Planning application
Rowcroft Avenue Road Torquay TQ2 5LS
Works: Trees
Refused. Only the applicant can appeal, within the statutory time limit, and a revised scheme can be submitted instead.
Proposal
3x mature beech trees behind and to the north east of the creative therapies studio. ///digesting.kite.skim. T1. 1x beech tree directly behind studio - Reduce in height by approximately 3-4m to appropriate pruning points. Post pruning height will be approximately 14-16m. Reduce eastern canopy edge to taper in with remaining canopy spread. This will be done by removing 2.5m from the tips of the branches. ///hides.depth.soap. T2. 1x beech tree north east of the studio - Reduce in height by approximately 3-4m to appropriate pruning points. Post pruning height will be approximately 16-18m. Reduce eastern canopy spread by 2m by removing overextending lateral branches back to suitable pruning points. T3. 1x beech tree north west of T2 - Reduce in height by 2.5m to appropriate pruning points. Post pruning height will be 14m above ground level. The finishing height of the tree will fit in with the already narrow canopy spread of the tree. The reductions to the beech are being undertaken as part of the ongoing management f the tree crowns. While the risk is tolerable, we are looking to manage the trees, which have been previously reduced, in line with best practice as recommended in BS3998. The previous reduction have led to cavities at the reduction points and the resulting regrowth has established at point were the structure of the tree has been compromised. The proposed reductions will keep in line with what has been approved and will also reduce the likelihood of primary branch failure in the short to medium-term. This reduction will reduce the likelihood of large wounds being formed post failure and mange the trees in consideration of the built up urban environment within which they are situated. The reduction will not reduce the trees aesthetic value in the short-term but will promote healthy growth and a good structure through on going cyclical management.
As published by the council, reference AT/2023/0051
Application record
- Reference
- AT/2023/0051
- Type
- Works To Tree Within TPO
- Status
- Decided
- Decision
- Refusal
- Received
- 20 Feb 2023
- Validated
- 1 Mar 2023
- Decided
- 28 Apr 2023
- Ward
- Shiphay
- Decision by
- Delegated
- Postcode
- TQ2 5LS
Timeline
Dates from the published record
-
20 Feb 2023
Received by Torbay
-
1 Mar 2023
Validated
Checked as complete and ready for consideration.
-
28 Apr 2023
Decision issued: Refusal
-
2 Sep 2026
Added to PlanIndex
Who's behind it
Company information only, from the register and Companies House
Agent on file, a tree-works contractor registered in Torquay
142 applications on PlanIndex · across 10 councils · 86% granted
Trade members see who it is, their full track record, and every application they have filed.
See who's behind itDocuments
Plans, drawings, consultee responses and the officer's report
4 documents on file for this application
A planning file usually holds the application form, drawings and site plans, consultee responses, the officer's report and the decision notice.
Trade members open them from here.
Open the documentsWhat refusal means
The process from here
The council refused this application for the reasons set out on the decision notice, which the council portal holds in full. Only the applicant can appeal a refusal; the time limit runs from the decision date and is shorter for householder schemes.
Refusal does not prevent a fresh attempt. Applicants often address the reasons for refusal and resubmit, so a refused scheme is not necessarily the end of proposals for the site.
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
-
Rowcroft Avenue Road Torquay TQ2 5LS
T0061 - 1x Mature Beech Tree Sectionally dismantle the tree to leave a retained 4.0 metre monolith, utilising a 55-tonne mobile crane in conjunction with appropriate lowering and rigging techniques to ensure the safe and controlled descent of all sections in accordance with industry best practice and BS 39982010 - Tree Work - Recommendations. All arisings to be removed from site and returned to a Devon Tree Services Ltd depot for recycling, leaving the working area safe, clean, and tidy on completion. Please see attached reports for the justification.
Granted Trees -
Hospice Rowcroft Avenue Road Torquay TQ2 5LS
T307 Mature beech to fell and replant with same species in close proximity to same location 10-12cm girth.
Granted Trees 3 docs -
Rowcroft Avenue Road Torquay TQ2 5LS
T1 - Ash - Remove to near ground level. This tree is moribund as diagnosed by Devon Tree Services and viewed by Daniel Vickridge (Torbay Council)
Granted Trees 3 docs -
Rowcroft Avenue Road Torquay TQ2 5LS
On sketch plan: ///ready.split.thudding Too61- beech. Height reduction by c.5-6m (tree 24m and post pruning height will be c.18m). Canopy edges will be pruned reduced by approximately 1.5m- 2m to shape. ///data.defers.political Too62- beech- reduce height by 3-4m (tree post pruning is expected to be 21m in height). Top edges of canopy to be reduced??by??1m??to??shape. 3x mature beech trees behind and to the north east of the creative therapies studio. ///digesting.kite.skim. T1. 1x beech tree directly behind studio - Reduce in height by approximately 3-4m to appropriate pruning points. Post pruning height will be approximately 14-16m. Reduce eastern canopy edge to taper in with remaining canopy spread. This will be done by removing 2.5m from the tips of the branches. ///hides.depth.soap. T2. 1x beech tree north east of the studio - Reduce in height by approximately 3-4m to appropriate pruning points. Post pruning height will be approximately 16-18m. Reduce eastern canopy spread by 2m by removing overextending lateral branches back to suitable pruning points. T3. 1x beech tree north west of T2 - Reduce in height by 2.5m to appropriate pruning points. Post pruning height will be 14m above ground level. The finishing height of the tree will fit in with the already narrow canopy spread of the tree. These trees are referred to as group 3 on QTRA document.
