South Ridge Middle Lincombe Road Torquay TQ1 2NE

This site has had 2 applications since 2024: 1 approved, 0 refused.

• AT/2024/0210 Granted

  South Ridge Middle Lincombe Road Torquay TQ1 2NE

  Tree 2 Monterey pine - Remove. Reasons (see attached 2 reports) The relationship between the tree and hard surfacing in the neighbouring property to the east is poor. Attempts to reduce the nuisance by re-surfacing have been carried out and have now become degraded and failed - incremental growth from the primary tree roots recorded is clearly damaging the surface. Root pruning options have been explored and have concluded that removal of the existing large diameter primary roots will lead to unacceptable negative impacts and structural instability. The declining physiological condition of the tree limits options for management. Any significant root pruning is likely to accelerate the spiral of decline of the tree. Dominic Scanlon has made contact with the Tree Officer Oliver Bennett to discuss the above.

  Decided 25 Sep 2024 Trees

1. 28 Aug 2026

   Received by Torbay

2. 1 Sep 2026

   Validated

   Checked as complete and ready for consideration.

3. 2 Sep 2026

   Added to PlanIndex

4. 26 Sep 2026

   Status changed to Awaiting decision

   Previously Registered.

5. Decision

   Awaiting decision

   Decision expected by 27 October 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.

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 53 days. More in our guide to how long planning decisions take.

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.

• Rozel Middle Lincombe Road Torquay TQ1 2NF

  AT/2026/0001 Submitted 5 Jan 2026 50 yards away

  T1 - Mimosa - Reduce height to previous pruning points 8m Approx (see annotated photo) and shape accordingly. Consider as cyclical works on a 3 year basis, due to poor form from previous works. G2 - Post-mature group of Portuguese Laurels - Coppice all stems to a height of 2m - So can be managed as a group of "trimmed shrubs" by the 'in-house' gardening team going forwards

  Refused Trees

• Holmwood Lincombe Drive Torquay TQ1 2LP

  AT/2021/0203 Submitted 4 Jun 2021 100 yards away

  Eucalyptus (T1) - fell because of extensive decay within the lower part of the stem. Tree targeting house and car park for local residents. Two neighbouring trees Oak and Magnolia will benefit from lack of competition. Leylandii (T2) - fell because of slenderness and asymmetrical crown overlapping neighbouring ornamental palm. Replant with Common Hornbeam. The tree is not visible to the wider public. Sweet Chestnut (T3) - 2 metres crown reduction because of slenderness occurring on the crooked stem, decay and hollow within the lower part of the stem. The tree is not visible to the wider public.

  Granted Trees 4 docs

• Kennett House Lincombe Drive Torquay TQ1 2LP

  AT/2026/0036 Submitted 23 Jan 2026 100 yards away

  T1 - Large post mature Horse Chestnut situated on the Eastern boundary, adjacent to Hesketh Road Steps. The tree shed it's lowest primary limb in July 2025 blocking the public steps. This has left the tree with large limbs to the East exposed to potential failure from adverse weather, presenting a further risk to the public. Works - Re-pollard at the historic pollard points (approximately 10m) - See annotated photographs.

  Granted Trees
  Small domestic

• 7 Ashleigh Court Torquay TQ1 2LW

  P/2021/0323 Submitted 18 Mar 2021 100 yards away

  Formation of two storey side extension & new entrance to side.

  Granted Householder Extension 17 docs
  Domestic

• Longcroft Higher Lincombe Road Torquay TQ1 2EY

  AT/2026/0073 Submitted 5 Mar 2026 100 yards away

  T1 Ash (Fell, stump to remain) T1 is an Ash tree that, based on its size, was clearly planted after 1967 and therefore does not fall under historic TPO protection. The upper crown of the Ash is directly interfering with the first-order branches of the adjacent Oak, disrupting its natural crown architecture and long-term structural development. Felling is required to prevent ongoing suppression and deformation of the Oaks primary scaffold limbs. The stump must remain in place, as removal would damage the Oak?s structural root plate, which provides essential anchorage and stability. T2 Oak (Repollard) T2 is an Oak that, from its size, was evidently planted after 1967. The crown shows visible decline, with reduced vitality and dieback consistent with stress and age-related retrenchment. Repollarding is recommended to reduce biomechanical loading, slow the decline process, and retain the tree safely within its setting. This approach aligns with BS3998:2010 guidance for managing declining pollards. T3 Oak (Coppice following failure) T3 has already suffered partial failure due to a combination of structural and physiological defects. A large vertical cavity in the lower stem indicates advanced internal decay, and the loss of key structural components has left the remaining sections unstable. Bark and sapwood deterioration, combined with exposed, non-adaptive tissues, show a very low likelihood of recovery. The tree presents a clear risk of further failure, and pruning is not a viable mitigation. Coppicing is advised to reduce risk while allowing regrowth from a stable base. T4 Mimosa (Fell) T4 is a Mimosa that, based on its size, was planted after 1967 and is not visible to the wider public. The tree?s slender form and limited structural robustness make it unsuitable for long-term retention. Felling is appropriate due to its low amenity value, limited public visibility, and species-specific structural limitations. T5 Lawsons Cypress (Fell) T5 is a Lawsons

  Granted Trees

• Summerhill Higher Lincombe Road Torquay TQ1 2EX

  P/2026/0479 Submitted 3 Aug 2026 100 yards away

  82% historically approved · decision due ~5 Oct

  Non-Material Amendment to P/2025/0826. Amendments sought: Amendments to footprint of approved Orangery, simplified garden steps, omission of windows on rear and east elevation.

  Awaiting decision Amendments Extension Windows or glazing

• 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.

  Received 22 Jul, published by the council 12 Aug 2026 Trees
• 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.

  Received 25 Sep, published by the council 2 Oct 2026 Trees
• 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.

  Received 25 Sep, published by the council 2 Oct 2026 Trees
• 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.

  Received 25 Sep, published by the council 2 Oct 2026 Trees
• 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.

  Received 3 Aug, published by the council 12 Aug 2026 Trees