Appreciation: Cedrus libani var. atlantica 'Aurea'--How Big Will it Grow

This new tree I purchased was identified on this forum as C. libani var. atlantica 'Aurea'. The nursery owner who seemed like a very experienced old timer, told me that it was a 'dwarf atlas cedar' and that I could pinch it back if I wanted. It's definitely not the deodoro. Now my gardening teacher and landscape design teacher both told me it's a common mistake to plant a cedrus in too small a space. Consequently I'm very hesitant to put it in the ground. This one is currently about 5 feet tall and 2.5 feet wide. My planting space allows for about 8 x 8 feet before it would encroach on my walkway and driveway. Found one reference "Aurea' is slow growing and conical with needles having a yellowish undertone." Any thoughts?