Plans for a 528 bed student accommodation block in Kernick Industrial Estate have been approved by Cornwall Council's planning department.

The development will see land on Parkengue Road redeveloped to include a mix of self-contained studios and cluster apartments with shared kitchens and communal spaces.

Along with the accommodation facilities, the scheme will feature a 'Winter Garden Library' with shared working space for both students and business start-ups.

Gary Wilkinson from Studytel, the company behind the scheme, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the decision by Cornwall Council. We have spent 18 months working with the authority, Falmouth University and the University of Exeter and the local community to deliver a scheme that will provide many benefits to the local and wider economy."

Mr Wilkinson claims that the scheme will stimulate academic excellence and business creativity, with the potential to deliver a £835 million economic boost to the area.

Penryn Town Councillor Dan Edwards had some reservations about the plans though.

He said: "There's no reason the university can't expand in a good way that works for everyone, but they just want to cram as many people in as possible.

"People who say it will relieve pressure on local housing stock... it's not going to. You don't stay in halls after first year, you want to go into town. I just think it's a shame they didn't make more of an effort to consult local people and businesses."

The plans have the support of both Falmouth University and the University of Exeter.

Peter Cox, Chief Operating Officer of Falmouth University, said: "Given the site's close proximity to the university's campus we believe this scheme is ideal for housing members of our student population.

"We've been working very closely with Studytel and this development will help the university deliver its expansion plans in a sustainable way."

The building will be the first phase in a comprehensive plan by the university to provide housing for students after the cap on student numbers was raised to 7,500 in March, a move which faced significant criticism from the public.