Trecarn Hotel Palermo Road Torquay TQ1 3NW

Proposal

Justification for Felling T2 and T3 Pittosporum 1. Species Unsuitability for the Location Both 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 load This makes them unsuitable for retention near buildings, walls, and guest areas. 2. Structural Damage to the Retaining Wall The 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 wall Ivy-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 Failure The combination of: - Root pressure against a failing wall - Multi-stemmed, ivy-laden crowns - Suppressed growth form coupled 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 Options Crown 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 Commitment To uphold the amenity value within the TPO Area