PLANS to build a zip wire over Charlton Lakes have come under fire from neighbours and site users.

Places for People Leisure has lodged an application with Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) to construct a 220m twin zip line, as well as a high and low ropes course and a 10-metre-high climbing frame.

The bid states that Charlton Lakes is the “perfect location” for the attractions which will continue the site as a “destination of choice for the whole family”.

However, the scheme has drawn criticism as some say that the plan would wreck the lake which is used by dog walkers and fisherman.

In a letter to the council, Charlton resident Mike Adams has highlighted the recent work carried out at the site to improve the ecology.

Mr Smith said: “The recent works have made Charlton Lakes a beautiful relaxing place to visit [and] really made a big improvement. The outline plan for the zip wire will wreck all this as it will be an eyesore, create a lot of noise, and spoil the nature reserve.”

In another objection to TVBC, Howard Twine said the facility is already “used extensively by many people” as there is an “overall calmness and tranquility that can only be generated from a open green space like this”.

He added: “I can only expect that the addition of a ‘high adrenaline’ zip wire and associated high ropes will completely transform this valuable oasis enjoyed by many more than would be attracted to such a future facility.”

And Michael Cripps, whose house neighbours the lake, has described the design as “grotesque”, adding: “The siting of this facility has not taken into account the already extremely tranquil nature of this area that attracts people either to move into the local area or to visit the adequate number of facilities already available.”

Mr Cripps has also raised fears over the wildlife on the lake with fears of potential to harm birds.

“These will cause chaos to migrating flocks of geese, ducks and swans using the lakes. This could also have an effect on the nesting sites of the swans and moorhens on the lake’s islands.”

He added: “This is a totally unnecessary misuse of an already perfect public recreational area which may also have further impact on the lower lake, primarily used by anglers. Please don’t spoil it.”

If given the go-ahead, the leisure provider predicts that there could be 18,000 users per year, with most visiting across eight months of the year.

But this has sparked concern from not only neighbours but also current visitors, as Andover resident Robin Pay highlights to the council questioning whether the existing parking facilities are “adequate”.

He added that a noise assessment has only considered the noise of the zip wire: “It has not considered the inevitable noise that will result from the users who, from experience where zip wires have been employed elsewhere, scream / shriek whilst descending down the wire.”

A consultation on the plan closes on November 2. To have a say go to testvalley.gov.uk/planning-and-building/viewplanningapplicationsonline and search for 18/02638/FULLN.