Planning application
Courtlands Rawlyn Road Torquay TQ2 6PL
Works: Trees
Permission granted. Work must normally begin within three years of the decision or the permission lapses.
Proposal
Conservation Area Tree Works Justification Group of Western Red Cedar & 1x Lawson Cypress (overhanging Brooklyn Lane) - Crown lift by removing secondary and sub-lateral branch growth only, to provide a vertical clearance of approximately 5.6 m between road level and the lowest foliage tips, thereby achieving the desired clearance. All pruning cuts will be back to the main stems. Trim the remaining roadside branches hard back away from the overhead BT cables to achieve a minimum clearance of 3 metres. All arisings to be removed from site and returned to a Devon Tree Services depot for recycling, leaving the area safe, clean, and tidy. The proposed works relate to a group of 2x Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) & 1x Lawson Cypress (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana) trees located adjacent to and overhanging Brooklyn Lane within a designated Conservation Area. The trees are established along the roadside boundary and have developed low lateral branch growth extending over the carriageway and towards overhead telecommunications apparatus (BT/Openreach cables). The purpose of the proposed works is to provide appropriate highway clearance and maintain safe separation from overhead infrastructure, whilst retaining the overall form, health, and amenity value of the trees. A crown lift to approximately 5.6 metres above road level is proposed through the selective removal of secondary and sub-lateral branches only, with all final pruning cuts made back to the main stems where appropriate. This will achieve suitable vertical clearance for vehicles using the lane, consistent with accepted highway clearance standards. In addition, selected roadside branches will be pruned back from the overhead BT cables to achieve a minimum clearance of approximately 3 metres, reducing the risk of future contact with telecommunications infrastructure and preventing ongoing maintenance issues. The proposed works are limited and proportionate, retaining the primary canopy framework and overall appearance
As published by the council, reference AT/2026/0075
Application record
- Reference
- AT/2026/0075
- Type
- Works To Tree Within TPO
- Status
- Decided
- Decision
- Approval
- Received
- 6 Mar 2026
- Validated
- 13 Mar 2026
- Decided
- 11 May 2026
- Ward
- Cockington With Chelston
- Decision by
- Delegated
- Postcode
- TQ2 6PL
Timeline
Dates from the published record
-
6 Mar 2026
Received by Torbay
-
13 Mar 2026
Validated
Checked as complete and ready for consideration.
-
11 May 2026
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
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Courtlands Rawlyn Road Torquay TQ2 6PL
T1 - 1x Monterey Cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa)- Prune 1x primary branch overhanging Rawlyn Road on the southern aspect of the tree, cutting back to the main stem. Individual pruning wound shall not exceed 100 mm in diameter. Remove all dead and broken branches, including stubs from previous pruning operations, where such material exceeds 10 mm in diameter. Sever ivy at the base of the main stem to facilitate further inspection of the trees condition. Ivy shall be cut cleanly at the base of the trunk and carefully detached where practicable, avoiding unnecessary damage to the bark. The Monterey Cypress is situated adjacent to Rawlyn Road, with a primary limb extending over the public highway on the southern aspect of the canopy. The proposed works are limited and proportionate, intended to address highway clearance and remove defective material while retaining the overall form, health, and amenity value of the tree. It is proposed to prune one primary branch overhanging Rawlyn Road, cutting back to the main stem. The works will improve clearance over the highway and reduce the potential for branch failure over a publicly accessible area. Pruning will be undertaken in line with BS 3998:2010 ? Tree Work Recommendations, ensuring that individual pruning wounds do not exceed 100 mm in diameter and that appropriate arboricultural techniques are employed to promote good wound occlusion and long- term tree health. In addition, all dead, and broken branches will be removed from throughout the canopy, including redundant stubs remaining from previous pruning operations where such material exceeds 10 mm in diameter. The removal of deadwood will reduce the likelihood of falling debris and improve the safety of the tree in relation to nearby targets.
Granted Trees -
Courtlands Rawlyn Road Torquay TQ2 6PL
The proposed works relate to the Eastern Boundary Group of 9 ? Regenerated Sycamore Stems (Acer pseudoplatanus), which have developed as multiple secondary stems from previously managed stools. The trees now form a dense boundary group and require cyclical management to maintain safe and sustainable growth within the confined location. Consent is sought to sectionally dismantle (where required), fell, and coppice the stems to approximately 1.50 metres above ground level, allowing the retained coppice stools to regenerate and produce new, vigorous replacement stems. This is considered an appropriate arboricultural management technique for this species and growth form, promoting healthier regrowth whilst retaining continued boundary screening and long-term tree cover. The proposed works are justified for the following reasons: To continue an ongoing cyclical management programme appropriate to previously regenerated sycamore stools. To reduce excessive height, weight, and leverage on elongated stems, thereby lowering the potential for future structural failure. To improve management of the boundary area and prevent further encroachment into the adjoining land. To stimulate vigorous new basal regrowth, improving the long-term condition and sustainability of the tree group. To retain the established root systems and ongoing amenity contribution of the group through regeneration, rather than complete removal. All works will be undertaken sensitively and in accordance with BS 3998:2010 ? Tree Work Recommendations, using appropriate dismantling and pruning techniques to minimise unnecessary damage and preserve the future vitality of the retained stools.
Decided Trees -
Rawlyn House Hotel Rawlyn Road Torquay TQ2 6PL
G1 - 2 x red cedar, 1 holly - Fell G2 - 2 x pittosporum - Fell G3 - 1 ash, 1 sycamore - fell (ash has signs of die back) I am applying to fell these 3 groups of trees. I've included relevant letter and photos which my client received from Torbay Council
Refused Trees 4 docs -
Woodland Mews Rawlyn Road Torquay TQ2 6PL
Holm Oak - It requires minor pruning and removal of dead wood. The maximum pruning will be up to 1.5 meters to appropriate growth points. Photo attached.
Granted Trees -
14 Vicarage Road Torquay TQ2 6HX
T1 - Western Cedar - Remove dying stem overhanging Brooklands Lane and reduce remainder of the tree by 6m in height.
Granted Trees 5 docs -
14 Vicarage Road Torquay TQ2 6HX
T1 - Western Red Cedar - dismantle/fell to ground level due to its proximity to the garage and the damage to the adjacent wall.
Granted Trees 7 docs
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.
-
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