A housing scheme has come under fire from conservationists who claim it will mask an ancient landmark.

The row is set to come to a head when it goes before planners next week.

Development company Amberly House wants to build four houses on land it owns in the centre of Chichester.

The site is used as a 46-space car park and is leased to a private operator.

The city's conservation advisory committee has lodged a strong objection to the plan, saying it would mask part of the nearby famous Roman walls surrounding Chichester.

English Heritage has also condemned the proposal, claiming it would spoil the setting of an important monument.

The scheme has also led to concern from Anne Bone, the district council's arts and heritage manager.

She said: "The city walls are an important asset to the nation's heritage. They are significant to the local community and part of Chichester's attraction to tourists, who contribute more than £50 million a year to the local economy."

The scheme goes before district council planners on Monday.

The developers have told the council the scheme will provide the city with an "attractive, high quality" housing development.