Confusion over bendy spar

By Matt White

Saturday, December 5, 2009

The 35-metre art spar in Ashey.

CONFUSION over planning permission could lead to the removal of the bendy 35-metre art spar in Ashey.

The Isle of Wight Council is in the process of serving an enforcement notice seeking the removal of the structure, although Mark Downer, who built and installed the spar in his garden, knows nothing about it.

"I spoke to planners last week but nothing was said about removing the spar and I have heard nothing since," said Mr Downer, who understood planning permission wasn’t required because it was a temporary structure.

The spar, in Gate House Lane, is a prototype being tested for six months, which could lead to a batch of 30 being manufactured over the next two years.

Reporter: mattw@iwpcmail.co.uk