A local family who want to build their "forever home" on land at Middlepoint in Falmouth, have won the support of town councillors.

Steven and Fiona Pound are behind the plans which propose the demolition of the two existing homes on the site off Castle Drive and replacing them two new homes and a detached garage.

The couple attended last week's meeting of Falmouth Town Council's planning committee when Mrs Pound said the existing buildings are of very poor quality, made of asbestos sheets and have been vandalised. She added that the new properties would be her family's permanent, "forever home."

She added: "The site is a visual blot on the landscape when seen from the sea. The site should be developed with a house that reflects its position. We want a building that looks like it belongs there - it will preserve and enhance the landscape quality of the site. We intend to build it ourselves using locally sourced materials and contractors."

The proposals were generally supported by councillors. Roger Bonney said: "I think the proposed development will be an asset to the community. It is a big improvement in that area, it's an impressive building."

Committee chairman, Alan Jewell, added: "It is an iconic site and I think it will be a great improvement."

There was one concern raised by mayor, Grenville Chappel, however. "I do think it's an improvement, but I just hope this is the only building we are going to see on Middlepoint and this doesn't set a precedent and we end up with a village out there."

Councillors agreed to offer no objections to the application, claiming it would enhance the appearance of an important site that is visible from Carrick Roads. It also, they claim, preserves the historic heritage asset on the site as well as being sympathetic to the setting of Pendennis Castle. However, they don't want it to set a precedent.

The application has also received of Ross Biddle Road, of Feock, who says: "For many years it has been somewhat of an embarrassment to see vandalised, derelict buildings blighting the approaches to Falmouth via the sea. It has been a very poor reflection on our community and the decision to do something about the site is long overdue.

"The proposed structures very skillfully balance the heritage values of the castle yet are compatible with the industrial structures of the docks."

The application will now be determined by Cornwall Council, probably under delegated powers.