AN ARTIST has appealed against Ceredigion council’s decision to refuse permission for a controversial metal tree sculpture on Borth beach following a heavy backlash from objectors.
The plan was rejected by committee members in December following major concerns from residents and Borth Community Council, but Robert Davies of Taliesin has now taken an appeal to Welsh inspectors.
A site inspection panel originally recommended that planning committee members give ’Tree’ the go-ahead subject to conditions.
However, after being inundated with objections and a 1,000-signature petition, the committee rejected the proposal.
There were concerns about the detrimental effect the sculpture would have in a Special Landscape Area, the safety of swimmers and surfers, parking problems caused by sight-seers, insurance and the eventual removal of the sculpture.
Borth Community Council, at its latest meeting, said it will continue to object to the proposal.
The council said: “Borth Community Council voted to object to the proposed development when it first went to planning, this decision remains and is not withdrawn.
“The majority of councillors are opposed and two are in support.
“We will be submitting comments on the two grounds of the appeal; impact on the Special Landscape Area and safety.
Mr Davies claims the artwork would help visualise the village’s ancient history and highlight climate change and there were 19 letters of support, including from Ben Lake MP and Elin Jones AM.
See this week’s south papers for the full story, available in shops and as a digital edition tomorrow