Plans to convert Camborne's Rowe Bowl building back into a large retail space have fallen at the first hurdle after the town's council recommended that the application be refused.

The majority of the building in Trevithick Road has remained unused for about two years, since the bowling alley closed, but plans have now been submitted for an extension and refurbishment. Wilkinson's, a family-owned national chain store with over 280 branches across the UK, plan to take over a large part of the building.

However, when the planning application came before Camborne town council's planning committee last night - at a meeting attended by around 30 members of the public - members reacted with concern at the proposals.

Councillors were concerned about the height of the building and also the look of it - particularly the white metal cladding proposed for the outside.

Members were also not happy about the proposed development's close proximity to the gardens of residents in neighbouring Fore Street, as well as the height of the boundary wall - described by committee chairman Stuart Cullimore as "like the Berlin Wall, but twice as high."

Councillors unanimously voted to recommend that the application be refused when it comes before Kerrier district council for a final decision.

For a full report see next Wednesday's Camborne Packet.