Plans to build a rear extension onto a town centre Chinese restaurant in Falmouth are being supported by local councillors, but opposed by some neighbouring residents.

A similar, though larger, extension to Ming’s Garden in Church Street had been proposed in 2009, but these plans were withdrawn and the applicant has subsequently had pre-application discussions with a planning officer at Cornwall Council.

The new plans show a two-storey extension to the rear which would create additional restaurant space while at lower ground floor level, the existing store rooms would be opened up to form a new bar area with additional restaurant space within the extension. It is also proposed to make better use of the existing garden area by introducing a terrace area with restricted hours of use.

The kitchen would be relocated to this level to free up prime seating areas within the existing bay window area above and additional customer cloakrooms would be located to the rear.

In support of the application, Alan Leather Associates, state: “The design philosophy behind the proposed extension is to provide a contemporary element to the existing building that takes full advantage of the river views across Falmouth whilst respecting the character and appearance of the listed building and surrounding conservation area.”

When the scheme went before Falmouth’s planning committee, members recommended that Cornwall Council approve it.

Councillor Grenville Chappel said: “This is a much smaller scheme. It looks really nice and in keeping with what you can see from the sea.”

Councillor Steve Eva added: “They have made an effort and listened to people. This is one I am happy quite with.”

Some residents, though, are less than happy with the proposals and have lodged objections on Cornwall Council’s planning site. Jessica Howey and Catherine Johnston said: “I am concerned that there will be noise and loss of privacy if a balcony area is created at the rear of Ming's. The houses on the harbourside behind Ming's are tightly packed and will be overlooked.”

Mr and Mrs W Stiles wrote: “As owners of No.'s 42A and 41A Church Street we do not wish to support this application as there are still questions of overlooking and noise to be addressed.”

Peter Hylton added: “I am very concerned that our privacy and comfort will be disturbed if this application is approved in its present form. The restaurant customers will be able to look straight into our sitting room through our bay window.

“A further concern is that of noise and smells from this restaurant and its customers, both from the windows and from the open area below. This is likely to be used as a smoking and drinking area.

“The ‘no right to a view’ diktat suggests I cannot object to the fact that my lovely harbour views will be restricted from the present 145 degree panorama to about 110 degrees. I can, however, assert that this large modern extension, looming nearby, will inevitably result in a cramped and oppressive feeling in our flat.”