Planning application
Rowcroft Avenue Road Torquay TQ2 5LS
Works: Trees
Permission granted. Work must normally begin within three years of the decision or the permission lapses.
Proposal
T008: 1x Mature Beech Large buttress roots formed around the base of the tree, situated as focal point for garden area. Tight included union at bifurcation point at 4m, with large ears formed to the north and south, included union on secondary eastern stem at 8m with ears formed to the north and south. Historic primary limb failure at 8m on the western stem, large open wound with limited wound wood formed. Large ganoderma spp brackets growing from cavity to the north on western most stem. Bracket forming in old occluding wound to the south of the wound site on same stem. In striking distance of benches in garden area. Area is used for events in the summer. Tree has had primary limb failure at union at secondary eastern stem at 8m. Tree officer has attended site and agreed on removal, area roped off until TPO application has been approved. Fell tree and replant with Copper Beech.
As published by the council, reference AT/2026/0155
Application record
- Reference
- AT/2026/0155
- Type
- Works To Tree Within TPO
- Status
- Decided
- Decision
- Approval
- Received
- 16 Jun 2026
- Validated
- 18 Jun 2026
- Decided
- 4 Aug 2026
- Ward
- Shiphay
- Decision by
- Delegated
- Postcode
- TQ2 5LS
Site history
Applications at this address on the Torbay register
This site has had 11 applications since 2021: 8 approved, 2 refused.
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AT/2026/0191 Awaiting decision
Rowcroft Avenue Road Torquay TQ2 5LS
T 030 - Multiple stemmed lapsed sycamore coppice. Growing on bank bordering road and in striking distance of third party properties to the north and south. Two primary stems to the north have been pollarded down to 3m. The eastern most stem has since died with large area of bark necrosis at 1.5m - 3m. The northern most stem which has had a primary limb pollarded is in severe decline with bark necrosis to the north at 2m. If the two stems are removed the remaining canopy will be biased totaly to the south and west and will be open to additional wind loading. Recommendations - Pollard to level already established, approximately 3m. Please see report excerpt for photos.
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P/2026/0292 Granted
Rowcroft Avenue Road Torquay TQ2 5LS
Certificate of lawfulness for existing: Confirmation of lawful implementation of development approved under P/2024/0497.
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AT/2026/0055 Granted
Rowcroft Avenue Road Torquay TQ2 5LS
T1: Mature Holm Oak: Crown reduce the height and lateral spread by approximately 3 - 3.5 metres, pruning branch tips back to suitable secondary growth points to retain a natural crown outline. Works to achieve a balanced canopy with no more than one-third of foliage removed in accordance with BS 3998:2010. Tree is heavily leaning towards neighbouring property and the canopy is all weighted in the same direction due to it being a woodland edge tree. The requested works are to help reduce excessive shading within the garden area. The tree is very imposing from the property with its heavy lean towards property and growing from bank at its canopy spread.
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AT/2026/0032 Granted
Rowcroft Avenue Road Torquay TQ2 5LS
T1 - x1 Holm Oak (Quercus ilex) Proposed works: Re-pollard the tree to approximately 6 metres above ground level, being approximately 3 metres above the previous historic pollard points. The tree is a previously managed pollard which has lapsed, resulting in elongated regrowth with increased end-weight. Re-instating the pollard is appropriate cyclical management. The current canopy contributes to excessive shading and loss of light to the adjacent dwelling and garden areas, negatively affecting residential amenity. Significant leaf debris and organic matter from the canopy is accumulating on the house and garage roofs, leading to persistent damp conditions and the development of algae/green growth, increasing maintenance requirements and risk of roof deterioration. The proposed height retains the tree in a sustainable, manageable form, preserving its long-term health and contribution to local amenity. T2 - x1 Lucombe Oak (Quercus - hispanica -Lucombeana?) Proposed works: Remove epicormic growth from the main stem up to the crown break, to a height of approximately 5.5 metres. Epicormic growth is dense and visually intrusive, detracting from the tree?s natural form and the amenity of the site. Removal will improve light penetration to the property and surrounding areas without affecting the main crown structure. Epicormic shoots can form weakly attached growth; removal improves structural clarity and long-term tree management. The works are minor, selective, and will not adversely affect the tree's overall health or amenity value.
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AT/2025/0315 Granted
Rowcroft Avenue Road Torquay TQ2 5LS
T0061 - 1x Mature Beech Tree Sectionally dismantle the tree to leave a retained 4.0 metre monolith, utilising a 55-tonne mobile crane in conjunction with appropriate lowering and rigging techniques to ensure the safe and controlled descent of all sections in accordance with industry best practice and BS 39982010 - Tree Work - Recommendations. All arisings to be removed from site and returned to a Devon Tree Services Ltd depot for recycling, leaving the working area safe, clean, and tidy on completion. Please see attached reports for the justification.
