The fourth planning appeal over plans for student accommodation in Falmouth in the past four months has been allowed meaning the go ahead has now been given for the former Coachworks site.

A government planning inspector took less than a month to determine the appeal made by AGR Living Falmouth. It came after Cornwall Council refused proposals to demolish the existing buildings on the site in Penwerris Lane and build 134 student rooms in three blocks with a student common room, laundry and management office - going against the advice of the case officer.

The scheme has been opposed by Falmouth Town Council and many residents who live in and around the area, who believe it would result in traffic chaos, as no parking is proposed on site, and would have a negative impact on them and the town.

Planning inspector Mr P Jarratt oversaw a public inquiry into the scheme held at Falmouth Rugby Club on February 21 and yesterday he announced his decision to grant conditional planning permission.

In his conclusion he said: "The development would be reasonably well located in respect of facilities in Falmouth and to the bus network. The site is in a sustainable urban location and one which the Local Plan provides for in respect of PBSA (purpose built student accommodation).

The scale, massing, design and appearance are acceptable in its local context and there are no material impacts in terms of the living conditions of occupants of nearby dwellings.

"Access to the site is narrow but the speed limit would reduce any risk to pedestrian safety. There is no car parking provision for students but the tenancy agreement acts as a deterrent and the travel plan would further assist making sustainable travel options preferable to car use.

"Subject to appropriate conditions, the benefits that the scheme would bring in terms of additional

student accommodation and the potential for reducing demand for existing housing stock to be used by students outweigh the absence of an allocation of the site in the emerging SAP (site allocations DPD)."

Permission for the former Coachworks site follows in the footsteps of inspectors allowing appeals for PBSAs at Ocean Bowl, the Rosslyn Hotel and Fish Strand Hill.