It's an idyllic setting in one of the North-East's most untouched landscapes, made famous by the only wild herd of cattle in the world.

But residents claim the peace, in the remote village of Chillingham, Northumberland, could soon be shattered by plans to build a deer-hunting lodge.

The developer says the building, in thick woodland on a hilltop near Chillingham Castle, will provide a quiet rural retreat for family and friends.

But residents say plans to shoot on the 400-acre patch could shatter the peace and endanger the rare Chillingham Cattle.

The world-famous breed is the only fully wild cattle herd left in the world, and has lived undisturbed for thousands of years amid the woodland.

They draw in more than 5,000 tourists a year, to see them.

But it is feared wandering hunting parties and a succession of vehicles, could expose them to disease, or disrupt their undisturbed environment.

It is also feared the development could have an impact on tourism, and start a gold-rush, with other landowners seeking to build in the unspoilt spot.

Sir Humphry Wakefield, of Chillingham Castle, said last night: "This is a mysterious and untouched landscape, and that is being put at risk.

"If we let this go ahead we lose the very thing this area has going for it."

The plans, which have been submitted by developer Michael Glasser, of Hertfordshire, to Berwick council, will be decided on Tuesday.

Planning officers recommend approval but Sir Humphry, and a growing number of residents in the remote village, are urging the council to reject it.

He said a forest track alongside the cattle park had already been laid with stones and widened for heavy vehicles.

He said: "This is the only wild herd in the world, even with places like Egypt and Africa.

"I'm also worried about the precedent this sets. Other people will want to develop.

"It will just end up ruining the area for everyone."

The proposed scheme is for a hunting lodge to be built near the top of Kay Hill, in Amersidelaw Moor, in rural woodland near Chillingham and Chatton.

A small clearing would be widened with the felling of 20 trees and a single-storey timber building erected with the roof topped in vegetation.

In all, it could house 12 people, and provide cooking, shower and composting-toilet facilities.

Austen Widdows, the warden for the 62-strong herd, owned by the Chillingham Wild Cattle Association, said he feared for the safety of the animals.

"At the moment everyone who sees the herd must be accompanied. But we could have people wandering through, bringing disease.

"And I know what bullets do. You get ricochets."

Last night Mr Glasser was unavailable and did not reply to a message left by The Journal.

The council report says the proposal is compatible with local pastimes, has drawn 20 letters of support compared to 13 against, would blend in, and not set a precedent.