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Council Orders Adele to Remove Gorilla Statue by 2026

5/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A planning officer ruled the gorilla statue qualifies as a development because of its size and permanence.
Wakefield Council ordered resident Adele to remove the statue by June 9 2026 after her appeal was rejected.
The council served an enforcement notice on July 10 2025 and gave her four weeks to comply.
Planning Service Director Joe Jenkinson said the structure is not a minor decorative feature and is out of character with the area.

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Story summary

A planning officer ruled the gorilla statue qualifies as a development because of its size and permanence.
Wakefield Council ordered resident Adele to remove the statue by June 9 2026 after her appeal was rejected.
The council served an enforcement notice on July 10 2025 and gave her four weeks to comply.
Planning Service Director Joe Jenkinson said the structure is not a minor decorative feature and is out of character with the area.