CONTROVERSIAL plans involve the creation of a 'trail' and new bridge at a historic park in Worcestershire which features landscapes designed by Capability Brown.

If approved the National Trust will create a four mile 'multi-use trail' for both pedestrians and cyclists at grade I listed Croome Court and Park near Severn Stoke, following the park's perimeter.

A meeting took place at Severn Stoke Parish Hall on Monday to show the plans to the public in more detail.

Another meeting follows tomorrow night (Wednesday) between 7pm and 8.30pm, also at the parish hall.

Martin Rees said in his objection letter: "I have certain doubts that this application is within the general ambiance of the gardens set up by Capability Brown. I'm sure Mr Brown would say ' No Cycles in my Gardens!'"

The trail would be between 1.5m and 3m wide, featuring a layer of 'geotextile ' fabric called 'ecotex' which would be overlain with paving.

The surface material would be held in place by steel fixing pins. Twin drainage pipes would be installed on either side of the trail.

The proposed path would begin at the National Trust visitor reception point, heading north as far as the boundary with the unclassified road leading to High Green.

The path would then run broadly westwards along the margins of fields outside the belt of woodland and planting which forms the perimeter of the main park area and behind the Temple Greenhouse.

The path would continue to the Snape Wetland before heading south into Menagerie Wood, turning south east into Sweet Briar Wood which links this wood to the Cuckoo’s Pen woodland.

The proposed path would continue on to the weir at the end of the ‘Croome River’ which runs through the park, drifting slightly to the east to avoid passing close to the Rotunda, before crossing the main driveway to Croome Court close to, and parallel to, the existing visitor path.

The path cuts through an area of woodland close to the Icehouse, through a maintenance yard and into the field containing Icehouse Pond before crossing the overflow parking area and back to the visitor reception point.

There are no objections registered by Worcestershire County Council. The scheme has received support from the Ramblers Association.

Concerns have been raised about the impact on the design of the grounds by Brown and the impact on Stone Cottage and about the route itself.

Croome was Brown's first major and independent commission.