A third attempt to win permission to build a Premier Inn in the centre of Falmouth was thrown out by councillors this week.

Members of Cornwall Council's central sub-area planning committee defied planning officer Tim Marsh who had recommended they grant conditional approval to the plans for a 68 bedroom hotel with restaurant and seven parking spaces.

Councillors, though, voted nine to four to reject the proposals, concerned over the impact the hotel would have on residents of Fisher Court.

New Cornwall Developments had a previous application for a 74 bedroom Premier Inn on the Campbeltown Way car park refused by Cornwall Council in December 2012. The company appealed against that decision, but it was upheld by a planning inspector last summer.

The inspector stated the proposed development “would harm the living conditions of the occupiers of apartments 3, 4 and 5 (Fisher Court) through significant loss of outlook.”

The fresh application was subsequently lodged, which the company claimed addressed the inspector's concerns, but councillors did not agree.

Their decision to refuse the application was met with joy by protestors, although it is not yet known whether New Cornwall Developments will again take the matter to appeal.

Councillor Grenville Chappel, chairman of Falmouth's planning committee, said: “We have to wait and see what happens, but we will continue to fight on against the location if it does go to appeal.”

Shaun Davie, chairman of the Falmouth and District Hotels' Association and one of many objectors represented at the meeting by a solicitor, said: “We are really pleased. It is quite likely the applicant will take this to appeal, they are not going to give up, but we just have to wait and see.”

Those opposing the plans are hoping that new information in relation to the demand for car parking in the town will strengthen their case.

“The long term strategy of Falmouth's parking arrangements needs to be addressed,” said Mr Davie.

“Car parking is a big issue for Falmouth. We do not know what is going to happen with the TA site in the future and there is going to be an increase in the number of car parking spaces required.”