The location of a controversial tree sculpture, which is to be installed on Borth beach, cannot be moved due to its “site-specific” nature and planning permission.

Artist Robert Davies’ plan to build a metal tree on Borth beach, to raise awareness of climate change and sea level rise, has divided the local community.

Local resident Rychard Carrington objects to the project, entitled Tree. He said: “The character of the beach would be completely transformed by turning it into conceptual art installation space. A 30-foot sculpture would dominate the surrounding environment.”

Rychard added: “There have been so many suggestions for relocating Tree. We support most of these suggestions: our campaign is against the Tree being built on the beach, not against the sculpture altogether.”

However, Robert told the Cambrian News that an alternative location would not be possible due to planning permission and the “site-specific” nature of the art installation.

“Tree is a site-specific artwork about climate change and sea level rise. As its name suggests, its location is specific,” Robert said.

“The form and meaning of the work relates to its context within the landscape. Due to sea level rise, the ancient forest in Borth was inundated 6,000 years ago. It is revealed twice each day at low tide. Sea level rise is once again threatening the coastline - Fairbourne has been left to ‘managed retreat’ by the Welsh Government - so Tree should be seen in this context.

“As the tide rises each day it covers the forest. With Tree adjacent to the visible section of the forest the water will rise up its trunk until it reaches high tide, when all the branches will still be visible. As the tide turns the water will recede. The sculpture will interact with the water and be changed by the falling and rising spring and neap tides.

“Planning permission was awarded because the work refers to climate change. The permission acknowledges the idea and its context.

“The site of tree has been permitted for a very specific location on the beach, in the inter-tidal zone at an Ordnance Survey grid point, therefore, it can’t be moved.

“If the sculpture was placed within the village it wouldn’t make any sense and wouldn’t develop the narrative about sea level rise.”

Robert first submitted a planning application for Tree to Ceredigion County Council in March 2017, but it was rejected in December of that year.

Robert decided to appeal this decision in March 2018 and in June the planning appeal for Tree was upheld. Robert was given permission for 10 years to complete the project.

Rychard said the debate was reignited after objectors found Robert’s new charity, Art+Science, which is “trying to raise funds for the Tree project”.