Plans for a new artificial sports pitch and pavilion at Falmouth School have been given the green light by Cornwall Council, although with shorter opening hours than originally proposed.

The plans had been opposed by the school's neighbours, who claimed that it would cause too much noise and light pollution in a residential area, but Cornwall Council's central sub-area planning committee approved the plans at a meeting on Monday.

Cornwall Councillor David Saunby, who represents Trescobeas Ward, said: "This was most probably the most difficult planning applications I have dealt with since being a councillor. I would have preferred to have seen a referral to look more closely at the Budock Hospital site, and the issues related with it, which was the site identified and purchased for the original application.

"Residents opposite the stadium pitch were very fearful of noise issues that could arise, and also the lateness of which the 3G pitch would be in use seven days a week giving them very little respite."

He said new opening times for the centre had been changed from those originally proposed, from 9.30pm to 8.30pm on weekdays, 6pm to 5pm on Saturdays, and remaining the same at 4pm on Sundays.

He added: "It was also agreed that any noise issues above the required levels causing distress to residents would be rectified immediately by the school.

"I also believe that this will be great asset to the town, despite the reduced hours per week."

Falmouth School's director of sport, Jem Wallis, said: "This is such good news for Falmouth. We have worked with the community over the last three years to get this facility and we would like to thank all of those who have supported us. The future for sport in Falmouth is now secured for generations to come."