DECISION IMMINENT ON CONTROVERSIAL CLEETHORPES 'PALM TREE'

Proposal is for the palm tree-shaped sculpture to be illuminated after dark

PLANS for a synthetic  palm tree to be installed on Cleethorpes North Promenade are set to be determined next week.

A decision on  the controversial artwork - 22 metres tall - is due to  be made by North East Lincolnshire Council's planning committee on the morning of Wednesday March 4.

The original location was adjacent to the whale's tail rock armour groyne.

However, Natural England objected because this is an important feeding and roosting habitat for declining wading birds and gulls.

During this winter, the groyne  has also provided a habitat for a rare purple sandpiper - the only recorded 2020 sighting in Lincolnshire.

The proposed new location is a short distance further south opposite the building known as Wonderland.

It is understand that environmental objections have now lessoned though there are still some misgivings about collision from migrating birds which are often attracted to artificial light at night.

There are also understood to be many objections on aesthetic grounds.

The council's interim director of economy and growth, Clive Tritton, has stated his support for the proposal.

In a letter to his planning department colleagues, he says of the artwork: "It is unlikely to have significant effects on the environment by virtue of factors such as its nature, size or location."

Earlier this month, a Wigan-based firm, Hart & Sons, was on site after being commissioned to carry out preliminary drilling exploration.

The council hopes that the Las Vegas-type novelty of the sculpture - to be constructed largely from plastics and other materials gathered from the beach - will draw visitors to a neglected part of the resort and generate business.

However, opponents warn that the 'tree' will encourage anti-social behaviour - sometimes dangerous if thrill-seekers attempt to climb it.

There are also some who believe  a real tree would be more greatly cherished by residents and visitors than a fake.

Other palms already flourish elsewhere  on Cleethorpes front as do many native tree species - such as those in the gardens opposite the pier and around the boating lake.

How Hodson Architects of Cleethorpes envisage the project

Proposed location is on the other side of the road from Wonderland

Preliminary on-site drilling works have already begun

Rare bird - this purple sandpiper has made the whale's tail groyne its home for winter