Controversial plans to build a four storey block housing six flats on a site overlooking Penryn River have been beaten by people-power after local councillors stepped in to speak against the scheme following pressure from local residents.

Nick Voller and David Tonkin’s application for the land at 20 North Parade went before Cornwall Council’s central sub-area planning committee last week when councillors had been recommended to approve it by case officer Dan Mitchell.

Their proposal would have seen five two-bedroom and one three-bedroom apartments built on the site which currently houses a four-bedroom bungalow and a one-bedroom self-contained flat with garden.

In supporting the application, Mr Mitchell said: “It is considered that the development of this site within the built up area of Falmouth would not be significantly harmful to the character or appearance of the area.

“It is acknowledged that the development would, due to its increase size and position being deeper into the site, have a negative impact upon the amenities of the occupiers of the bungalow at 22 North Parade, but when applying a reasonable assessment of the development it is considered that the benefits of the new development, providing new homes on a previously developed site in a sustainable location, outweighs the harm caused to the neighbouring property which given time may also come forward in the future to be redeveloped at a scale greater than the current situation as is proposed on this site and has already been approved at numbers 18 and 24 North Parade.

“On balance the redevelopment, whilst acknowledging that at this point in time additional harm would occur for the neighbour in terms of loss of river views, and impact due to increase scale and different siting, is considered to be acceptable.”

The plans, though, had generated considerable opposition from people living nearby including neighbour Paul Smith, and also from Falmouth Town Council, Falmouth Civic Society and the local conservation areas advisory committee.

The chairman of the town council’s planning committee, Grenville Chappel, attended last week’s meeting to speak against the proposal as did Cornwall Councillor Candy Atherton who had stepped in at short notice to speak on behalf of Councillor Hanna Toms.

As a result, the county committee voted unanimously to reject the application claiming it would have an “unacceptable overbearing impact” upon the amenities of the occupiers of 22 North Parade and would constitute an overdevelopment of the site, detracting from the character and appearance of the area.

Mr Smith, who lives at number 22, said after the meeting: “It would have been a tragedy if this ugly four storey block had been allowed, being only 200 metres from the edge of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and on a picturesque route into Falmouth which is enjoyed by residents and visitors.”