An iconic piece of artwork will be installed on Ventnor Esplanade — but could be removed if it proves too noisy.
A Time and Tide Bell has been approved to be placed near the steps of the rotunda bandstand, on the beach, by the Isle of Wight Council.
Gentle rings as waves strike the bell
The bell has been designed by international sculptor Marcus Vergette and will gently ring as the waves struck the bell one hour, either side of high tide.
The sound of the bell has been recorded to be 70db at other installations, which is said to blend in with the sound of breaking waves.
Multiple objections
However, multiple objections have been made by nearby residents of the Esplanade who said it would be a noise nuisance and disturb their peace.
The designer, Mr Vergette, has confirmed the bell could be calibrated to control the noise and council environmental health officers have said it is unlikely to result in adverse noise implications.
Assess once installed
Officers do recognise it is a concern, but it would only be possible to fully assess the noise levels once the bell is installed.
To ensure the bell would not cause a nuisance, the Isle of Wight council has issued a temporary consent to allow for noise level monitoring all year round.
If during the year, the noise is found to be unreasonable, by the environmental health team, the bell would be adjusted.
Clapper could be removed
If no acceptable noise level can be reached, a council officer’s report said the bell clapper would be permanently removed.
Permission has been granted so the bell can be situated on the beach until 1st March 2024.
A new application would then need to be made to make it permanent or it would have to be removed.
One of 16 bells installed across the UK
The sculpture is made of marine bronze on a supporting structure of steel and will be one of 16 bells installed across the UK.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
Image: St Patrick’s Time and Tide Bell in Anglesey
