Madam,

The Planning Inspectorate of Wales attached eight conditions to the appeal decision surrounding the building of a large metal tree on the beach between Borth and Ynyslas, to make sure that the impact of the structure on the submerged forest, the wildlife and special landscape area are minimised and that the structure is safe and well maintained in this dynamic environment.

However, it is undoubtable that there will be some damage to this fragile landscape no matter how stringent the conditions are.

It is not yet known what form these conditions will take, although it is understood that it is the responsibility of the artist to show how his scheme will meet the conditions. Ceredigion council then has the final say in granting the licence for the project to move forward.

There is considerable opposition to the scheme locally and many have voiced their concerns at both the planning application and appeal stages.

As the process moves slowly forward this opposition is not being silenced despite attempts by the project’s supporters to negate their objections as irrelevant and NIMBYism from a small minority. A recent letter to the council, signed by 50 people, raised issues surrounding the implementation of conditions from the appeal report.

There are concerns that, given the stretched nature of Ceredigion council’s planning department, the conditions defined by the Inspectorate will not be strictly adhered to or enforced.

There have been recent cases in the village where there has been difficulty in enforcing straightforward planning regulations on residential properties. This does not inspire faith in a system to regulate a large metal structure, in a sensitive landscape, below the high tide line, on a site with nesting bird populations.

Uncertainty also surrounds the funding of the project. Details are not available as to how the work will be funded or what guarantees or bonds will be in place to protect the public purse from potential costs during the development, construction, maintenance and removal phases over the next 10 years. Could this then potentially mean that if there were to be an injury or damage at the site Ceredigion council could be liable as it is on land for which it is responsible?

Clarity and transparency are needed to make sure that at no time public funds can be used to research, repair or remove one man’s art in a landscape that belongs to everyone.

Yours etc,

Kim Williams, Borth.

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