Plans for a 'living' sculpture have been unanimously thrown out by councillors after the design came in for heavy criticism.

Councillors said they were surprised the officer presenting the reports on the £110,000 Geoblossom sculpture could keep his face straight and suggested it would look good at Dowley Gap, Bingley, where there is a public waste tip.

At yesterday's meeting of the Council's regulatory and appeals committee, Councillor Chris Greaves (Con, Wharfe-dale) said: "It is ironic there will be tree planting round it to hide it. It is public but certainly not art. Frankly in that position it would be awful."

Councillor Paul Flowers (Lab, Great Horton) said: "This ain't no Angel of the North. It is inappropriate in design and location on the corner of this road and should go somewhere else."

He added he feared it would be like the Princess Diana memorial water feature which constantly went wrong and would have a damaging effect on nearby historic buildings.

Chairman Councillor Stanley King (Con, Heaton) said he was grateful to the Telegraph & Argus for obtaining the views of members of the public and publishing them. He added in the past he had criticised other sculptures created for the city including the controversial 'needle' opposite the Midland Hotel but they had, over the years, been accepted by people.

Coun King said the partnership which had commissioned it saw it as a contribution to the Manningham masterplan and believed it would make a spectacular entrance to Manningham Lane.

Councillor Malcolm Slater (Lab, Keighley East) said: "Art is subjective so can't we say we just don't like it as a reason for refusal?"

But he added he believed it would distract motorists and that would be an important element of the decision.

The sculpture, which would have been paid for by Bradford Council, Manningham Means Business, Yorkshire Forward, Bradford Vision and the Arts Council for England, would have stood at the junction of Hamm Strasse and Manningham Lane and opened and closed its 'petals' every hour.

It was meant to be an improved version of a design produced for a competition this year by artist Walter Jack whose earlier design, Spring Steel, received the most votes in a public contest.

But a phone poll last week revealed a majority of Telegraph & Argus readers were opposed to it.

The results showed 70 per cent of people did not like it and 77 per cent thought it was not suitable or appropriate for the location.

Mr Jack said he did not want to comment at this stage on the committee's decision and criticism of his work.

Planning officer Stewart Currie told members the aim was to create an image that was "positive, identifiable and distinctive" to visitors and the local community.

He added: "There has been local involvement in the selection process and a rigorous appraisal of the design with a working party established, including officers, to oversee the commission.

"While art will always be a subjective issue, the principal of creating a piece of work that would stimulate debate at a focal point on this major gateway site is supported."