A horse statue proposed to celebrate Appleby’s gypsy fair has been refused planning permission because it may cause ‘anxiety and distress’ to locals.
Blacksmith Jake Bowers had lodged an application to install the sculpture on the banks of the River Eden in the leafy town of Appleby, Cumbria, as a ‘gesture of inclusion’.
But officials canned the proposals, saying it could upset residents of the picturesque market town and encourage ‘antisocial behaviour’ during the yearly fair which sees thousands of travellers take over its streets.
Mr Bowers created the statue, which measures 2.1m by 3.5m, with galvanised steel and had hoped to place it next to the river where many horses are washed during the event.
However the application, which was sent to Westmorland and Furness Council in February, was further rejected by its planning officer who said it would also compete with nearby historic buildings.
The report written by Aneena Cheriyan said: ‘A large number of residents expressed concerns about amenity and social impact.
‘The sculpture’s association with the Appleby Horse Fair was cited as a source of emotional discomfort and division for some members of the community, with references to anxiety, antisocial behaviour, and distress experienced during the annual event.
‘Some objectors expressed concern that the sculpture would extend that symbolic presence year-round in a space currently valued for its neutrality and quiet recreational use.’
Ms Cheriyan added that locals has suffered ‘deeply personal and emotionally distressing experiences during previous fairs’, and said this had to be taken into account when assessing the plans.
The planning officer also said the statue being installed could change the way Appleby was viewed by outsiders.
She said: ‘While individual incidents or allegations fall outside the scope of planning, these submissions highlight the perceived emotional and symbolic impact of the proposal on residents’ relationship with this public space.
‘Such perceptions, even if not measurable in physical terms, are relevant to the planning consideration of amenity and social cohesion, which requires developments to create “safe, inclusive and accessible places” that promote “a high standard of amenity for existing and future users”.
‘The proposal, by creating a strong cultural statement within a shared and sensitive space, has the potential to alter the way the area is used and perceived.
‘The result, for some, could be a diminished sense of belonging or comfort in a space that has previously served as neutral ground for all members of the community.’
The Appleby Horse Fair takes place over a week in June and usually attracts up to 10,000 Roma and travellers as well as hundreds of horsedrawn cars and 30,000 visitors.
The horses are washed and ridden in the River Eden in a tradition that has its origins in the 18th century.
In a statement submitted to the council, creator Jake Bowers said ‘very little tangible evidence exists of the central importance of the Fair to the town and its Gypsy and Traveller visitors.
‘As a permanent fixture in the life of the town and the culture of Gypsies and Travellers, the Gypsy and Traveller community would like to donate a public sculpture to the town of Appleby to make this crucial part of the town’s intangible heritage more tangible and visible.’
Appleby Town Council supported the proposal, as did many of those living in the town, with 163 letters of support and 72 objections.
Cllr Andy Connell gave his blessing, but adding: ‘Local responses will inevitably reflect the extent to which individual residents enjoy, tolerate or resent this undoubtedly disruptive occasion.’
Planners confirmed they considered the proposal as ‘culturally significant, both artistically and symbolically’, adding: ‘a large number of supportive comments have identified the sculpture as a gesture of inclusion, recognition, and heritage preservation.
‘The commemorative intention behind the application is therefore fully acknowledged and respected.’
But they also warned that because of the statue’s size and shiny nature it would compete with views of nearby heritage assets including the Grade I listed Church of St Lawrence and St Lawrence’s Bridge.
The stallion statue is part of a series of sculptures to be erected across Britain, funded by the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust.
It is not known whether the applicants will move the sculpture’s location and reapply.
has approached Westmorland and Furness Council for comment.