An application to convert a town centre hotel into a house in multiple occupation (HMO) has been rejected.

Cornwall Council’s planning officer Louise Wood turned down the Arwenack Hotel’s application as it “fails to promote housing to accommodate the needs of different groups in the community, including families”.

The application went against Falmouth’s new neighbourhood development plan, which was drafted with the help of residents.

Policy HMO1 of the plan restricts existing buildings from being converted into HMOs.

A planning application to change the high street hotel into an 18-bed house was lodged in February.

The applicant was hoping to make internal changes to create six additional bedrooms.

There is already planning permission in place allowing the hotel to be converted into five separate apartments.

Read more: Attempt made to change hotel to HMO