FEELINGS ran high as more than 80 residents attended a meeting in Falmouth on Monday to debate the Greenbank Hotel's plans to build out into the Penryn River.

The proposed development of four "finger-style" extensions was referred to as a "monstrosity" and also "too big and too ugly" by residents who crammed into the WI Hall.

Local resident Hilary Bracegirdle said people's main concern appeared to be that the proposed development would be out of keeping with the conservation area.

Other issues had also been raised, however, including the increase in traffic, extra noise emanating from the hotel and the risk of flooding.

Ms Bracegirdle added: "There is also the question of the precedent. If this is allowed out into the water, more buildings will just go on and on until the green nature of Greenbank is eroded and the entire nature of Falmouth is changed forever."

Dave Culling was concerned that the development could lead to the introduction of more double yellow lines.

"We all know that parking anywhere near the Greenbank area, day or night, winter or summer, is a nightmare," he said.

"Time and again I park a quarter-of-a-mile from my home. That is going to get worse, not better. If this development goes ahead, I can foresee double yellow lines going from Symonds Hill to Penwerris Church."

Mr Culling added: "We are all in danger of being branded Nimbys, but I think the public has the right to protect its own amenities, come what may."

Calling the proposals "a monstrosity", Jim Boden added: "It's doing nothing for the local people. All they are trying to do is make money for the owners of the Greenbank Hotel.

"People like this need to be stopped and at the end of the day, the people must have the say. Let them (the planners) hear that we are against it. We should protect what we have got."

One resident who did not receive such a warm welcome, was the scheme's architect, Nigel Atkins.

He refuted claims the development would result in a "gated community" and said there would still be "clear views" visible between the four blocks and that the foreshore would remain accessible.

Mr Atkins also added: "Traffic and parking is a problem currently and will be improved by more than doubling the current parking arrangements."

He added that the design had "evolved" over two-and-a-half years and that amendments had been made following the hotel's public consultation day earlier this year.

A second public presentation of the plans is to take place at the hotel between 2pm and 7pm on Tuesday, December 9.

In a leaflet produced by the hotel, its director, Aaron Pascoe, says: "In these uncertain times, we want to bring significant new investment to Falmouth, providing new and improved facilities for the town and creating more and better jobs for local people.

"But, none of this will happen unless we keep the very things that made the Greenbank so special in the first place: its character, its heritage, and above all, its wonderful surroundings."

At the end of the meeting, Sue Davis urged everyone present to make their feelings known by writing letters to Carick Council.

Former councillor, Brinley Morris, ended the meeting by saying: "The hotel is called the Greenbank Hotel – fancy having the Greenbank with no green bank, it's absurd."