One lime tree re-pollarding at Playing Field at Willand
Summary of planning committee decision
Decided by Mid Devon Planning Committee on 9 Sept 2026.
What was proposed
The application sought consent to re-pollard one Common Lime tree protected by a Tree Preservation Order.
“Proposal: Application to re-pollard 1 Common Lime tree protected by Tree Preservation Order 97/00012/TPO”
“Application to re-pollard 1 Common Lime Tree protected by Tree Preservation Order 97/00012/TPO.”
Officer report
The site and tree
The tree stands beside the recreation ground, residential properties and a vehicular turning area, on council-owned park land.
“This application relates to a Lime tree, which is subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO). It is on the north west boundary of Willand Recreation Ground, adjacent to Somerville Park. The recreation ground is leased to Willand Parish Council, however the boundary and trees remain located on Council-owned park land to the south of Wyndham Road. The tree is sited close to adjoining residential properties and a vehicular turning area in Somerville Park.”
Officer report
Earlier tree work
Earlier applications included notifications to pollard the lime tree and reduce or pollard other protected trees.
“16/01354/TPO - CLOSED date 6th September 2016 5 day notification to crown reduce 1 Oak tree by 3m, crown reduce 1 Oak tree by 5m, and pollard crown of 1 Lime tree protect by Tree Preservation Order 97/00012/TPO”
“17/01624/TPO - CLOSED date 6th October 2017 Five day notification to pollard 1 Lime tree protected by Tree Preservation Order 97/00012/TPO”
Officer report
What consultees and neighbours said
Willand Parish Council supported the work for safety and suggested avoiding bird nesting season; no representations had been received.
“WILLAND PARISH COUCIL - Willand Parish Council leases this side of the playing field from Mid Devon District Council with the District Council retaining responsibility for the boundary, including the trees.”
“No representations have been received at the time of writing this report.”
Officer report
What members considered
The Area Team Leader explained that previous pollarding had failed, causing tree damage and limb failure, and that re-pollarding aimed to prevent further damage.
“The Area Team Leader outlined the contents of the report by way of a presentation and highlighted the following:-”
“The application related to a common lime tree on the edge of Willand Recreation Ground to re-pollard the tree. • The tree was maintained by Mid Devon District Council. • The tree had been pollarded in the past however those works had failed with some damage to the tree and limb failure occurring. • The recommendation was to re-pollard the tree to allow it to carry on as best as it could to ensure that further limb damage was unlikely to re-occur.”
Minutes
The committee decision
With no discussion, the committee resolved to grant consent, proposed by Councillor G DuChesne and seconded by Councillor B Holdman.
“There being no discussion it was RESOLVED to grant consent.”
“(Proposed by Cllr G DuChesne and seconded by Cllr B Holdman)”
Minutes
Conditions on the work
The work must be completed within two years and carried out by an appropriately qualified tree surgeon using specified arboricultural guidance.
“The works hereby permitted shall be carried out within two years of the date of this consent.”
“All works shall be carried out in accordance with BS3998:2010 Tree Work Recommendations and/or European Pruning Guide (AA Guidance Note. 5) by an appropriate experienced and qualified tree surgeon.”
Officer report
Sources
- Mid Devon Planning Committee minutes, 9 September 2026
- Agenda and papers (council website)
Source: Plota analysis of Mid Devon's committee minutes and officer report. Quotations are the council's own words; headings and summaries are Plota's.
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See the API →At the meeting
- Committee
- Mid Devon Planning Committee
- Council
- Mid Devon
- Date
- Wednesday 9 September 2026
- Recommendation
- Officers recommended approval
- Committee decided
- Approved
- Minutes
- The council's minutes
- Meeting
- Agenda and papers (council website)
- Application
- View application →
- All decisions
- Mid Devon committee decisions →
This committee's year
29 decisions in the 12 months to this meeting, 4 against officer advice.
Source: Plota analysis of the committee's minutes.