Plans for a 279ft-high mega structure next to the M6 in Wednesbury that has been hailed the West Midlands’ answer to the Angel of the North have been lodged with Sandwell Council.

But the construction, which would combine a giant work of public art by internationally recognised sculptor Colin Rose with one of the world’s largest permanent 3D advertising hoardings, is being opposed by some local residents who have now launched a petition.

And one campaigner says she has collected 300 signatures in just three nights.

The structure, which would be visible from up to a couple of miles away, would be built near junction nine of the motorway. It would run level with the M6, and would stand just 213ft from the carriageway at what is one of the busiest sections of road in Europe.

Resident Diane Nash, 51, who lives in Shelton Close, Wednesbury, said: “I cannot believe this has been considered for this area. If they want to put it up then fine but I think it should be put away from a residential area.

“It is going to light up the neighbourhood and it is not going to be very good to look at. I have collected around 360 signatures in just three nights, nobody can believe it.”

The developers, Opus Land, say the purpose of the structure is to raise the profile of the area. The Sandwell Gateway, as it is called, will combine an elongated box surmounted by a 131ft high sculpture of eight steel tubes.

It would be privately funded and initiatives include mounting a ‘web-cam’ to monitor traffic movements on the M5/M6 link and to provide views over the district. Telecommunications masts on the Opus 9 site would be transferred to the structure with supporting equipment.

An environmental monitoring station may also be set up. If the application is successful, work could start by the spring and it could be officially opened in the autumn of 2009.