Planning application
Oakwood Lower Warberry Road Torquay TQ1 1QP
Works: Trees
Permission granted. Work must normally begin within three years of the decision or the permission lapses.
Proposal
Sycamore T1 requires a reduction to shorten and remove the damaged branches because its outer crown was struck during the same failure event that caused the neighbouring Sycamore to collapse with full root plate uplift. The impact forces generated by that failure caused tearing and breakage in the outer canopy of T1, leaving exposed wounds that cannot occlude effectively and now serve as direct entry points for decay fungi and other pathogens. The removal of damaged, weakened and pathogen-susceptible branches restores a stable canopy form and reduces mechanical stress on the remaining structure. This represents a reasonable and proportionate intervention to address recent impact-related damage and to prevent foreseeable deterioration, consistent with BS3998 and NTSG principles. Beech T2 fell because its root plate had been disturbed following the recent failure of the adjacent Sycamore. The site is a former quarry, and the Beech grows directly on exposed rock, where rooting depth and lateral spread are naturally restricted. Trees in this environment rely on a small number of structural roots that penetrate fissures in the rock, making their anchorage highly dependent on the integrity of those few attachment points. When the neighbouring Sycamore failed with full root plate uplift, as confirmed in the five-day notice, the collapse generated significant mechanical shock and ground disturbance within the same rooting zone. In a quarry setting, such disturbance can loosen or shear anchoring roots, reduce frictional contact between roots and rock, and create voids beneath the root plate without producing obvious external symptoms. The combination of restricted rooting due to the quarry substrate, the recent destabilising failure immediately adjacent, and the observable disturbance around the Beechs root plate now increases the likelihood of progressive or sudden root-plate rotation beyond a tolerable threshold. Because anchorage lost in fractured rock cannot be restor
As published by the council, reference AT/2026/0130
Application record
- Reference
- AT/2026/0130
- Type
- Works To Tree Within TPO
- Status
- Decided
- Decision
- Approval
- Received
- 18 May 2026
- Validated
- 1 Jun 2026
- Decided
- 22 Jul 2026
- Ward
- Wellswood
- Decision by
- Delegated
- Postcode
- TQ1 1QP
Site history
Applications at this address on the Torbay register
This site has had 4 applications since 2019: 2 approved, 0 refused.
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AT/2026/0120 Decided
Oakwood Lower Warberry Road Torquay TQ1 1QP
This message serves as a formal notice under the five day urgent works exemption for works to a hazardous tree within the grounds of Oakwood, Lower Warberry Road, Torquay, TQ1 1QP. A taller Sycamore within the garden has failed, with full rootplate uplift, collapsing outward across the garden and falling directly onto the smaller Sycamore, closer to the roadside but still within the garden. The impact has caused significant structural damage to the roadside tree, including crown displacement, asymmetric loading and probable fibre deformation, leaving it at increased risk of progressive failure. The damaged roadside Sycamore stands immediately above the public pavement, where no parking restrictions concentrate pedestrian movement within the potential failure zone. The combination of sudden primary failure, secondary impact trauma, and exposure to the public highway creates an immediate and unacceptable risk, bringing the works clearly within the scope of the five day urgent works exemption.
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AT/2025/0337 Granted
Oakwood Lower Warberry Road Torquay TQ1 1QP
5 Day Notice 2 x Dead Fir trees. Schedule for removal on 28th November.
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AT/2019/0302 Decided
Oakwood Lower Warberry Road Torquay TQ1 1QP
A large sycamore about 40ft tall the length of 4-5 cars The tree has fallen striking the building and two cars causing damage to all. reporting the fact that a tree in a blanket tpo area had fallen and that we were in the process of dealing with the tree, the tree has been dealt with.
Timeline
Dates from the published record
-
18 May 2026
Received by Torbay
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1 Jun 2026
Validated
Checked as complete and ready for consideration.
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22 Jul 2026
Decision issued: Approval
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1 Aug 2026
Added to PlanIndex
Who's behind it
Company information only, from the register and Companies House
Oakwood Applicant, registered in Manchester
Active · incorporated 1980 · Manchester
2 applications on PlanIndex · across 2 councils
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See their track recordDocuments
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 this grant of permission means
Torbay granted permission on 22 July 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 500 metres
-
Oakwood Lower Warberry Road Torquay TQ1 1QP
5 Day Notice 2 x Dead Fir trees. Schedule for removal on 28th November.
Granted Trees -
Oakwood Lower Warberry Road Torquay TQ1 1QP
This message serves as a formal notice under the five day urgent works exemption for works to a hazardous tree within the grounds of Oakwood, Lower Warberry Road, Torquay, TQ1 1QP. A taller Sycamore within the garden has failed, with full rootplate uplift, collapsing outward across the garden and falling directly onto the smaller Sycamore, closer to the roadside but still within the garden. The impact has caused significant structural damage to the roadside tree, including crown displacement, asymmetric loading and probable fibre deformation, leaving it at increased risk of progressive failure. The damaged roadside Sycamore stands immediately above the public pavement, where no parking restrictions concentrate pedestrian movement within the potential failure zone. The combination of sudden primary failure, secondary impact trauma, and exposure to the public highway creates an immediate and unacceptable risk, bringing the works clearly within the scope of the five day urgent works exemption.
