Seriously-ill children could be denied miniature train rides through a West Sussex wood because a council fears it will look out of place.

The Chestnut Tree Children's Hospice at Angmering has submitted plans for a mini-railway in its grounds.

Project co-ordinators said the track, through nearby woodland, would be used by children and every effort would be made to harmonise the railway with its surroundings.

A spokesman said: "The use would be small scale, quiet and informal and the visual impact of the proposed building is limited."

But Arun Council planning officers have recommended councillors to refuse the scheme.

A planners' report said the plans were for an engine shed and small platforms in the hospice grounds with tracks outside the grounds.

Officers said: "The application marks an extension of development into areas beyond the defined grounds of the hospice.

"This would erode the informal rural character of the area and increase the built-up appearance."

The hospice, the first of its kind in West Sussex, is being built in an area of outstanding beauty and faced opposition when it was originally proposed.

Among initial objectors were Angmering Parish Council and the South Downs Conservation Board and both have lodged objections to the miniature railway.

Councillors will discuss the application on Wednesday.