​Plans to install a stone urn at one of Cheltenham’s most prominent roundabouts have been branded “ludicrous” and “historically lazy”.

An application to place the two-metre high structure on the roundabout adjacent to Pittville Circus has been put forward by the borough council.

Sponsored by Benjamin Bowen, owner of Hotel on the Park, the scheme is said to be an attempt to brighten up the site, at the junction of Prestbury Road, Wellington Road, Albert Road and Pittville Circus Road.

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But in a shock outburst, Cheltenham Civic Society has blasted the plans, saying they are inappropriate and out of keeping with the character of the area.

John Henry, chairman of the society’s planning forum, said: “We thought it was a ludicrous idea and would look completely out of place.

“This is a Regency town and to think it is okay to just plonk a Grecian urn in the middle of the roundabout is quite staggering.

“It is historically lazy because it bears no cultural significance to the town. Apart from anything else it does not look particularly good.”

The Civic Society comments on all planning applications and although its recommendations are not always adhered to, they form an important guide for planning officers.

Mr Henry added: “We are not against having decorative items on Cheltenham’s roundabouts but this in no way enhances or complements the area. Flower beds would be far more appropriate.”

Mr Bowen, who already has four similar urns placed outside his hotel in Evesham Road, said the £3,500 structure would give the site a lift.

The hotelier took over sponsorship of the roundabout last year, announcing plans to landscape it into an attractive Georgian feature. He also decorated the site with a Christmas tree during the festive season.

Mr Bowen said: “I am disappointed with the comments of the Civic Society but remain optimistic that the application will be approved.

“The urn is designed as a way of brightening up the roundabout. We had such a positive response when the Christmas tree went up, we thought it would be well received. It is a Georgian replica so would be absolutely in keeping with the park’s cultural heritage.”

Rob Lindsey, development control manager at the council, said planning officers would take the Civic Society’s views into account and conduct a site visit before any decision was made.

The application will go to the authority’s planning committee on March 25.

Nicola Carpenter, sales assistant at Badham’s pharmacy in Prestbury Road, said: “I think a big stone urn would look a bit out of place in the middle of the roundabout.

“Everyone loved it when the Christmas tree went up but this is going a bit far.” I don’t think it would look good at all.

“It could also potentially get in the way of motorists’ vision as they are approaching the roundabout so they wouldn’t be able to see what was coming.”

Sheila Matthews, who works at the Sudeley Arms in Prestbury Road, said: “I’m not very impressed with the idea. This is Pittville and I don’t see what cultural significance an urn would have. It would be nice to have something on the roundabout, possibly some flowersor something a bit more relevant to the area. A Grecian urn might look OK in other parts of Cheltenham but not here. It would just look odd.”

Simon Butland, director of Pittville Bathrooms in Prestbury Road, said: “I’ve got no problem with the plans. I’d rather something was done to improve Pittville gate which looks in quite a poor condition. But if Mr Bowen wants to spend his money on installing a giant urn at the roundabout – I think it’s fair enough.”

“I’d rather have something there than nothing at all Everyone loved the Christmas tree and I don’t see why they would object to having this as a feature too.”

Lucy Stanton, who works at James Fine Art in Prestbury Road, said: “I think anything that helps to improve the aesthetics of the area should be welcomed. The roundabout is empty at the moment and looks a bit bare. At least having an urn would make a bit of a feature out of it.”

“It might be just what the roundabout needs, giving it a bit of lift. Traders and residents would be all for it.”

Howard Jones, who works at Pittville Estates in Prestbury Road, said: “I’m in favour of the urn – as long as it doesn’t hinder motorists’ line of sight as they approach the roundabout.

“It would be nice to see a bit of culture brought into the area.” It would give people something to look at and maybe provide a bit of a talking point.

“As long as it is ok from a safety perspective then I would be all for it.”