CONTROVERSIAL plans to demolish a Falmouth hotel and replace it with a block of flats for 117 students have been allowed on appeal.

Studious Building (Falmouth) Ltd had applied for consent to create 117 student beds, along with a residents' lounge, fitness room, cinema and 18 parking spaces, on the Rosslyn Hotel site in Kimberley Park Road. Cornwall Council planning officer's however, refused permission under delegated powers in March.

But a planning inspector from Bristol has now allowed an appeal by Mr J Wells of Studious Building (Falmouth) Ltd against the original decision by Cornwall Council. An application for costs from Mr Wells will be the subject of a separate decision.

The allowing of the appeal has been met by howls of anger from the Save Our Falmouth group which has fought numerous student development schemes across the town. It says the planning process has let them down once again.

Commenting on the group's Facebook page, Kate Gough said: "Another sad day. This really breaks my heart. Really isn't it about time our MP stood up and did something? Her Facebook page says it is 'an honour to represent the people of Truro and Falmouth'!."

Aiden Sparks wrote: "Falmouth and Penryn have been bought and sold by people who have nothing but contempt for the Local Public. I knew they'd push it through, I knew it because we don't matter at the end of the day. :(. Really gutted to be honest and "I'm sorry for all the people who feel the same way, this just never ends."

Andrea McKenzie said: "This needs to stop now. Once Cornwall say no then that's the end of it.

"What the hell has Bristol got to do with Cornwall?

It's no point in having a planning team in Cornwall if everything they say no goes to speak at Bristol!"

Campaigner councillor David Saunby wrote: "I am now waiting to see what costs the appellant are going to claim off Cornwall Council.

"Personally I would not pay them a penny, for their extra expenditure in employing the services of a barrister to fight their case which should not be included in their costs.

"In my opinion it must have been an act of desperation to employ a barrister to fight their corner, knowing that there was a chance that they could lose the appeal.

"At least the appellants of the Ocean Bowl,and Fish Stand Hill, showed some respect by not claiming costs, having won their appeals, even though I did not support the Inspectors decision."