Planning application
46 Seymour Drive Torquay TQ2 8PY
Works: Trees
Permission granted. Work must normally begin within three years of the decision or the permission lapses.
Proposal
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.
As published by the council, reference AT/2026/0031
Application record
- Reference
- AT/2026/0031
- Type
- Works To Tree Within TPO
- Status
- Decided
- Decision
- Granted As published: Approval
- Received
- 22 Jan 2026
- Validated
- 3 Feb 2026
- Decided
- 24 Mar 2026
- Ward
- Barton With Watcombe
- Decision by
- Delegated
- Postcode
- TQ2 8PY
Timeline
Dates from the published record
-
22 Jan 2026
Received by Torbay
-
3 Feb 2026
Validated
Checked as complete and ready for consideration.
-
24 Mar 2026
Decision issued: Approval
-
12 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.
Watch members (£5 a month) open the document list from here.
Open the documentsWhat this grant of permission means
Torbay granted permission on 24 March 2026, 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.
About tree works applications
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.
Nearby applications
Within 0.3 miles
-
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 -
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 -
52 Seymour Drive Torquay TQ2 8PY
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.
Granted Trees -
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 tree works applications
In Torbay
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.