PLANS to convert a former pub at Boslowick in Falmouth into a Co-operative supermarket have won the support of town councillors who claim there are no planning reasons to refuse them despite an objection from a neighbouring convenience store.

The national chain, which pulled out of Falmouth when it sold its store at Ponsharden to Sainsbury’s in 2009, is keen to re-establish a presence in the town and has its eyes on The Clipper Way, which closed late last year.

The planning application seeks consent to make alterations to the pub frontage, install a new shopfront and an ATM, create 20 parking spaces and also build a small “infill” extension to the front of the property.

The new store would create 20 full and part time jobs and would have a sales area of around 2,000 sq ft.

When the application went before Falmouth Town Council’s planning committee on Monday night, no-one attended to oppose the proposals and councillors were told only one letter of objection had been received and that was on behalf of McColls, which has a store opposite.

Councillor Steve Eva said: “It seems to be the fact that that objection has come from another shop and competition is not a planning reason to object to anything. Personally, I think it’s a use of a building and I see no reason not to support it.”

Councillor Rowenna Brock added: “I think it’s a use for a disused building that’s only going to deteriorate further and it will create jobs. I think it will be an amenity for the community.”

The committee agreed to recommend Cornwall Council approve the application, but want a condition which ensures the refuse area is covered to protect it from seagulls and the wind.

The application has prompted responses from seven people on Cornwall Council’s website, with all but one of them objecting to the new store.

Lorna Curnow asks: “Will the council take into consideration the huge amount of traffic that this will generate?

“The site is at the end of a highly populated area with two primary schools at the top.

“Already it is a busy area with a mini roundabout in a residential area especially during school runs.

“Can they imagine what a nightmare it could be like with deliveries and the parking?

“The shops have been part of the Boslowick area for many years and have served the area sufficiently, why change it with another supermarket that is not needed?”

Judith Cocking, however, said she was in support of the supermarket being built there and that she believed it would have no adverse affect on the local shops.

Judith said: “The supermarket at Boslowick serves perfectly well for sweets, papers, tinned goods and toiletries but, has a poor selection of fresh vegetables and meat.

“The Co-Op would bridge this lack of provisions and I am looking forward to shopping there. There is ample parking within the area to accommodate all shops. I think it will be an asset to the area.”