Protected tree pruning at 3 Steed Close, Paignton

Summary of planning committee decision

Decided by Torbay Planning Committee on 2 Mar 2026.

AT/2026/0037Approved

What was proposed

The application sought targeted crown reduction of a protected Horse Chestnut tree within adopted highway land.

“Application Site Address Within Highway Verge Forming Boundary to Brixham Road to SW Of 3 Steed Close, Paignton…”

“Proposal Targeted crown reduction to a protected Horse Chestnut tree growing within the adopted highway…”

Officer report

The site and tree

The tree stands on adopted highway land beside Brixham Road and Steed Close.

“The application relates to adopted highway land forming the boundary with Brixham Road and the boundary of Steed Close. The tree species is Horse Chestnut.”

Officer report

Why the work was sought

Minor pruning was proposed to address a common-law nuisance from overhanging branches, following discussions with affected residents.

“The proposal seeks consent for minor tree pruning works, specifically crown reduction, in order to abate a common‑law nuisance arising from encroaching overhanging branches.”

“The works are proposed following discussions between SwisCo and the residents affected by the tree.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval with conditions controlling when and how the tree works would be carried out.

“In this case, the limited and targeted nature of the proposed works is considered to strike an appropriate balance between maintaining the amenity value of the tree and addressing the reasonable needs of adjoining occupiers, and the proposal is therefore considered to accord with the above policies, subject to conditions controlling the timing and standard of works.”

“Work Standards All works shall be carried out in accordance with British Standard BS 3998:2010 Tree Work – Recommendations and the European Tree Pruning Guide (2001).”

Officer report

Consultation and representations

No representations had been received when the report was prepared.

“At the time of writing, no representations have been received.”

Officer report

The committee decision

The committee approved the application subject to the reported conditions and delegated authority for final drafting and new material considerations.

“1) the conditions as outlined in the submitted report with the final drafting of conditions delegated to the Divisional Director of Place Strategy; and…”

“2) the resolution of any new material considerations that may come to light following Planning Committee to be delegated to the Divisional Director of Place Strategy, including the addition of any necessary further planning conditions.”

Minutes

Sources

  • Torbay Planning Committee minutes, 2 March 2026
  • Agenda and papers (council website)

Source: Plota analysis of Torbay's committee minutes and officer report. Quotations are the council's own words; headings and summaries are Plota's.

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At the meeting

Council
Torbay
Date
Monday 2 March 2026
Recommendation
Officers recommended approval
Committee decided
Approved
Minutes
The council's minutes
Meeting
Agenda and papers (council website)

This committee's year

7 decisions in the 12 months to this meeting.

Source: Plota analysis of the committee's minutes.

Every decision by this council's committees →