Representations

Ventnor Town Council consider this unsuitable development in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and comment that the area should be kept available as an emergency landing area for helicopters.

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Officer considers that art is by its very nature a subjective matter and very often thought provoking and challenging. However, he advises that his comments are made in an objective manner and are not made on the merit or otherwise of this particular artwork, but concentrate on the visual impact that it has on the landscape character of the area in the same way as when considering any other structure. He has made reference to various vantage points from which sculpture is particularly visible including coastal path (public footpath V93). He also expresses view that structure would be visible when at sea within the Heritage Coast boundary. He is the opinion that the site and scale of this installation has a detrimental impact on the AONB landscape, primarily due to the degree of visual impact this has within the landscape from adjacent countryside and is prominent when viewed from the Heritage Coast area.

The AONB Officer is of the opinion that no artworks of this scale should be placed in an area of such high visibility in the landscape without a thorough public consultation exercise in addition to the required legal permissions. Other artworks within the gardens themselves fit comfortably into this highly manicured, exotic and colourful setting and offer the visitor an extra level of enjoyment when walking through the area. Therefore, AONB Officer raises an objection to this retrospective application on grounds that it has a detrimental impact on the character of the AONB and Heritage Coast.

Similar comments have been received from the Senior Countryside Officer who considers the sculpture to be inappropriate in this location on the basis of its impact on a designated landscape. He suggests that application should be deferred to carry out further discussions with the applicant with a view to carrying out a full assessment of the wider landscape impact of the sculpture.

Five letters of objection concerning the appearance of the sculpture, its location on a prominent headland in the AONB, the suitability of the sculpture's presence within a botanic garden and that the outer shell of the sculpture is a target for an onslaught of graffiti by young artists. Additionally, it is cited as a danger to the public from sharp rusty edges and forms a retrospective planning application on IW Council land. Additional comment relating to the use of the land for coastguard helicopter emergency landing.

Three letters of support for the sculpture as it has created visitor interest and supports the use of the garden for conservation, public art and other public activities. One resident describes the sculpture as being 'marvellous and exhilarating' and considers that the sculpture provides opportunity for community of 20th and early 21st century to make its mark.

AONB Officer has been consulted and any views will be reported to members at the meeting.

Evaluation

Retrospective planning permission is sought for a six metre high metal sculpture with a base measuring four square metres. The sculpture is situated in the south west corner of the Botanic Garden close to the cliff edge and occupies a grassy clearing surrounded by trees and shrubs. The sculpture has been made from metal that for the most part has rusted down to a matt orange colour; the area around the nose and forehead retains a more shiny appearance.

While the sculpture is well screened from within the Botanic Gardens itself, its siting ensures that it is visible from vantage points around the Ventnor area, particularly from the coastal path south west of the Garden, Steep Hill Cove Bay and Bandstand on Ventnor Esplanade and from points above the Garden, such as from Whitwell Road. However, the sculpture has dulled down considerably to a matt organic colour and when viewed against a backdrop of vegetation the impact is not obtrusive.

The Botanic Garden is owned by the Isle of Wight Council and is held in perpetuity as public open space. As well as the sculpture, there are other examples of public art within the grounds of the garden providing a blend of plants and art and enhancing one of the purposes of the garden as a place of recreation. The sculpture has been likened to the imposing statues found on Easter Island and as such benefits from its coastal setting.

The Botanic Garden lies within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Heritage Coast designations. Policy C2 ‘Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ seeks to approve planning applications where they do not have a detrimental impact on the landscape and in this instance ‘ involves the low-key improvement of an area used for informal leisure and recreation’. Policy C4 ‘Heritage Coast’ states that the development will only be permitted where it protects and enhances the unspoilt and undeveloped character of the coast, however approval will be granted for development which facilitates improved public access and enjoyment of the Heritage Coast for informal open air recreation.

UDP policy D9 expects major developments to include in the scheme works of art, artefacts and other architectural features, which would be approved provided they make a positive contribution to the surrounding area. Although not provided in connection with a major development, I believe the sculpture does make a positive contribution to the area and therefore follows the spirit of policy D9 (Works of Art, Artefacts and Architectural Features).

With regard to the point raised in representations, I have been advised by the local representative of HM Coastguard that the Botanic Gardens is not a specific location identified for helicopter landing. Aircraft are more likely to winch people up rather land; there is space next door at the cricket pitch to land/winch. Most landings take place at St. Boniface Down.

The sculpture is of an unusual nature and as a piece of public art will always attract both appreciation and criticism. Although visible from outside the Botanic Garden, the sculpture in my view makes a positive contribution to the enjoyment of the area for recreation and given the dull organic colour of the structure, it is considered that it does not currently have an unduly adverse impact on the local landscape. Despite this it is considered that a temporary permission should be given to ensure that if the condition of the sculpture should deteriorate, its retention can be reviewed.

Members will appreciate there is a considerable degree of subjectivity in any guidance put forward by Planning Officers or observations from professional consultees. Whilst the application is recommended for approval, due recognition and weight must be given to the comments made by the AONB Officer.

Reason for Recommendation

Having given due regard and considerations outlined in this report, it is considered that the sculpture is acceptable in this location on a temporary basis and the impact on the character of the area will be neutral.

           Recommendation     –          Approval (subject to the views of the AONB Officer)

Conditions/Reasons: