A new block of flats built near a historic tourist site in Bradford on Avon has been branded a monstrosity.

People living close to the development in Frome Road, opposite the entrance to the Tithe Barn, say the building, arranged into five flats, is not in keeping with the architecture of the town.

Neighbour Muriel Keates, 82, said: "I can't understand how they ever got permission to build something like that. It's not in keeping with Bradford on Avon at all.

"I understood that buildings in the town could not be built with anything other than stone."

Jim Hallett, 79, said: "It's a monstrosity. They cut down two trees this week so it could have a view across the field. I'm absolutely amazed.

"One could see from the plans that it was going to be pretty dreadful."

Bradford on Avon town councillor Jocelyn Feilding, who is chairman of the planning committee, has asked planning officers at West Wiltshire District Council to speak to developer Cobb Farr about the design.

Cllr Feilding said: "It's the white tiles which are a mistake. The colours were supposed to be agreed by the planning officer. I have asked whether she can get the white tiles toned down to a grey or pink.

"I think then we will find that architecturally it's a very good building."

District council spokesman Louise Knox said all views expressed by the town council would be noted before officers hold talks with developers.

She said: "Comments from the town council are an important part of a planning application and any points they have raised will be taken on board."

Despite reservations about the colour, Cllr Feilding said he had no complaint with the building itself, and comments against its design were not sufficient grounds for objection.

"There is no reason why you should not have a modern building in a conservation area," he said.

"A lot of people just don't like modern architecture. It used to be a dirty industrial site and this was a good chance to introduce some 21st century architecture."

Cobb Farr manager Veronica Ross said: "People either love it or hate it. We have got a lot of interest in it. Contemporary living appeals to people. They don't want the dark spaces that come with the territory in Bradford.

"We have heard the flats compared to architecture in Holland, particularly the flat pack buildings."