A builder's plans to create additional parking at a Penryn housing estate has been approved by Cornwall Council, following several failed attempts to fell a landmark pine tree on the land.

WJ Ladd builders had repeatedly applied for permission to chop down the large Monterey pine, citing safety concerns, and following work to the crown had applied for permission to add additional parking to the site, with the incidental effect of also felling the tree.

After that was refused, the firm submitted a revised planning application, which included the retention of the pine, and which has now been approved by Cornwall Council.

In a design and access statement accompanying the application, architects Alan Leather Associates wrote: "This is not the first application to seek additional vehicle parking on this site. An application was recently refused due to the removal of the Monterey pine tree, so this is a slightly revised scheme that takes on board the planning authority’s comments."

It added: "It is the applicant’s intention to build an improved scheme that benefits local residents. The vehicles that currently park on the pavement and road at Vinery Meadow make access, and turning for larger vehicles difficult. In a more

serious situation it could cause a problem for emergency services to attend the site.

"The applicant seeks to provide better and more adequate parking provision for the development, which will affect the residential area as a whole."

The plans, which will increase the number of spaces 10, plus two visitor spots, to 14 plus four will now allow two places per home, and was conditionally approved by Cornwall Council's planning officers.