Plans to build up to 315 new houses on land behind Vospers Garage at Ponsharden have received the backing of Falmouth's planning committee.

The Church Commissioners for England have submitted an outline planning application for the proposed development which would be built over two sites between Ponsharden and Hillhead roundabout. The scheme includes a mix of house types, with an affordable element, along with a new vehicular bridge across the railway line and an area of public open space.

When the plans went before councillors on Monday night, they were reminded the land is identified in both the emerging Falmouth neighbourhood plan and Cornwall Council's site allocations development plan document as a suitable for housing.

Committee chairman, Alan Jewell, said: "We have always been looking at this site for housing," and mayor Grenville Chappel added: "This is the last piece of land we can lose for housing."

Councillors agreed to recommend the plans be approved by Cornwall Council. The scheme will now go before Penryn Town Council's planning committee for comment. Full details of the plans can be found online by searching for planning application PA17/12164 at cornwall.gov.uk.