Borth beach bronze tree sculpture plans rejected

An artist's plans for a bronze tree sculpture on a Ceredigion beach have been rejected.

Robert Davies applied to Ceredigion council for permission to install his 9.5m (31ft) tree on a stretch of sand between Borth and Ynyslas.

A site visit took place and despite a recommendation for approval, the plan was rejected by councillors.

Mr Davies had hoped his work would highlight the effects of global warming on sea levels.

The tree would have been set in concrete next to the remains of an ancient forest that often becomes visible at low tide.

The project attracted both support and opposition.

The Welsh Assembly's presiding officer and Plaid Cymru AM Elin Jones, who lives in nearby Aberystwyth, was among those in favour.

But Borth community council said it would create "a detrimental visual impact on the landscape".

A petition against the plans also attracted more than 1,000 signatures.

Mr Davies, who lives in Ceredigion, described the design of his sculpture as "a leafless, windswept tree with its branches orientated with the prevailing wind and pointed towards land".