An application to convert storage space into two flats above a shop in Church Street, Falmouth has been recommended for refusal.

The owners of 20 Church Street, a listed building currently occupied by The March Hare, want to convert the retail space on the ground floor into two units and convert the upper floors into two flats.

At a meeting of Falmouth Town Council’s planning committee on Monday night Cllr John Spargo raised concerns about how little room there was in the upper floor flat.

“I don't think you would be able to get out of bed without banging your head,” he said.

But the application was supported by Falmouth mayor Steve Eva who said: “We need the accommodation, it fits, I understand where John is coming from, but a precedent has been set all over the town, personally I think it should be supported.

He added: "It used to be two shops. Cannot find anyone to take on the shop so it makes senses to have two smaller shops.”

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He proposed that the application be supported but failed to get a seconder.

Councillors voted to recommend refusal of the application on the basis that the top floor was unliveable and too small.