Planning application
Former Palace Hotel Land Adjacent To Babbacombe Road And Ansteys Cove Road Babbacombe
Works: Trees
Permission granted. Work must normally begin within three years of the decision or the permission lapses.
Proposal
T028 - Austrian Pine (Pinus nigra subsp. nigra) Sectionally dismantle and fell the tree, as identified and marked with orange paint, employing appropriate lowering and rigging techniques to safely and progressively control the descent of each section in accordance with industry best practice. Replant with 8-10 Austrian Pine (Pinus nigra subsp. nigra) T1847 - Austrian Pine (Pinus nigra subsp. nigra) Sectionally dismantle and fell the tree, as identified and marked with paint, employing appropriate controlled dismantling techniques. Replant with 8-10 Austrian Pine (Pinus nigra subsp. nigra) T1846 - Ash (Fraxinus spp.) Sectionally dismantle and fell the tree, as marked with paint, using appropriate controlled cutting and dismantling techniques. T1846- Vitality poor - tree in decline with poor physiological condition. Tree is in an area which lacks direct and indirect natural sunlight therefore replanting is not considered appropriate. T1848 - Wych Elm (Ulmus glabra) Sectionally dismantle and fell the tree, employing appropriate lowering techniques in accordance with current arboricultural standards. T1948 - Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) Sectionally dismantle and fell the tree to ground level using appropriate controlled dismantling methods. All cut material shall be processed into manageable lengths and stacked neatly within the woodland area in designated windrows or habitat piles, in accordance with good arboricultural and ecological practice. The site shall be left in a safe, clean, and tidy condition upon completion. T1948- Vitality poor - multi stemmed tree with significant dieback in the upper canopy which has resulted in branch failure throughout. Severe decline likely to continue due to poor physiological condition. Replant with 8-10 Silver birch (Betula pendula)
As published by the council, reference AT/2026/0106
Application record
- Reference
- AT/2026/0106
- Type
- Works To Tree Within TPO
- Status
- Decided
- Decision
- Granted As published: Approval
- Received
- 14 Apr 2026
- Validated
- 28 Apr 2026
- Decided
- 9 Jun 2026
- Ward
- Wellswood
- Decision by
- Delegated
Timeline
Dates from the published record
-
14 Apr 2026
Received by Torbay
-
28 Apr 2026
Validated
Checked as complete and ready for consideration.
-
9 Jun 2026
Decision issued: Approval
-
12 Aug 2026
Added to PlanIndex
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
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Plans, drawings, consultee responses and the officer's report
Documents on file for this application
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Open the documentsWhat this grant of permission means
Torbay granted permission on 9 June 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
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1 Thorncliff Close Torquay TQ1 2QW
Having spoken with Jamie Northcott of Trees In Need (professional tree care and hedge maintenance) he has advised that: Species: Turkey Oak Sketch: Area of tree requiring work circled in yellow on G.Maps/sketch (north and east facing sides of tree) Work advised as being required ref Trees in Need as follows: To reduce lateral branches growing within 0.5m of, and those already overhanging the property's ridge line, to appropriate growth points and to also crown lift the tree to give a ground clearance of 5m (currently approximately 2m), by removing only secondary branches. Reasons for the work: This tree has grown out and over the ridge line and also has a number of lateral branches within 0.5m of No 1 Thorncliff Close, TQ1 2QW. The ground clearance has also reduced in height over the years and is only around 2m now especially over the driveway. It would be appreciated if these areas could be professionally worked on to help keep the property safe and maintain suitable access. There is no felling of the tree and no replanting involved.
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Formation of flat roof to centre of hipped roof, with proposed dormer and conservation roof lights. (as revised by plans received 17.04.2023)
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Former Palace Hotel Babbacombe Road Torquay TQ1 3TG
Variation of Condition relating to application P/2019/0716. Condition: P1 - Amendments to approved house types and residential layouts.
