Feather or leaf? Either way, county planners have judged this Middleton-in-Teesdale sculpture ‘tasteful’ and it's here to stay

COUNTY officials have given their verdict on a controversial cast iron artwork, describing the piece as “tasteful and well designed” after the plans had to be resubmitted.
However, Durham County Council’s planning department is still not sure whether the art is meant to be a feather or a leaf.
The authority last month had the final say on the “feather”, which was erected on the lay-by on the B6282, near Middleton-in-Tees-dale.
The charity Artworks in Teesdale was told to re-submit its application after it emerged the structure was built 40cm higher than it should have been.
The feather had come under fire after critics said it obscured the very view it was created to celebrate. Other people defended it.
Planning officer Adrian Caines has now approved the plan. In his report, he said the “tasteful nature of the work” complemented the setting, a popular viewpoint the River Tees. Mr Caines rejected arguments that the feather blocked the view, saying that people could get those “long-ranging views” by “moving slightly along the layby”. He said: “It is appreciated that the merits of the artwork in the higher position than approved are somewhat a subjective matter and views have been expressed in support and objection.
“It is considered, however, that the work is tasteful and well designed. It is considered that the increased visibility of the work serves to raise the profile of the viewmarkers project and give the work an appropriate backdrop. The work would have less impact and would not be so likely to be noticed if set down against the stone wall on the lay by.”
However, his report echoes previous confusion about whether the artwork was a feather or a leaf. Mr Cairns described it as both.
He added: “Clearly the retrospective nature of the application is unfortunate and the concerns of the parish council are acknowledged in relation to this matter.”
Eggleston Parish Council clerk Christine Bell had earlier written to Durham County Council to strongly object to the artwork.
She said: “The parish council is not opposed to the artwork in principle but to the manner in which it has been installed contrary to what was approved by both the parish council and Durham County Council.” Ms Bell said the plinth is about 46 inches square and the feather was placed on top – which was “nothing like” the original plans.
“This means that the height of the structure is about 50 per cent higher than what was approved,” she said.
In total, three objection letters were sent to the county council and three in favour.
One person wrote: “Lowering the sculpture would only make it blend with the background wall and lose its impact.
“As it is it entices visitors to pull into the layby and take in the amazing view from Whistle Crag, one they may have missed otherwise. Moving it will add costs.”
But another person said: “I agree that art is subjective but in my opinion, the ‘feather’, at its present position and height, detracts from the natural beauty of this site, rather than complimenting or drawing attention to it.”