A controversial retrospective planning application for a holiday let at Pennance Mill Cottage near Maenporth has been refused by Cornwall Council.

The application by local firefighter Martin Addinall, to retain a detached garage for use as ancillary accommodation and a holiday let, was refused 12-1 by councillors, with two abstentions.

Falmouth town councillors had already raised concerns over the retrospective manner of the plan when it came before them in September, although as Cornwall Council accepts such applications they could offer no objection.

The development was originally granted permission for Mr Addinall and his wife to use as ancillary accommodation while work was carried out on the main cottage.

In objections to the application, several members of the public stated that they believed it was always Mr Addinall’s intention to apply for the change of use.

Sally Ould submitted an objection, which said: “I am concerned as the property is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and this could set a precedent which is potentially harmful to the status of the area in environmental terms.”

Making its decision to refuse the application, Cornwall Council said: “The use of the building as holiday accommodation does not constitute an expansion of an existing tourist and visitor facility and lies in the open countryside where proposals for new holiday accommodation is restricted.”