Plans to build a controversial Premier Inn in Falmouth are dead in the water after an appeal against the refusal of plans was dismissed.

A petition was raised and vocal protestors attended town council planning meetings to express their concerns over the plan to build a 74 room hotel on the Campbelltown Way car park.

Cornwall Council's planning committee gave the scheme the thumbs down in December and New Cornwall Developments lodged an appeal.

The main issue was the effect of the proposed development on the living conditions of neighbouring residential occupiers, with specific reference to privacy, outlook and noise and disturbance.

Planning inspector Mike Fox said that he disagreed with the views of objectors, including English Heritage, who state that the scale and massing are out of step with the immediate area.

He also disagreed with concerns over the loss of car parking in Falmouth town centre, saying that with the exception of special events and the peak month of August on wet days, sufficient capacity exists within the local car parks to absorb the loss of 21 parking spaces at the appeal site.

Adding: "The site is also within convenient walking distance from Falmouth’s park and ride, and park and float schemes. Recent data shows a decline in the use of Grove Place, The Dell and Maritime car parks between 2011 and 2012.

"I do not disagree with the appellant that the proposed development would be likely to achieve significant economic benefits to the town in terms of employment, visitor spend and regeneration. This consideration, however, does not outweigh the reason that has led me to dismiss the appeal.

However Mr Fox said:  "The proposed development would harm the living conditions of the occupiers of apartments 3, 4 and 5, through significant loss of outlook."

Adding: "Concerns have also been expressed over antisocial disturbance associated with hotel use. The Police Liaison Officer has commented that there is no evidence to suggest that the development would cause anti-social behaviour that would make the proposal unacceptable in planning terms. I therefore consider that noise and disturbance would not be an additional reason to dismiss the appeal.

Tamara Brush, writing on the Facebook campaign page said that all the hard work was worthwhile, adding: "Massive thanks to everyone that played their part in helping with what has been a very long fight.”

The application for an award of costs was also dismissed, meaning taxpayers will not have to foot the bill for the appeal.

Read More: Bad tempered meeting sees Premier Inn plan given Falmouth council support