Planning application
Little Thatch Steep Hill Torquay TQ1 4TS
Works: Trees
Permission granted. Work must normally begin within three years of the decision or the permission lapses.
Proposal
T001 - 1x Holly Tree Crown lift on the roadside by removing three branches overhanging the carriageway, pruning back to the main stem to achieve highway regulation clearance of 5.60 metres from road level. Reduce the remaining canopy of the tree as follows: Reduce the height of the tree by approximately 2 m, leaving a final overall height of approximately 7 m. Reduce the radial crown spread by approximately 1.5 m, leaving a final radial spread of 5.5 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. Individual pruning wounds shall not exceed 40 mm in diameter. Justification: The proposed works are intended to provide adequate statutory highway clearance in accordance with Section 154 of the Highways Act 1980 and to prevent low lateral branches from obstructing the carriageway. The crown reduction is required to contain the overall size and spread of the tree within its constrained roadside setting, mitigating the risk of branch failure and limiting future encroachment into the garden area. The works are of a sympathetic and proportional nature, designed to maintain the long-term health, form, and amenity value of the tree while ensuring compliance with highway safety regulations. The proposed pruning is consistent with good arboricultural practice and will not adversely affect the tree's physiological condition or visual contribution to the local landscape or conservation area.
As published by the council, reference AT/2025/0314
Application record
- Reference
- AT/2025/0314
- Type
- Works To Tree Within TPO
- Status
- Decided
- Decision
- Approval
- Received
- 23 Oct 2025
- Validated
- 27 Oct 2025
- Decided
- 9 Dec 2025
- Ward
- St Marychurch
- Decision by
- Delegated
- Postcode
- TQ1 4TS
Timeline
Dates from the published record
-
23 Oct 2025
Received by Torbay
-
27 Oct 2025
Validated
Checked as complete and ready for consideration.
-
9 Dec 2025
Decision issued: Approval
-
12 Aug 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
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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.
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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
-
Little Thatch Steep Hill Torquay TQ1 4TS
T002 - 1x Dead Apple Tree - Sectionally dismantle, fell, and remove to ground level in a controlled manner using appropriate rigging and lowering techniques where necessary. T003 - 1x Dead Rowan - Sectionally dismantle, fell, and remove to ground level, ensuring all sections are safely lowered to avoid damage to surrounding features.
Granted Trees -
Rose Vine Steep Hill Torquay TQ1 4TS
T1- Ash- Previously submitted and rejected as a 5 day order. - There is a spilt that has appeared after the high winds along the stem and primary branch. Significantly compromising the structure of the tree. The tree is in falling distance of the property and is owned by landowner of the property. Details are below. Notes from the householder- ?We?ve noticed that the ash tree in the back hedge has developed a split in the main trunk which seems to be enlarging. It is 5 to 10 meters from the house?
Granted TreesDomestic -
Amanzi Cottage Rock House Lane Torquay TQ1 4SU
Construction of first floor extension to rear of building, changes to fenestration, relocation of flue, rooflights.
Granted Heritage and listed buildings Extension Loft or dormer +1 -
Amanzi Cottage Rock House Lane Torquay TQ1 4SU
Construction of first floor extension to rear of building, changes to fenestration, relocation of flue, rooflights.
Granted Householder Extension Loft or dormer +1Domestic -
The Shaws Steep Hill Torquay TQ1 4TS
T1 Scots Pine - This tree lost a couple of branches during the recent storm. In order to protect the tree we would like to carry out some minor crown thinning by about 20% to reduce wind sail area. T2 Spruce - This tree is approximately 60ft in height and is located quite close to the rear of the property. A fir tree of similar height came down during the recent storms and we are concerned that this tree may also have fallen. It was noted to be swaying much more than normal and when stood on the ground beneath it a small amount of movement could be felt. We would therefore like to reduce the height by approximately 15-20ft.
Refused Trees -
Bowden Cleeve Steep Hill Torquay TQ1 4TS
Please refer to attached tree report for comments. Work spec: 777 Monterey Cypress: Reduce the side of the western crown by 2.5m by selective branch removal. Crown raise the eastern stem to 5m above ground level to reduce load on the sagged limb. Prune to achieve a 2m clearance from the garage. Prune to achieve a 1m clearance from the telecoms wore. Use a maximum cut diameter of 125mm. Comments: Main stem divides at 1.5m into 5 stems. Some included bark present but no signs of excessive movement. The stems are extensive and have notable leans, most of all in the SW stem. The crown density is below average, more so in southern stem where there is several dead branches 100mm diameter. The eastern stem is subdominant, it looks to have sagged and likely contains some cracking. 778 Monterey Cypress: Reduce the spread of the lowest 2 limbs in the eastern aspect by 1.5m by selective branch removal. Remove hanging branches at approximately 12m above ground level. Use a 100mm maximum cut diameter. Comments: Triple stemmed from 1.5m. significant crown bias to the east. Ivy on main stems. Extensive lateral branches in eastern aspect. There is at least one broken branch suspended over the neighbours garage at approximately 12m above ground level. 779 Monterey Cypress: Remove the hanging branch near the top of the tree. Remove ivy. Prune to achieve a 2m clearance from the garage. Reduce the spread of lowest eastern branch by 2m and crown raise it by 2m. Use a 100mm maximum cut diameter. Comments: Dog-legged main stem with significant crown bias to the SW. Crown growing with 1m of garage. Ivy growth on main stem. Volume of decay suspected in main stem. Obscured by ivy, but considered contained. Lowest branch in eastern aspect is extensive with excessive end loading suspected. There is a hanging branch near the top of the tree, suspended over the garage roof. 780 Monterey Cypress: Reduce the southwestern side of the crown by 2m, targeting the cracked limb. Reduce the heig
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