An art installation at Bowes Museum is set to be moved to a permanent site behind the historic building after planning permission was approved by Durham County Council.

The works by artist Martin Smith were sited in the Museum’s grounds temporarily until April.

The display called Kinetic Arboretum, features three metal trees which respond to the elements with gentle, rhythmical movements.

Originally situated on the front terrace, to the north lawned area, the sculptures will be moved to the rear of the building after approval was granted.

The proposal aims to relocate the sculptures without disrupting their aesthetic appeal or compromising on the heritage value of the museum premises.

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(Image: Durham County Council)

Durham County Council granted planning permission, a decision which echoed the Planning Services' report.

The latter outlined planning considerations and assessment, concluding that while it may cause 'less than substantial harm' to heritage assets, the public benefits to outweigh these concerns.

Ms Alison Allighan of The Gardens Trust expressed the Trust’s position as neither an approval nor disapproval at this stage and requested further communication on the outcome.

Historic England and The Gardens Trust, as statutory consultees, along with the Council's Design and Conservation and Landscape departments, responded to the proposal but offered no opposition to the plans. Bowes Museum's proposal aligns with the national and local planning policies, notably sections of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and the County Durham Plan.

The Council has placed specific conditions, including initiation of the development within three years and adherence to the approved plans.