A garage under construction in Porthleven has prompted a storm of protest from local residents who have condemned the development as an "act of vandalism."

Almost 50 people turned out at short notice on Monday to make clear their opposition to the garage, which is being built in Peverell Terrace opposite the Atlantic Inn.

The protestors claim the development has "ruined" one of the finest views in Cornwall and will harm local businesses by deterring visitors to the port.

Several have directed their anger at Kerrier district council, which granted planning permission for the garage three years ago, despite opposition from Porthleven town council and local residents, who got up a petition against the development.

Porthleven resident Ken Matthews, who is building the garage, has defended his actions, insisting details of the development, including the siting of the garage, were dictated by the district council.

Mr Matthews' Cliff Road home was targeted by vandals in the early hours of Saturday morning, although it is not known if the attack is linked to feelings over the garage.

Speaking to the Packet on Monday, protestors queued up to express their anger. Adrian Santi, the landlord of the Atlantic Inn, said the development would be detrimental to his business.

"We have a lot of people who come here to sit outside and enjoy the view and now they can't do that," he said. "We had an unobstructed view and this will kill it."

Mr Santi said he and his wife, Leigh, were considering taking legal action against the district council for permitting the development to go ahead.

Porthleven resident Jamie Hanson said building the garage was an "act of vandalism."

"It seems so wasteful to spoil this view for ever - all for the sake of a garage," he said, adding that he feared the development could set a precedent in the terrace.

Graham Hill, who lives in Peverell Terrace, said the district council had a "duty of care" to protect the natural environment for the public.

He said: "People in the street should be able to stand there and see a view that has been seen for hundreds of years. Today they can't do that because of that monstrosity."

In a letter to the district council, Mr Hill said granting planning permission in the first place was a "horrendous mistake."

"This development obliterates the panoramic view from the Lizard peninsula across Mount's Bay to the Atlantic and to have allowed its construction is an absolute disaster for Porthleven," he stated.

Jan Hallam, who runs a B&B next door to the pub, said people were "outraged" at the loss of the view, which attracted many holidaymakers to the port in the first place.

Visitors John and Glenis Cross, who have been coming to Porthleven for the past 35 years, said sitting and enjoying the view was an important part of their holiday - a part that had been ruined by the "eyesore" that was the garage.

Jill Green, representing Porthleven town council, said the council had opposed the development because of the visual impact in an area of outstanding natural beauty and because it was feared it could set a precedent.

Mr Matthews told the Packet he had originally planned to build a garage with a flat roof on the far side of his garden in Peverell Terrace.

Planning officers at Kerrier had asked him to move it to the middle of the garden - directly opposite the pub - and to change to a pitched roof because that would be more in-keeping with the area. The council had also wanted him to drop the foundations two foot lower than the road.

Asked about the level of opposition to the development, Mr Matthews said: "Of course I'm concerned. I've lived in Porthleven all of my life and my family have been here for generations.

"I was aware of a petition to the council a few years ago but in the past four years no one has approached me directly to discuss objections. Comments are only being made to me now when work is well under way.

"Everyone is entitled to their opinion but the options were fairly limited from my point of view - either build the garage where and how I was told or don't get it at all. I didn't choose the position and I don't make the planning regulations. I simply wanted a garage and that is all the building will be used for."

A spokeswoman for Kerrier district council said a complaint had been made to the council in relation to the development.

"The complaint is going through the council's procedure for dealing with complaints and therefore it would not be appropriate for the council to comment at this time," she said.