Petition aims to stop Southwater hotel in Telford which campaigners say would 'spoil' area
A campaign has been launched to protect green land at Southwater that is currently earmarked for a new hotel.
Those organising a petition against the new development near Telford Town Park said it would "spoil it forever".
The campaign has been backed by Conservative town councillor Greg Sinclair, who warned the hotel would ruin an area enjoyed by families.
He said: "At the moment, no matter where you stand in the town park you can't really see Southwater.
"All of the buildings are fairly low, they're not that tall, the tallest is the new Premier Inn.
"This particular hotel will be quite tall and right on the edge of the lake.
"You will be able to see it from a middle of the park.
"This will spoil the whole feel of Southwater."
Mr Sinclair, a councillor on Hollinswood & Randlay Parish Council and Stirchley & Brookside Parish Council, said he wanted to give the public a chance to voice their concerns.
The Friends of Telford Town Park is among groups that have already raised concerns. Members said they feared ambitions to bring new businesses to the site would ruin an area loved by thousands of families and the hotel would overshadow the park.
Public consultation into the plans held by Telford & Wrekin Councl has now finished. Charlotte Dade, spokeswoman for Telford & Wrekin Council, said there will be further consultation in the summer.
If the plans are given the green light the hotel would sit opposite Indian buffet restaurant Mimosa and Telford Ice Rink.
The petition against the plans is now active on change.org
