Plans to create an "iconic" new building on Falmouth's seafront are set to go before councillors early next month and while the man behind the scheme is pinning his hopes on it winning approval, many local residents are objecting to the scheme.

The Flotilla scheme has replaced plans for the Liner building and consists of three buildings which would be built in three phases. The development would create 65 apartments along with a cafe/restaurant and shop and 71 concealed parking spaces.

Falmouth Town Council has given its support to the proposals, but the scheme has attracted 191 objections on Cornwall Council's planning site including from the Falmouth Bay Residents' Association, Falmouth Civic Society and Save Our Falmouth and many residents who have renamed the Flotilla, "the Tankers."

"They believe the proposed buildings are much too large and overbearing for the site," said resident Paul Hills. "The Liner building was significantly larger than the former Falmouth Beach Hotel. The 'Tanker' proposal is much bigger still - 42 per cent more floor space than the proposed Liner. One block is seven storeys high and all three will tower over our beautiful sea front and Queen Mary Gardens."

Steve Collinson says: "I believe this proposed development to be a massive over-development of the site. It would substantially affect the visual ambiance of the seafront area by closing the building gap between the hotel and the seafront café.

"This 40 per cent increase in footprint over the previous proposal is totally unacceptable and will set an alarming precedent for future projects along the seafront in both tone and scale."

Nigel Carpenter, owner of the St Michael's Hotel and Spa who is behind the scheme, is "disappointed" that the Flotilla scheme has received so much opposition. "When we came to raise the funding for the whole scheme we were told by developers that the Liner building was too high risk and not viable as one entity," he said.

"That is why we worked tirelessly with advisors, planners and all stakeholders over the next 18 months to create an equally stylish, if not better, scheme. Indeed, the planners, design review panel and members of Falmouth Town Council have all embraced it as a better scheme with softer curves, more permeability and a great, green area of public realm.

"There will always be people who have a different view about contemporary architecture and change, but most long term residents of our community are concerned to see progress, jobs for their children and economic prosperity. Less than one per cent of all Falmouth residents have objected and the vast majority of local residents are in favour - many are members of our health club or spa."

The scheme has received 38 supporting comments, including from Malcolm Bell, chief executive of Visit Cornwall, and several local business people.

The proposals are due to go before Cornwall Council's central sub-area planning committee on March 13 when it is expected councillors will determine the application.