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Planning application

Graylings Bascombe Road Brixham TQ5 0JX

Refused Torbay AT/2026/0070 Works To Tree Within TPO

Works: Trees

Refused. Only the applicant can appeal, within the statutory time limit, and a revised scheme can be submitted instead.

Proposal

T001 - 1 x Copper beech (Fagus sylvatica purpurea) - Reduce to tree in height from 13m to 11m not exceeding wounds of 75mm, and radial crown spread from 6.5m to 5m not exceeding wounds of 75mm. Crown raise tree to give a maximum clearance of 2.5 metres from the property. Justification for works - The tree has been reduced historically and has responded well resulting in limited amenity loss and a better relationship between tree and property.

As published by the council, reference AT/2026/0070

Application record

Reference
AT/2026/0070
Type
Works To Tree Within TPO
Status
Registered
Decision
Refused As published: Part allowed/part refused
Received
2 Mar 2026
Validated
4 Mar 2026
Decided
15 Apr 2026
Ward
Churston With Galmpton
Decision by
Delegated
Postcode
TQ5 0JX

Site history

Applications at this address on the Torbay register

This site has had 4 applications since 2026: 0 approved, 1 refused.

  • AT/2026/0218 Awaiting decision

    Graylings Bascombe Road Brixham TQ5 0JX

    Tree ID: T1 - Beech (Copper Beech) as identified under the Modified Schedule of TPO 2025.005. Proposed Work: Sectional dismantle to ground level and reinstate 1x Ginkgo biloba standard at the southern end of the grounds as indicated on the attached sketch plan. Reasons for Work: Incompatible Spatial Relationship & Mutually Agreed Pruning Failure: The main stem of this 50ft tree stands within a critical 1.2 metres of the residential property, overhanging the building ridge line by 6-7 metres. In Case AT/2026/0070 (Page 2-3, Sec 8, 11), the Council's Tree Officer explicitly ruled that the pruning works required to achieve safe, long-term structural clearance from the roof would remove over 30% of the leaf-bearing volume, risk fatal 'sun scorch damage' to this thin-barked species, and invite decay. Because the physical proximity to the house is absolute, and the council formally agrees that the pruning required to clear the building is physiologically destructive to the asset, long-term retention under BS 3998 is entirely unviable. Arithmetic Defect in Standalone Amenity Scoring (True Score: 14):The TPO was confirmed subject to modifications on 12th December 2025, legally isolating the Beech tree as 'T1'. The collective evaluation score was benchmarked at the absolute minimum threshold of 15 for each property, but inflated by artificially combining data across two properties where the protected trees on each site are situated some 200 feet apart. In the confirmation report (Page 3), the council explicitly accepted the applicant's formal objection regarding local tree density and issued a 1-point reduction (-1) to the category score. Because the modified order must protect T1 on its standalone merits, its true standalone arithmetic score is 14. Torbay Council's local framework dictates a minimum score of 15 to justify a TPO. T1 falls below the threshold and its ongoing retention is procedurally unjustified. Minimal Public Landscape Contribution: Situated ......

    Submitted 17 Aug 2026 Trees
  • P/2026/0290 Awaiting decision

    Graylings Bascombe Road Brixham TQ5 0JX

    First floor extension to front with Juliet balcony, increase size and shape to front dormer, open porch to front door, changes to window type/materials, mulitple roof lights to rear roof, alterations to existing rear extension, windows and doors.

    Submitted 1 May 2026 Householder
  • AT/2026/0061 Withdrawn

    Graylings Bascombe Road Brixham TQ5 0JX

    T001 Copper beech (Fagus sylvatica purpurea) - Sectionally dismantle and fell. T001 is situated approximately 1.2 metres from the dwelling, with 6?7 metres of canopy overhang, resulting in physical interference with the building, retaining wall damage consistent with root expansion, shading of habitable rooms, and ongoing maintenance burden . Although assessed as a tolerable risk, its retention would require repeated pruning that is considered unsustainable and likely to compromise its long-term form . The report also notes that the tree?s public visibility and wider amenity value are limited, with substantial surrounding tree cover maintaining local character . Replacement planting in a more suitable location within the garden is recommended , ensuring continued tree cover without the existing structural conflict or adverse impact on the enjoyment of the property.

    Decided 25 Feb 2026 Trees

Timeline

Dates from the published record

  1. 2 Mar 2026

    Received by Torbay

  2. 4 Mar 2026

    Validated

    Checked as complete and ready for consideration.

