MORE than a dozen protesters gathered in Mylor Bridge this week to raise awareness of a mighty 150-year-old oak tree that, they say, is in danger of being felled.

Group organiser Andrew Marston and his daughter Ruby, took to the tree on Wednesday November to secure signs asking people to comment on planning application PA23/08068, which has been submitted for a housing development on land at Little Greystones Farm next to Robert Rundle Way.

Gilbert & Goode, which is part of the Ocean Housing Group, has submitted plans for a housing estate of 37 affordable properties on land at Little Greystones Farm, Mylor Bridge, near Falmouth.

Falmouth Packet: The proposed affordable homes in Mylor The proposed affordable homes in Mylor (Image: Gilbert and Goode)

Mylor Parish Council's planning committee is due to meet to discuss the application next Tuesday, November 21 at 7pm. The public are invited to attend.

The protestors say the plans for the 37 homes, require the felling and removal of trees including a mature oak tree which, measuring 3.6m around its girth, is at least 150 years old.

Falmouth Packet: Andrew up the 'threatened' tree with a signAndrew up the 'threatened' tree with a sign (Image: Supplied)

Andrew says: ‘The developers say they have no option but to fell this tree which, as a semi-mature oak, is just coming into its own as a huge carbon store.

"In the past housing development took place around trees such as this. We think there are plenty of other options such as creating an access road to the north of the existing housing, or protecting the roots with a load spreading road surface.’

"We’ve put the signs up to make people aware of what’s planned and to give them the chance to air their views.’

Andrew added: ‘The Parish Council is holding a meeting on November 21 (in the Ord-Statter Pavilion at 7pm) so comments need to be in before then.

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"Please come along and have a say – residents’ voices need to be heard on the planned development and on the trees and hedgerows that seem to be at risk."

The planning application includes landscaping, surface water management, on-site road access and footpaths, vehicle parking, refuse and cycle provision, public open space provision, together with details of a single point of vehicular access off Robert Rundle Way and several smaller pedestrian access points around the site.

The 1.8 hectare site is currently four vacant fields, lying adjacent to the boundary of Mylor Bridge. The site was identified as the preferred direction of growth in the Mylor Neighbourhood Development Plan for residential development.

A statement highlights that the houses would be 100% affordable and available for local people who meet the local connection criteria, as social rent or to purchase via shared ownership. The social rent homes will be owned, managed and maintained by Ocean Housing with rent set at between 40% and 60% of the market rental rate.