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Proposal is for the palm tree-shaped sculpture to be illuminated after dark
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PLANS for a synthetic palm tree to be installed on Cleethorpes North Promenade are set to be determined next week.
A decision on the controversial artwork - 22 metres tall - is due to be made by North East Lincolnshire Council's planning committee on the morning of Wednesday March 4.
The original location was adjacent to the whale's tail rock armour groyne.
However, Natural England objected because this is an important feeding and roosting habitat for declining wading birds and gulls.
During this winter, the groyne has also provided a habitat for a rare purple sandpiper - the only recorded 2020 sighting in Lincolnshire.
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| Purple sandpiper on the sea defence groyne |
The proposed new location is a short distance further south opposite the building known as Wonderland.
It is understand there have been no environmental objections to this site.
The council's interim director of economy and growth, Clive Tritton, wants to get cracking on the scheme.
In a letter to his planning department colleagues, he says of the artwork: "It is unlikely to have significant effects on the environment by virtue of factors such as its nature, size or location."
Earlier this month, a Lancashire-based firm, Hart & Sons, was on site after being commissioned to carry out preliminary drilling exploration.
The council hopes that the Las Vegas-type novelty of the sculpture - to be constructed largely from plastics and other materials gathered from the beach - will draw visitors to a neglected part of the resort and generate business.
However, opponents warn that the 'tree' will encourage anti-social behaviour - sometimes dangerous if thrill-seekers attempt to climb it.
There are also some who believe a real tree would be more greatly cherished by residents and visitors than a fake.
Other palms already flourish elsewhere on Cleethorpes front as do many native tree species - such as those in the gardens opposite the pier and around the boating lake.
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| The whale's tail rock armour groyne |
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| Favourite preening habitat for juvenile herring gulls |
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| Occasional roosting haunt for redshank |
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| Two turnstones share rock with winter-plumage black-headed gull |
Resting place for a migrating rock pipit
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