St Austell Brewery's plans to update and upgrade Falmouth's historic Chainlocker pub by adding balconies and making other internal and external alterations, have won the support of the town's planning committee.

The proposed scheme would create a new external seating area along with new kitchen store and bin/barrel store. A new staircase would lead from the harbourside to the first floor balcony which will offer customers views across the harbour.

When the plans were put before councillors, Rowenna Brock said: "I lament the loss of the silly back door which everybody bangs their head on which will go because they are going to put a lift in. But, when I look at the plans I don't see any reason to turn them down. The back door, while quaint, was a health risk."

Steve Eva added: "This has been a long time coming. That part of the town is very, very popular, but looks a mess. What St Austell Brewery are trying to do is fantastic. I support it 100 per cent."

The committee is recommending Cornwall Council approves the applications for planning and listed building consent as long as the materials used are as specified within the application, with different render finish for the three buildings, and subject to the approval of the conservation officer.