Ensuring I don't damage tree extending a path (and tree identification)

[BobUK]

I would appreciate some wise words regarding avoiding damaging a tree creating a path.

 

I want to extend a path which previously exited adjacently onto my drive to the pavement. I don't want to use gravel for various reasons. I've removed 20-30cm of earth and exposed a medium (~7cm diameter) and large root (11cm diameter) in a section of the area. From googling, it seems cutting these may be detrimental to the health of the tree, given the size? 

 

Not sure what type of tree it is, the trunk is 33cm diameter, its been there for many years and previously used to be surrounded by conifers now removed form this area. 

 

Using pictures as a reference:

Green shows where existing paving ended.

The blue area is where I plan to just use hardcore, however I read compacting the ground can be bad?

Directly over the roots I could bridge the area with a steel frame and support around the root, use paving pedestals or something similar... however I would still need to cut 2cm from the top of the root to reduce its height (to the same height as the part of the root that's grown under the paving slab).  

 

I just don't have enough understanding about what is likely to be too much for the tree. 

Thanks

 

[sime42]

Good to know I wasn't the only one to enjoy that series of understated comedy gold. Unless I've gone a bit American and missed some sarcasm here.

 

[peds]

[AHPP]

3 hours ago, sime42 said:

Good to know I wasn't the only one to enjoy that series of understated comedy gold. Unless I've gone a bit American and missed some sarcasm here.

 

No. I love it.