A controversial £10 million homes plan for students on a site close to Falmouth Docks is to go ahead following a successful appeal by Devington Homes against the refusal of planning permission by Carrick district council.

In his decision report, appeal inspector Chris Anscombe said: "The proposed purpose-built development would make a significant contribution towards the future accommodation needs of the increasing number of students in Falmouth and help to reduce any further loss of family dwellings.

"It is inevitable the development of the Combined Universities of Cornwall will have a noticeable effect on the social mix and balance of the local community, but that will not necessarily be a negative impact overall.

"There will be significant economic benefits to be enjoyed as well."

The public inquiry in December heard many representations from local residents objecting to the scheme, but the inspector said: "Many of the matters raised, such as noise, accessibility and car parking, have been addressed by the main parties and, in particular, by the planning obligation. There is a recognised need within the Falmouth/Penryn area for student accommodation to support the growth of CUC."

He added: "The Government does not accept different types of housing and tenures make bad neighbours. That advice also requires development to make the best use of previously developed land without compromising the environment.

"I consider it is appropriate to look at a wider area than just the immediate neighbourhood in and around Pendennis Rise and Castle Drive. I do not consider this to be a separate community, but a residential area attached to, and well integrated with, the rest of the town to the west."

Devington managing director Lawrence Butler welcomed the appeal decision but regretted "the huge cost to both the taxpayer and ourselves this had entailed."

He said: "The original planning application was the product of many months' close consultation with Carrick and other interested parties and we formed the clearest possible impression it was all in accordance with the wishes expressed during negotiations and with the council's planning and policy guidelines."

For full report see this weeks Falmouth/Penryn Packet