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- Anstey's Cove Road Torquay TQ1 3TE
Anstey's Cove Road; x1 Mature Holm Oak (leaning heavily over the road) - reduce the Holm Oak Tree, adhering to the 30% maximum reduction (as recommended within the officer report AT/2024/0200) of the leaf bearing canopy. Canopy Reduction Specification for the Holm Oak on Anstey's Cove Road; Current Canopy Extents (taken from centre of canopy) - North: 7 metres - East: 6 metres - South: 3 metres - West: 5 metres - Canopy height: 11 metres - Tree height: 16 metres Current Canopy Area- leaf bearing - Estimated Canopy Area: 86.39 m2 Adjusted Canopy Area (Considering 20% Gaps) - Adjusted Canopy Area: 69.12 m2 Target Canopy Area (30% Reduction) - Target Area: 48.38 m2 New Radial Spreads After Reduction - North: 5.0 metres (rounded up or back marginally) - South: 3.0 metres (not being pruned) - East: 5.0 metres (rounded up or back marginally) - West: 4.0 metres (rounded up or back marginally) Height Reduction - Original Canopy Height: 11 metres - Height Reduction: 1.8 metres - New Canopy Height: 9.2 metres (11m - 1.8m) - New Total Tree Height: 14.2 metres (16m - 1.8m) This specification achieves an overall 30% reduction in size, including both canopy spread and height, and accounts for the 20% canopy gaps. This balanced reduction will look to maintain the tree natural shape and a good network of sub lateral, foliage bearing material. No branches larger than 65mm in diameter shall be removed. All work shall be carried out in accordance with BS 3998:2010 Tree Work - Recommendations. All cuts shall be made to a suitable growth point or secondary branch that is at least one-third the diameter of the parent branch to promote healthy regrowth and maintain the natural shape of the tree. Justification: The Holm Oak is a group of trees, with one tree (tree 1) growing on the North eastern side and two further trees to the South. Tree 1, growing on the North eastern side (the focus of this application) leans over the highway Anstey's Cove Road and into the new development site; ...
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Sachs Lodge Asheldon Road Torquay TQ1 2ER
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Sachs Lodge Asheldon Road Torquay TQ1 2ER
T1 Holme Oak Quercus ilex t1 is situated on the edge of the woodland under a TPO area as marked on the map attached. This tree has been reduced in the past in order to maintain the trees closest to the gardens and keep the woodland safe from failing limbs and allow more light into the under canopy of the woodland and gardens. once a tree has been reduced the branch unions of re- growth is weaker that natural growth. therefore needs to be regularly maintained. I would like to reduce T1 to previous points making pruning cuts on vertical growth of 10cm in diameter or less T2 Wild Cherry Prunus avium T2 is situated on the edge of the woodland under a TPO area as marked on the map attached. This tree has been reduced in the past in order to maintain the trees closest to the gardens and keep the woodland safe from failing limbs and allow more light into the under canopy of the woodland and gardens. once a tree has been reduced the branch unions of re- growth are weaker than natural growth. therefore needs to be regularly maintained. I would like to reduce and reshape this tree by 30% this will including making pruning cuts on vertical growth up to 10cm in diameter or less and pruning cuts on horizontal growth of 5cm in diameter or less. leaving a natural shape and in keeping with the woodland surroundings. T3 Wild Cherry Prunus avium t3 is in the centre of the woodland and has never been maintained some of the limbs are becoming heavily weighted worrying residents of its safety. I would like to reduce and reshape this tree by 20% this will including making pruning cuts on vertical growth up to 5cm in diameter or less and pruning cuts on horizontal growth of 5cm in diameter or less. leaving a natural shape and in keeping with the woodland surroundings. T4 English oak Quercus robar T4 is situated on the edge of the woodland and within 2 metres of the building under a TPO area as marked on the map attached. This tree has been reduced in the past in order to mai
Granted Trees
Other tree works applications
In Torbay
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.