Chichester statue to go into storage after district council refuses to let it stay
A statue of Lord Nelson and the Captain of his Fleet is to go into storage until Chichester City Council can find it a suitable home.
The resin statue of Nelson and Sir George Murray has stood outside The Council House – Murray’s former home – in North Street, for six years. But it will be removed after the district council refused planning permission for it to stay there permanently.
Officers at the district council said that, over time, the resin would deteriorate, causing harm to the Conservation Area and the setting of the Grade II* listed building.
The city council has looked into how much it would cost to allow it to be cast in bronze – but the £45,000 to £52,000 price tag was deemed too high.
A spokesman said: “Against the backdrop of the ongoing high cost of living and the significant repair works required to the city council’s listed heritage assets at the Council House and the Market Cross, the council decided that this was not a priority and it was not included in the 2026-27 budget or added to the precept requirement which directly impacts on our residents’ council tax bills.”
The statue was formally gifted to the city council in 2023 by the Murray Club, a private group of local individuals and history enthusiasts who commissioned the work to celebrate one of the city’s most famous sons.
The plan was for the club to raise funds to cast the statue in bronze – but the group has since disbanded. Now the city council will look into alternative funding sources for the bronze casting that do not impact on public funds.
Mayor of Chichester, Sean McHale said: “The city council remain committed to ensuring that the Murray/Nelson statue is kept safe and secure whilst we investigate the future options for this memorial to one of the City’s most distinguished sons.”
To view the planning application, log on to publicaccess.chichester.gov.uk and search for 26/00909/FUL.