Innovative, impressive, revolutionary and a flagship development for Cornwall were just some of the accolades heaped upon the Combined University of Cornwall scheme at Tremough on Tuesday.

Planners at Kerrier district council's planning committee voted to approve the outline plans for a grassed-roof building, which will form part of the hub of the new university.

Council chairman Terry Rowe said: "To say I am impressed is an understatement. This is an absolutely fantastic building. If we say no to it we would be the laughing stock of not just Cornwall but of the whole country."

Neil Plummer added: "I'm really impressed. This is a flagship development for Cornwall. We need revolutionary designs, and that is what we have before us now. This is the university building for Cornwall and it really fits the bill. I have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending approval."

In the plans, the Camborne School of Mines is to move to the campus at Penryn. Councillors noted that the school is internationally recognised and Colin Godolphin asked for assurance that the name Camborne would be retained in its title.

Tommy Bray was not so impressed with the scheme, especially that the Camborne School of Mines would move.

"I have never heard so much hype in all my life. I have never heard so much rubbish. I wonder what Prince Charles would think of this," he said.

He called for a second site meeting. "This affects all of Cornwall. It is one of the most important applications this council has dealt with."

His request for a site meeting was lost and councillors voted 12-5 in favour of the application.

After the meeting agent for the site Mark Bayliss, director of Estates for Falmouth College of Arts said: "I am very pleased with the decision of the planning committee. It is very welcome and timely. It is critical to have their consent now to achieve the project within the Objective One time limit."