18 Vansittart Road Torquay TQ2 5BW

Proposal

Reduce the height of most of the split trunks of the laurel and bay on the southern boundary to a height more resembling a hedge (6 to 8 feet) and leaving one or two main trunks at a greater height to permit a phased approach to establishing a hedge of more native and ecologically beneficial plants - hawthorn, blackthorn, crab apple and maybe dog rose. Fell miscellaneous trees on the northern boundary of the site. These overgrown hedges/shrubberies create excessive shading to the gardens of numbers 18 & 20 Vansittart Road and the building situated at number 16 Vansittart Road. Because of the nature of their growth they have little or no amenity value and do not contribute in any positive way to the conservation area. Moreover, it is likely that, in time, these shrubs/trees will have a detrimental impact on the natural stone boundary walls that themselves do contribute to the nature of the conservation area It is proposed to plant individual smaller native trees such as crab apple, hawthorn, hazel as well as fruit trees etc. away from the natural stone boundary walls themselves and replant the hedges with a mixed species of hedging plants to provide a habitat more favourable to native birds, insects and animals. The position of the shrubs/trees is shown on the accompanying sketch with the principle overgrown examples (Numbered 1 to 10 on sketch plan) indicated. Photographs are attached indicating the degree of shading at approximately midday on 30 March 2003 and also the nature of the more significant shrubs/trees of both species.