More opposition has mounted against plans to build a bottling plant in Dover Road in Ringwould.

The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) has opposed proposals to build the Kingsdown Water bottling plant on land where garden centre Ringwould Alpines currently stands.

Kent and Dover committee chairman of CPRE, Derek Wanstall, said: “Firstly I am concerned about the impact on the Deal to Dover road which has had many fatal accidents and is already subject to severe congestion, especially early morning and late afternoon.

“The scheme would also be detrimental to the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Even if the site was landscaped and the building camouflaged there would certainly be a visual impact and harm to countryside.

“There are other more suitable industrial sites in the area.”

A group of Ringwould residents are set to oppose the plans for the factory which would be 60m long and 11m high.

Robert Botwright, 62, of Dover Road, is one of the main residents who would be affected by the changes and he has been leading the campaign.

The Mercury reported last week how Mr Botwright described the plans as “monstrous” and said he does not want the rural area to become industrialised.

Kingsdown Water owner, William Bomer, said the company, currently based at Walmer Court Farm, would minimise the visual impact with a curved roof, access to the site would be made safer by widening the junction and alterations would be made to ensure badger setts are not disturbed.

Residents have arranged a meeting at Ringwould Village Hall on Sunday, January 9, at 3pm to discuss their views.

Mr Bomer has sought pre-planning advice from Dover District Council but an application is not expected to be submitted until next month.