A new art installation at a lakeside housing development has been likened to a "giant dog poo".

The sculpture has been erected at the Conningbrook Lakes estate in Ashford in the hope of "connecting the new community with their idyllic surroundings" – but has drawn unfavourable reviews.

Titled 'The Loop', the wicker structure has been created by artist Julia Clark in the theme of 'explore' – one of several themes for upcoming art pieces on the development.

Ms Clark has previously exhibited her work at Kew Gardens and currently has pieces on display at the Cambridge Contemporary Art gallery.

But her latest artwork has failed to impress Ashford residents, drawing ire online.

Ann Aslett, who lives on the estate off Willesborough Road, said: "Comments from my friends and visitors are predominantly negative.

"Regrettably there was no local consultation for this artwork. Perhaps something more traditional representing the fauna and wildlife would have been my choice.

"Also, positioning it close to a road sign is something that I consider an oversight."

Gill Price says she is "afraid to say it looks like a dog poo", a sentiment which was echoed by more than 100 people on a Facebook post about the installation, with several remarking that it looked like "something that belongs in a litter tray".

Ryan Kislingbury said: "They say art is a way of expressing yourself, I'm wondering if it reflects [Ms Clark's] opinion on building houses on the land that people enjoyed walking round."

However, Frank Hall disagreed with the majority of comments. He said: "This looks nothing like a dog poo. Fox poo, on the other hand..."

Commenting on her design, Ms Clark said: “The Loop is an abstract form, handwoven from large willows on a steel frame aimed to entice you to explore further into the rest of the park.

'The Loop sculpture summons residents to stop and take a moment'

"I would like visitors and residents to want to interact with the sculpture and engage with the space.

"I want them to be physically uplifted and to be able to step and walk through the sculptures, and see through them framing various views of the lakes and the parks around them.’’

In a promotional release about the sculpture, Ashford Borough Council cabinet member Cllr Matthew Forest (Con) said: “Sitting at the entrance to the new Conningbrook Lakes development, The Loop sculpture summons residents and the community to stop and take a moment to enjoy the beautiful lakeside scenery, water and wildlife.

"The project recognises the important role artists play in contextualising new spaces and communities, bringing character and identity to enable a sense of belonging for residents and visitors alike.

"In addition, now more than ever, it reflects the importance of the natural world and our connection to it and how being in the natural environment can have a profound effect on our wellbeing.

"I am so pleased that this is just the first installation of a number which will be added to the development over the coming months for all to enjoy.”

Last year, dejected residents launched a petition over a laundry list of issues with their new-build houses on the estate – including a sewage smell that was making children gag during mealtimes.

Once complete, the development will see 300 homes adjoining the popular lakes next to the Julie Rose Stadium.