Controversial plans to build "overbearing" flats in an historic 17th century courtyard in the centre of Falmouth have been refused after a huge number of objections.

Family run local developer F P Kitchener Ltd, spent two years consulting with the senior historic environment development officer to provide what they say was much needed reasonably priced homes at Bell's Court and Smithick Hill in Falmouth.

But the two years work was all in vain as this week Cornwall Council's planning department turned down the application on the grounds that the design and scale of the proposed development would result in overbearing and adverse impact on the Falmouth Conservation Area and the setting of nearby listed buildings. In the refusal notice they said this harm was not outweighed by the limited benefits of eight new dwellings.

 

The application was refused by planners

The application was refused by planners

 

The decision will come as a relief to businesses in the courtyard especially Beerwolf Books who actively campaigned to get the application turned down saying the new development would an "over-development of a historic setting and conservation area".

 

The application was refused by planners

The application was refused by planners

 

The application attracted 189 comments on the Cornwall Council planning portal online. The application consisted of eight apartments in two blocks, one in Bells Court and one up above in Smithick Hill. A previous planning application for ten flats and a shop on the same site was withdrawn in June 2019 following opposition from the pub and bookshop.

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The two new buildings were designated A and B. Building A located on Bells Hill/Smithwick Hill with three one-bedroom flats and one two-bedroom flat. Building B located in Bells Court would have contained four one-bedroom flats.

 

The application was refused by planners

The application was refused by planners

 

The original application was opposed by the owners of Beerwolf Books and Falmouth Civic Society on the grounds it was “overbearing, detrimental and causes substantial harm.” Falmouth Town Council also recommended refusal of the application.

Bell's Court itself dates back to the 17th century and has been used as a customs house, packet ship station, post office, working men’s club and the house of Captain Bell and his family. It is currently home to the successful pub/bookshop Beerwolf Books and and Indian restaurant who both use the courtyard.