Riverside pub appeals against toucan mural refusal
LDRSA city centre pub is fighting to keep a large mural after a council refused planning permission.
The owners of The Boat Club in Durham have appealed Durham County Council's decision to turn down its retrospective application for advertising consent.
The mural, which includes a toucan balancing a pint glass on its beak alongside an illustration of Durham Cathedral, was painted by local artist Glenn Malpass last year, but the council said it was "excessive" and "harmful" to the area.
The government's Planning Inspectorate will consider the appeal in due course.
Members of the City of Durham Trust also objected to the artwork and said it had a "negative impact" on Elvet Bridge and the riverside area, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
The decision means the pub could be forced to paint over the artwork, which the owner previously said cost about £7,000 to create.
But staff at The Boat Club said the mural complied with the council's planning policies and disputed the impact on the surrounding area.
LDRSIn an appeal statement, which will be considered by a government-appointed planning inspector, the venue said: "The mural is locally distinctive and specifically references the historic use of the site and other significant heritage assets within Durham.
"It is not an advert per se, but is intended to add positively to the visitor experience and create visual interest within the local area."
The image of a toucan balancing a glass on its beak resembles an old advert for Guinness.
John Lowe, of City of Durham Trust, previously said the large-scale advertisement was unnecessary.
In an objection, he said: "This may create some nostalgic resonance, but it firmly remains as advertising for both brand and for public houses.
"There may be a trend for pubs to paint large toucan murals, but this has no association with Durham or the riverside."