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AT/2024/0301 Granted
Rowcroft Avenue Road Torquay TQ2 5LS
G005 - Common ash - Group of 4 trees adjacent to site access down steep bank with branches overhanging access road. Fell tree. X2 ash trees near back entrance. T0068 - Common ash - Located near large concrete drain. Fell tree. Sectional dismantle and fell. T0095 - Common ash - Tree in highway verge. Sectional dismantle and fell. T1803 - Common ash - Woodland tree located on high side if footpath tree marked with pink spot. Fell tree. T7 / (T1802)- Common ash - Woodland edge tree leaning towards garden area. marked with pink spot Heavy lean towards formal garden area. Cavities X3 at base - good level of reactive butressing. Tree has a 2 dimensional form due to recent tree removal. remove tree Fell tree. T0048 - Common ash - In woodland on high side of footpath. Smaller diameter ash located immediately behind. Historic branch failure on south east side of tree at 7 metres - wound occluding well although partial delamination also noted in immediate area. veteranising the tree at 6 metres from ground level. T0093 - Common ash - Tree in highway verge overhanging dwelling - Vitality poor - tree marked with paint. Fell tree. T0520 - Common ash - In verge adjacent to road.fell tree with low target area. T1801 - Common ash - Woodland tree. Target range includes footpath. Fell tree. T0958 - Oak - will have to be removed at the same time as is being held up by the ash that is being removed T0955 - Common ash - Slender tree with weight bias over footpath. veteranising the tree at 7 metres from ground level. G2 - Common ash x7 - Group 10 of woodland edge trees with a low target range. marked with pink spot. - Remove group of ash. Fell trees.
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AT/2024/0283 Granted
Rowcroft Avenue Road Torquay TQ2 5LS
1 x Holm Oak which is situated on the northern aspect of number 9 Pilmuir Avenue. Re-pollard to previous pollard points at approximately 6 metres above ground level. All arising material shall be removed from site and returned to our premises for recycling. Justification: 1. Cyclical Maintenance: As stated in BS3998 (Section 7.10)., once pollarding is initiated, it should be maintained by cutting new branches on a regular cycle. The frequency of re-pollarding depends on factors like species and site management. This tree's new growth is around 4 metres long therefore in line with the management objectives of the site we are proposing to re-pollard, to manage its size and maintain the intended structure at 6 metres above ground level. 2. Selective Cutting to Avoid Decay: BS3998 emphasises that during each cycle of pollarding, selective pruning is necessary to maintain some live branch material. To achieve this we will not be cutting back past knuckles but to just above to retain some functional material to establish new growth and prevent the spread of long term decay. Summary: The pollarding will reduce the trees overall height from 10 metres to 6 metres above ground level by removing the new growth of 4 metres to the previous pollard points. These sections provide a solid basis for re-pollarding the tree in line with recommendations set out within BS3998, ensuring the health and structural integrity of the Holm Oak in the short to long-term.
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AT/2023/0051 Refused
Rowcroft Avenue Road Torquay TQ2 5LS
3x mature beech trees behind and to the north east of the creative therapies studio. ///digesting.kite.skim. T1. 1x beech tree directly behind studio - Reduce in height by approximately 3-4m to appropriate pruning points. Post pruning height will be approximately 14-16m. Reduce eastern canopy edge to taper in with remaining canopy spread. This will be done by removing 2.5m from the tips of the branches. ///hides.depth.soap. T2. 1x beech tree north east of the studio - Reduce in height by approximately 3-4m to appropriate pruning points. Post pruning height will be approximately 16-18m. Reduce eastern canopy spread by 2m by removing overextending lateral branches back to suitable pruning points. T3. 1x beech tree north west of T2 - Reduce in height by 2.5m to appropriate pruning points. Post pruning height will be 14m above ground level. The finishing height of the tree will fit in with the already narrow canopy spread of the tree. The reductions to the beech are being undertaken as part of the ongoing management f the tree crowns. While the risk is tolerable, we are looking to manage the trees, which have been previously reduced, in line with best practice as recommended in BS3998. The previous reduction have led to cavities at the reduction points and the resulting regrowth has established at point were the structure of the tree has been compromised. The proposed reductions will keep in line with what has been approved and will also reduce the likelihood of primary branch failure in the short to medium-term. This reduction will reduce the likelihood of large wounds being formed post failure and mange the trees in consideration of the built up urban environment within which they are situated. The reduction will not reduce the trees aesthetic value in the short-term but will promote healthy growth and a good structure through on going cyclical management.
