Planning application
AT/2026/0169
Norton Lea Solsbro Road Torquay TQ2 6PF
Proposal
T001 - 1x Mature Holm Oak Reduce the height of 1x Primary stem by approximately 6.0 metres, leaving a final height of the stem at approximately 12 metres. Radial crown spread to remain un-affected at all compass points. All works shall retain the tree's main framework and natural form, maintaining a high proportion of the foliage-bearing structure. All final pruning cuts shall be made at suitable growth points in accordance with BS 3998:2010 Tree Work - Recommendations. Individual pruning wounds shall not exceed 100 mm in diameter & pruning cuts made at suitable growth points in accordance with BS 39982010 Tree Work - Recommendations. 1x Primary stem exhibiting a large tear at the union - Sectionally dismantle back to the first suitable primary union to reduce the risk of failure while retaining the remaining tree structure where practicable. Works are specified to reduce weight loading and sail area on the affected stem whilst retaining a balanced and structurally appropriate crown form. Area Tree Preservation Order & Conservation Area Justification The proposed works relate to 1x Mature Holm Oak (Quercus ilex) identified as T001. The tree forms a prominent landscape feature, and the proposed works have been carefully specified to retain the tree's overall amenity contribution, natural form, and long-term viability whilst addressing identified structural concerns within the crown structure. Arboricultural justification- One primary stem is exhibiting a significant tear and structural weakness at the union, increasing the likelihood of stem failure under continued wind loading and canopy weight. The proposed reduction and partial dismantling works are therefore considered necessary on arboricultural and safety grounds in order to reduce mechanical stress, weight loading, and sail area acting upon the affected stem which in turn will increase the likelihood of whole stem failure. The proposed works comprise the reduction in height of the affected primary
As published by the council, reference AT/2026/0169
Timeline
Dates from the published record
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6 Jul 2026
Received by Torbay
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23 Jul 2026
Validated
Checked as complete and ready for consideration.
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1 Aug 2026
Added to PlanIndex
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Decision
Awaiting decision
The statutory target is eight weeks for most applications and thirteen for major development. Extensions of time are common.
What happens while it is decided
The process from here
This application is with Torbay for determination. The council publicises it, consults neighbours and technical bodies where required, and weighs the responses against local and national planning policy.
The statutory target is eight weeks for most applications and thirteen for major development, though extensions of time are common. Comments carry most weight while the case is undecided, so check the council portal for the deadline if you want to respond.
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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P/2026/0139 Granted
Millbank Solsbro Road Torquay TQ2 6PF
First floor extension on south west elevation (rear).
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P/2020/1047 Refused
Stuart Lodge Rousdown Road Torquay TQ2 6PB
Conversion of part of first floor to form two 2-bedroom flats including addition of dormer windows to northeast elevation.
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P/2026/0143 Awaiting decision
Ambrook Rousdown Road Torquay TQ2 6PB
Repairs to Flat 3 balcony, including replacing corroded steels and repairs to balcony deck. Reusing existing materials. (See accompanying LB P/2026/0144).
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P/2026/0144 Awaiting decision
Ambrook Rousdown Road Torquay TQ2 6PB
Repairs to Flat 3 balcony, including replacing corroded steels and repairs to balcony deck. Reusing existing materials. (See accompanying PA P/2026/0143)
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AT/2026/0157 Granted
Protea Seaway Lane Torquay TQ2 6PW
5 Day Notice Fell - Dangerous tree. Has sufferred significant structural deterioration following the failure and subsequent removel of a large scaffold limb. Inspection has revealed extensive decay and rot affecting the main stem and lower structure of the tree. The loss of the major limb has exposed a substantial wound through which decay organisms have become established. The presence of Kretzschmaria deusta (brittle cinder fungus) at the base of the tree, together with symptoms consistent with advanced root and butt decay. Due to the close proxmity to the public highway on Seaway Lane it presents an unacceptable danger to highway users, pedestrians and property.
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AT/2026/0186 Awaiting decision
Timbertops Seaway Lane Torquay TQ2 6PS
Reason for Works The subject tree is a self-seeded, semi-mature Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) of limited individual landscape and public amenity value. The tree has developed as a twin-stem specimen and has previously been reduced, resulting in a modified crown form. The tree is situated in close proximity to the dwelling and adjacent driveway, where continued growth is creating an increasing spatial relationship conflict with the property. The canopy extends over the driveway, resulting in regular accumulations of leaves, seeds and other organic debris. During periods of wet weather this contributes to a slippery surface requiring ongoing maintenance to maintain safe access to the property. The tree does not form part of a significant landscape feature, avenue or important visual group and is largely screened within the residential setting. Due to its self-seeded origin, previous management history and limited contribution to the wider character of the Conservation Area, its removal is not considered likely to result in a material loss of public amenity. Whilst cyclical pruning could temporarily reduce canopy spread, it would not resolve the underlying relationship with the dwelling or prevent the recurring accumulation of seasonal debris on the driveway. Continued pruning would also necessitate ongoing management of a species that responds vigorously to reduction. Removal is therefore considered to represent the most appropriate long-term management solution. To mitigate the loss of canopy cover, the applicant is willing to undertake replacement planting with a more suitable ornamental tree in an agreed location if considered appropriate by the Local Planning Authority.
Other trees applications
In Torbay
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AT/2026/0183 Granted
Torre C Of E Academy Barton Road Torquay TQ1 4DN
We are planning to conduct emergancy tree work on a dead tree at Torre Church of England Academy, Barton Road, Torquay, TQ1 4DN
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AT/2026/0194 Awaiting decision
Cedars House Cedars Road Torquay TQ1 1SB
T1 remove epicormic growth on main stem up to height of adjacent wall (2m) T2 pollard at 4.5m.
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AT/2026/0190 Awaiting decision
19 Luscombe Close Paignton Torbay TQ3 3GQ
T1 - Sycamore rear of 19 Luscombe rd - Section fell to ground level due to it out growing the space where it is growing. T2 - Sycamore - Remove limb approximately 150 mm in diameter, crossing over garden, due to being over extended and tip heavy.
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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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AT/2026/0192 Awaiting decision
Woodsome Woodend Road Torquay TQ1 2PZ
T001- Holm Oak - Sectional Dismantle, See tree survey for justification.