A new statue of a bull will be put up in a prominent Hereford spot – despite locals claiming it isn't a good fit for the city.

Pub and restaurant chain Mitchells and Butlers applied in July for planning permission for the stylised metal statue in front of its Miller & Carter steakhouse (or as its application form has it, “Miler and Carter stake restaurant”) in the city’s Old Market.

Designed by Warwick-based Elegant Clutter, the 1.1-metre high aluminium sculpture was to stand in the outside seating area in front of the restaurant, opposite the Odeon cinema.

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It was to be mounted on a 30cm-high concrete plinth clad in Brazilian slate paving with recessed spotlights illuminating the bull from below.

There were 17 public responses objecting to the proposal over its appropriateness, design and choice of materials, with none in its favour.

Hereford resident Dr Henry Connor wrote: “We do not need another statue of a bull in central Hereford” and this “does not look like a Hereford bull”.

“Use of Brazilian slate is inappropriate when more local slate is available,” he added.

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Charles Pickles of Fownhope said it would “jar with local custom, practice and civic pride”.

And Victoria Stephenson of Ledbury pointed out that Miller & Carter lists Herefords as among the cattle breeds it uses, while the statue “is more Spanish in form and presentation”.

Around half of objectors said that it looked like it was engaged in a bullfight, which they considered unethical.

Chris Judd claimed it “represents the abhorrent sport of the bull ring and all the cruelty associated with it”, while John Gorman said a public depiction of the “barbaric” practice “would bring shame on our city”.

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And Rhiannon Davies said it showed “blatant disregard for local values and sensibilities”.

Planning officer Eleanor Barry “recognised some harm in terms of the design not taking into account the historical and heritage importance, and potentially being insensitive”, but said this “is not a material planning consideration” and such objections “do not warrant a refusal”.

Of “modest in scale and design”, it would “not result in a significant or harmful introduction in the locality”, she concluded.