Scrapped Whitby "eyesore" sculpture could be approved for Scarborough Castle grounds

The Wild Eye trail, a collaboration between Scarborough Council, English Heritage and Scarborough-based environmental art charity Invisible Dust, had been backed by £140,000 from the Government’s the Town Deal Fast Track Fund.

Last month, a plan for a sister sculpture at Abbey Plain next to Whitby Abbey was withdrawn after almost 90 people complained about the “eyesore”.

On Thursday, Scarborough Council’s planning committee will be asked to grant approval for the artwork at the castle, which is the same as the one that would have been placed in Whitby.

Planning officers have recommended that the permission is given the green light.

The sculpture is due to be part of a heritage trail and had been created by artist Ryan Gander OBE.

The two-metre high creations are described as dolos shaped, reminiscent of a concrete structure that is used as a barrier to prevent coastal erosion.

The sculpture will only be “finished”, however, when it snows according to the supporting documents submitted as part of the planning application as the work intends to make a statement about climate change.

Despite the identical Whitby sculpture attracting a flood of complaints and objections just a single letter has been sent to Scarborough Council during the consultation for the artwork at the castle. The resident was in favour of the sculpture.

Although in support the member of the public does question why people will have to pay to enter the castle grounds to view the sculpture.

The sculpture will be placed on the castle headland for up to 10 years.

Invisible Dust has said that it is now “reviewing” the proposal for Whitby following the withdrawal of the plans for the town.