A CONTROVERSIAL metal tree sculpture can now be built on Borth beach after inspectors overturned a decision by Ceredigion County Council to reject it.

Taliesin-based artist Robert Davies appealed against the council planning committee decision to reject the proposed artwork ‘Tree’ despite the scheme being given the green light by the authority’s planning officers last year.

The planned metal cast oak tree sculpture, which was backed in a planning report by planning officers, received 19 letters of support, including from Ceredigion’s AM and MP - but attracted criticism from some local residents.

Committee members decided to reject the proposal after saying they were “inundated with objections”, with 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.

However, the Welsh planning inspectorate upheld Mr Davies’ appeal, and the scheme will now go ahead.

Inspector Richard E Jenkins said he had “acknowledged the significant amount of public interest in this case and has considered each and every representation and petition submitted”, but said that “nevertheless, local opposition or support for a proposal is not, on its own, a reasonable ground for withholding or granting planning permission.”

Mr Davies said he “wanted to say thank you to all those who supported me”.

“Their encouragement and advice has been invaluable,” he told the Cambrian News. “The work starts now.”

Objector Rychard Carrington said that the scheme getting the go-ahead will see the beach “tragically violated.”

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