A bid for permission to carry out commercial car repairs from a property at Swanvale in Falmouth has failed after Cornwall Council refused the planning application.

Steven McFarlane, who trades as SMC Autos, had sought mixed use of the land at 3 Crossways, but neighbouring residents and Falmouth Town Council's planning committee had raised objections.

Speaking at the committee meeting, Councillor Alan Jewell said: “I am all for people being in business, but it has to be in the right place and this is not in the right place.”

Committee chairman, Councillor Grenville Chappel said: “I have concerns about repairs being done in the middle of a residential estate and we have had some objections to it.”

One such objection stated: “I live adjacent to the garage which is currently being used for car repairs. Presently I have to endure not being able to open my windows for fresh air due to car engine fumes and excessive noise from banging, drilling, welding and revving of engines. The noise is constant. This can go on into the evenings, more so in the lighter evenings and has known to continue up until 10.30pm at night.

“This is also creating a lack of parking for local residents and visitors due to the road being congested with stationery vehicles. This is why there are suitable units in industrial/business parks that cater for customer parking and are located away from local housing to limit disruption from such noise. Surely both myself and my neighbours have the right to live in a residential area free from this type of business?”

Another couple said: “When welding is taking place I fear a fire and explosion hazard as sparks fly everywhere and during warm weather it is impossible to open windows on that side or our property due to the ear-splitting noise from some of the tools being operated.”

The decision to refuse the application was made by Cornwall Council under delegated powers. The reason was that the retention of the unauthorised use for vehicle repairs, in close proximity to residential properties, provides “unacceptable harm” to neighbours through noise and fume pollution and general disturbance.