Giant robot mural sparks row but council says it doesn't need planning permission

A row has erupted over brightly-painted murals on the side of a house, with one neighbour claiming the “dreadful” art could lower house prices in the area.

Artist Toby Garratt's, 41, home in Sedbury, Gloucestershire, is well-known among locals for its striking designs.

But some neighbours have called the paintings “basic” and “childish” and claims the paintings should require planning permission.

Homeowner used multi-colours and geometric designs

Toby Garratt decided to paint the side of his house with multicolour squares and a flying pink robot.

Similar geometric designs and alternate renditions of the retro-style robot also appear on walls and the garage.

Garratt’s garden is filled with art and once boasted a greenhouse based on the design famous Gherkin from London’s skyline before it was forced to be taken down by the council.

Neighbours call the artwork 'dreadful'

David Nichol, whose mother lives opposite the house, told The Sun Online: "It's not very well-liked. It's a bit of a snowball situation... I think he's trying to prove a point but it's to the disadvantage of the neighbours."

"People are worried about the price of their houses. I'm not against art but it looks dreadful."

Garrett told Homebuilding & Renovating that he recently returned home from work to find his tyres slashed, which cost £94 to repair, and says he is being “harassed” by angry locals.

He also claimed most people have said they like the paintings and structures.

Council say paintings allowed to stay

The artist says many locals love his work but the local council said art is allowed without gaining planning permission.

Garratt says the council told him painting a wall is allowed without needing planning permission as the house is not in a conservation area.

A Forest of Dean spokesperson explained to Homebuilding & Renovating: “The painting of a house is not classified as development and permission is not required to paint a property, unless it is within a Conservation area or a Listed Building. The mural at the property does not fall within the definition of an advert and therefore planning permission was not required.

“We are aware of the neighbour dispute regarding the property in Buttington Road, Sedbury and are investigating this. As this investigation is ongoing we will not be making any further comment at this time.”

However, he was told the structures in the garden have to be removed. He said: "I phoned the council and was told art is not allowed without planning permission and I have to take it down within two weeks. I make art to make people happy. I'm sorry it doesn't make everyone smile."

Officials also insisted that the structures "impact on the visual amenity" of the village and a letter from a Forest of Dean Council planning enforcement officer read: "I have discussed with my supervisor and he agrees with my decision that we would not encourage an application to keep the structures as it is highly unlikely to be supported and is a waste of your money applying.”