  3. 15 Apr 2026

    Decision issued: Part allowed/part refused

  4. 12 Aug 2026

    Added to PlanIndex

Cases linked to this one on the register

1 later application on the register refers to this one:

  • AT/2026/0218 Awaiting decision

    Graylings Bascombe Road Brixham TQ5 0JX

    Tree ID: T1 - Beech (Copper Beech) as identified under the Modified Schedule of TPO 2025.005. Proposed Work: Sectional dismantle to ground level and reinstate 1x Ginkgo biloba standard at the southern end of the grounds as indicated on the attached sketch plan. Reasons for Work: Incompatible Spatial Relationship & Mutually Agreed Pruning Failure: The main stem of this 50ft tree stands within a critical 1.2 metres of the residential property, overhanging the building ridge line by 6-7 metres. In Case AT/2026/0070 (Page 2-3, Sec 8, 11), the Council's Tree Officer explicitly ruled that the pruning works required to achieve safe, long-term structural clearance from the roof would remove over 30% of the leaf-bearing volume, risk fatal 'sun scorch damage' to this thin-barked species, and invite decay. Because the physical proximity to the house is absolute, and the council formally agrees that the pruning required to clear the building is physiologically destructive to the asset, long-term retention under BS 3998 is entirely unviable. Arithmetic Defect in Standalone Amenity Scoring (True Score: 14):The TPO was confirmed subject to modifications on 12th December 2025, legally isolating the Beech tree as 'T1'. The collective evaluation score was benchmarked at the absolute minimum threshold of 15 for each property, but inflated by artificially combining data across two properties where the protected trees on each site are situated some 200 feet apart. In the confirmation report (Page 3), the council explicitly accepted the applicant's formal objection regarding local tree density and issued a 1-point reduction (-1) to the category score. Because the modified order must protect T1 on its standalone merits, its true standalone arithmetic score is 14. Torbay Council's local framework dictates a minimum score of 15 to justify a TPO. T1 falls below the threshold and its ongoing retention is procedurally unjustified. Minimal Public Landscape Contribution: Situated ......

    Submitted 17 Aug 2026 Trees

Who's behind it

Company information only, from the register and Companies House

Devon Tree Services Ltd Agent, a tree-works contractor registered in Torquay

Active · incorporated 2013 · Torquay

188 applications on PlanIndex · across 11 councils · 87% granted

Trade members see everything this firm has filed, how it was decided, and get an email the day it files again.

See their track record

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 documents

What this refusal means

Torbay refused this application for the reasons on the decision notice; only the applicant can appeal, and refused schemes often return in revised form. 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

  • Graylings Bascombe Road Brixham TQ5 0JX

    AT/2026/0061 Submitted 20 Feb 2026 50 yards away

    T001 Copper beech (Fagus sylvatica purpurea) - Sectionally dismantle and fell. T001 is situated approximately 1.2 metres from the dwelling, with 6?7 metres of canopy overhang, resulting in physical interference with the building, retaining wall damage consistent with root expansion, shading of habitable rooms, and ongoing maintenance burden . Although assessed as a tolerable risk, its retention would require repeated pruning that is considered unsustainable and likely to compromise its long-term form . The report also notes that the tree?s public visibility and wider amenity value are limited, with substantial surrounding tree cover maintaining local character . Replacement planting in a more suitable location within the garden is recommended , ensuring continued tree cover without the existing structural conflict or adverse impact on the enjoyment of the property.

    Withdrawn Trees
    Domestic
  • Graylings Bascombe Road Brixham TQ5 0JX

    P/2026/0290 Submitted 1 May 2026 50 yards away

    88% historically approved · decision due ~26 Jun

    First floor extension to front with Juliet balcony, increase size and shape to front dormer, open porch to front door, changes to window type/materials, mulitple roof lights to rear roof, alterations to existing rear extension, windows and doors.

    Awaiting decision Householder Extension Loft or dormer +2
    Small domestic
  • Greenhaze 25 Warborough Road Brixham TQ5 0JY

    AT/2026/0040 Submitted 29 Jan 2026 50 yards away

    Requesting cyclical permission to re-pollard T1 Lime and G1 group of 12 Holme Oaks. Prior to having TPO's placed on them recently, these trees have been historically managed by pollarding, which kept them healthy and safe while encouraging new growth from the existing pollard points. Requesting cyclical permission to re-reduce G2 Field Maples - again these have been historically managed in this way to maintain the condition of the trees. Requesting cyclical permission to re-reduce T2 Sycamore - this has also been historically managed in this way to maintain its condition. Fell T3 and T4 due to dieback in the crown. These Pines are in close proximity to high value/risk targets in terms of property and public footpaths.

    Granted Trees
  • The Firs Brakeridge Close Brixham TQ5 0JU

    P/2026/0044 Submitted 23 Jan 2026 100 yards away

    Removal of existing conservatory, Single storey extension to North elevation , Single storey extension to West elevation, including part enclosed passage-breezeway, Single storey extension to East elevation, Increase in size of window on 1st floor East facing elevation, Harmonisation of façade materials and fenestration materials across existing and proposed, Replacement of redish roof tiles with grey roof tiles, Increase parking forecourt area from East drive area.

    Granted Householder Extension Roofing +1
    Small domestic
  • 3 Warborough Road Brixham Devon TQ5 0JY

    P/2011/0025 Submitted 13 Jan 2011 100 yards away

    Demolition of attached garage and formation of single storey extentions to front and rear; formation of new detached double garage and workshop.

    Withdrawn Householder Demolition 10 docs
    Small domestic
  • 15 Warborough Road Brixham TQ5 0JY

    P/2026/0258 Submitted 23 Apr 2026 200 yards away

    88% historically approved · decision due ~22 Jul

    Construction of two storey extension to rear.

    Awaiting decision Householder Extension
    Domestic

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.

    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