CONCERNS over overlooking, loss of light and size have led to plans for flats in and around an historic courtyard being recommended for refusal.

At a meeting of Falmouth Town Council's planning committee last night councillors recommended refusal for the application from F.P. Kitchener Ltd to build two residential units each containing four apartments in Bell's Court and on Smithick Hill.

They said that flats one to seven fall below the nationally described minimum space standards and the council have concerns with other aspects of the scheme in terms of overlooking and loss of light.

The application has received a massive response on Cornwall Council's planning site with 50 public comments made, five for the application and 47 against.

One example of an objection from Jamie Hart, with many others along similar lines, read: "Building an apartment building in this location will infringe upon historic parts of Falmouth town, along with disrupting local business and privacy of residents of the area. It will likely negatively impact upon pedestrians using the area and will result in a less open space.

"The area is not suitable for an apartment building attempting to create residencies of a suitable size. The building would not be able to create spaces big enough for suitable living, negatively impacting the peoples living inside. The neighbours would also be negatively affected as they would have less open space near their homes, but also lose a lot of privacy with apartments looking into theirs.

"The impact upon the historic parts of Falmouth town would be incredibly negative. Keeping an open space that is of local importance is absolutely vital."

The owners of Beerwolf Pub and Bookshop in Bell's Court have appealed for the public's help in fighting the application as one unit is in there 'front garden' while the other looms up behind them.

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Bell's Court itself dates back to the 17th century and has been used as a customs house, packet ship station, post office, working men’s club and the house of Captain Bell and his family.