Plans to build student accommodation on the site of the former Rosslyn Hotel in Falmouth will be determined via a public hearing after inspectors weren't able to make a decision based on written representations.

An inspector was due to visit the site last week, but called it off after deciding the appeal should go to public inquiry.

A letter from the inspectorate stated: "Having carefully reviewed the case evidence and the issues raised by it, the inspector has concluded that it will not be possible to reach a fully informed decision by written representations alone.

"In the circumstances, the inspector considers it appropriate to change the appeal procedure to a hearing to allow him to lead a discussion on the issues and to ask questions to ensure that the eventual outcome is fully informed."

The letter went on to admit the inquiry would lead to delays but a new timetable would be made available to parties shortly.

The decision to hold a public enquiry was welcomed by local councillors David Saunby, who suggested it gave the public a chance to voice their concerns to the inspector.

The group, Save Our Falmouth, also welcomed the inquiry and urged people from the local community to attend the meeting.

The application relates to a 117-bed student accommodation development put forward by Studios Building Ltd. Planning officers rejected the proposals in March, which led to the developers taking it to appeal.