The harbour is Polperro's most visited area

South West Water (SWW) wants to build the station in Polperro as part of a �6m project to rid the harbour and sea of raw sewage.

The company says it will make the facility blend in with its surrounding in the harbour if it gets permission.

But members of Cornwall County Council's Planning Committee have been advised to refuse permission because of the proposed plant's visual impact.

It's what artists come to paint, it's what photographers come to take pictures of, it is the gem of Cornwall Mel Knowles

Residents and businesses fear there will be a smell from the works and a knock-on effect on the holiday industry.

Nearby resident Mel Knowles said the pumping station in the inner harbour would ruin what everyone comes to see.

She said: "They are using the most horrendous option. They'll be spoiling the best part of the village and what people come to see.

"It's what artists come to paint, it's what photographers come to take pictures of. It is the gem of Cornwall and we have to keep it this way."

Inshore fisherman Antony Moore said everyone accepted the problem of crude sewage discharge had to be resolved.

He said: "I've seen the evidence floating around the harbour. How embarrassing is that, where kids and people are swimming around?

"It's got to be done, but where do you put it? There are places on the outside of the harbour, but South West Water say they can't get to them."

'High standards'

SWW argues that the works will bring an end to the infamous "Polperro pong" caused by sewage in the harbour.

Kim Vanstone, for SWW, said alternative sites had been investigated.

"We have looked at options outside the harbour, but they just cannot be built to the high standards that we need," he said.

"This is simply because we do not want sea water getting into the system at all."

Mr Vanstone said everything would be done to make the station blend in.

He said: "We would like to think that we could do something that would match with what exists very well and also enhance part of the area for people to view the beautiful harbour."