Around 100 residents and members of the Save Our Falmouth group gathered on Monday evening to debate the controversial proposals to create 275 student bedrooms on the site of the Ocean Bowl complex.

The meeting, held in Ocean Bowl's restaurant, saw residents voice a host of concerns over the proposed development which is to be further debated by members of Falmouth Town Council's planning committee when they meet at 6pm on Monday, July 11.

One of the main concerns of residents is the "imbalance" the development would create within the local community where there is already Maritime Studios, Arwen House and several HMOs. "If this went ahead then the percentage of students to residents would be approximately 75 per cent

students to 25 per cent residents," said Save Our Falmouth's Tracy Boulton.

Other concerns raised included parking problems that it is claimed would be generated, the loss of the bowling alley which was described as a "valuable community asset" and an amenity for both locals and tourists; and the inclusion of such facilities as a gym, cinema and cafe which could affect trade at local businesses.

The size of the building is also opposed. Tracy added: "The overwhelming over development of the site would have a tremendous impact to the appearance of the area, the tower being of most concern, with residents losing their daylight and privacy. They already endure the noise and disturbance from the Maritime Studios, and this development has more than twice the number of residents than there."