Advert Consent: The Victoria | Union Road | Lincoln
Proposed Mural by International Artist Zabou
It’s great to finally be able share the news about a fantastic project we've been involved with, working with Bateman’s Brewery and the new operators of The Victoria (The Vic) in uphill Lincoln, on their ambitious plans for a landmark mural as part of the building’s extensive refurbishment.
The Victoria has been a public house as far back as the 1840's. Residing by the west gate of the historic Lincoln Castle, this George Bateman and Son Ltd public house is popular with locals and tourists alike. Following the recent closure it is set to reopen in Spring 2023.
After publicly releasing details of their plans, the new operators added "A huge thank you to Bateman’s brewery for getting behind this project. They have worked wonders on the internal refurbishment and backed us significantly as new operators, we feel this mural will compliment all that hard work! Further thank you to Oliver Fytche-Taylor for producing an outstanding planning application and Lincoln BIG for providing further support to our project".
The proposed mural will be created to cover the full height and width of the southern gable end of the pub (see artists impressions). The artwork is designed by the internationally renowned French artist Zabou, who hopes to complete the works this Spring, having recently completed another large and popular mural in the Sincil Bank area of the city.
ADVERT CONSENT: In planning terms, a mural would not necessarily be considered to be an advert, unless it is explicitly designed as one. Therefore, it is hoped that the works here could be considered to be permitted by class C, part 2, schedule 2 of the General Permitted Development Order (GPDO) 2015 (as amended), which allows “painting of the exterior of any building or work".
However, despite there being no wording, and because the image of the late queen matches the name of the premises, it has the potential to be considered as an advert, hence under the requirements of the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisement) Regulations 2007, an application must be made to the local planning authority for consent.
Many other local pubs have created painted artworks without consent, but at this stage we are totally in the hands of the council's interpretation of the regulations...fingers crossed they love this just as much as we do!
The 'Street Art' Scene in Lincoln
The City of Lincoln has witnessed a significant growth in unique, high quality street art over the last decade, building on the deep-rooted creativity that the city is well known for.
With a range of art galleries that include the works of famous artists such as LS Lowry and JMW Turner, this latest development in Lincoln’s artistic scene has not only revitalised key parts of the city, but many of the notable examples have encouraged tourism and exploration around the city in their own right too.
Examples range from temporary artwork dotted along the High Street that offers a more attractive façade to empty retail units, to tributes that recognise and celebrate other aspects of the city’s history, such as the nautical mural on Wigford Way close to Brayford Pool, plus other examples created simply to bring colour and inspiration into otherwise featureless streets.
The Lincoln Business Improvement Group (BIG), who have lent their support to this project at The Vic, have spearheaded a range of initiatives to refresh and enliven the city centre too, including the incredibly popular Lincoln Imp Trail and various street art commissions and trails.
