Mary Poppins Mural Triumphs in Planning Appeal
A cherished Mary Poppins mural in West London has been granted a permanent reprieve after the Planning Inspectorate decisively overturned a removal order issued by Kensington and Chelsea Council. The painted silhouette, which became a symbol of hope during the pandemic, will now remain on the wall of a property in Earl's Court Square, marking a significant victory for local artistic expression.
Inspector's Ruling on Visual Harmony
In a judgement delivered on Monday, January 26, Planning Inspector Grahame J Kean concluded that the mural does not detract from the conservation area. He stated that the artwork offers a minimal counterpoint to the uniform colours of the terrace and is not dominant in the streetscape. The inspector noted that public views of the mural are very limited, and it is perceived as a small structure against the expansive wall.
The mural depicts Mary Poppins flying up to a real-life chimney, holding an umbrella in her left hand and a carpet bag in her right, within the outline of a red heart. Inspector Kean acknowledged that it was intended as a message of hope, painted in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, and preserves the visually harmonious streetscape without harming traditional area features.
Council's Response and Background
A spokesperson for Kensington and Chelsea Council confirmed: "The Planning Inspectorate has allowed the mural to stay and we won't be challenging this decision." This follows a contentious history where, in December 2024, councillors overruled their own planning officers to order the removal, citing demonstrable harm to the conservation area.
Patrick Spens, who commissioned the painting, had not initially secured planning permission. He appealed the council's decision, explaining that his planning application was not validated because he couldn't confirm ownership of the rooftop wall. Mr Spens likened the mural to artwork visible through a window and described it as a symbol of hope inspired by the 2023 earthquake in Morocco and flood disaster in Libya.
Community and Artistic Impact
The case highlights ongoing tensions between local planning controls and community art initiatives. Mr Spens expressed that the mural was never intended to cause offence, stating: "It's just a painting of Mary Poppins, a picture of hope. I'm not trying to cause offence and I apologise if I have caused any trouble." Planning Committee members had previously emphasised the necessity of enforcement action, but the inspector's ruling now ensures this piece of public art remains a fixture in West London.
