A Beverley business owner says he has little choice but to paint over the new art work that he commissioned an artist to complete.
Hasan, who owns the fast food shop La Perla on Well Lane was served a notice just hours after local artist Tom Brown completed the work.
East Riding of Yorkshrie Council said in a letter to the owner that the new look was an ‘Unathorised Display of Advertisement spray painted onto the building in a conservation area.’
A frustrated Hasan told HU17.net;
“I am very disappointed that East Riding of Yorkshire Council have said I cannot keep the art work I have had painted onto the shop.”
“Since the work was completed by Tom we have had lots of very positive comments from passers by, our customers and our neighbours.”
“The notice is quite clear and states that if I do not paint over it, then I could be fined anything up to £2500, and I cannot afford to take that risk.”
Mr. Brown who trades from the unit next door to La Perla said;
“La Perla contacted me about two weeks ago after seeing my graffiti pieces on Facebook. I spent ten-hours spray painting the new look onto their building.”
“I feel annoyed that the council waited for me to finish before telling me to stop. To me, it feels like they are trying to stomp down on people being creative and doing something positive.”
“I think for the street we are on its more than acceptable. We are not encouraging graffiti on the town centre just trying to brighten up small businesses.”
It seems the view of the artist is shared by some members of the public. While there we asked passers by what they thought, and all were very supportive of the look.
An older resident said that if it was in the centre of the town, she would not approve but felt it added something to a side street in Beverley.
Her relative who comes from outside of Beverley was also very positive about Mr. Brown’s creation, saying it was modern and moving with the times.
Victoria Taylor, the areas Team Leader for Development and Planning explained why they had taken action, she said;
“As it contains the business name and also the products they sell it is classed as a an advert for which they need permission.”
“Unfortunately they never contacted us about their plans, had they done so it is unlikely they would have been approved given their location.”
“The business is located in a prominent place and we feel it is not sensitive to the historic area which is why we acted quickly after receiving the complaint.”
While La Perla say they will adhere to the notice and paint over it, they are considering running a poll before it’s covered up to see what the public thinks of their new look.
There is art of various forms all over this area, it’s such a shame this modern interpretation is not allowed to stay. I passed Tom when painting this and his talent is amazing. We are so close to the ‘City of Culture’ Hull and yet Beverley seems to be stuck in the past.
Hasan could make an advertisement application to retain the art work. If not approved he would be able to appeal the decision to the Planning Inspectorate who may not agree with the Council’s view. Appeals are very often allowed.