A SEVEN-FOOT statue erected without planning permission can remain on its roof-top perch in Oxford city centre.

The statue by the Angel of the North creator Antony Gormley was lifted on to Blackwell’s Art and Poster shop in Broad Street on February 15.

However, Exeter College which owns the work of art, did not apply for planning permission and the decision was called in.

Tonight, councillors at the central, south and west area committee unanimously agreed to give the college retrospective planning permission on the recommendation of council officers who said it enlivened the public realm.

However, the college which belongs to Oxford University was warned.

Carfax councillor Stephen Brown said: “I’m quite happy for the statue to remain.

“However, I think we should record the fact that Oxford University put up this statue without planning permission.

“It’s an easy way to gain planning permission if you put it up first and then see if people like it.

“I don’t think any institution including the university should go ahead without planning permission.”

Exeter College put up the sculpture – believed to be worth more than £250,000 – before gaining permission so that Mr Gormley could find time to attend its unveiling which coincided with the college’s 150th anniversary celebrations.