National Trust under fire for Trelissick car park plans

An artist's impression of how the restored walled garden at Trelissick could look

Plans for a new car park at a National Trust property near Falmouth have been named "the most objected-to planning application ever in the area".

The proposals are for a 250-space car park and new pedestrian crossing at Trelissick House and Gardens at Feock.

The chairman of a neighbouring company said the plans had attracted a "barrage of objections".

The National Trust said it wanted to give access to everyone, while conserving the property.

The charity's plans included the restoration of its historic walled garden and conservation of important buildings.

The proposed new car park is designed to take visitors away from these areas as well as the stately home's listed parkland. 

The charity said the plans had been considered in consultation with the local parish council, neighbours and businesses for a long time.

However, David Stoyle, chairman of the King Harry Steam Ferry Company, emphasized the number of objections to the plan, many about road safety and climate change.

He said: "The proposals have received a barrage of objections, giving it the dubious honour of being the most objected-to planning application ever in the area.

"As well as the AONB and more than 100 objections from the public, the Campaign for the Preservation of Rural England has also lodged their opposition."

A spokesperson for the National Trust said: "Transforming Trelissick is an ambitious project that will look at redesigning the car park, building facilities, restoring woodland, creating better access and reinstating the historic walled garden."

"As a conservation charity," they said, "we are always balancing conserving this special place whilst ensuring access for everyone, forever.

The proposal is expected to be discussed by a council planning committee in February.