Atkins is facing fierce opposition to its plans for a towering arch for London’s Leicester Square.

The firm has designed a 25ft tall, 40ft wide steel structure as a new pedestal for the glockenspiel clock, which was displayed at the Swiss Centre for more than 20 years.

The clock was removed in 2007 when the centre was demolished to make way for a new hotel by Jestico & Whiles.

Atkins’ design – required as part of the planning agreement – was due to be considered by Westminster Council this Friday.

However, it has now been withdrawn after attracting criticism from local groups and English Heritage which warns it will spoil local views.

Colin Bennett, chairman of the Leicester Square Association, said: "It is heavy handed and it is not in keeping with the other buildings around it.

“It virtually blocks out the line of vision between Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus. It is an unnecessarily ugly piece of work - a very clumsy design."

A report by the council agrees the design of the arch – decorated with enamelled images of Westminster and Switzerland, including phone boxes, street bollards and tube stations - is not ideal.

But it concludes that restoring the clock to the square will add to the “cultural vibrancy” of the area.

The glockenspiel was sent to London in 1985, as a gift from Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

Atkins declined to comment but Evelyn Lafone, Switzerland Tourism Director for UK & Ireland, defended the project: “We believe our design is in keeping with the local area and, if approved, it would become a real focal point for both tourists and Londoners alike in the years ahead."