Vyvyans Court: Aluminium and timber cladding is recyclable

Kerrier councillor Graeme Hicks criticised Vyvyans Court in Camborne for its "tower block" appearance, and said it should be more "traditional".

But the developer said the cedar and aluminium-clad flats would create a "great lifestyle" for occupants.

Fifty of the 56 flats have been bought by first-time buyers.

'Crime spots'

Mr Hicks said: "It should have been traditional. Where you haven't got public spaces, gardens, places to play, I do believe they may become crime spots of the future.

"It is very high density and my fear is that because they have not got the amenities it could become a ghetto."

But developer Dave Worllidge from Affordable Homes of Cornwall, has rejected the accusations.

"This is not an overdevelopment," he said.

"It is a commercial, industrial-looking building, which hopefully will create a great lifestyle to live in."

It's perfect for young people Helen Craig

First-time buyer Sam Dixon, who has recently moved into one of the flats said: "I think it's beautiful. It's like the Mediterranean rather than the middle of Camborne."

Helen Craig, another resident said: "It's not somewhere for families, but it's perfect for young people."

Mark Pearson, of Creating Excellence, a government organisation that backed the planning application, said the flats were a new response to modern issues.

He said: "Although we all love granite and slate, it is a very energy intense way of building.

"The timber and aluminium cladding, which I think is elegant, is recyclable. I think we are going to see more of this because we have to save the planet."