Go ahead given for 55m landmark dedicated to Queen Elizabeth II
Following an appeal in March 2021, the Planning Inspectorate has now given the go-ahead for a 55m tall public landmark and walking trail dedicated to the Queen and Commonwealth
The Planning Inspectorate's decision overturns the refusal of Planning Permission by the Northumberland County Council Planning Committee in 2019.
Read the full decision of the Planning Inspectorate here.
The planning application was originally recommended for approval by the Council's officers and statutory consultees and now the Planning Inspectorate has agreed with their original analysis and granted permission for the landmark, designed by artist Simon Hitchens, to proceed.
The planning application by Viscount Devonport of Northumberland, outlines a plan to build a 55m public landmark and walking trail on privately owned land in Northumberland. Ascendant: The Elizabeth Landmark will celebrate Queen Elizabeth II and The Commonwealth.
After a lengthy consultation process, which saw experts from across the North East input into a planning application that covered landscape design, ecology, archaeology, tourism and traffic, the green light has now been given to begin development on this major landmark.
Viscount Devonport and his team are adamant that the development will have a minimal impact on the natural environment, and in fact plans for the project include management of more than 60 hectares for biodiversity.
“I am delighted that the Planning Inspector has supported our project and that the committee's refusal in 2019 has been overturned,” commented Viscount Devonport, “it is our ambition to create a sculpture that is not only celebratory of Queen Elizabeth II and The Commonwealth, but which is also a magnificent piece of artwork that acts as a beacon for visitors and tourists to the region – benefiting the local rural economy and businesses alike as does the Ray Windfarm.”
Ascendant: The Elizabeth Landmark has been designed by West Country-based sculptor, Simon Hitchens, who was chosen from a shortlist of three artists (including Colin Rose and Peter J. Evans) with the brief to develop a landmark that celebrates unity, diversity and the shared heritage between The Commonwealth of Nations.
The project will now embark on a period of detailed structural design and fundraising before work starts on site.
“I am thrilled with the decision to grant planning permission for Ascendant: The Elizabeth Landmark to be built,” said artist, Simon Hitchens, “we still have a long road ahead of us to bring this contemporary sculpture to fruition, yet I am certain that when completed it will be a significant addition to the natural, and cultural landscape of Northumberland.”
“It is more important now than ever that we are united by a sense of shared purpose and heritage,” remarked Viscount Devonport, “that we are connected to our Commonwealth counterparts through arts, community and a shared vision. There is a lot to do now to raise funds for the project, but we hope to be able to share some positive developments in the coming months.”
The landmark will be situated at Cold Law in west Northumberland. In addition to the 55m sculpture, the development will also feature a walking trail with artistic input from writers, artists and sculptors from various Commonwealth countries, in a collaborative process led by artist Simon Hitchens and co-created with the local community.
“I believe the landmark will be a valuable asset to local communities and the North East of England, as a cultural destination with a global reputation,” concluded Hitchens, “the sculpture’s design acknowledges the past, respects the present and aspires for a better future. This is perhaps more relevant in the early part of the 21st century than ever before and is reflected in The Commonwealth design features that have the potential to connect people and places globally.”