A SIX-FOOT dog toilet has caused a stink with conservationists after plans to put the space-age looking contraption on a beauty spot.

The High Wycombe Society has branded the toilet an "infernal machine" and a "publicity stunt" after being told by Wycombe District Council that it is set to be installed on Holywell Mead, next to the Dyke in High Wycombe.

Frances Presland, honorary secretary of the High Wycombe Society, said: "We have every sympathy with the aims of this initiative. But we very much doubt whether this facility will have any significant impact, and the visual impact on this quiet corner of Holywell Mead will be severe."

She claimed that the real reason for the idea is that the manufacturer of the toilet, which sponsors rowers in Finland, has spotted the opportunity to get the product into the country. They are donating it to Sir Steve Redgrave whose agents have offered it to the district council.

Mrs Presland added: "This infernal machine will be a real intrusion on Holywell Mead which our district council still insists on referring to from time to time as 'park land'. The Rye and Holywell Mead are not a park. Historically The Rye was a meadow and the glory of the area is that it still has a meadow-like feel close to the centre of town."

The High Gienic Toilet, which is six feet high and nine feet in diameter, has a sloping circular roof and requires 320kg of sand, which is heated with a 2kw heating element, and the whole structure rotates at about one foot per second.

The dog has to be guided on to the sand and after it has been to the toilet, the animal is walked away and the owner pushes an electric button on the box. The device rotates slowly as the sand is disinfected.

A spokesman for the district council said: "Sir Steve Redgrave has been given a dog toilet by a Finnish company which sponsors rowers. In turn Sir Steve's agents contacted Wycombe District Council to offer this facility to the council at no expense to the council taxpayer other than the future running costs.

"The council is considering the facility and consulting with local groups regarding the idea of placing the dog toilet on The Rye."

The council would like comments from the public on this. Contact Julian Smith on 01494 421702 or julian_smith@wycombe.gov.uk