A CONTROVERSIAL memorial to a goose was today given planning permission by Somerset West and Taunton (SWT) councillors.

The monument to 'Derek the Goose' - who, it was later discovered, was actually female - was erected on the harbourside in Watchet last October.

The tribute was funded by public subscription following Derek's mysterious and violent death a year earlier.

The goose arrived in Watchet during a 2010 storm and never left, becoming a firm favourite with local residents and visitors to the town alike.

Carron Clark, who ran a Facebook page for the bird, told SWT planning committee members it was only a day or two before the memorial's unveiling that she learned planning permission was required as well as a licence which she had already secured.

Ms Clark said: "I know it is a comical thing for a lot of people but Derek was popular with a lot of people in Watchet.

"The statue is where it is because it is where she used to spend much of her time, and, unfortunately, is where she met her demise."

Cllr Mark Lithgow said: "I like public art and what I like about this one is that it was not commissioned by a council, it was the public locally.

"Art is always controversial."

Cllr Steve Griffiths said: "What is the harbour and the Esplanade for - it is a place of interest and fundamentally it is for the residents of Watchet, and they want to have this particular piece of art and they want the memorial to Derek the Goose, so I support it."

Watchet Town Council objected to the positioning of the modern art memorial, suggesting it would be better sited on the nearby East Quay, the town's conservation society initially opposed it but then decided to remain 'neutral', and the Market House Museum committee highlighted the incongruous modern stainless steel material which had been used.

SWT councillors decided overwhelmingly to approve the planning application on the grounds that the public supported it despite the location being in Watchet's conservation area.