Council Blocks 'Three Bags Full' Roundabout Over Safety Fears
Plans for an unusual roundabout topped with a sheep sculpture have been officially scrapped after council officials raised significant highway safety concerns. The proposed 'Three Bags Full' roundabout, which would have featured a metal sheep statue sitting on three steel bags of wool, was rejected by East Riding of Yorkshire Council over fears it could compromise road safety.
Safety Concerns Dominate Decision
Planning officers concluded that the eye-catching structure posed multiple risks to road users. Their primary concern centered on the monument's gradient, which they warned could potentially act as a 'take off' ramp for reckless drivers attempting to launch their vehicles into the air. Additionally, officials expressed worries that the distinctive design would distract drivers' attention and obstruct their vision while navigating the roundabout.
The council's transport planning department echoed these concerns, noting that the steel feature might encourage pedestrians to cross several lanes of traffic to photograph the sculpture. In a formal letter explaining the decision, planners stated: 'The structure could also pose a physical hazard, with the potential to cause serious injury to road users, particularly cyclists and motorcyclists, or to be struck by, or itself damage, abnormal loads.'
Controversial Design and Local Opposition
The roundabout concept was conceived by sculptor Paul Naylor, who previously designed a memorial for fishermen in Hull. The structure was intended to serve as a 'Welcome to Beverley' feature while referencing the area's agricultural heritage through the popular nursery rhyme theme. The sculpture would have been illuminated at night as part of the design.
However, local residents strongly opposed the plans, arguing that sheep don't accurately represent an area known primarily for cattle farming. One resident commented: 'Furthermore the area is mainly arable with some cattle, so sheep are at best irrelevant,' while another branded the proposal 'absolutely ridiculous.'
Developer and Artist Express Disappointment
Risby Homes director Mark Barrett called the council's reasoning 'nonsensical,' pointing out that similar artistic features exist elsewhere in the country. Sculptor Paul Naylor expressed disappointment with the ruling and what he described as 'daft spurious objections' that led to the rejection.
Naylor told reporters: 'It's meant to be a fun, family-oriented, 'welcome to Beverley' sort of sculpture but they just want it off the desk.' The roundabout was formally known as the Regiment Roundabout and was developed as part of the £86 million Jock's Lodge link road project last year.
The decision represents a significant setback for the artistic element of the transportation infrastructure project, highlighting the ongoing tension between creative public art installations and practical highway safety considerations in urban planning decisions.
