Plans to create a roof terrace at Falmouth's Wetherspoon's pub have been thrown out by Cornwall Council because of the impact it could have on neighbouring residents, but the pub chain has said it may appeal the decision.

The company applied for consent for the terrace, which would measure just under 260 sq m, and said there would be no public address system used outside nor any live or piped music of any kind. It would be closed at 10pm.

However, Michelle Cowie, an environmental protection officer at the council, raised concerns that noise emanating from the terrace would affect nearby residents. She said: "In my experience Falmouth has a very busy and vibrant night time economy which is to a great degree fuelled by the large student population of the town.

"In my opinion the predicted usage scenarios for the terrace beer garden have been underestimated, especially in the summer months, and the usage will be much more in turn producing higher sound levels."

She added: "In my professional opinion and experience I have significant concerns regarding the use of the roof area as a terrace/beer garden. I believe that the noise levels produced by patrons will have an adverse impact on the health and quality of life of residents in the vicinity of the premises. It is therefore recommended that the identified adverse effects are a material consideration when determining the planning permission.”

Further concerns over the impact the development would have on the conservation area were also raised with a claim the roof terrace would harm it. A spokesman for historic environment planning added: "This building although it is not listed it is in a prominent location within the Falmouth Conservation Area and is post 1932 Art Deco building.

"The curves of the front, the spectacular staircase and panelling in the building all contribute to the architectural character."

In response, K D Paine & Associates Ltd, agents for Wetherspoon's, said: "The overall significance of the current public house building cannot be underestimated and we appreciate the conservation officer's concerns to keep the building in its present form.

"It is inaccurately referred to as a 'Post 1932 Art Deco building'. We must demolish the argument that this is an example of a historic Art Deco building as the current building was constructed between August 2001 and March

2003, for the current applicant and freehold owner J D Wetherspoon. The building is 14 years old."

Falmouth Town Council had supported the application providing there were no admissions to the terrace after 10.30pm and that it was closed by 11pm and that sound reduction boards were fitted at the rear to reduce the impact of noise levels to residents at Mount Edgecombe Terrace.

Despite this, Cornwall Council has refused the application claiming it would generate noise disturbance that is harmful to residential amenities of neighbours, including 4 Mount Edgecombe Villas and flats 1-5 at 3

The Moor, and would cause "less than substantial harm" to the conservation area.

That may not spell the end of the plans, though. Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “ We are disappointed with the decision. We are keen to add the roof terrace to the popular pub and will look to appeal the decision.”