A MURAL depicting Portishead past, present and future has become the centre of a planning issue.
It has been revealed that the work of art, which marks the spot where Portishead’s future railway station will stand, was put up without the necessary planning permission.
The eight-panel mural in Harbour Road was commissioned by Pure Offices at Kestrel Court, along with Crest Nicholson, Persimmon Homes and Portishead Railway Group, as part of the campaign to re-open the Portishead to Bristol rail link.
It was painted by Portishead-based artist Aili Purdy and unveiled by Dr Liam Fox MP in April.
Organisers say they were told by North Somerset planning officers that as the mural is a piece of art it did not require planning permission. Now, however, the unitary authority has asked the group to make a formal planning application. The mural will remain in place while the application is processed.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here