Row over Chinese ‘eyesore’ near Shakespeare’s home
A ROW has erupted in Shakespeare’s birthplace as residents object to a proposed Chinese pavilion, which they say the council has only approved to make the Chinese government happy.
Residents in Stratford-upon-avon say that the council has approved an “eyesore” after they saw plans for the 22ft [7m] “Peony Pavilion”.
The structure – said to be a traditional symbol of Chinese culture – is set to be erected in Firs Gardens, which was donated to the authority by Marie Corelli, a Victorian writer, in 1910 “to preserve the open space for the benefit of the town”.
Some have accused the council of refusing to reject the ornate structure – a “friendship” gift from its twin city of Fuzhou – out of fear of offending the Chinese government. The gift was made in response to the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust signing an agreement with the Chinese city to build replicas of the Bard’s birthplace abroad.
Around 45 letters of objection were submitted on the council’s planning website, with some residents fearing the pavilion would cause a distraction to motorists and lead to anti-social behaviour in a conservation area.
One objector said: “Firs Gardens is a tranquil oasis. The erection of a pavilion ... goes against the whole concept of this space and [it] is doomed to be an eyesore that would become neglected.”
Lisa Northcastle, 36, added: “I can only think the council are so keen to get this sorted because they fear the consequences if they don’t.”
A council spokesman said the structure could be in place for the Shakespeare Birthday Celebrations in April.
Tony Jefferson, the district council leader, said: “We are extremely grateful for this gift. It is hoped that our cultural collaboration will continue to yield results for businesses and this growing cultural partnership will help boost trade, jobs and investment.”