The man behind the controversial Lendien Rocks Cafe on Boscawen Fields in Falmouth has submitted a planning application for a change of use following complaints from local residents.

The cafe set up shop in July and while winning support from walkers using the coastal path, it also attracted opposition from people living in the area who fear it will lead to a wider development of the site.

The issue was raised at a meeting of Falmouth's planning committee last week when Councillor Steve Eva said: “This gentleman has done things he shouldn't be doing and Cornwall Council should have stopped it.”

A week after the town council agreed to raise the matter with Cornwall Council, an application from Tim Smithies has appeared on its website. Mr Smithies is seeking a change of use of a disused water pumping station into a cafe to operate from a mobile vehicle with a temporary shelter and outdoor seating.

The application is expected to be discussed by the town council on October 14.