Decided Trees -
Oakwood Lower Warberry Road Torquay TQ1 1QP
A large sycamore about 40ft tall the length of 4-5 cars The tree has fallen striking the building and two cars causing damage to all. reporting the fact that a tree in a blanket tpo area had fallen and that we were in the process of dealing with the tree, the tree has been dealt with.
Decided Trees 2 docs -
Pine Trees Cottage Lower Warberry Road Torquay Devon TQ1 1QS
T1: Lawson Cypress- Dismantle and remove
Granted Trees 3 docs -
1 Marlborough Avenue Torquay TQ1 1TT
We plan to remove 2 small trees at the above address. They are within a small strip that isnt within the blanket tpo areas. The retaining wall has fallen away around them and is currently getting repaired.
Granted Trees 1 doc -
1 Marlborough Avenue Torquay TQ1 1TT
Beech Tree - 20% reduction overall, including to height
Refused Trees 6 docs
Other tree works applications
In Torbay
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AT/2026/0248 Decided
Holtye Stitchill Road Torquay TQ1 1PZ
5 Day Notice T1 - Dead pollarded Holm Oak (Quercus ilex) Sectionally dismantle, fell and remove dead tree, leaving the cut stump at a finished height of approximately 1.0 metre abou ground level.
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AT/2026/0245 Awaiting decision
Flat 1 Kingsbridge Greenway Road Torquay TQ1 4NJ
T001 - Mature Beech (Fagus sylvatica) Observations: Mature beech with a substantial fungal fruiting body present at the base of the stem, visually consistent with Ganoderma spp. Sounding of the lower stem with a sounding mallet produced a pronounced hollow response extending from the base to approximately 2 m above ground level on the road-facing side, indicating potentially significant internal dysfunction and decay within the lower main stem. The defect is located within the tree?s primary load-bearing region, where the main stem transfers crown loading into the root system. Decay or loss of sound wood in this area is therefore considered structurally significant. The full extent of internal decay and remaining residual wall thickness could not be quantified through ground-based inspection alone. The tree supports a large mature crown and is located immediately adjacent to a public highway, with pedestrians, moving and parked vehicles, and nearby residential properties within the potential failure zone. Recommendation: Dismantle T001 to near ground level. The recommendation is based on the presence of basal fungal decay, the pronounced hollow response extending approximately 2 m up the lower stem, and the location of the defect within the principal load-bearing region of the tree. These findings materially reduce confidence in the tree's long-term structural reliability. Although the tree provides significant local amenity value within the Conservation Area, this is considered outweighed by the extent and structural significance of the identified defects and the potential consequences of whole-tree or basal failure onto the adjacent highway and surrounding targets.
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AT/2026/0246 Awaiting decision
Coniston Lodge Rowdens Road Torquay TQ2 5AZ
Tree is Holm oak, see photos. Photo shows tree and then position in red dot to house Application is to thin the tree by 25 to 30 % (crown) and prune to clear overhead utility cables by 1 m . This work is required every couple of years to keep the tree healthy and so as not to interfere with cables to house.
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AT/2026/0242 Granted
Upton Manor Orchard Upton Manor Road Brixham TQ5 9RB
5 Day Notice Removal of large dead Spruce tree Removal of dead Cherry tree See Photos
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AT/2026/0214 Granted
Alta Vista Higher Warberry Road Torquay TQ1 1SD
Recent emergency approved felling of two older Lime trees in next door neighbour's garden precipitated a check on our own Lime Tree sic. Precautionary Work is requested on Trunk 2 of a large mature Lime Tree in south part of our property. Sketch Plan Lime Tree position refers . The Lime tree has 4 Trunks from ground level - numbering from left to right in provided Photo Lime Tree 1 of 4 Trunk 2. Photo Lime Tree 2 of 4 shows vis discoloration separation of Trunk 2 from Trunk 3. Separation >=12cm August 2026. No previous measurement. Photo Lime Tree 3 of 4 shows southern inclination of Trunk 2 and extended southern branch growth giving increasing weight leverage/imbalance. Photo Lime Tree 4 of 4 shows extent of recent years Beefsteak fungus at base of Trunk 2 - width c 25cms August 2026. Condition of Lime Tree discussed on site with Jamie, Trees in Need who has managed bi-annually maintenance on our trees for c 20 years. Fungal infection currently appears to be on Trunk 2 base but Trunk 2 is closely twinned with Trunk 3 at this level. Trunk 3 is however largely vertical and foliage more balanced and therefore less at longer term risk. So Imminent/emergency danger of Trunk 2 failure not likely but following precautionary action suggested Requested permission for following Action for Trunk 2. Remove all top growth c 6/7 meter level as show in Photo Lime Tree 3 where extended South lateral growth is prominent to provide a largely vertical Trunk with reduced weight /leverage . Continue to monitor Trunk 2 & 3 separation and Fungal growth.