A PIECE of public art at the entrance to a business park that pays tribute to its workers has gained planning permission.

Councillors yesterday approved plans to install a towering head and shoulders sculpture on the edge of Aycliffe Business Park, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.

Artist Joseph Hillier told Sedgefield Borough Council’s development control committee that he hopes his design, called In Our Image, will become an iconic landmark.

The metal framework structure will be 16.7 metres tall and 5.5 metres wide and stand in an area of woodland off St Andrew’s Way, next to the A1(M) south entrance to the estate.

It is designed to look unfinished, with five life-sized figures appearing to work on its construction.

They will be modelled on staff at Aycliffe Fabrication, which is building the sculpture.

Charlie Walton, the head of planning services, said: “This is to be an entrance feature to a prestigious park, a gateway site not only to the estate but to the town, borough and the new unitary authority.

“It is to be a landmark signature structure, an innovative design, exciting, challenging the senses as modern art is supposed to – a subtle mix of art and engineering.

“It celebrates local innovation, engineering and technical skills and should be welcomed on all planning grounds.”

Members also heard officers felt the sculpture would not harm the view of grade I-listed St Andrew’s Church, in nearby Aycliffe Village, and highways officers raised no objections.

Councillor Bill Blenkinsopp argued that residents felt it was a waste of money at a time when post offices and factories are closing, though none objected to the authority.

He said: “I also have grave concerns about where it is to be situated. I think it will cause accidents.”

Coun Frank Forrest said: “No one wanted the Angel of the North; people said what a waste of money the brick train in Darlington was, but they are now assets for the North-East. I support the structure and artist completely.”

Coun Vince Crosby said: “This is unique, uses local engineering skills and pays tribute to all those who have worked at Newton Aycliffe.”

Members approved the planning permission with a series of conditions including measures to protect possible water vole and bat habitats.