Refused Trees 5 docs -
Rowcroft Avenue Road Torquay TQ2 5LS
T1: Mature Holm Oak: Crown reduce the height and lateral spread by approximately 3 - 3.5 metres, pruning branch tips back to suitable secondary growth points to retain a natural crown outline. Works to achieve a balanced canopy with no more than one-third of foliage removed in accordance with BS 3998:2010. Tree is heavily leaning towards neighbouring property and the canopy is all weighted in the same direction due to it being a woodland edge tree. The requested works are to help reduce excessive shading within the garden area. The tree is very imposing from the property with its heavy lean towards property and growing from bank at its canopy spread.
Granted Trees -
Rowcroft Avenue Road Torquay TQ2 5LS
T008: 1x Mature Beech Large buttress roots formed around the base of the tree, situated as focal point for garden area. Tight included union at bifurcation point at 4m, with large ears formed to the north and south, included union on secondary eastern stem at 8m with ears formed to the north and south. Historic primary limb failure at 8m on the western stem, large open wound with limited wound wood formed. Large ganoderma spp brackets growing from cavity to the north on western most stem. Bracket forming in old occluding wound to the south of the wound site on same stem. In striking distance of benches in garden area. Area is used for events in the summer. Tree has had primary limb failure at union at secondary eastern stem at 8m. Tree officer has attended site and agreed on removal, area roped off until TPO application has been approved. Fell tree and replant with Copper Beech.
Granted Trees
Other trees applications
In Torbay
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AT/2026/0171 Granted
2 High Grove Sunbury Hill Torquay TQ1 3ED
Trim branch's back slightly from touching our property and roof space to stop damage and further accidents from happening. Silver Birch Tree Pruning Reduce the branches that are hanging over the roof and gutter. Cut back to appropriate growth points. Tree will be climbed and rigged down. By cutting away from gutters and roof - it should reduce future damage to the property. All work to be carried out by qualified and insured arborists. All waste to be removed responsibly and under license.
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AT/2026/0216 Granted
Brantwood Rowdens Road Torquay TQ2 5AZ
All trees 1-6 to be removed completely, most are not identifiable as they are completely dead. All trees below an approximate height of twelve meters, and we wish to remove them as they are dead. We also want to remove the dead foliage on the slope to the side of the property, and cut back growth to a manageable condition for future maintenance. I have not been able to find specific tree preservation numbers for the trees 1-6 but I understand we are located in a conservation area and have therefor submitted this application.
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AT/2026/0233 Awaiting decision
South Ridge Middle Lincombe Road Torquay TQ1 2NE
T1 - cedar. Reduce the lateral spread/end-loading on 3 x low limbs on the west side of the tree by 2.5m, from 9.5m to 7m.
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AT/2026/0234 Awaiting decision
12 Mena Park Close Paignton TQ4 7TA
T1 Leyland cypress T2 Spruce We would like to fell both these trees, the spruce is cladded in ivy and poor form. The Leyland Cypress is again of poor form and completely over powering this garden. To replace these with Beech trees would make sense.
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AT/2026/0166 Granted
3 Roundham Road Paignton Torbay TQ4 6EZ
Oak T 1 - Reduce lateral crown spread over the roof by up to 1. 1.5m, targeting only branches encroaching towards the property. Works to follow BS 3998: 2010 principles: retain natural form, prune back to suitable secondary growth, avoid creating large wounds, and maintain a balanced crown shape. The crown is in direct contact with the roofline, causing abrasion, debris accumulation, and increased maintenance needs. A modest reduction restores safe clearance while retaining the tree's amenity value. Oak T 2 and T 3 - Pollard the tree at an appropriate height to manage structural decline associated with Ganoderma. Retain a stable framework of sound scaffold branches; cuts to be made at suitable points to allow future cyclical management. All works to follow BS 3998: 2010 and be proportionate to the tree's condition and location. The tree shows signs consistent with Ganoderma decay, reducing structural reliability. Pollarding is a recognised BS 3998 management option for declining trees where retention is desirable but full crown load is no longer appropriate. This approach prolongs safe retention, reduces risk, and avoids premature removal. Cedar T 4 - Remove deadwood =40mm diameter and any unstable smaller deadwood throughout the crown. Deadwood is present in the crown, posing a risk to the garden and adjacent access areas. Beech G 1 - Lift branches over the road to a minimum height of 5.2m (standard UK highway clearance for vehicle routes). Lift branches over the pavement to a minimum height of 2.1m (standard pedestrian clearance). Where applicable, lift branches over cycleways to 2.5?m. Remove or shorten only those branches that obstruct safe passage or visibility, in accordance with Highways Act 1980 s 154. Pruning to follow BS 3998: 2010 prune to suitable secondary growth points, avoid excessive thinning, and retain group structure. The Beech group is producing low lateral growth that obstructs the public highway, affecting safe pedestrian and vehicle move