An appeal to save a child's treehouse was withdrawn in the interests of neighbourly relations yesterday (Tuesday).

Chris Sharples built a treehouse for his daughter at their Brynberrian home,and secured the structure using cables to avoid damaging the ash tree.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park refused retrospective planning approval after they were alerted to the half-finished, unauthorised structure last year.

Mr Sharples' appeal against the decision was the subject of an informal four hour hearing yesterday, but following a site visit and discussions with his neighbours he decided to pull the tree house down and withdrew the appeal.

Inspector Timothy Morgan ventured up the tree and walked nearby footpaths during the hearing, and heard representations from the Authority, Mr Sharples and his neighbours.

The Davies family who own land adjoining Mr Sharples' property said the treehouse would affect their privacy as they went about their work. They were also concerned the treehouse would prejudice any future plans to convert a nearby outbuilding into a dwelling.

Farmer Berrian Davies said it would be difficult to herd sheep and cattle past the tree house if someone was standing up there He said: "It would be impossible. The presence of people using the platform at a vital time for us during sheering or lambing would effect us greatly."

Michael Thorne, who represented Mr Sharples, said he was bemused at the notion of frightening stock as a planning issue, and the yard was not used very often.

He added the treehouse was harmonious with its surroundings, and a minor development in an isolated location.

Responding to the allegation that the overlooking treehouse was intrusive, Mr Thorne said: "I'm somewhat bemused that Pembrokeshire farmers are so sensitive that a treehouse for a child would make their work place uncomfortable."

Arwel Williams, representing the National Park, stated the structure would have a harmful impact on the landscape and character of the area, and could set a precedent, He said: "The treehouse is totally out of keeping with the traditional buildings nearby."

Following the meeting Mr Sharples said: "I'm going to take it down.

"I had no idea it would cause all this animosity. I thought I was taking on the National Park. I don't want to fall out with my neighbours, I didn't realise they felt like this.

"As a neighbourly gesture I'm going to take it down."

Mr Davies was glad to draw a line under the whole situation.

He said: "I'm happy its over. We will be able to live and work near the Sharples.

"If you live in a place like this it's important that we pull together."

It is thought the treehouse will be removed within a month.