Falmouth councillors objected to plans for five new apartment blocks in the town's conservation area that would replace a former care home.

The plans for the new buildings, the tallest of which would be roughly 54m above sea level - about 20m above the ground - were discussed at a town council planning meeting on Monday.

Mayor Steve Eva said: "If you live near this, you have got it towering over you. I still think we need a nursing home more than we need luxury flats but that's not going to happen.

"If we put flats in it's got to be tasteful, in keeping with the area."

Resident Alison Greenfield spoke to councillors about how the Sea View Road development, if approved, would overlook her home at the neighbouring Melvill Court apartments.

She said: "I ask that you use your influence to require that the developers modify these plans to adhere to all planning policies."

Cornwall Council's Design Review Panel produced a statement supporting the plans, as did case officer Tim Marsh who agreed that "the design will invigorate this urban setting".

Town councillors were less supportive.

Mayor Steve Eva said: "This is too tall, too high. It's very intrusive to the neighbours. I don't care about the design panel saying this or that."

Councillor Bob O'Shea said: "It's 50 or 60 per cent bigger than Melvill Court; it's a bit like a barracks."

Six other concerned residents also attended the meeting as well as Ms Greenfield.

At the time of writing, a total of 13 public objections had been lodged on Cornwall Council's website.

Councillor Eva proposed that the council recommend the plans for refusal on the basis of overdevelopment, intrusiveness to neighbours and loss of light.

His motion was carried. The application will now go to Cornwall Council's Central Sub-Area Planning Committee for a decision in due course.

Read more: Five apartment blocks could replace Falmouth care home