Norton Lea Solsbro Road Torquay TQ2 6PF Data via plota.co.uk

AT/2026/0169 - Works To Tree Within TPO Approved

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… Data via plota.co.uk

View original council record ↗Last checked

Application progress

Received
23 Jul 2026
Approved
3 Sept 2026

Approved on 3 Sept 2026 · Delegated · Last checked 7 Sept 2026

Site constraints 5

Chelston conservation area
Demolition needs planning permission and permitted development is restricted.
The council must give weight to preserving or enhancing the area's character and appearance. Not every council has published its boundaries as open data.
Council document ↗
Tree preservation order: Areas around Chelston Road, Torquay
Consent is needed before work on protected trees.
Not every council has published its orders as open data, so no order shown is not proof there is none.
Also on the record
1 listed building within 150 m; Special area of conservation 432 m away: Lyme Bay and Torbay; Inside the Paignton built-up area.
Not affected
Outside flood zones 2 and 3 · Not green belt · No scheduled monument at the site

Checked on 11 September 2026. Historic England, the Environment Agency, Natural England and council datasets, Open Government Licence. A boundary can run through a site and the council holds the definitive record: confirm with the council before relying on this.

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Important details

Council
Torbay
Application type
Works To Tree Within TPO
Postcode
TQ2 6PF
Received
23 Jul 2026
Validated
23 Jul 2026
Ward
Cockington With Chelston
Case officer
Show
Decision
Approval
Decision date
3 Sept 2026
Decision level
Delegated
Applicant
Show
Agent
Devon Tree Services

How this decision compares

Decided in 42 days from validation, 8 days faster than Torbay's median of 50 for tree and landscaping works. Approved, as 78% of tree and landscaping works here are.

98%decided within 8 weeks
78%approved
160decided in the last year

Plota live figures for tree and landscaping works decided by Torbay in the last twelve months, from validation. Torbay decision record →

Public comments

No public comments yet.

Last counted 7 Sept 2026

Read the comments on the council site ↗

Consultation & key dates

Alt. reference
PP-15064015
Comments by
20 Aug 2026
Env. assessment
No
Torbay
Planning Authority Score
1.9/10
Poor
#276 of 296 councils
Relevant to this application:
Householder decisions

Torbay is one of the slowest councils in England for householder decisions, ranking #276 out of 296. 54% of applications have the time limit extended, above the 41% national average. Householder applications are slightly more likely to be approved here (90%) than the national average (90%).

Among the slowest councils in England
for householder decisions
These figures are council-wide context, not a prediction for this application. View full council performance
Torbay decision statistics
Based on MHCLG data, the year to March 2026
87%
Overall approval rate
Above avg (87%) #183 of 296
90%
Householder approved
Above avg (90%) #197 of 296
37%
Decided in 8 weeks
Below avg (63%) #276 of 296
54%
Extended time limit
Above avg (41%) #247 of 296
81%
Minor dwellings approved
53 decided (1-9 homes)
100%
Major dwellings approved
9 decided (10+ homes)
91%
Change of use approved
44 decided
529
Total decisions
68 refused in the year to March 2026