A nun who wanted to erect a 7.38m-high illuminated cross in her back garden has had planning permission refused. Sister Mary Michael said she believed God wanted her to have the “Cross of Love” at her home in North Hykeham, Lincolnshire.
But North Kesteven District Council said the cross would be “inappropriate and intrusive”. Sister Mary said she will now have to be a “little light” herself.
“I thought it would be lovely for people,” said the 68-year-old. Sister Mary said the cross would have been a scaled down version of the 738m Glorious Cross of Dozulé in France. She wanted it to be a beacon for people to come to her garden to pray.
But the planning application, number 666, was rejected by the council who said: “The proposed development would, by virtue of its height in comparison with surrounding residential properties and its illumination, represent an inappropriate and intrusive feature within this wholly residential area.”
Sister Mary said she would not try to appeal against the decision or submit another application. “You can’t fight the council. I think the Devil is a bit easier really,” she said.
She said she will continue to invite friends and family to pray in her garden. She previously attracted wide attention when she held a prayer vigil at the Da Vinci Code premiere in Cannes. She also protested at Lincoln Cathedral when the Da Vinci Code was being filmed there.