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AT/2022/0317 Refused
Rowcroft Avenue Road Torquay TQ2 5LS
On sketch plan: ///ready.split.thudding Too61- beech. Height reduction by c.5-6m (tree 24m and post pruning height will be c.18m). Canopy edges will be pruned reduced by approximately 1.5m- 2m to shape. ///data.defers.political Too62- beech- reduce height by 3-4m (tree post pruning is expected to be 21m in height). Top edges of canopy to be reduced??by??1m??to??shape. 3x mature beech trees behind and to the north east of the creative therapies studio. ///digesting.kite.skim. T1. 1x beech tree directly behind studio - Reduce in height by approximately 3-4m to appropriate pruning points. Post pruning height will be approximately 14-16m. Reduce eastern canopy edge to taper in with remaining canopy spread. This will be done by removing 2.5m from the tips of the branches. ///hides.depth.soap. T2. 1x beech tree north east of the studio - Reduce in height by approximately 3-4m to appropriate pruning points. Post pruning height will be approximately 16-18m. Reduce eastern canopy spread by 2m by removing overextending lateral branches back to suitable pruning points. T3. 1x beech tree north west of T2 - Reduce in height by 2.5m to appropriate pruning points. Post pruning height will be 14m above ground level. The finishing height of the tree will fit in with the already narrow canopy spread of the tree. These trees are referred to as group 3 on QTRA document.
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AT/2021/0206 Granted
Rowcroft Avenue Road Torquay TQ2 5LS
T1 - Ash - Remove to near ground level. This tree is moribund as diagnosed by Devon Tree Services and viewed by Daniel Vickridge (Torbay Council)
Timeline
Dates from the published record
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16 Jun 2026
Received by Torbay
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18 Jun 2026
Validated
Checked as complete and ready for consideration.
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1 Aug 2026
Added to PlanIndex
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4 Aug 2026
Decision issued: Approval
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.
Trade members open them from here.
Open the documentsWhat this grant of permission means
Torbay granted permission on 4 August 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
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Rowcroft Avenue Road Torquay TQ2 5LS
On sketch plan: ///ready.split.thudding Too61- beech. Height reduction by c.5-6m (tree 24m and post pruning height will be c.18m). Canopy edges will be pruned reduced by approximately 1.5m- 2m to shape. ///data.defers.political Too62- beech- reduce height by 3-4m (tree post pruning is expected to be 21m in height). Top edges of canopy to be reduced??by??1m??to??shape. 3x mature beech trees behind and to the north east of the creative therapies studio. ///digesting.kite.skim. T1. 1x beech tree directly behind studio - Reduce in height by approximately 3-4m to appropriate pruning points. Post pruning height will be approximately 14-16m. Reduce eastern canopy edge to taper in with remaining canopy spread. This will be done by removing 2.5m from the tips of the branches. ///hides.depth.soap. T2. 1x beech tree north east of the studio - Reduce in height by approximately 3-4m to appropriate pruning points. Post pruning height will be approximately 16-18m. Reduce eastern canopy spread by 2m by removing overextending lateral branches back to suitable pruning points. T3. 1x beech tree north west of T2 - Reduce in height by 2.5m to appropriate pruning points. Post pruning height will be 14m above ground level. The finishing height of the tree will fit in with the already narrow canopy spread of the tree. These trees are referred to as group 3 on QTRA document.
Refused Trees 5 docs -
Rowcroft Avenue Road Torquay TQ2 5LS
T1: Mature Holm Oak: Crown reduce the height and lateral spread by approximately 3 - 3.5 metres, pruning branch tips back to suitable secondary growth points to retain a natural crown outline. Works to achieve a balanced canopy with no more than one-third of foliage removed in accordance with BS 3998:2010. Tree is heavily leaning towards neighbouring property and the canopy is all weighted in the same direction due to it being a woodland edge tree. The requested works are to help reduce excessive shading within the garden area. The tree is very imposing from the property with its heavy lean towards property and growing from bank at its canopy spread.
Granted Trees -
Hospice Rowcroft Avenue Road Torquay TQ2 5LS
T307 Mature beech to fell and replant with same species in close proximity to same location 10-12cm girth.
Granted Trees 3 docs -
Rowcroft Avenue Road Torquay TQ2 5LS
T1 - Ash - Remove to near ground level. This tree is moribund as diagnosed by Devon Tree Services and viewed by Daniel Vickridge (Torbay Council)
Granted Trees 3 docs -
Rowcroft Avenue Road Torquay TQ2 5LS
T0061 - 1x Mature Beech Tree Sectionally dismantle the tree to leave a retained 4.0 metre monolith, utilising a 55-tonne mobile crane in conjunction with appropriate lowering and rigging techniques to ensure the safe and controlled descent of all sections in accordance with industry best practice and BS 39982010 - Tree Work - Recommendations. All arisings to be removed from site and returned to a Devon Tree Services Ltd depot for recycling, leaving the working area safe, clean, and tidy on completion. Please see attached reports for the justification.
Granted Trees -
Rowcroft Hospice Ellas Gardens Avenue Road Torquay TQ2 5LS
Main Rowcroft driveway ///sectors.interval.headboard T0091. 1x Norway Maple - Remove 2x defective stems, that overhang the neighbouring property, down to historic coppice points at approximately 0.5m above ground level. A 20m mewp will be set up on the main driveway to assist in the removal of the stem along with rigging techniques to control the fall of all cut material and reduce the risk of damage to the surrounding landscape. Some of the lower branches will have to be pruned to provide better access for the works to be carried out. All arising material shall be removed from site and returned to our premises for recycling. Please see attached QTRA as justification of works.
Granted Trees
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.