The formal planning application for a giant oyster sculpture which is being proposed for Falmouth’s waterfront, has been lodged with Cornwall Council.

As exclusively revealed in The Packet last month, the proposal is for a 8.4 metre high oyster sculpture in stainless steel with a base containing a hydraulic ram which would move the top of the shell section to a maximum of 20 degrees in time with the tide.

Around the base of the sculpture would be seating, 12 metres in circumference, made out of reclaimed timber from Falmouth Docks which would replicate the Truro Corporation measuring gauge, historically used by oyster fishermen.

The Oyster, which is earmarked for the small quay off Events Square, is the brainchild of Cornish sculptor Andy Nicholls who has developed the idea with engineer, Tony Cowles, and Katy Davidson, aka the Oyster Lady. A model of the sculpture is on show at the Maritime Museum in Falmouth where comments were invited.

It is estimated the project will cost about £230,000, with £150,000 of that going straight back into the local economy as local firms are used for its creation. Money is being sought to pay for the sculpture with applications being made to trust funds and private and corporate sponsorship sought along with grants from the likes of the Arts Council and Heritage Lottery Fund.

A statement accompanying |the planning application says: “The sculpture will provide a destination point and focus for visitors, drawing attention to all aspects of work being done to maintain the delicate habitat and strict harvesting rules required to maintain this keystone species.”

Full details of the application can be found at www.cornwall.gov.uk by searching for planning application PA14/056841. It is expected that members of Falmouth’s planning committee will discuss the application at their meeting on Monday evening.