The design of a proposed development in a Falmouth cul-de-sac which would turn a bungalow into a two-storey house, has been described as having the “Marmite effect” with people either loving it or hating it.

Comments made on Cornwall Council’s planning website, show several other residents of Tredynas Road are not keen on the application, but Falmouth Town Council’s planning committee last week voted by four to one, with one abstention, to support the plans.

The proposals are to refurbish 8 Tredynas Road and build an extension to provide first floor living accommodation, with a balcony and rooflights. In the design and application statement which accompanies the application, it says: “The design is innovative and will bring the appearance of the dwelling up to modern design standards. It is considered that the design is of a high quality and the finished form of the development will have a positive impact on the surrounding built environment.”

Neighbours, however, disagree. Lynn Grimes wrote: “Tredynas Road is a small cul-de-sac and any alteration to any of the properties should be considered very carefully.

“The alterations to number eight will totally change the characteristic of the road and the design will be overwhelming. It is out of keeping and no other property in the road has a flat roof or 'box' design. I totally object to the proposal.”

June and Roy Slade said: “Context is wholly out of keeping with a mature style of houses in this cul-du-sac. The flat roof will be the only one in the road. Falmouth has a major problem with seagulls nesting and breeding, especially on flat roofs this is unneighbourly with a noise factor from the gulls who do not have a time schedule.”

When the application went before the town’s planning committee, councillor Rowenna Brock said: “I think it’s brave and interesting. It’s forward thinking and it’s of its time and that’s important. I like it.”

Councillor Steve Eva added: “You either like it or you don’t. They are big houses up there and I cannot see how it’s affecting them. It’s fresh, it’s new and we are going to have a lot more of these coming our way over the next couple of years.

“I see nothing wrong with it. I can understand if it’s refused, but I am going to support it.”

Councillor Diana Merrett, though, did not agree. “The design, I would have thought, would have suited an area somewhere on the coast, but not in Tredynas Road. I am not happy with it at all. It is a brilliant design, but not for that area. This is going to throw the whole area out of synch.”