Homequay House Falkland Road Torquay TQ2 5LU
Specification: T4, Holm Oak. Have this tree crown - reduced to give a height of 6m, and a spread of 5m.T4, the Holm Oak, is a multistemmed overgrown bush, once part of a hedge; it is growing on the top of a retained bank, with the busy rear area of the adjacent Carlton Hotel below, and a garage immediately to its west, with a consequently restricted root-run. Its canopy - a block of foliage - is starting to obscure views from the apartments. Given the vigour with which Holm Oak grow in Torbay, and its restricted position, I would recommend that it is crown-reduced to allow it to be retained in situ; as if it is left, it will continue to grow, destabilising the retaining wall over which it stands.NB, the Torbay Council interactive mapping shows a TPO'd tree at this location, identified as a Sycamore. While there are young sycamore trees adjacent, the TPO dates from 1975 (ref 1975.19) - fifty years ago; so the Holm Oak is not TPO'd. It is however legally protected by virtue of being within the Belgravia Conservation Area.