‘Ecological vandalism’: embattled Queen Elizabeth tribute gets go-ahead

Northumberland landmark, named Ascendant, is intended as tribute for Queen's platinum jubilee year

For its supporters, the 55-metre-tall turbine-blade-like sculpture jutting out of an isolated Northumberland hilltop will attract tourists and be a fitting tribute to Queen and Commonwealth.

For opponents it will be ecological vandalism" that spoils the landscape, an artwork that would not look out of place in communist-era eastern Europe.