PLANS to build a chalet bungalow in a “seriously overpopulated” area of Falmouth have been thrown out by Cornwall Council to the delight of the many local residents who had fought against the scheme.

The application sought consent to demolish the garage at 39 Trevethan Road and build a two bedroom bungalow of “modest size” which it was claimed would provide an attractive home for a small family or professional couple.

When the proposal was discussed by the town’s planning committee, several neighbours attended to voice their disapproval and won the support of the councillors who recommended refusal because of the bungalow’s size and design and the lack of parking in the area.

More than 20 local residents also lodged their opposition on Cornwall Council’s website.

Angela Beale said: “I object to this proposal because it is of a poor, unsustainable design, which would detrimentally affect character of the neighbourhood.

“It is over development, it would exacerbate parking problems in the neighbourhood. It is un-neighbourly and affects the free access of users to their properties and it would overlook the immediate neighbours.”

The Civic Society also opposed the plans with its chairman, Mike Jenks, claiming they would result in “gross overdevelopment of a site” that is already in multiple occupation and has inadequate provision for parking for its existing use.”

He added: “The loss of parking due to the development, and also the increase in potential car ownership with the proposed new dwelling, will add unacceptably to parking on streets that do not have the capacity to cope with it. The design is of an exceptionally poor quality, and not appropriate in an area that has homes of some architectural merit.”

The application has now been refused by Cornwall Council who stated: “The proposed dwelling by reason of its scale, height and siting within the rear garden of 39 Trevethan Road would result in an unacceptable form of plot sub-division and would be a cramped development from inadequate space being provided around the proposed dwelling, which would be harmful to the overall character and appearance of the area.”