An opponent of a new £12.5m arts venue in Aberdeen's Union Terrace Gardens claims the project is the beginning of the end for the famous landmark.
The Scottish Government has approved the Peacock Visual Arts project.
Norman Marr, of the Aberdeen Civic Society, said he believed the design was totally inappropriate.
However supporters said the design ensured the popular open spaces in the gardens would be protected. It is due to be finished by 2010.
It will see a new gallery, performance spaces, studios and an education suite constructed in the Victorian sunken gardens.
Blend in
It could bring millions of pounds into the local economy.
Mr Marr said: "I am very, very sorry because this is the beginning of the end of the gardens in my opinion.
"There are some magnificent mature trees and I believe 16 could be destroyed."
Aberdeen city councillor Scott Cassie said he believed it would "blend in beautifully".
Lindsay Gordon, director of Peacock, said: "One of the great things is it produces something new but maintains open space."
The plans for the major community arts centre earlier won praise from Architecture and Design Scotland.
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