Planning application
Graylings Bascombe Road Brixham TQ5 0JX
Works: Trees
Relates to AT/2026/0070
Still open. Anyone can comment while the consultation period runs, and comments go to the council rather than to us.
Proposal
Tree ID: T1 - Beech (Copper Beech) as identified under the Modified Schedule of TPO 2025.005. Proposed Work: Sectional dismantle to ground level and reinstate 1x Ginkgo biloba standard at the southern end of the grounds as indicated on the attached sketch plan. Reasons for Work: Incompatible Spatial Relationship & Mutually Agreed Pruning Failure: The main stem of this 50ft tree stands within a critical 1.2 metres of the residential property, overhanging the building ridge line by 6-7 metres. In Case AT/2026/0070 (Page 2-3, Sec 8, 11), the Council's Tree Officer explicitly ruled that the pruning works required to achieve safe, long-term structural clearance from the roof would remove over 30% of the leaf-bearing volume, risk fatal 'sun scorch damage' to this thin-barked species, and invite decay. Because the physical proximity to the house is absolute, and the council formally agrees that the pruning required to clear the building is physiologically destructive to the asset, long-term retention under BS 3998 is entirely unviable. Arithmetic Defect in Standalone Amenity Scoring (True Score: 14):The TPO was confirmed subject to modifications on 12th December 2025, legally isolating the Beech tree as 'T1'. The collective evaluation score was benchmarked at the absolute minimum threshold of 15 for each property, but inflated by artificially combining data across two properties where the protected trees on each site are situated some 200 feet apart. In the confirmation report (Page 3), the council explicitly accepted the applicant's formal objection regarding local tree density and issued a 1-point reduction (-1) to the category score. Because the modified order must protect T1 on its standalone merits, its true standalone arithmetic score is 14. Torbay Council's local framework dictates a minimum score of 15 to justify a TPO. T1 falls below the threshold and its ongoing retention is procedurally unjustified. Minimal Public Landscape Contribution: Situated ......
As published by the council, reference AT/2026/0218
Application record
- Reference
- AT/2026/0218
- Type
- Works To Tree Within TPO
- Status
- Registered
- Received
- 17 Aug 2026
- Validated
- 7 Sep 2026
- Ward
- Churston With Galmpton
- Decision by
- Delegated
- Postcode
- TQ5 0JX
Site history
Applications at this address on the Torbay register
This site has had 4 applications since 2026: 0 approved, 1 refused.
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P/2026/0290 Awaiting decision
Graylings Bascombe Road Brixham TQ5 0JX
First floor extension to front with Juliet balcony, increase size and shape to front dormer, open porch to front door, changes to window type/materials, mulitple roof lights to rear roof, alterations to existing rear extension, windows and doors.
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AT/2026/0070 Refused
Graylings Bascombe Road Brixham TQ5 0JX
T001 - 1 x Copper beech (Fagus sylvatica purpurea) - Reduce to tree in height from 13m to 11m not exceeding wounds of 75mm, and radial crown spread from 6.5m to 5m not exceeding wounds of 75mm. Crown raise tree to give a maximum clearance of 2.5 metres from the property. Justification for works - The tree has been reduced historically and has responded well resulting in limited amenity loss and a better relationship between tree and property.
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AT/2026/0061 Withdrawn
Graylings Bascombe Road Brixham TQ5 0JX
T001 Copper beech (Fagus sylvatica purpurea) - Sectionally dismantle and fell. T001 is situated approximately 1.2 metres from the dwelling, with 6?7 metres of canopy overhang, resulting in physical interference with the building, retaining wall damage consistent with root expansion, shading of habitable rooms, and ongoing maintenance burden . Although assessed as a tolerable risk, its retention would require repeated pruning that is considered unsustainable and likely to compromise its long-term form . The report also notes that the tree?s public visibility and wider amenity value are limited, with substantial surrounding tree cover maintaining local character . Replacement planting in a more suitable location within the garden is recommended , ensuring continued tree cover without the existing structural conflict or adverse impact on the enjoyment of the property.
Timeline
Dates from the published record
-
17 Aug 2026
Received by Torbay
-
7 Sep 2026
Validated
Checked as complete and ready for consideration.
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17 Sep 2026
Added to PlanIndex
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Decision
Awaiting decision
Decision expected by 2 November 2026, 8 weeks from validation under the statutory target for most applications. Extensions of time are common and are agreed case by case.
Torbay took a median of 61 days over the applications it decided in the last year.
Related applications
Cases linked to this one on the register
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AT/2026/0070 Refused
Graylings Bascombe Road Brixham TQ5 0JX
T001 - 1 x Copper beech (Fagus sylvatica purpurea) - Reduce to tree in height from 13m to 11m not exceeding wounds of 75mm, and radial crown spread from 6.5m to 5m not exceeding wounds of 75mm. Crown raise tree to give a maximum clearance of 2.5 metres from the property. Justification for works - The tree has been reduced historically and has responded well resulting in limited amenity loss and a better relationship between tree and property.
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 happens while it is decided
This application is with Torbay for determination, against a statutory target of eight weeks. Over the last year Torbay decided tree works applications in a median of 49 days. More in our guide to how long planning decisions take.
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
-
Broadwaters Bascombe Road Brixham TQ5 0JX
T1 - Mature Lime tree on the Northern boundary of the garden. Application to fell the Lime and replant with smaller species trees.
Refused Trees 5 docs -
Orchard House Bascombe Road Brixham TQ5 0JX
Demolition of existing dwelling and construction of replacement dwelling, detached garage with parking, landscaping and associated works.
Granted Full applications DemolitionDomestic -
9 Broadsands Road Paignton TQ4 6JX
Formation of roof extension with dormers to South East & North West elevation. Formation of decking with balcony to rear. (Revised plans received 20.01.2022)
Withdrawn Householder Extension Loft or dormer 16 docsDomestic -
3 Warborough Road Brixham Devon TQ5 0JY
Demolition of attached garage and formation of single storey extentions to front and rear; formation of new detached double garage and workshop.
Withdrawn Householder Demolition 10 docsSmall domestic -
8 Tor Close Paignton TQ4 6LB
Formation of two storey extension to side.
Granted Householder Extension 17 docsDomestic -
24 Tor Close Paignton TQ4 6LB
Conversion of garage, first floor side extension over existing garage, construction of single storey rear extension, solar panels to the rear and changes to fenestration.
Granted Householder Extension Windows or glazingSmall domestic
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.