Controversial plans to transform acres of green belt into an activity centre with hovercrafts have sparked fears over the future of Frodsham Marshes.

Thousands of thrilll-seekers could soon be flocking to the market town to ride hovercrafts, segways and zorbs if plans to open the outdoor recreation are given the green light.

But despite developers, Hover Force Ltd, insisting the 18 acres of marshland could be easily restored following the ‘temporary’ alternations, councillors fear the plans could damage the Marshes and bring overdevelopment to the much-loved area.

And with 4,000 visitors expected at the site every year, residents fear the attraction could cause ‘traffic chaos’ forcing even more cars down Marsh Lane on market day – where Keith Allsopp was tragically killed in 2010 as he crossed the road with his guide dog.

“Residents use the Marshes for walking their dogs or taking their horses out, if this is granted it will change the whole face of the Marshes,” said town councillor Kyle McGregor, who walks his dog daily on the site.

“I think it sets a precedent. Once something gets permission down there it will be very difficult to say no to other developments and activities. Once it has been tarmacked over its not like you can change it back to green belt over night.”

Cllr McGregor said residents living close to the proposed site were concerned about noise disturbance from the hovercrafts, but the overriding concern was the safety of Marsh Lane, which would reach ‘breaking point’ on market day if the plans got the green light.

“With the hovercrafts going over the grass the stag and hen dos and businesses holding events down there noise could really become an issue. But cars already go down there at quite some speed, I hate to think what the impact of 4,000 more cars would have,” he said.

Cllr Andrew Dawson, who has called in the application to Cheshire West and Chester’s planning committee, said he welcomed the plans but feared they were simply in the wrong place.

“The idea of using the Marshes more for leisure activities is a great idea, but people are very concerned about the noise the hovercrafts might make. I have asked if they can bring a hovercraft down so we can see if it is as noisy as people fear or as quiet as the developer claims,” said Cllr Dawson.

“Increasing traffic on Marsh Lane is not a clever idea. I really like the idea but it just seems to be in the wrong place.”