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The latest plan for a visitor centre next to the historic clock tower in Caledonian Park has been branded a “monstrosity” and a “carbuncle” by residents.

Islington Council are consulting on the proposals, which they hope will make the Grade II-listed tower, which opened in 1855, a tourist attraction.

Architectural historian and BBC presenter Jonathan Foyle has slammed the plans as “flashy” and criticised the visitor centre as “an ill- conceived scheme that tries to appeal to Heritage Lottery Fund funding”.

A petition against the centre, presented to Islington Council at the end of last month, has been signed by 750 people.

Mike Power, a member of Save Cally Park, said: “The council’s consultation offers prettified artist’s impressions of what remains a monstrosity. It will attract anti-social behaviour, cause noise and disruption to local people, and ruin the view of the clock tower from North Road. It is an oversized eyesore.”

Dr Foyle, an Islington resident, added: “When you look down the park [the visitor centre] just jumps out of you – sort of like photobombing the view.”

Councillor Claudia Webbe, the Town Hall’s executive member for environment and transport, defended the plans.

“The design seems to flow with the park,” she said. “It has the green roof and a see-through feel.”

The council asked a private architect to come up with a design, made of stained timber, which fitted in with the park.

“I think the new design respects the clock tower,” Cllr Webbe added. “I don’t think it imposes on the park. Cally Clock Tower is a hidden gem of Islington’s past.

“We want to carry out badly needed refurbishment, improve access to the tower and provide better facilities, with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund.”

The proposed centre includes a heritage and activity room, toilets and a café.

A drop-in session from 5-9pm on Tuesday, July 21, at the Drovers Centre, North Road, will give residents an opportunity to view the plans.