Another attempt has been made to build a contemporary art installation in front of a county mansion – after the last plan was called "inappropriate".

The contentious piece, a reimagining of a pithead bath titled Fountain 1937 by artist Keith Harrison, could be installed at Witley Court near Worcester under plans by English Heritage.

The move comes after the first attempt to get planning permission for the ‘modern’ artwork in the grounds of the grade I listed Witley Court was rejected by Malvern Hills District Council earlier this year.

The artwork aims to highlight the lives of working-class miners who worked in the 200 pits owned by Witley Court’s 19th-century owner, the Earl of Dudley.

Worcester News: ART: A sketch of the proposed Fountain 1937 artwork by Keith Harrison

The piece, which would recreate a pithead bath using charred wood and black corrugated steel, would “create a strong visual contrast to the lavish wealth displayed through the grand architecture of Witley Court” according to English Heritage.

The charity, which manages more than 400 historic buildings and monuments, already tried to get the artwork installed for up to three years in April but was thwarted by the council’s planners who said it would be in an “inappropriate location".

Worcester News: CONTROVERSIAL: The proposed view of the artwork at Witley Court

The council acknowledged the artwork was designed to contrast the lives of workers against the “splendour” of life at Witley Court but it should be relocated to somewhere “equally thought-provoking” without being “detrimental” to the current view.

The council’s planners said they could support the artwork if it was a “positive” addition that “blended in with its surroundings” but the proposed location of the reimagined pithead path was “inappropriate” and would be better suited elsewhere in the court’s “extensive” grounds.

“The angle of the building, the use of charred wood and corrugated iron, the water tank, all these aspects are contrary to the opulent surroundings of the court and would mar the views to and from the grade I listed buildings and grade II buildings, fountains and structures,” the district council said.

English Heritage said the proposed artwork is at the back of the house and does not impact the view of the fountains.

English Heritage said the artwork would “create an intentional contrast to the grandiosity of the architecture and decoration that surrounds it at Witley Court.”