Council Officers Recommend Confirming Tree Preservation Order for Kingsteignton Forest

Teignbridge District Council’s Planning Committee will consider the Tree Preservation Order protecting Kingsteignton Forest at its meeting on Tuesday 27 January 2026, starting at 10.00am, at Forde House, Newton Abbot.

The published committee report makes clear that Council officers are recommending the Tree Preservation Order is confirmed in full, without modification.

Officers conclude that the woodland has exceptionally high public amenity value and that there was a genuine and credible risk of premature clearance. They advise that the TPO is therefore both necessary and expedient in the public interest.

What the report says about the woodland

According to the committee report, the site is a mature, self-seeded broadleaved woodland that has regenerated naturally since historic mineral working ceased prior to the 1890s. Officers describe it as a substantial and continuous block of woodland within the urban area, providing landscape, ecological and recreational value.

Independent arboricultural assessment rated the woodland at the highest amenity level, reflecting its size, visibility, ecological importance and contribution to the character and wellbeing of the area.

The report also recognises the woodland’s role in screening residential areas from industrial activity, including an active clay processing plant and associated operations. Officers note that the trees help soften visual impact, absorb noise and reduce other unpleasant side effects arising from quarry-related activity, which is a key component of its amenity value.

Public support acknowledged by the Council

Ahead of the meeting, Teignbridge District Council has publicly confirmed the scale of community engagement on this issue.

In a message shared by the Council, officers stated:

Teignbridge District Council would like to thank everyone who contacted us about the Tree Preservation Order (TPO) for woodland at Kingsteignton Clay Works. At the time of writing the committee report we had received 170 emails from local residents and members of the public in support of confirming the TPO.

All these representations have been read and considered, and are noted in the report that the Planning Committee will consider at their meeting on Tuesday 27 January 2026.

The report summarises the concerns raised by residents, including the importance of the trees for wildlife, visual amenity, noise and dust screening, and the wellbeing benefits of having woodland close to homes.

Why the TPO is being recommended

Officers explicitly address objections from the landowner and make clear that historic mineral permissions do not override the Council’s statutory duty to protect amenity. The report explains that the purpose of the TPO is not to prevent lawful mineral extraction, but to prevent avoidable or premature woodland clearance and ensure that any tree removal is properly justified, proportionate and subject to public scrutiny.

On that basis, officers advise that confirming the Tree Preservation Order is justified, necessary and consistent with national and local planning policy.

Attend or watch the meeting

Members of the public are welcome to attend the Planning Committee meeting in person:

📍 Planning Committee
🗓 Tuesday 27 January 2026
⏰ 10.00am
🏛 Teignbridge District Council, Forde House, Newton Abbot

The meeting will also be livestreamed. The agenda and live stream link are available here.

The full committee report and supporting documents can be viewed on the Council’s website.