A “thought-provoking” sound mirror could be installed on a seafront – but there are concerns the artwork will be targeted by vandals.

Standing at 1.8m tall, the structure is destined for the promenade in Deal, just north of the Royal Hotel in Beach Street.

A planning application has been submitted by Deal Town Council (DTC) to Dover District Council – but concerns have already been raised over potential damage.

If built, the sound mirror will face out towards the Channel, while the other side will have a 3D map showing shipwrecks on the Goodwin Sands over the centuries as well as the historical, scientific and military concepts behind the object.

The bronze piece will be set up in such a way that when a person stands on a marked point in front of it, sounds of the waves behind them will be greatly magnified - as will any sound they make themselves.

Money for the sculpture was gifted to DTC by a private individual for the “beautification of the town of Deal and the general benefit of its inhabitants”.

Following the gift, the council opened up applications for a number of proposals for sculptures for the area, before deciding on the sound mirror.

Cllr Mike Eddy, who chairs DTC’s planning committee, said: “Following the extremely generous bequeathal of funds, we as the council wanted to make sure they were used for something that would really brighten up the town.

“We had a number of excellent proposals, any of which would have been a fantastic addition to the town – but we decided on the sound mirror in the end.”

However, the plans have not been welcomed by everyone – with one resident highlighting a number of fears about the look and location of the sculpture.

Commenting on Dover District Council’s planning portal, Paul Cutts said he objected “strongly” to the plans, adding: “The aesthetic quality of the proposed installation, as well as the potential for vandalism of a permanent artwork made of such materials.”

He also argued the location would impact residents’ visual amenities, as well as impede rubbish collection and beach clearance vehicles.

“The structure would be visible from all floors of a number of properties in the conservation area including a number of listed properties,” he added.

But DTC said: “In our view, relocating the installation to the south side of the Royal Hotel would not impact on residents' amenities as the southern side of the hotel is primarily overlooked by commercial not residential properties.”