Oakham in Bloom has lodged an objection to McDonald's proposed restaurant and drive-thru in the town on the grounds the landscaping would create 'a stark and ugly environment'.

And the volunteer organisation has taken the 'unprecedented' step of suggesting a 'more thoughtful' landscaping design for the proposed site at Hawkesmead estate, off Lands End Way.

In a letter to Rutland County Council's planners, Oakham in Bloom chairman Chris Morten says: "We are very disappointed by how little thought and care has gone into the design of the landscaping.

"This is in sharp contrast to other businesses in the area that have recognised the important role they have to play in sustaining and improving the local environment in Oakham.

"Therefore, we feel obliged to object to the application as it currently stands.

"In our opinion the landscaping would create a stark and ugly environment for people that would be incongruous with its surroundings.

"It would have a negative impact on the town. Such eyesores, once built, will be there for decades."

Mr Morten goes on to highlight the quality of landscaping surrounding the proposed restaurant site - including the award-winning Adam Frost-designed RHS Chelsea garden at Lands' End and the border alongside the BP garage, maintained by Oakham in Bloom, which won Best Permanent Planting Scheme in the East Midlands.

His letter continues: "Given our considerable experience in landscaping in the area we believe we can help the applicant submit a far more thoughtful proposal that will significantly improve the overall appearance of the site, so as to make a positive contribution to the town.

"OIB has a long and award-winning history of landscape design, so therefore we have taken the unprecedented step of designing for the applicant the landscaping.

"We have taken this step because, as an organisation, our whole approach is to roll up our sleeves and improve things rather than carp from the side-lines and allow things to decline.

"The scheme we propose has been very carefully thought through.

"It meets a whole host of design criteria, but at its heart it will make a significant improvement to the landscaping of the scheme.

"It is a soft naturalistic scheme that blends into and complements the surrounding landscaped areas.

"The scheme will look good all year round. It is very low maintenance and the little required is simple and easy to do.

"It is of the latest contemporary design that is normally reserved for prestigious developments - but we believe good design should be everywhere.

"We hope the applicant will take this opportunity to work with the community."