Approval Granted for Mural on Heritage Structure, Council Praises it as 'Superior Artwork'

In the heart of Cheltenham, a vibrant mural depicting a woman on a horse has been painted on the side of The Famous on the Prom shop, a local menswear establishment. The mural, which was created as part of the Cheltenham Paint Festival, has sparked debate among residents and local organisations.

The Cheltenham Business Improvement District suggested the wall be painted, aiming to enhance the town's aesthetic appeal. However, the mural was created without planning permission or listed building consent, a fact that has raised concerns among some, including the town's Civic Society. They argue that the mural shows a lack of respect for the planning process.

Cllr Rowena Hay, a member of Cheltenham Borough Council, defends the approval of the mural, stating that it demonstrates the council's support for high-quality art installations. She believes that care should be taken on sensitive buildings of heritage value, but maintains that the mural is a piece of "high-quality art" that honours Cheltenham's horse racing heritage.

The council's approval of the mural is not without precedent. Mr. Davies, the artist behind the mural, claims that past instances of street art on listed buildings in Cheltenham, such as Banksy's work and a stencil of Suella Braverman, were given retrospective planning permission. In response to the controversy, Mr. Davies submitted a retrospective planning application for the mural.

The council granted permission to paint the List I-Building, likely to support preservation or artistic enhancement efforts related to that heritage site. If the application for the mural is rejected, Mr. Davies threatens to "paint it back to white."

Cllr Rowena Hay claims that the approval received 45 comments supporting the application. She believes that the paint festival has connected people to places, buildings, and communities in Cheltenham, fostering a sense of pride and ownership among residents.

The mural was painted to prevent graffiti on the building, a common issue in urban areas. Despite the controversy, the mural has become a talking point in Cheltenham, drawing both praise and criticism from locals and visitors alike. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether the mural will remain a vibrant addition to the town's landscape or face a return to its original, blank state.

Approval Granted for Mural on Heritage Structure, Council Praises it as 'Superior Artwork'