Plans have been submitted for two new blocks of flats and a shop in Falmouth's town centre.

The 10 new flats would be built in two sections of currently unused land in between Market Street and Smithick Hill, adjacent to Beerwolf Books.

A single garage space and cycle parking was included in the plans after a Cornwall Council case officer gave pre-application advice saying that there was "no need to provide any onsite parking" due to existing amenities nearby.

The site of the proposed development is not far from the soon-to-be-built Fish Strand Hill student accommodation block.

A supporting statement written on behalf of applicants John and Martin Fisher Davis says that there is a "number of positive aspects" to the application.

Among these is the argument that the apartment blocks would be an improvement upon the current condition of the land.

Falmouth Packet:

A drawing of the proposed upper block

The statement says: "The land is currently in an 'unsightly' condition, and has a harmful impact upon the character of the conservation area, and the setting of nearby listed buildings. As the planning officer has already noted, 'tidying up of both the upper and lower areas, particularly the latter is thus clearly desirable'.

"The proposed development will achieve this aim, and have a significantly beneficial impact on the character/appearance of the area."

A design and access statement put together by agent Cockrams Surveying says that the upper block would contain six apartments whilst the lower one (accessed from Market Street) would contain four apartments and a shop.

It goes on to state that work for both blocks would be undertaken at the same time, with access gained through Smithick Hill.

The statement also says that the public right of way along the ope leading from Market Street to Smithick Hill would be retained.

A ruined building currently occupies the lower section of the site along with several derelict sheds, and the upper site is currently vacant.

Falmouth Town Council have yet to make a recommendation on the application. Cornwall Council will decide whether to allow the development in due course.