Rapla says angel statue would not suit valued streetscape

Rapla Municipality opposes a local company’s proposal to install a smiling angel statue beside a commercial building, saying it would not fit the area’s character or cultural environment, ERR reported.

Company EO59 asked the municipality about permits and approvals for placing the decorative statue, at its own expense, on private land beside the building in Rapla. The proposed figure would be holding a bouquet and standing about 22 metres from the edge of a national road’s outer lane.

The municipality said public art and design elements can shape how a place is perceived and identified. It also noted that angels have varied symbolic meanings in Estonian culture and may be interpreted in different ways.

The property is within an area designated in Rapla’s comprehensive plan for the value of its built environment. The plan calls for preserving the area’s overall character, historic street network, greenery and distinctive architecture. The municipality said the statue, in the proposed form, would not suit the character of Aasa Street or the local cultural environment.

The municipality also pointed to building regulations. A five-metre protection zone applies from the edge of the street land, where the road authority may restrict construction. A public-facing monument more than five metres high generally requires a building permit. The municipality said authorities may also require a building notice or permit for a shorter monument when justified.

The municipal architect invited EO59 to discuss other locations for the statue or alternative ways to enhance the urban environment.