A CONTROVERSIAL application to modernise a house with views over to Flushing has been refused by planners over concerns it would have a harmful impact on the area.

The application from the owners of White Wings in Harbour Terrace, Falmouth to renovate and extend the existing property, including removal of an existing garage, received nearly 50 objections from local residents.

Falmouth Packet:

The owners wanted to increase the size of the house. Picture Rehan Afzal

Last week Cornwall Council refused the application on the grounds of its design and its impact on the conservation area: "In particular the proposed dormer windows size and materials, would have a harmful impact on the character and appearance of the area which forms part of the Falmouth Conservation Area." 

Objectors had previously claimed the modernisation would increase the size and height of the existing property and block their views across to Flushing and the removal of the existing garage would contribute to parking problems in the area.

Falmouth Packet:

The existing garage would have been removed. Picture Rehan Afzal

In an objection on behalf of 35 people living nearby, resident Rehan Afzal said the development was a ‘gross over-development’ despite the owners efforts to work with neighbours to come up with a design that was acceptable to everybody.

“Increasing the size and capacity at White Wings in this way will increase the residential on-site parking requirement so it makes no sense to reduce the amount of parking on the premises.

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“Granting permission for this over-development will set a negative precedent for other properties along Harbour and Erisey Terrace, particularly bungalows whose original purpose was for the elderly and those with physical disabilities.”

The application has already been recommended for refusal twice by Falmouth Town Council’s planning committee.

Back in May, Julian Mills from Marraum Architects told councillors that the designs were being amended in line with these areas of objection. 

As late as August the plan was being amended, but it failed to curry favour with Falmouth Civic Society who commented: “We see little to change our previous comment. We still feel it is a missed opportunity to have a really good design that doesn’t impinge on Harbour Terrace but also enhances the view from Flushing.”