THE applicants behind a £1m monument to Queen Elizabeth II have vowed to appeal against a decision by councillors to reject the plans.

Councillors on Northumberland County Council’s strategic planning committee turned down the application by a margin of 13 votes to three on Tuesday.

But the team behind the Elizabeth Landmark said it would lodge an appeal in the summer.

A spokesman said: “The Elizabeth Landmark team is disappointed to learn of the decision taken by Northumberland County Council planning committee to reject planning permission for Ascendant: The Elizabeth Landmark at Cold Law.

“We are hopeful that the project will be approved through the National Planning Inspectorate and we will be lodging an appeal during the summer.”

Councillors said that the location of the monument was not appropriate.

Coun. Barry Flux said: “I can see places where it would be appropriate, but that is not here. Let’s keep the Wannies Wild.”

The Keep the Wannies Wild protest group, set up to oppose the plans, was led by Emma Anderson. She said: “I’m delighted it’s been refused. We will keep on fighting. If there’s an appeal we will fight that too.