The proposed statue of the late monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, has caused more division.

The application for the five-foot high limestone plinth came before members of Oakham Town Council's planning committee at its meeting, but only narrowly passed with a vote of three to two, plus two abstentions.

Concerns about the loss of planters, damage to shrubbery and the potential moving of several benches were raised as legitimate concerns for the members to consider under planning rules.

However, the debate that followed once more brought about comments that are not for the consideration of the planning committee.

Cllr Paul Buxton said: "I don't think it looks very much like our late Queen who most people remember as a nice old lady.

"This statue doesn't look like her at all, and besides, I'm not exactly sure how useful it will be for the town at the moment."

Opinion has been divided among members of Oakham Town Council since the plans were announced in February by the Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland, Dr Sarah Furness.

Artist Hywel Pratley has provided a mock up of the statue in location outside Oakham Library. Image credit: Jules Fuller / 66Media.

Dr Furness, whose project to raise money for the statue has seen most of the required funding now achieved, had asked for the 13-foot plinth and statue to be placed just outside Oakham Library.

However, this raised concerns among Oakham Town Council members as to who would maintain and look after the upkeep of the statue going forward – a matter that has still not been fully resolved.

Chairperson Cllr Adam Lowe said: "It is a controversial matter, of that there is no doubt, and opinion has been split between those councillors who are in favour of the statue coming to our town, and those who are fiercely opposed to it.

"As chair, I had to point out that we were at a planning committee meeting, and that meant that only those matter related to the planning rules could be considered. I therefore noted the concerns about the loss of the planter, the potential damage that could be caused to bushes and shrubs near the statue as it was being erected, and if there were to be any movement or loss of public benches, that this be considered with alternative locations or replacements."

A statue of the late Queen has caused controversy in Rutland, some suggesting that the installation may be inappropriate amid the cost of living crisis. Image credit: Nub News.

Oakham Nub News readers have also shared their concerns about the statue. One regular reader, 'M', wrote in to share her view.

'M' said: "Although it states that the cost will be covered by private donations, the cost does seem to be over extravagant in the current climate. I object to my contributions in council tax being used to help with the cost. Who knows what the costs of upkeep or removal of the inevitable graffiti which could happen.

"I agree that some memorial would be fitting and suggest a plaque or similar be commissioned to hang in the castle along with the horse shoes. Visitors go there to see these and it would cost considerably less. Our local Food bank is struggling to provide food etc to local residents who are struggling to cope with increase costs etc.

"Many residents know little about the project and we weren't consulted, I do appreciate that Dr Sarah Furness has begun fund raising but still think that residents should have been told about the plans."

The addition of another horse shoe to Oakham Castle's impressive collection had been suggeested as an alternative, cost-saving nod to the late Queen. Image credit: Nub News.

Dr Sarah Furness, Rutland's Lord-Lieutenant, launched her fundraising appeal for the statue early this year at a private Oakham Castle event, in which donors and an exclusive group of Rutland residents and officials were invited to find out more about the proposal.

Read about the Oakham Castle launch event here.

Following this launch event, and objections to the proposed statue on social media, the anticipated cost of the statue was reduced from £125,000, but an official total has not been shared.

It has also not been confirmed who will maintain the statue, although Oakham Town Council are expected to foot the bill, having already pledged £5,000 to the project. This caused controversy on social media amongst locals, who objected - like Maureen - to council funds being spent on the project without a public consultation.

The statue is proposed for land outside Oakham Library, but residents have suggested that a smaller tribute at Oakham Castle may be a more appropriate gesture. Image credit: Nub News.

The application will be decided by Rutland County Council's planning department.

View the application, number 2023/0593/FUL, here.