Speaking as a resident of the Gravesham district, reaction to the idea of a piece of large scale public art was mixed when it was first announced - many people were opposed to the idea but many (myself included) were positive about it too.  Since the winner was announced as the White Horse the response has turn almost uniformly hostile.  The feeling is that the opinions of local community were not given sufficient weight because the "voting" booth at Bluewater was not sufficiently advertised within Ebsfleet and Gravesend.  The White Horse was universally the least popular proposal amongst Gravesham residents - even amongst the Pro-sculpture lobby - but seems to have recieved massive votes from non-residents who visit Bluewater from all across Kent, Essex, Sussex and Surrey.  Essentially we feel that we have been lumbered with an "picturesque eyesore" by people who won't have to live with this thing dominating the view for miles around.