by John Prince
The organisers of Hornsea’s Starfish Sculpture Trail have been told that planning permission is no longer needed for the installations, clearing the way for an April launch.
There were fears that it would be delayed after East Riding Council required amendments to the initial planning applications.
It would have cost an extra £385 per starfish for each application, meaning that Hornsea Collective would have had to shell out thousands of pounds extra for the amendments to be done, and for the first phase of six sculptures to go up.
Organisers had paid for one application, but that money will now be refunded minus an administration fee.
East Riding Council revised its stance, saying it needed to be consistent with its approach to cultural installations, citing strong community and media support as key factors in the decision.
Sher King from Hornsea Collective said: “This is a hugely important step forward and reflects a fairer, more proportionate approach to community-led public art.
“We’re now excited to move forward with the Starfish Galaxy trail and continue bringing creativity, opportunity and pride to our coastal community.
“No doubt, due to all the support we’ve had in the media and in the community, the council has revisited the situation. So we are now in the process of organizing the launch. It will be happening in April, and we will get this first set of six starfish up.
“We’ll then get on with the job of sponsorship for the artists for phase two. Hopefully people will see them out there and realize how amazing they are.
“I want to thank Phil Bingham for donating his drawings, which would have been eight hundred pounds worth of work, and Thorfinn Caithness for donating his time for planning.
“The places we want to put them are not listed buildings or in conservation areas so it’s all okay.
“Every time we do a phase, it’s all self sustaining. The money goes back in so people are really contributing to an ever-growing sculpture trail.
“When people buy a starfish, it goes towards paying the artist, manufacturing the starfish, and the installation and insurance. We’re not-for-profit and it’s a one-off cost.
“We just want to thank everyone who continues to support this journey.”
The first six starfish sculptures will go up at Number Nine gallery, the Floral Hall, Baron Hartley Wines, New Beginnings Hair Salon, Hornsea Village and Hornsea Inshore Rescue.
The big launch is planned at the Floral Hall in April. Announcements will be made nearer the time.