Controversial plans to demolish a former Falmouth care home and build a series of apartments have been refused.

Submitted by DPP Planning on behalf of Investin Sheldon Falmouth Developments Ltd (applicant) - the plans were to knock down Sheldon House Nursing Home, Sea View Road, and build 28 residential apartments with external landscaping, access, car parking, and associated works.

Falmouth Town Council voted to recommend approval after a reduction in scale had addressed the council's previous concerns. The designs had previously been called a "dog's dinner" - but the developer came back with revised plans.

A CGI image of the proposed designs. Credit: DPP Planning/Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands/Cornwall Council Planning.

However, a decision notice was posted this week (7th) saying that the application had been refused by Cornwall Council.

Chief planning officer Louise Wood said the development in its massing and height would be harmful to the character and appearance of the Falmouth Conservation Area.

"The benefits of the scheme, namely the potential delivery of open market dwellings and innovative design do not outweigh this identified harm," the refusal notice read."

It continues: "In the absence of a mechanism to adequately secure the provision of financial contributions towards off-site public open space provision, education infrastructure provision, and healthcare infrastructure provision, for which there is evidence of an identified need, and a financial contribution towards mitigating recreational impacts upon the Fal and Helford Special Area of Conservation, the proposal is considered to be contrary to Policies 13, 22, 23 and 28 of the Cornwall Local Plan Strategic Policies 2010 - 2030."

Click here to see the plans for yourself.