Planning application
52 Seymour Drive Torquay TQ2 8PY
Works: Trees
Permission granted. Work must normally begin within three years of the decision or the permission lapses.
Proposal
Following storm Beech tree is now lying in the farmers field to the rear of the property The landowner has now been advised and removal agreed once the field is no longer waterlogged There is now a second tree whose roots have been exposed by the fall of the first one. Second Beech to be felled.
As published by the council, reference AT/2024/0322
Application record
- Reference
- AT/2024/0322
- Type
- Works To Tree-Dead And Dangerous
- Status
- Decided
- Decision
- Approval
- Received
- 27 Nov 2024
- Validated
- 27 Nov 2024
- Decided
- 2 Dec 2024
- Ward
- Barton With Watcombe
- Decision by
- Delegated
- Postcode
- TQ2 8PY
Timeline
Dates from the published record
-
27 Nov 2024
Received by Torbay
-
2 Dec 2024
Decision issued: Approval
-
16 Aug 2026
Added to PlanIndex
Documents
Plans, drawings, consultee responses and the officer's report
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 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
-
48 Seymour Drive Torquay TQ2 8PY
Beech (T1) within the G6 fell because the tree shows multiple structural and physiological defects that threaten its safe presence in the landscape. A significant longitudinal cavity runs through the lower stem, indicating advanced internal decay. The lack of key skeletal components further weakens the tree's structural integrity. Deterioration of bark and sapwood is visible, with exposed areas failing to effectively compartmentalise or produce adaptive growth, suggesting a reduced capacity for recovery. These defects collectively pose a predictable risk of structural failure, endangering nearby property and public safety. Due to the extent of decay and compromised structure, remedial pruning is not feasible. Felling is recommended as a necessary risk mitigation measure. Pine (T6) shows a decline in vitality across the entire crown, evidenced by sparse foliage, reduced shoot growth, and poor needle retention. When directly compared with a neighbouring pine of the same species and similar age, T6 exhibits noticeably lower crown density and overall vigour, indicating a progressive decline. No signs of acute pathogen or pest activity were observed, suggesting the deterioration is likely due to age-related senescence or site-specific stress factors. Considering the extent of physiological decline and the tree?s diminished capacity for recovery, retention is not deemed viable. Felling is recommended to reduce future risk and preserve the visual and ecological character of the group.
Granted Trees -
46 Seymour Drive Torquay TQ2 8PY
Beech Trees T1, T2 and T3 in G5 have fallen due to a mix of structural and physiological issues that made them unsafe. A large vertical cavity in the lower stem shows advanced internal decay and missing key structural parts have further weakened it. The bark and sapwood are deteriorating with exposed areas failing to heal or adapt, suggesting a low change of recovery. Together these problems create a clear risk of failure threatening nearby property and safety. Pruning isn't a viable option, so felling is advised to reduce the risk. T4 Beech Exising crown dimensions - Height Approx 17 Metres Lateral spread - Approx 10 metres average radius from stem Proposed Post Pruning Dimensions - Target Height Approx 14 metres Target Lateral Spread - Approx 7 metres average radius from stem Reduction Extent - Up to 3 metres across the upper and lateral canopy All cuts to be made back to suitable secondary growth points that are- Healthy and well placed to maintain natural form Capable of sustainging future growth No branch to be shortened by more than one-third of its length Maximum cut diameter 50 mm Final canopy shape - Even, balanced and naturalistic Objective - To mitigate increased wind exposure and load redistribtuion following the loss of adjacent trees T1-T3, enhancing T4's structural stability and safe retention.
Granted Trees -
44 Seymour Drive Torquay TQ2 8PY
Formation of flat roof dormer to north elevation (rear), installation of roof lights to south elevation (front), installation of windows/doors and demolition of existing rear extension.
Granted Lawful development Extension Loft or dormer +2 -
31 Seymour Drive Torquay Devon TQ2 8PY
T1: Sycamore-FellT2: Sycamore- Crown lift to 4m above garden and crown thin by 20%T3: Sycamore- Crown lift to 4m above garden and crown thin 20%T4: Beech- Crown lift to 8m above garden and reduce back overextended branches to boundary fenceT5: Yew- Crown thin by 20-30% and crown reduce by 2m
Split decision Trees 4 docs -
-
29 Seymour Drive Torquay TQ2 8PY
Proposed Works: Crown lift the conifer on the western side of the garden. Crown lift the isolated conifer halfway down the path to 2.8 metres. Crown lift the conifer next to the Oak to 2.8 metres. Justification: The proposed works are intended to manage the garden's trees and hedges responsibly, promoting plant health while improving garden utility. Other selective trimming and crown lifting of conifers will similarly maintain safe and unobstructed access along garden paths. All works will be undertaken sensitively to preserve plant health, maintain privacy and screening, and support long-term sustainable growth.
Granted Trees
Other trees applications
In Torbay
-
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.
-
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.
-
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