Falmouth Town Council has backed a publican's opposition to plans for two new apartment blocks in vacant land near Beerwolf Books.

The application for two new apartment blocks in land off Smithick Hill, adjacent to the popular pub, was recommended for refusal at a meeting of the council's planning committee on Monday.

A proposal by councillor Grenville Chappel cited poor design, overlooking, overbearing, poor light and damage to a listed building as reasons for refusal.

Alice Sommerlad, one of the owners of Beerwolf, spoke to town councillors about her objections to the application.

She mentioned the significance of the grade two listed building, which dates back to the 17th century and "has had a rich and important history" of use as a post office and working men's club.

Alice also mentioned that one of the proposed buildings would be roughly a metre away from her business partner's bedroom window, and that Beerwolf had offered to buy the vacant land with the intention of turning it into green space.

She said: "The proposal for ten flats is in an area of Falmouth that's already had considerable developments approved.

"We have not seen an image of Bell's Court with the five storey building looming over, which should have been included in the planning application.

"The new block would significantly reduce natural light to the pub."

The application will now go to Cornwall Council's planning subcommittee for a decision in due course.