AN Englishman's home may be his castle but entrepreneur Tom Rothschild's plan to build a modern-day fortress in Heywood have sparked uproar.

The Trowbridge businessman wants to build a four-storey castle with 12 bedrooms and 14 bathrooms, on land off Church Road. The scheme also includes a two-storey garage block and a fountain.

The entrepreneur says the castle will "greatly enhance the area and will provide the village with a building of exceptional architectural interest".

"The castle will transform land which has not been used for many years into a feature which enhances the environment. It will be a building which present and future generations can enjoy, and will be a credit to the area," he said.

Among the objectors are Heywood Parish Council, who say it is not clear whether the castle would be a private home or a hotel, Wiltshire County Council, 32 local residents, and the Council for the Protection of Rural England.

West Wiltshire district councillors were last night recommended to reject the scheme. Officers say: "The building would, by reason of its height and location, be highly prominent in this part of Heywood."