The Lib-Dem authority declined to address Bowers’ comments.
Its original planning decision said the proposed statue would “undermine the inclusive and neutral amenity value of a well-used public space”.
“While the cultural intention of the proposal is fully acknowledged and respected, no compelling justification has been provided for locating the sculpture in this specific, highly sensitive position,” it said.
It also said the sculpture would be best suited to a different area where it would not result “in such harm”.
“The public benefit is not sufficient to outweigh the identified heritage impact,” it added.
Days after the rejection, Bowers resubmitted the application for land at Salt Tip Corner, off Roman Road.
He said the council told him it owned this land, but when he put the plans forward the authority told him it belonged to a different organisation.
Bowers said he felt the council had “messed him around” and he withdrew the application.
He said: “To define an artistic act as being damaging to the heritage of the area is factually wrong – we are part of the heritage of the area.”
He said he still had hopes for the sculpture to be placed in Appleby at some stage and hoped to find a private land owner willing to host it.
“By embracing diversity we become stronger and richer for it and the offer [to Appleby] remains,” he said.