Torbay/AT/2026/0072

Location

Approximate location

Proposal

Justification for Felling T2 and T3 Pittosporum1. Species Unsuitability for the LocationBoth T2 and T3 are Pittosporum, a species generally used as ornamental screening shrubs. They are not suitable for long-term retention as large trees in a confined, built-up commercial setting. When allowed to grow beyond their intended size, Pittosporum develop:- Weak, multi-stemmed forms- Shallow, spreading root systems- Poor structural resilience under loadThis makes them unsuitable for retention near buildings, walls, and guest areas.2. Structural Damage to the Retaining WallThe trees are causing active structural damage to the stone wall at the hotel entrance. Signs include:- A full-height vertical split- Outward displacement of masonry- Root pressure from behind the wallIvy-laden stems worsen moisture retention and decay.This represents direct physical damage, which is a valid and accepted reason for felling within a TPO Area.3. Foreseeable Risk of FailureThe combination of:- Root pressure against a failing wall- Multi-stemmed, ivy-laden crowns- Suppressed growth formcoupled with proximity to the hotel entrance, driveway, and pedestrian routes, creates a foreseeable risk of partial or complete tree failure. In a hotel environment with constant public access, the acceptable risk threshold is low.Pruning would not resolve the underlying structural issues and could accelerate decline, contrary to BS3998:2010.4. Limited Management OptionsCrown reduction would not relieve root pressure or stabilise the failing wall.Repeated pruning would create large wounds and increase the risk of decay.Root pruning is not feasible without destabilising the trees or further damaging the wall.Retention would require wall reconstruction, which cannot be safely undertaken while the trees remain in place.Felling is therefore the only proportionate and practical option.5. Replacement Planting CommitmentTo uphold the amenity value within the TPO Area

Key dates

1. Received 9 Mar 2026
2. Validated 9 Mar 2026
3. Started 9 Mar 2026
4. Decided 28 Apr 2026

Planning history / related applications

No related planning applications have been identified in the current public OGL dataset.