The modern building is planned to be an 'iconic landmark'

The public has been given until 7 October to comment on the blueprint plans for the Ryde transport interchange on the Isle of Wight.

The council hope the building that will replace the existing bus and railway stations will be an "iconic landmark".

But campaigners fear it will "destroy the historic seafront forever".

Planners seem hell-bent on ruining Ryde by creating an "iconic" space-age structure as a rival to Portsmouth's Spinnaker Tower Campaigner Brian Lock

They set up the SaveRydeSeafront website to give people information on the plans and on how to lodge comments.

"Time really is running out for Ryde," said campaign organiser Brian Lock.

"While nobody's suggesting that we should keep the existing bus and railway station eyesores, surely we owe it to future generations of residents and visitors to honour Ryde's civic heritage and build something more in keeping with the Victorian character of our town.

"Instead of respecting and enhancing our historic environment, planners seem hell-bent on ruining Ryde by creating an "iconic" space-age structure as a rival to Portsmouth's Spinnaker Tower."

Project designers Marks Barfield Architects say the appearance of the planned centre is inspired by the Isle of Wight's landscape.

The new interchange, which will replace stations from the 1950s and 1960s, is expected to be used by 3m passengers each year.