The owners of the Royal Duchy Hotel in Falmouth have been granted permission to build extensions and add an outdoor swimming pool despite objections from some neighbouring residents who claimed the plans would lead to an overdevelopment of the site.

The development represents a “significant investment” by Brend Hotels and will result in an additional 21 guest bedrooms along with an upgrade of the Royal Duchy's dining and leisure facilities.

Existing garage and storage space at the rear of the hotel will be demolished and replaced with two storeys of bedroom accommodation, new stairs and a lift. Beneath this will be staff bedrooms, a staff room and a reconfigured laundry.

The new outdoor swimming pool will be created within the existing landscaped gardens to the front of the hotel which will be upgraded. The pool will be installed on the eastern end of the terraced lawn with users being able to benefit from views over the bay while retaining privacy from Cliff Road thanks to its elevated and screened position.

Falmouth Town Council had supported the planning application and now Cornwall Council has ruled in the hotel's favour, but conditions have been attached to the consent.

Included in these is one which limits the time when work can take place at the site in a bid to minimise the potential for disturbance to those in the area. This states construction and demolition can only occur between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday and 8am until 1pm on Saturday. No work is permitted on Sundays or Bank Holidays without prior consent from the council.