A CONTROVERSIAL sculpture, branded an "abhorrence" by detractors, is to take pride of place outside a Teesside shopping centre.

Councillors yesterday gave conditional approval for the 6m-high, sheet metal depiction of fish - called The Seven Red Plaice - to stand at the entrance to Redcar's £26m Regent Walk shopping development.

Following a site visit, Redcar and Cleveland Council's planning committee was split 50/50 over the work of art.

But committee chairman Councillor Helen McLuckie cast her deciding vote in favour of the sculpture.

She said: "I would have preferred not to have had to use my casting vote, but I feel art is in the eye of the beholder and everybody's perception is going to be different.

"But if it gets people talking it can only be a good thing."

The burgundy-coloured sculpture, by artist David Kemp, was commissioned and paid for by shopping centre developer Teesland.

Last month critics claimed it was deeply unpopular with the public and was inappropriate as plaice is not caught off the Redcar coast. Councillor Charles Davies said: "To me, this work of art, if you can call it that, is an abhorrence."

Yesterday Councillor Steve Kay said it was "detrimental" to Redcar's street scene.

"It's the wrong shape, the wrong size, the wrong colour and the wrong architecture. It just doesn't fit in."

But Councillor Richard Rudland said: "If so many people are meant to be against it why wasn't the High Street closed off for the site visit for a protest? I think people will come to Redcar to see it."