Angry residents objecting to a planned conversion of Camborne's Rowe Bowl into an extended retail space have won a minor victory after the proposals were recommended for refusal by the town's councillors.

The majority of the building in Trevithick Road, owned by parent company Rowe Holding, 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, hope to move into a large part of the building.

However, when the planning application came before Camborne town council's planning committee last Thursday - at a meeting attended by around 30 members of the public - members 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, on the grounds of their concerns over loss of light and enjoyment of the amenity area for neighbouring residents, as well as noise and nuisance from the heating, ventilation and lift machinery. The recommended refusal was also due to claims that, if permitted, it would require the demolition of protected walls within the Camborne Conservation Area and that the building would encroach on land not owned by Rowe Holding.

The decision has pleased residents who have objected to the plans, particularly those living in Fore Street.

One of the residents who has objected to the application is Gaynor Hingston, who owns a property in Fore Street. She said the property had been in her family for generations and she had hoped to retire to it, but that if the development went ahead the area would be detrimentally effected.

Speaking after the meeting, Mrs Hingston said: "It's a monstrosity of a building. The residents affected by the proposed Rowe Holdings extension/refurbishment feel that their quality of life would be greatly diminished if this proposal should go ahead.

"With the majority of residents affected being of, or approaching, retirement age surely they deserve and are entitled to the right to a peaceful and enjoyable retirement? They should not have to contend with the stress of unacceptable noise and the interruption of their enjoyment of life by ugly and overbearing building extensions restricting their light, peace and quiet."

She said that additional concerns include fears that the development would generate additional traffic and more heavy goods vehicles. No additional parking provision has been provided and it was felt that the existing car parking area was inadequate for a development of this size.

"As Fore Street is the oldest street in Camborne and the cottages are historic early 18th century period stone houses, residents felt that the planning application was totally out of keeping with the area.

"Given the proximity of the proposal to the conservation area and the excellent refurbishment of the town centre and square, it is now vital that improvements to the area should not be undermined, and the historic fabric of the town protected," added Mrs Hingston.