CONTROVERSIAL plans to demolish parts of one of Falmouth's oldest pubs and redevelop the site as modern flats are likely to be refused for a third time.

The historic Admiral Nelson in Bar Road may not be as popular now as when the adjacent docks were thriving, but many of those objecting to Galway Properties' plans to build 22 apartments and office space on the site say it will destroy an important part of the town's heritage.

Carrick planning officer Simon Snell recommended that the district council refuse planning permission for the proposals when they came before committee yesterday evening. Permission to build residential homes on the site has been refused twice since 2002.

The scheme would see the front section of the pub retained, but much of the rest of the site would be demolished, including the old stable block, the third storey extension on the pub and other outlying buildings.

The clearance of the site would make way for an L-shaped building up to four storeys high that will house 20 of the new apartments. There will be a further two-storey building containing further flats as well as 28 parking spaces.

The office space is planned in the ground floor of what is currently the pub.

The plans have been objected to by residents in Bar Road, Falmouth town council and other agencies including the Falmouth Civic Society who said plans for the buildings "towards the front of the site would be more at home on an industrial estate."

Letters of objection from 14 Falmouth residents have outlined further concerns over access, residential amenity, and inappropriate use of materials.

One letter was received by planning authorities in support of the plans from the current tenant of the pub who said he had trouble paying the bills and although he "loved the place it will be the death of me if it does not close soon."