Horse sculpture planned for housing estate near Bridgwater

The proposed artwork on land east of Liney Road in the village features a horse and rider with flag made from forged round bars of galvanised steel in different sizes.

The sculpture measures 2.5 metres high, 0.8 metres wide and two metres in length.

Read More: Concerns over activities at former RAF Westonzoyland site

Read More: Westonzoyland villagers battle to address ‘dangerous’ HGVs

The applicant, Stonewater, submitted plans to Somerset Council through Yeovil-based architects, Boon Brown.

According to the planning statement, “the sculpture is a distinctive piece of public art that is designed to be site-specific, taking into consideration the local historical context.”

“The horse and river were a significant feature of the battle of Sedgemoor; the King’s Regiment of Horse, led by Colonel Sir Francis Compton; the King’s Own Royal Dragoons; and three troops of the King’s Horse Guards made up the army.”

The statement also confirms that the removal of rust from the sculpture may be needed every 10 to 20 years.

The Battle of Sedgemoor took place on July 6, 1685 and was the last event of the Monmouth Rebellion. The Duke of Monmouth’s attempts to overthrow King James II were quashed by the Royal Army near Westonzoyland. It is estimated that over 1,000 rebels were killed.

Stonewater, a social housing provider, was behind the Liney Road development in the village, which comprises of 42 houses – 29 of which are affordable rent, and 14 are Shared Ownership.

Stonewater’s Public Art statement details that the company aims to make its schemes “distinctive”, which public art that “complements high architectural quality.”

It adds that investment in shared spaces “should help us reduce antisocial behaviour, crime and the opportunity for crimes to be committed in our communities.”

You can find out more about the planning application by visiting Somerset Council’s planning portal, using the reference: 53/25/00003