A GIANT copper tree will be put up in the Bullring despite city heritage advisors calling for a root and branch review of the artwork.

The council’s planning committee approved the spiral metal design for St Martin’s Square even though many criticised the shopping centre bosses for considering the design.

The 44ft tall tree, will be made with the reclaimed copper roof from the Spiral Cafe which was removed from the Square to make way for a new row of restaurants.

But planning committee members were baffled by the significance of the design. Coun Mike Sharpe (Lab, Tyburn) said: “I’ve never seen any trees like this. It looks more like a lollipop you would get at a Fairground.”

Tory Bob Beauchamp (Erdington) added: “If you want a tree, why not plant a real tree.

‘‘I also worry about using such a large amount of copper, with some of the thieving going on.”

Their views were echoed by the council’s heritage advisory panel, which supported the use of public art.

Tim Bridges, of the Victorian Society, said: “This is a place of historic buildings and a retail centre, I can’t see what a tree has to do with it. We wanted something of significance to Birmingham’s past or future.”

Bullring Shopping Centre owner Hammerson, as part of its planning consent for the three new restaurants, agreed to pay up to £100,000 for the new piece of public art in the Square.

It appointed sculptor Wolfgang Buttress to create the work, which is inspired by the question: “If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?”

What do you think of the design? Email letters@birminghammail.net