National Trust appeals parking development refusal

National Trust has applied to extend car parking at one of its sites in Cornwall

The National Trust has appealed a decision to refuse a planning application for it to expand one of its car parks in Cornwall.

The trust applied to increase parking at its Trelissick estate at Feock, near Truro, to meet "growing visitor demand".

It also said it would help prevent queuing cars, which has been known to cause traffic to back up on the B3289 at peak times during the summer.

In May, a Cornwall Council committee refused permission for the trust to increase parking at the site by 104 spaces to 524.

The application said it would alter the current car park to include 299 spaces and create an additional 225-space car park on woodland and orchard space on Dicky Lane on the opposite side of the road, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The plans included a pedestrian crossing leading from the new car park to the house, gardens and riverside parkland.

'Key tourist attraction'

Councillors at the planning committee said they were "concerned" the plans would lead to tailbacks and delays as well as passengers and emergency vehicles missing ferry crossings.

The committee heard how the plan received over 120 public objections with just three in support.

The National Trust said: "The proposal will ensure that Trelissick Gardens, as one of Cornwall’s key tourist attractions, is able to provide in a safe and sustainable manner, for the growing number of visitors to the region and residents living in the region.

"In doing so, the proposal will deliver material benefits to the regional economy, including by the retention of its employees, who will benefit from a safer, less stressful and more accessible place of work."

A planning inspector has been appointed to oversee the appeal. All those who previously objected received notice on 6 November and all new and further representations must be made by 9 December.