Residents in a beautiful UK seaside town have begrudingly accepted defeat after a passionate fight against plans for 90-room Premier Inn to be built on their doorstep. The controversial plans to replace St Ives's last-remaining care home with the hotel chain were initially refused by Cornwall Council, but have now been given the go-ahead by a planning inspector following an appeal. Councillors in the popular tourist spot, which has been described as one of the UK's busiest, have strongly opposed the development, with deputy mayor Ken Messenger expressing "total shock and dismay" at its approval.

"I would personally like to pay tribute to the campaign team," he said. "You have been fantastic, but as a local elected representative, I wonder what is the point of a planning process where the community's views and 600 objections are not taken into account in such an important decision. Local democracy has been thrown out of the window."

Councillor Andrew Mitchell, who represents St Ives West & Towednack on Cornwall Council, added: "The town council was unanimous in its resolve against this development.

"I have never seen such a well organised and dedicated group who mounted a brilliant case against this outrageous over-development.

"We now need to work together to make the best of [the decision] and at least be vigilant and ensure the company delivers on its promises in terms of jobs and good local management."

Residents previously referred to the planned facility as a "corporate carbuncle" and a "needless monstrosity", the Falmouth Packet reports.

Among the Labour government's package of reforms to Britain's planning laws were changes to fast-track decision-making processes, including through handing powers to solitary planning officers and affording less weight to local consultations.

But Louise Woodruff, from Premier Inn's parent company Whitbread, stuck to an upbeat tone while celebrating the overturning of Cornwall Council's initial rejection of the project.

 “We are very pleased that our planning appeal to bring Premier Inn to St Ives has been allowed," she said.

“We will now work with the owner of Trewidden Care Home to complete the purchase of the site.

“This process is expected to take at least six months, enabling time for Cornwallis Care to support the residents and their families to transition to appropriate accommodation within their group.”