PLANS to erect a monument in honour of the Queen, which would stand at more than 180 metres tall, have hit the headlines again this week.

For, after planning permission for the landmark proposed to sit on land at Cold Law near the village of Kirkwhelpington, was turned down last July, the team behind the proposal has decided to challenge the decision by lodging an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate.

Lord Devonport, or Terence Kearley, 3rd Viscount Devonport, wants to construct the landmark as a sign of “personal admiration” for the Queen as the longest-reigning British monarch.

A retired architect and philanthropist, he has spent years regenerating his Ray Demesne estate and believes the structure will boost tourism in the area.

And if existing examples such as the Angel of the North are considered – a landmark which also got off to a controversial start – he may well be right.

Because of the height of the structure, Newcastle Airport and the Ministry of Defence were consulted, but none raised objections.

Three artists had originally been commissioned to produce proposals in 2018, and it was announced that ‘Ascendant’ by Simon Hitchens, had been chosen.

The local heritage is said to have inspired, Mr Hitchens, who talks of Sir Charles Parsons and Lord Armstrong as having influenced the design. The landmark itself is designed to echo that of a turbine blade conceived by Parsons, whose steam turbine engine went on to transform economies across the world.

Indeed, it would have to sit on the skyline and compete with huge wind turbines already erected on the Ray estate.

So it is easy to see why many residents have aired their concerns.

Whatever the outcome, it is clear the final decision on the The Elizabeth Landmark will be a monumental one, set to be talked about for years to come.