Traders threatened with eviction from their units at Jennings Road in Penryn are celebrating after a Cornwall Council committee threw out the plans this afternoon.

The group of small business owners faced the loss of their premises after the landowner looked to sell the site for a new Home Bargains discount retail warehouse, but members of the council's Central Sub-Area Planning Committee voted against the plans by 10 votes to none, with one abstention.

One of the group described the decision as a "weight off our shoulders."

Penryn Town Councillor Chris Smith, who was at the meeting, said the doors could now be open to the traders buying the units from the current owner.

The application had been recommended for approval by Cornwall Council planning officers, despite objections from the traders, locals, and Penryn Town Council.

Town councillors had objected to the loss of industrial units and replacement with retail as it went against Cornwall Council's own Local Plan, currently in development, which clearly states the Kernick Road area should remain for industrial use.

The traders had argues against the loss to the economy of around 40 skilled jobs to be replaced by low-wage, part-time work, the knock on effect to the local supply chain and economy, and the lack of other suitable spaces in Penryn and Falmouth.

Home Bargains could still appeal the council's decision.