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Cyril Dixon

AN Alan Turing memorial of 19 steel slabs at his former Cambridge University college will blight its surroundings, say heritage chiefs.

Historic England has complained that the abstract 12ft monument by sculptor Sir Antony Gormley would be “at odds” with the character of King’s College’s listed buildings.

Sir Antony, best known for his Angel of the North statue, has designed a figure composed of the slabs stacked together.

It would be installed near the chapel of the college, which was founded by King HenryVI in 1441.

Historic England’s objections are expected to be given great weight when Cambridge City Council’s planning committee decides on whether to grant permission.

Clare Campbell, from Historic England, said she accepted that Sir Antony’s “visible commemoration” would bring “public benefits”.

But she added: “We consider the introduction of an eye-catching sculpture in a prominent position within the landscape at King’s would be at odds with the existing character of the College.

“This would result in harm to the significance of the listed buildings and landscape, and by extension the conservation area.”

Sir Antony, 69, who graduated from Trinity College, Cambridge, said: “Turing had a remarkable way of making decisions unaffected by emotional bias but at the same time was highly emotional himself.

“I want to see if it is possible to make a monumental work that is about human vulnerability and the vulnerability of genius.” He added: “I do not want to make a statue but the very best sculpture I can make.”

The college said any “negative” impact would be outweighed by the