Controversial plans to build a Premier Inn hotel in Falmouth town centre have been refused by Cornwall Council's strategic planning committee.

Members voted by nine votes to six to refuse permission for the scheme, which would have seen the 74 bedroom building built on the site of the Campbeltown Way car park near Events Square.

The application was refused on the grounds that, due to the size, scale and massing of the building, its unacceptable impact on the occupiers of neighbouring Fisher Court would outweigh any benefits the scheme would bring to the town.

The new hotel would be built within a few metres of Fisher Court if it was granted permission.

During the meeting, members raised several issues over the hotel’s impact on the local area.

Councillor Geoffrey Evans, who represents the area on Cornwall Council, addressed the meeting.

He said: “I believe it is the wrong place, and I feel the effect on residents of Fisher Court will be its biggest problem.”

Councillor Mike Varney, chairman of the committee, told the meeting: “I will be supporting this application because I honestly believe the benefits outweigh any harm it will do.”

The motion to refuse the application was put forward by Councillor Andrew Wallis, and was seconded by Councillor Mary May.