Arboriculture (Trees)

The English Riviera

The setting of Torbay owes as much to its tree-clad landscape as it does to its magnificent coastline.  From wooded slopes of the Victorian suburbs of Torquay to the open landscapes surrounding Paignton and Brixham, trees are a vital part of the picture whether from distant views or close at hand.  Trees either standing as individuals, in groups, or as woodlands, have a significant effect on our quality of life by providing direct and indirect benefits.  In addition, they provide a habitat for wildlife such as birds and bats, and are important in bringing nature into an otherwise largely man-made environment.

Many of the trees in urban areas originate from natural woodlands and hedgerows, but those of possibly even more importance are the numerous fine specimen trees which were planted in the last century to landscape the new estates then being laid out.  In both cases the preservation of existing mature trees and the continued growth of young trees, is of prime importance in maintaining Torbay's attractive character through the passing of time.

For this reason, many trees in Torbay are protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) under the Town & Country Planning Act 1990.  Additionally, trees in Conservation Areas are automatically given similar protection status.  Nevertheless, this protection is not itself enough to prevent the loss of trees on new developments.

Torbay Council is now a Unitary Authority, with responsibility for Highway trees in addition to those in Parks and Public Open Space, Woodlands, and on other Council-owned land.

The Arboricultural section within Planning & Development Services deal specifically with trees within privately owned properties, trees covered by TPOs, trees within the boundaries of Conservation Areas, trees affected by development and High Hedges.

Tree Protection Status

Local Planning Authorities have powers to protect trees by TPOs.  There are also special provisions for trees within Conservation Areas.  All types of tree, including hedgerow trees (but not hedges), bushes and shrubs can be covered by a TPO.

Most people are aware that trees can have some kind of protection to prevent them being cut down, but mystery, myth and apocryphal tales are rife.  However, when it comes to trees, as with anything else, ignorance is no defence in Law.

How do I know if a tree is protected?

You can contact the department by using the contact details above

Once you inform us of the address of where the tree is situated, we will then be able to tell you whether a tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order, lies within a Conservation Area, or is subject to a Planning or Landscaping Condition.  For more information on tree protection, please click on Tree Preservation Orders

New Homeowners

If you are purchasing a new property, your solicitor should be able to inform you if any of the trees within the property’s boundary’s are protected.  Torbay Council currently has a leaflet available to provide advice for new homeowners, to view this, please click on the link below.

If you need more information regarding trees on a development site, please click on Trees and Development

If you need more information regarding Part 8 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003: High Hedges, please click on High Hedges

Related Documents

Protected trees within a property's boundary

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