Defying the recommendation of the council's case officer, Cornwall councillors have this morning approved plans for Penvose Student Village by 12 votes to two,

Mark Dawes, from CAD Architects, who is working with the development company behind the proposals, said: “After 18 months of continuous hard work we are delighted that the councillors recognised the benefits of Penvose Student Village for the towns of Falmouth and Penryn and today granted approval for the scheme.

“We now look forward to working diligently with Falmouth University and Cornwall Council to developing an exemplar scheme.

“We would like to thank Save Our Falmouth, Save Kernick Industrial Estate, Smithick Ward Residents Association, Falmouth Town Council and other groups for their strong support, and we look forward to working with them as we bring the scheme to fruition.

“We have worked hard to engage with the local community to understand the issues around housing and student numbers, which enabled us to provide a viable solution, so to get overwhelming support from the councillors was fantastic.”

The application went before Cornwall Council's strategic planning committee this morning which had due to be webcast, but technical problems meant viewers were unable to see the debate. The case officer had recommended the scheme be rejected.

The village will sit between Treluswell and Treliever roundabouts, and in addition to student rooms, it includes a 474 space park and ride facility, 323 parking spaces for students, a university study hub and social hub.

The plans also include a budget hotel up to 62 rooms, a pub/restaurant, retail parade including a small convenience store, doctors' surgery and day nursery, B1 office space and start up units and sports and leisure facilities including changing rooms, squash and tennis courts and multipurpose all weather pitch.

For more information visit penvosevillage.co.uk.