Councillors welcome appeal decision on "The Don" statue

Ward councillors have welcomed the appeal decision by the planning inspectorate which confirms that "The Don" statue, sited on the corner of Hills Road and Norwich Street has been refused planning permission and must therefore be removed, in compliance with the council's original enforcement notice. Liberal Democrat Councillors Katie Porrer, Anthony Martinelli and Tim Bick represent Market Ward, where the statue was positioned, and they have been fighting alongside residents for months for its removal. 

Cllr Katie Porrer, who attended both days of the public appeal in August to represent many residents and ward councillors, commented:

"When this statue appeared in such a prominent location with no notice, no consultation and no planning permission, ward councillors worked with residents and the council to enforce against this.  The owner then pursued an appeal at a costly public enquiry, claiming that the statue did not need planning permission at all, despite being 3 tonnes in weight and installed with no discussion with residents, and then that even if it did need permission, it should be granted!

"The inspector instead agreed with the council's view that it was development which required permission, and then rejected permission as the development had not complied with the public art requirements in the city. He also ruled that the owner should pay his costs. 

"We are very grateful to the council officers who worked extremely hard on this appeal to put over our case to the inspector, as well as the many local residents who joined with ward councillors to put forward their views, and to those who spoke at the public appeal."

Cllr Anthony Martinelli added:

"Whilst opinions of public art vary, it is clear that any large art work like this in a conservation needs to comply with the Public Art guidelines for the city,   Applying for planning permission is part of the democratic process that allows residents to be consulted on these kind of developments and our residents were denied the chance to do this.    

"Our aim has always been to allow residents to have their voices heard and to ensure that in future, developments can be scrutinised via the correct and appropriate channels.”