Planning permission has been granted to construct an Amazonian love god statue close to Wakefield Cathedral, regardless of objections.

The 1.9m (6ft 2in) tall bronze statue is considered one of 5 artworks to characteristic in a government-funded £1m artwork path.

Greater than 60 objections to the work have been lodged with some stating it was offensive to the Christian religion.

Nonetheless, planning officers stated faith was not a “materials planning consideration”.

The sculpture, by Wakefield-born artist Jason Wilsher-Mills, shall be positioned close to to the cathedral and the doorway to The Ridings buying centre.

One of many 66 objectors wrote: “I strongly object to this piece of sculpture being positioned within the cathedral precinct and specifically to its sitting so near the cathedral itself.

“It’s at greatest insensitive and at worst a deliberate try and mock Christianity, the cathedral and all it stands for.”

Mr Wilsher-Mills has beforehand defended the work stating its central message was “love and hope”.

He stated it was impressed by a portray of native Victorian conservationist Charles Waterton capturing a caiman, the love story of his mum and pop and his personal connections with Wakefield.

A planning report stated the piece celebrated “incapacity, northern working-class heritage and fashionable tradition”.

The applying was authorized by officers beneath delegated powers as an alternative of a planning committee.

The officer’s report stated: “Objections focus across the non secular features of the cathedral however faith shouldn’t be a fabric planning consideration.”

They added the design would “provoke opinions and discussions” and encourage footfall and encourage the general public to “discover Wakefield’s historic centre in a visually participating method”.

Different places within the path embrace Wakefield One, The Springs and West Yorkshire Historical past Centre.

The sculptures are anticipated to be in place by summer season 2023.

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