In Wakefield, a homeowner has become involved in a planning dispute over a prominent garden ornament.
Adele Teale, 58, installed a four-foot resin gorilla statue, known as Caesar, on the front of her terraced house.
The dispute revolves around the council’s view that the statue is out of character with the surrounding area and should require formal planning permission.
The statue that sparked a planning dispute
.@NewsOrFallSong “Labour council orders woman to remove 4ft gorilla statue from outside home” pic.twitter.com/BW1ram9QG6September 9, 2025
Adele Teale purchased Caesar, a four-foot, 4kg resin gorilla, for £600 in August 2024, having previously owned it at her former home in Leeds for 15 years without issue.
In December 2024, she mounted the statue on a wooden plinth between the two upper windows of her two-bedroom terraced house in Wakefield. The statue quickly became visible from the street and attracted attention from neighbours and passersby.
The statue is prominently visible from the street, where it has drawn attention from local residents.
Teale emphasised that Caesar is purely decorative, securely mounted, and adds personal enjoyment to her home. “The sculpture…is firmly and safely secured to the wall and has been a much-loved decorative feature,” she said, noting that it had previously been displayed at her former property for several years without incident or complaint.
Why did the gorilla statue need planning?
Following a complaint, Wakefield Council issued correspondence in May 2025 advising that Caesar does require planning permission.
The council stated that the statue was “not a minor decorative feature,” describing it as a “prominent, eye-catching structure” that is “out of character with the surrounding area.” The enforcement notice, issued in July 2025, further stated that the statue “caused harm to the greenbelt” and “had a negative effect on the area’s landscape.”
In response, Teale lodged an appeal in August 2025, which temporarily suspends enforcement while it is considered. Joe Jenkinson, Wakefield Council’s Service Director for Planning, Transportation and Strategic Highways, confirmed that the notice is suspended pending the appeal.
Appeal submitted to save Caesar
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In August 2025, Teale lodged an appeal, which temporarily suspended the enforcement notice while it is being considered, but if refused, she may be required to remove it.
In her appeal letter, she explained: “I would like to assure you that the installation is not intended to cause any offence or disruption to the local area.” She added: “No overlooking properties: my property does not face any other homes directly, and the sculpture does not overlook or interfere with the privacy or enjoyment of neighbouring properties.”
Teale also highlighted that the statue poses no safety risk and has artistic value, saying: “I consider the sculpture a piece of garden art. It is securely mounted, poses no safety risk, and adds a bit of personality to the property.”
She concluded by expressing willingness to work with the council: “I would be happy to discuss compromises, such as adjusting its position or adding screening if necessary. I kindly request that the council reconsider its position or allow me the opportunity to apply retrospectively for any required permissions, if applicable.”
Teale could also consider submitting a formal retrospective planning application if the appeal is unsuccessful, which would allow the council to review the statue’s impact under planning regulations.
