Plans to build a 69-bed complex for the elderly, along with a new community centre, at Bosvale in Falmouth have been approved on appeal - a move which has been described as both "positive" and "devastating."

Falmouth Rotary Club, which owns the site, has been working with the Abbeyfield Society on the scheme which will now see the "extra-care" homes built. Following opposition from local residents, led by Kathryn Philpott, and the town council, Cornwall Council rejected the proposals, against officer recommendation, and this decision was the taken to appeal by Abbeyfield.

A government inspector has now allowed the appeal and granted outline planning consent for the development, which includes a replacement community centre for the Bosvale Community Association.

In his report, inspector RJ Marshall says: "I place substantial weight on the provision of the additional residential accommodation proposed. This is because of the acknowledged need for accommodation of this type in the area and the support in the Framework for the provision of a type and range of accommodation to reflect local demand.

"I fully acknowledge the concerns locally of losing this area of open space. However, in quantitative terms its retention cannot be justified. And the proposed development could be undertaken in a way that would not detract from the character and appearance of the surrounding area and it offers the prospect of acceptable alternative open space provision."

He also states the development would not detract from the character and appearance of the area and believes it would not be harmful to the living conditions of some neighbours.

While the Rotary Club is delighted with the result, residents are not and have vowed to continue their fight.

Rotary spokesman, Nigel Druce, said: "We have had so much publicity about the need for ordinary family housing and housing for students so it's really nice to have some good news as far as our elderly people are concerned. We sometimes feel older people's needs are not high on people's agendas."

He added that over the next three months Abbeyfield will refine the plans and are looking to apply for detail planning consent in the new year. Tenders will then be sought next summer and the aim is to have the development "up and running" in 2019.

Mr Druce also stressed that Abbeyfield's plans only account for about one third of the site so Falmouth Rotary will be consulting with local residents on what happens with the remainder of it. "We see this as positive for everybody," he said. "The rest of it is going to be public access so we want to explore how that access should go. We would like Kathryn to come on board so we can make scheme the best it can be."

Mrs Philpott, though, said the news of the inspector's decision was "devastating" and added: "We are going to set up a meeting to discuss a possible way forward with local residents, and seek advice from a professional land consultant.

"This planning application was turned down all the way from parish to county. Public opinion was to keep this little field for future generations to enjoy, now we are to face more concrete in such a peaceful and beautiful little field, the only one left in the community. "We will continue to fight on to save our Falmouth from becoming urban sprawl."