Residents fear a new student accommodation will turn their sleepy rural lane into something out of Lord of the Flies.

A row has erupted over Marlborough college’s plans to turn two flats at Newlands, Hyde Lane, into accommodation for students when required.

The property is a two person dwelling owned by the college, but they have applied to transform the building into an overspill boarding house for up to 12 pupils and a residential tutor.

If approved, the application would also see the construction of new pedestrian steps on the bank opposite the property and the installation of CCTV and bollard lighting for student safety.

But the lane’s other inhabitants, and Marlborough Town Council, are firmly opposed to the conversion.

They fear a student accommodation would lead to increased noise and light pollution, particularly at night.

Terence Rogers, whose property backs onto Newlands, said: “There are a lot of issues. I am not anti-college, but it is not appropriate to put a dozen teenagers up here.

“They will naturally be noisier than those around here and I think it’s inappropriate. It is remarkably quiet around here if they extend the light pollution it will be a shame.”

His neighbour, who did not want to be named, added that it would “really change the feel of the area.”

She worries the presence of pupils and new streetlights will “make it hard to sleep” and turn the area into something out of Lord of the Flies.

Making reference to the famous novel written by William Golding in Wiltshire, she said: “It’s going to be minimally supervised. They’re kids - it’ll be like Lord of the Flies."

The town council have opposed the plans on the grounds it will increase noise and light pollution, and change the character of the area.

Residents also feel they have not been given significant notice, with the decision due less than three months after plans were submitted.

Locals Sam and Keith Edwards commented on the proposal: “It feels like the process has been kept off the radar and is unusually short. We feel that the consultation period should be extended.”

A spokesperson for Marlborough College said their rationale for the plans had been laid out in their application.

At the time, the college said: “There is no expansion of the building footprint planned other than the inclusion of an external fire escape.

“Marlborough College has a need for overspill student accommodation which is used should an unexpected event take place.

“This proposed project will deliver 12 student bedrooms divided over the ground floor and the first floor.”

The college added they “have noted the feedback received as part of the application process and are reviewing that fully.”