Durham pub The Boat Club dealt mural blow as plans refused

Owners of The Boat Club in Durham applied for retrospective advertising consent after unveiling a new mural, painted by local artist Glenn Malpass and including a toucan balancing a pint of Guinness on its beak alongside an illustration of Durham Cathedral. 

In July, the council wrote to the venue to say the mural was “unlawful”, and now the pub has been left bewildered after permission for the toucan-laden painted wall was rejected.

A refusal letter, sent by council officials on November 25, said the mural was of “excessive size, scale and stark colour” and therefore “harmful” to the surrounding area.

Tomahawk boss Howard Eggleston, who owns the pub, said: “We can’t believe they’ve made the decision on the colour of the sky that they say is wrong.

“If you look at the photo of our mural and then look at the Prince Bishop’s multi-story car park, there’s a huge bright turquoise panel that dwarfs our building and mural.

The refusal means the pub could be forced to paint over the artwork.

Mr Eggleston argued the car park behind the pub was similarly coloured and suggested the pub may appeal the decision. (Image: Chris BOOTH)

“We feel so strongly about the refusal decision, we are deciding if an appeal is the best way forward,” Mr Eggleston added.

The application was met with strong objection from the City of Durham Trust.

The Boat Club in Durham City who have had planning permission for a mural on the side of the building refused. (Image: CHRIS BOOTH)

John Lowe, of the Trust, urged Durham County Council to refuse the application due to its “negative impact” on Elvet Bridge and the riverside.

He said: “It is very visible from Elvet Bridge and reduces the quality of its setting. It takes away from the quality of views of the riverside and is incongruous within the conservation area.

The Trust added: “The toucan balancing a pint of Guinness was a long-running advertisement theme and is now firmly associated with the Guinness brand.

“There may be a trend for pubs to paint large toucan murals, but this has no association with Durham or the riverside.

“There is no need for additional advertising as the pub is a well-known location and more modest signage would suffice.”

There were some comments of support for the mural, with one resident saying: “It adds some colour to the view from the bridge, helping highlight an old building in front of a horrible modern development.

“It in no way affects the World Heritage site, or the view of the Cathedral, as it faces the opposite direction.

“Objections based on what other businesses may apply for in the future are not a material consideration as each application should be decided on its own merits.”