RESIDENTS in Ramsbury claim a proposed riverside parking space would be a blot on the landscape and spoil pastoral views across the River Kennet.

A planning application has been submitted for the formation of an access and parking area for one vehicle in a field adjoining Riverside Cottage, which is off Mill Lane.

The parish council is divided on the issue, planning officers state in a report to Kennet's regulatory committee that meets next Thursday.

A total of 11 letters of objection to the scheme have been received claiming:

l It would be an eyesore in an attractive part of the village, one of few areas where the public have access to water views.

l A parking spot would urbanise part of a wild flower meadow.

l The property already has a triple garage and there is no need for extra parking.

l A reduction in habitat for wildlife would result.

The officers' report states that the application has been made as a result of enforcement investigation of unauthorised parking to the side of the application site.

The parish council objected to an original plan that showed an intrusion of five to six metres into the meadow whereas, said officers, councillors are divided over a revised plan showing a space just over two metres deep.

The site lies in the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Officers are recommending approval saying the main issues to be concerned are the impact on the character and landscape quality of this area of the AONB and the residential amenity the parking plot would provide.

But officers say approval must be subject to conditions, including a landscaping scheme.