Plans to create one large roundabout at Union Corner in Falmouth are back on track after Cornwall councillors backed the scheme at a meeting on Thursday.

The scheme looked in doubt after the council’s strategic planning committee referred a decision last month following concerns raised by local residents and town councillor David Saunby.

An emergency meeting was convened between the interested parties and a new lay-out was proposed.

This includes a new access for the residents of Woodman’s Corner and the creation of two lanes of traffic leaving Bickland Water Road, as opposed to the original scheme which showed two lanes entering the roundabout from the direction of the bypass.

Steve Gudge, Cornwall Council’s major project officer, told last week’s meeting of the strategic planning committee: “We listened very carefully to what the committee were saying to us about the scheme proposed and listened very carefully to what was being put forward by the residents and the safety officer.

“We have been away, met with various people and have come back with some proposals that address the issues that were raised by the committee.

“This is quite an important development in that area because it is going to help mitigate some of the effects of committed development in the area, but also it’s a key scheme in the development of Falmouth School.”

The meeting heard that Martyn Rosevear, of Woodman’s Corner and Falmouth Town Council had withdrawn their objections to the original scheme. Brett Miners, head teacher of Falmouth School, also reminded councillors that the roundabout scheme was integral to it being able to proceed with plans to sell off its field at Union Corner, buy the former Budock Hospital site and create enhanced sporting facilities for the community.

Councillor Derek Elliot, though, said: “I am all for development and all for the school, but what I am against is the complete waste of money when it will not make any difference whatsoever to Bickland Water Road traffic, which does pile back.”

Councillor Neil Hatton added: “I can see the overall benefits that can be achieved, but still have this uncomfortable feeling about the sheer growth around the Falmouth area and the traffic implications of it.”

Councillors subsequently agreed by 20 votes to one to give delegated authority to the head of planning and enterprise to approve the application subject to it being referred to the National Planning Casework Unit (NPCU) and the unit confirming that Cornwall Council can determine the application.

Work is expected to start in the new year as the scheme has to be completed by July or the council will lose out on £1.6million of funding from the Department for Transport.