Hunt on for new site for donkey statue
A NEW central Town location is being sought for a controversial donkey statue, after hopes of erecting it in the harbour were firmly extinguished by a planning appeal ruling.
Geoff and Jennie Dorey have been campaigning to erect a 12ft bronze sculpture of a kicking donkey on a granite plinth in the water alongside Castle Cornet.
But the Environment Department refused to grant planning permission, as it was concerned the structure would obstruct views of the lighthouse and not improve the conservation area.
The Doreys appealed against the ruling, but planning appeal presiding member Stuart Fell said it backed the department's opinion.
'It is our view that the introduction of the statue into this environment would disturb the harmonious relationship that exists between Castle Cornet, the breakwater and the foreshore, by introducing an additional visual element that would detract from this tranquil and evocative scene,' he said.
Mr Dorey had argued that the statue would attract visitors, but the tribunal said the benefits did not outweigh the importance of the public view, which was unique.
Mr Fell noted that the department did not object to the statue in principle or on artistic grounds, but just on the setting.
'We agree with the Environment Department... and consider that there may be other suitable locations around the harbour or along the urban shoreline that could fulfil Mr and Mrs Dorey's key objective to create a dramatic, artistic and spectacular work of art,' Mr Fell said.
