The existing Indaba restaurant above Swanpool Beach in Falmouth will be demolished and replaced with a new split level, two-storey building, if plans currently out for consultation are approved.

Although the proposals have provoked objections from nearby residents, the town's planning committee last week agreed to recommend approval of the scheme, keen to support a successful local business.

The plans involve the demolition and removal of the existing part timber frame, part block built structure which has been added to and adapted over the past 70 years and is now considered “life expired.”

Its replacement would provide sufficient space for kitchens, kitchen storage and meet the demand that the business has created over the past few years.

When the application came before the town's planning committee last week, Councillors Rowenna Brock and Patricia Minson requested it be debated following objections from neighbouring residents.

However, Councillor Brock said: “While I agree with the objectors' concerns, they are not a basis to deny it. I still think we should go for it.”

Councillor Steve Eva added: “I remember the hoo-ha when they built the Gyllyngvase beach cafe and when they built Rocket House, not no-one talks about them now. We should be supporting businesses in this town and this complies with planning.”

John and Jane Benge, of Madeira Walk, had said: “The proposed building is excessively tall and large and will give great intrusion into the landscape. The sheer volume of the construction will dominate the area in the worst possible manner.”

The occupants of three properties at Swanpool Beach House are also opposing the scheme. Mr and Mrs P Lacey said: “Falmouth is incredibly fortunate to have the beautiful and picturesque Swanpool Nature Reserve in its midst, to be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.

“The amenities around this area such as the beach, beach cafe and car park, watersports centre and indeed the Indaba restaurant all have a part to play in the vitality of the area.

“However, over recent years the beach cafe has enlarged and the watersports centre has more than doubled in size. Whilst welcoming these minor developments, the proposed development of the Indaba restaurant, doubling its size, is out of all proportion to the existing facilities. This will bring noise, smell and commerciality of a “resort” rather than the natural atmosphere of a nature reserve and its surroundings.”

The planning application will be determined by Cornwall Council.