There was standing room only on Monday when Trevor Osborne set out his plans for the newly renamed 'Innovation Studio' for Porthleven.

He joked that it was either a poor night of TV or he might expect a "public execution" as he tried to address some of the concerns raised over his last application for the shipyard, which was refused by Cornwall Council.

Mr Osborne said: "We would prefer to avoid an appeal and we therefore put very careful thought to some of the points made. Not all of them, because some were entirely abusive."

He described the arguments over size and scale as "fair enough opinions." As a result, architect Duncan Isherwood said there was around a 30 per cent reduction in size to 315 square metres and the height was now lower than the Harbour Head buildings at 6.7 metres, compared to 7.6 metres previously suggested. The colour would be the silver-grey natural timber all over.

Mr Osborne said due to the reduction in size, it would now accommodate around 50 jobs rather than 70.

He continued that if given planning permission in a separate application, he would create a 100-space car park at Tolponds, along with light industrial units. Bicycles would be available to rent for a £1 deposit, returned in Porthleven village.

Should there be another storm, boats could be stored there.

Addressing the concerns last time of the Porthleven Fishermen and Boat Owners' Association, he said this group had now unanimously agreed to support the revised plans - although this was later clarified by mayor Andrew Wallis, on behalf of the association, who said the votes had been unanimous in not objecting but "not objecting doesn't mean supporting."

Mr Osborne said Porthleven was "an eclectic collection of buildings" that made up its character and "we need to consider that we are going to build this building in 2018 - not 100 years ago, not 2030, but now, to reflect our time. It will reflect its new use.

"I love Porthleven. Why would I wish to spoil something in which I have invested heavily and carefully over four decades?"

He also pointed out there had been "no interest in maritime businesses in the shipyard for nearly 40 years," aside from one recently that he had found a place for.

Mr Osborne reminded those gathered that when he first visited Porthleven at Easter 40 years ago, as he considered taking over the Porthleven Harbour & Dock Company that controls the harbour and village, it had been difficult to get a room in the then-Harbour Hotel and there was no chance of food, as it didn't really open until May.

"This was a dying village. It was derelict. The condition of the properties was appalling and the harbour not much better.

"It was a place full of history, I was quick to learn and be told. There was great tradition here, which I have always recognised. But it was a dying village," he said.

Fast-forward four decades and he added: "Today Porthleven, some would say, is the envy of Cornwall. Just up the road is Helston with its empty shops; an abundance of charity shops - and heaven knowns I support charity, but they're not a way to run a local economy."

In Porthleven there were only independent traders and the local economy was built on hospitality and tourism - but he was now looking to the future.

"We're in a new era of technology. New ideas are making big business," he said, adding that Porthleven needed to be a part of this, and it was this thinking behind the Innovation Studio.

The public then had a chance to speak, with Tyler Smith who lives in The Monterey, who had concerns about the new access road that would come out onto Methleigh Bottoms, where the road was only 5.5 metres wide and there was a single footpath of 1.2 metres.

Julian Waring, who lives at Methleigh Bottoms, asked for consideration from the highways department over the speed of cars on that road combined with the new exit junction.

Brian Arrowsmith said he worked in the tourist industry and was regularly told by visitors their favourite thing about Porthleven was "it's how it used to be - old fashioned."

He added: "With that at the Harbour Head, it will look like a pimple. We're not talking about size. It just looks horrible."

Mr Osborne did also receive support, from Dick Powell who commented on the "right sort of opportunities for our young people," and Julia Schofield who spoke of the help she had received from Mr Osborne for her business, adding: "I think we should be grateful someone has the courage of his convictions. This building gives work and opportunities for the next generation."

The biggest applause of the night came for the port's mayor, Mr Wallis, though when he said: "There's no denying Mr Osborne has helped Porthleven to thrive. But we should look at this as an individual building. My concern is, once it's there you can't take it back.

"If there was a proven need you might have a different level of support. But there's no economic impact assessment. There's no proof these types of jobs are needed and sustained in Porthleven."

Mr Osborne promised to give "due consideration" to all concerns raised, in particularly those regarding the new access point.

Should permission be granted, he would give very careful consideration to the building schedule, so that the most disruptive work on the Harbour Head would be planned not to coincide with the peak summer season.

He guaranteed that under no circumstances would the building become a hotel.

Mr Osborne said afterwards: "I was delighted to see nearly 100 people at this public meeting, and although many were broadly supportive, some issues and concerns were raised which we will, of course, give very serious consideration to.

"I hope those present are now clear that I am committed to creating an exceptionally well designed building which will, in time, come to be admired and appreciated as a landmark building at the heart of the village.

"I would like to thank everyone who took part in what I think was a very positive and useful forum."

Currently just a pre-planning discussion, he promised to submit a full application "at the earliest opportunity."