Revised plan for Alnwick flagpole is submitted

Alnwick Town Council is behind the scheme for the seven-metre-high white aluminium pole, which would be placed adjacent to the war memorial.

The proposed location is on the flat area of grass to the lower part of Column Field, near to the B1340 Denwick Road, and the pole would be no higher than the nearby war memorial.

The latest bid is a revised version of the scheme drawn up by the town council in 2016.

The previous plan located the pole at the back of the circular raised flowerbed in Column Field, but was withdrawn following objections.

Critics included Alnwick Civic Society, which described it as an ill-considered proposal and feared it would have a ‘negative impact on the character and appearance’ of Column Field. It is hoped that the amended location will allay some of the concerns.

A design and access statement, submitted with the application, says: ‘Having taken comments on the previous application into account, the new proposed location of the flagpole within Column Field is to ensure that it has less impact within the overall site and does not significantly impede views of the Tenantry Column.’

It adds that Alnwick does not have a permanent flagpole and placing it close to the war memorial would enhance the town’s Remembrance parade and other commemorations.

Local groups, including the Western Front Association and Royal British Legion, are in favour, the statement says.