A 9.5-metre fibreglass shark suspended over a crazy golf course in Brighton has triggered a planning dispute, after a formal objection described the display as "ugly" and "very offensive".
Jungle Rumble Adventure Golf installed the feature at its seafront venue in August last year, where it looms over one of the pirate-themed holes, hanging from a gallows-like structure. The company filed for retrospective planning permission last month.
Objection over 'criminal' depiction
The complaint, submitted on August 29, argued the sculpture unfairly portrays sharks as criminals. It read: "I would like to submit an objection to the Large Shark being held up on a gallows."
"It is ugly but also its very offensive to have a marine animal being depicted as a criminal having been slaughtered for no reason. Sharks are a vital form of marine life and should be protected if we are to regain healthy seas which can help mend our planet."
The objector added: "There is the most amazing story of our sea rewilding and returning huge amounts of different species and it therefore feel compleatly inappropiate to have a symbol of slaughter and destruction in a children's play area such as mini golf."
Heritage assessment findings
A heritage assessment, available to view online, confirms the shark remains "clearly visible" from the beach, Madeira Drive and Madeira Terrace. However, it determined that given Brighton seafront's long-standing history of recreational pursuits such as mini golf, the new features complement the area well.
The report stated: "The works are therefore considered to represent contemporary additions associated with the established recreational use of this part of Brighton's lower seafront without detracting from the significance of the East Cliff Conservation Area or the setting and significance of nearby designated heritage assets."
Decision pending
The proposals also satisfied biodiversity requirements as they are situated within an existing location and therefore pose no significant environmental impact. Brighton & Hove City Council will make a decision on the application at a later date. Jungle Rumble Adventure Golf declined to comment.
