Plans have been submitted to build houses on a disused quarry site in Swanpool - met with opposition by residents and a local conservation group.

If granted, the plans would see two individually designed 4-bedroom dwellings built to blend in with the surrounding environment.

The applicant says they would be of modern design sitting within the quarry and stepping backwards following the gradient of the land. Both properties will utilise the existing access off Swanpool Road.

Swanpool quarry became surplus to requirements and disused until 2012 when the site was put up for auction.

The applicants took ownership in 2012 and, since that time, have researched various avenues with numerous schemes and designs.

Two previous applications were submitted for this site, one was for

a development of 6 detached properties which was withdrawn, second was for a development of 3 dwellings which received officer support but was refused by committee.

Brought to attention by local group Save Our Falmouth, the plans have been met with strong objections in recent weeks, by Falmouth Civic Society, The Swanpool Forum, and Falmouth Bay Residents' Association.

One resident writes:

"I strongly object to any development in this quarry as I have done on the occasion of two previous applications.

"In my opinion, the development by Linden Homes on the south side of Swanpool was an act of legalised vandalism that would not have been allowed if the FNP (Falmouth Neighbourhood Plan) had been finalised. Any development in the quarry would desecrate the east side and is not allowed by the FNP."

A second writes:

"Swanpool lake is an area of outstanding natural beauty. This proposed build will have a huge impact on the wildlife in this area.

"There has been far too much building done already around Swanpool."

A third resident added:

"The developer appears to claim that because the Linden Homes development has spoiled the west side of Swanpool that he's entitled to spoil the east side. Quite the opposite; the unfortunate Linden Homes development provides even more reason to protect what remains of a very special area of Falmouth. Hopefully, this will be the last time a speculative proposal is put forward to destroy one of a dwindling number of green spaces in and around Falmouth."

However, the applicant is adamant issues from previous applications have been addressed stating:

"The proposed buildings are designed to blend in with the surrounding environment, something that hasn't been achieved with other developments in the area. Care has been taken while designing the properties to safeguard the existing bat roost and protected trees on the site.

"The new development will create additional dwellings which Falmouth needs and will make good use of a currently undesirable site. We see no reason why the proposed development should not be granted permission."

The status of the application is "awaiting decision".

Click here to see the plans for yourself.

[H3] See the latest news on our Twitter and Facebook pages. [.H2]