Penryn Town Council has objected to a proposal for a new block of flats behind the King's Arms pub which has received numerous complaints from nearby residents.

Councillors raised several concerns over the design of the block of four flats - which is planned to face New Street from the current site of the pub car park - as well as problems with overlooking neighbours' properties and exacerbating parking issues in the narrow street.

Councillor Martin Mullins asked whether the building would be a "carbuncle" or blend in with its surroundings, while several design elements were as out of keeping with the town's conservation area and the mainly listed granite housing on the other side of the street.

Criticisms included the style of porch, with Councillor Chris Smith saying a traditional Cornish style lean-to style would be preferable, the pitch of the roof which would be out of keeping with others in the area, and the materials used.

Councillor Chaz Wenmoth said claims in the application that the car park was "rarely used" were untrue, as the pub rented out spaces to locals and other spaces were used by bed and breakfast customers, and councillors noted that loss of the space would force more cars out onto New Street and Commercial Road.

He said: "Fair enough, you're going to provide accommodation, but it will create the same commotion again. Like trying to fit a quart in a pint bottle."

Councillor Mark Snowdon said there was "nothing in the area of the same style," and that "trying to mimic stone isn't a good idea." He said if someone builds in a conservation area "the first thing you should do is put some proper stone in there," and added: "It does nothing to enhance our conservation area."

But his biggest objection was that the lounges of the flats would directly overlook the bedrooms of cottages just six metres away across New Street. The minimum distance according to Cornwall Council guidelines is 21 metres.

The town clerk, Michelle Davey, listed some of the objections raised in 16 comments on Cornwall Council's planning website, but Mr Mullins asked if some were "more personal" and did not consider that the town needs houses.

He said: "It impacts them and their lives but we have a responsibility to provide houses for the people of our town," and added that there was "a massive car park" at Commercial Road.

And Councillor Mary May said the council could ask for a redesign, but the principle of development on the land had already been established.

The three main objections voiced by the town council were first floor lounge windows directly overlook bedroom windows of 6 New Street, and the irregular pitch of the proposed roof and the use of stone work panels on the front of the building are not in keeping with the character of the Conservation Area.