A SINGING' sculpture for the hills above Burnley looks set for the go-ahead.

The plans for the Ringing, Singing Tree Panopticon have been altered following fears it could scare animals.

And these changes have prompted planning officers to recommend councillors give the proposal approval.

The sculpture would be made from tubes of metal which emit a low sound when the wind blows through them.

The scaffolding would be built on high land off Crown Point Road, Cliviger, and aims to symbolise the renaissance of the borough.

It will be linked to a new footpath and cycleway from the existing car park.

The designs were altered last year following complaints from horse riders and wildlife groups that the whistling would be too loud.

Architects went back to the drawing board and changed the designs.

Recent environmental tests have proved the sound would now be low and would only travel over a short distance.

And before it has been built, the revamped design won an international award in the Urban Space by Design competition held in London.

Head of planning and environment at Burnley Council, Susan Graham, said the four-metre sculpture would be fenced off.

She said it would be visible but not intrusive.

The planning boss added: "The development has been recognised as a stunning piece of modern architecture and it has received much interest nationally.

"It will provide a striking focal point and encourage more use of the countryside and the wider footpath network."

If planning permission is granted council chiefs have requested a bat survey to be carried out before any building work starts.

Councillors will discuss the plans on Thursday at Burnley Town Hall from 6.30pm.

The £1million Panopticon project, originally intended to see six pieces of public art installed in East Lancashire's six boroughs.