Winchester Jane Austen statue: Planning application permitted

Winchester Cathedral has been planning to erect a statue of the famous author outside of 9 The Close to mark 250 years since her birth.

The application, submitted by vice-dean of Winchester Reverend Canon Dr Roland Riem, has been permitted by Winchester City Council planning officers using delegated powers. 

The statue, by sculptor Martin Jennings, has proven to be controversial, with an Austen expert warning that it could turn Winchester into “Disneyland on Itchen”, while Phil Howe, of Jane Austen Tours, wrote to the Chronicle accusing the cathedral of “cynical cultural misappropriation”.

However, just two public objections were submitted. 

READ MORE: Cathedral submits planning application for controversial Austen statue

Carol Orchard, of North View, Oram's Arbour, said: “It is a pity that the Cathedral authorities have persisted with this scheme when a lack of appetite for it locally has already been demonstrated. Their justification seems to be that such a statue would become a tourist attraction - even as they also argue that it will be unobtrusive in its setting. Although the new design is a slight improvement on its predecessor, its appeal seems doubtful. Miss Austen's connection with Winchester is already commemorated fittingly inside the Cathedral. We should leave it at that.”

Jane Austen statue (Image: Martin Jennings)

Philip Ross, of Teg Down Meads, Teg Down, said: “I object to the installation of a truly awful bronze which looks like a drunk leaning on a table. The bronze will be out of place in the selected site and will be an eyesore. I can only assume that the proposer wishes to have the think plonked there as some kind of memorial to themselves.”

In the planning officers' report, it said: “The proposed statue is not considered to cause an adverse impact on the landscape. Reference is made to the route through town from The Arc where the statue of Licoricia of Winchester and her son Asher is installed, through to the proposed site for Jane Austen. This is welcomed. 

“Winchester has a plethora of literary connections, with Jane Austen being one of the more significant ones. 2025 marks the 250 year celebration of her birth and presents an opportunity to amplify her legacy in Winchester. The council is participating in the celebration of her birth through co-ordination of a cross-county Jane Austen 250 group and a Winchester Jane Austen 250 group.”

It added: “This will deliver a series of initiatives including a self-guided trail around the city, engagement with local hospitality and retail businesses to theme their "offer" during 2025, local and national public relations activity. The statue will provide a lasting legacy beyond the anniversary year and will continue to attract visitors beyond 2025.”

Canon Riem said: "We would like to thank the many donors who have understood the vision for this memorial to Austen’s literary legacy, and who have contributed so generously.  “We thank those who have offered feedback, and, last by no means least, thank Martin for his perseverance and patience over the eight years since this project’s inception.”

Martin Jennings (Image: Contributed)

Mr Jennings said: “A sculpture of a great figure can be only one interpretation, but I hope mine will pay full tribute to the essential elements of her moral vision and her greatness as an author. 

“I look forward to producing a memorial to Jane Austen which will draw people from far and wide to celebrate her legacy and that of the great city and cathedral in which she rests.”

Sarah Greer, vice-chancellor of the University of Winchester, said: “This beautiful statue is a fitting tribute to one of England’s finest writers and Hampshire’s most beloved residents. It is a welcome and long overdue celebration of Austen’s contribution to English literature, reminding us poignantly of her essential humanity as well as her unparalleled talent. Martin Jennings’ work reflects the humour, elegance and pathos of Austen’s own.”

Elizabeth Stone, headmaster of Winchester College, said: “This is an opportunity to celebrate one of the giants of English literature, who gave us one of the earliest and fullest expressions of a woman’s observations of the world. “Jane Austen had many connections with the College and Cathedral. Her recognition will bring the rich history of our city even more fully to life, to the benefit of residents and visitors alike.”

The fact that planning officers have used their delegated powers means it will not go before councillors on the planning committee.