shading without materially affecting the tree's visual contribution to the locality. The proposed crown lift to approximately 2.4 metres above ground level will provide appropriate pedestrian clearance over the adjacent pavement and improve clearance above the wall boundaries, reducing the likelihood of conflict between the tree and its surrounding built environment. All pruning works will be undertaken in accordance with BS 3998:2010 ? Tree Work ?

  Refused Trees

• Meadfoot Bay Hotel Meadfoot Sea Road Torquay TQ1 2LQ

  P/2024/0653 Submitted 24 Sep 2024 100 yards away

  Change of use of Meadfoot Bay Hotel and the associated managers accommodation from C1 to C3 (residential). Demolition of single storey, flat-roofed side extension and subdivision into two houses with parking and amenity spaces.

  Granted Full applications Extension Demolition 19 docs
  Several homes

• AT/2026/0184 Granted

  18A Mead Road Torquay TQ2 6TF

  Crown lift secondary branch growth only up to approximately 4.5m from ground level to achieve the required vertical clearance above the driveway and neighbours. Crown thin overall leaf bearing twig structure by 10 percent. This will also help with canopy crowding and avoid other trees rubbing against each other. Remove all major dead wood from crown All trees are Fagus Sylvatica (Mature Beech) This work has been previously accepted in 2023, application submitted by Devon Tree Services and works were completed by them as well.

  Received 22 Jul, published by the council 12 Aug 2026 Trees
• AT/2026/0270 Awaiting decision

  Flat 1 Greenwood Torwood Gardens Road Torquay TQ1 1EQ

  T1 Mimosa Proposed works: Fell Mature Mimosa situated within a confined residential garden in a Conservation Area, immediately adjacent to a masonry boundary wall and nearby buildings. The presence of Ganoderma fruiting bodies at the base of the tree indicates a potential wood-decay infection. The tree also exhibits an irregular crown with apparent dieback and is growing within a severely restricted environment. Its proximity to residential property, garden areas and the public highway increases the potential consequences of structural failure. Felling is proposed on the grounds of suspected basal decay, apparent crown deterioration and the tree's restricted location.

  Received 25 Sep, published by the council 2 Oct 2026 Trees
• AT/2026/0271 Awaiting decision

  8 Cecil Avenue Paignton TQ3 1LW

  T1 - Holm Oak Recommended works: Establish a pollard framework by removing the three substantial lateral branches at the positions indicated by the red markings in Photograph 3. The proposed works are intended to reduce the extensive lateral crown and associated mechanical loading from the tree's pronounced lean, while retaining the tree. Cyclical management: Following establishment, implement a seven-year cyclical pollarding regime to manage regrowth, control crown size, and limit excessive loading on the retained framework. Inspect the developing pollard heads periodically, particularly during the initial establishment period, to assess shoot attachment, structural condition and physiological response. All works should be undertaken in accordance with BS 3998:2010, subject to confirmation that the proposed cutting positions and degree of crown removal are appropriate following an on-site assessment. The seven-year interval is the proposed management objective and should be reviewed based on the tree's regrowth and structural condition.

  Received 25 Sep, published by the council 2 Oct 2026 Trees
• AT/2026/0269 Awaiting decision

  8 Ben Venue Close Torquay TQ1 1RX

  T1 - Western Red Cedar Proposed works: Fell Reason for works T1 is an established Western red cedar growing in exceptionally close proximity to an existing stone boundary wall. Photographic evidence indicates that the lower stem is in direct contact with the masonry, creating a physical conflict between the tree and the structure. Continued radial growth of the stem could exert further pressure on the wall, resulting in progressive displacement and deterioration of the masonry. The close relationship between the stem and the wall also restricts access for inspection, maintenance and necessary repairs. The tree's position presents a long-term management conflict. Crown reduction would not resolve the fundamental issue at the base of the tree, as it would not prevent continued radial stem growth. Felling is recommended as a permanent way to resolve the physical conflict between the tree and the boundary wall, prevent further interference from stem growth, and facilitate any necessary structural repairs. This recommendation is based primarily on the tree's unsuitable position relative to the existing structure and the limited practical options for a sustainable long-term solution. Based on its apparent size and maturity, it is possible that the tree was planted after the original Tree Preservation Order (TPO) was established.

  Received 25 Sep, published by the council 2 Oct 2026 Trees
• AT/2026/0204 Granted

  Flat 1 Vernon Court Warren Road Torquay TQ2 5TR

  Holm Oak 12m Tall 50cm diameter (Already have approved plan for other three trees on site, scope to mirror that) Crown mai fence works requested to cut back to previous pruning points, not as far as original pollard but to the secondary pollard points, this has been noted on tree inspectors recent visit looking at other trees on site. This tree was not included in the original request due to a miscommunication between owner and agent. Plan to reduce radial spread down from 9m to 7m roughly removing 1.5-2m of regrowth.

  Received 3 Aug, published by the council 12 Aug 2026 Trees