Plans to install a balcony along the entire length of the Shipwrights bar, above Custom House Quay basin in Falmouth, are being opposed by town councillors.

Falmouth Town Council's planning committee was told on Monday night that a planning officer at Cornwall Council was negotiating a change of the plans with the applicant, St Austell Brewery, but until new plans were submitted members would need to make their recommendation based on what was before them.

The plans put before them this week were seeking consent to create the balcony as well as make various other internal and external alterations to the Shipwrights and neighbouring Chain Locker pub, which the brewery recently bought and want to "rationalise" to bring the bars into a single operation.

Councillor Rowenna Brock said: "That is a really important area of Falmouth. It's lovely that St Austell Brewery has got it because its a local brewery in Cornwall so I want to support them, but I do not want to make a decision just to support the local brewery."

Councillor Alan Jewell said: "I think it (the balcony) would dramatically change it (the area) but where or not that change is acceptable is the question."

The committee then unanimously agreed to recommend that Cornwall Council refuse the application as it stands claiming the proposed balcony would not be acceptable in the conservation area.

The brewery's plans also include the demolition of a lean-to store and brick wall, replacing the external metal fire escape and reinstating two blocked windows. Internally, a new commercial kitchen would be created on the first floor along with a new private dining room for customers. The existing cellar and ladies' and gents' toilets on the first floor would be relocated.