A detailed planning application has been submitted which, if granted consent, would see 35 high quality apartments built on land at Middlepoint on Falmouth's Pendennis Headland.

The formal application to Cornwall Council comes four months after the proposals were put on display in Falmouth's council chamber and the public was invited to view them and give feedback to the developers, who are the de Savary family.

That initial eight hour consultation attracted around 70 people who, it was claimed, gave "overwhelmingly positive" responses to the plans. A model of the proposals was subsequently commissioned and was used

to explain the scheme to Falmouth councillors and the town's Civic Society.

The application has now been submitted by Amethyst Planning on behalf of Middle Point Developments, a de Savary family company. "The de Savary family have a very positive track record in Falmouth having been instrumental in the development of Port Pendennis, Falmouth Docks and Pendennis Shipyard," said a spokesman.

The proposed development at Middlepoint would see 35 high quality apartments housed in seven uniquely designed low rise buildings "subtly blended into the natural setting." Parking would be located underground and a separate reception building would include a pool, spa and wellness facilities.

"The arrangement of the apartments with underground parking will minimise the visual impact of the development by virtue of its 23 per cent site coverage and natural coastal vegetation between the buildings," added the spokesman. "Supplementary tree planting and low light levels will enhance the natural habitat for wildlife in and around the site.

"The design and choice of materials provides an opportunity to create an architectural landmark building," added the spokesman. "It represents a major investment in Falmouth which will provide construction employment and ongoing work opportunities in support and maintenance services as well as spending in the wider economy.

"The scheme has evolved over a number of years during which different design approaches have been investigated and consultations carried out, to arrive at a design which provides the right balance of development, benefit to the community and environmental improvements."

The defective underground storage tanks would be removed and contamination treated so as to remove the source of pollution of the Carrick Roads. A financial contribution of £800,000 would be made towards affordable housing in Falmouth and other financial contributions will also arise from the development to support education, transportation infrastructure and enhancement of outdoor spaces in Falmouth.

"This is a brown field site which is a continuation of Falmouth docks and as such is appropriate in principle for residential development," said the spokesman, "It has been identified by Cornwall Council in their strategic assessment of housing land availability and the scheme is fully compliant with the National Planning Policy Framework."

The plans will now formally come before Falmouth Town Council's planning committee before eventually being decided by Cornwall Council. Once the application has been registered, the public will be able to have their say online at cornwall.gov.uk.