Mural on side of north London library to stay despite 'ghastly eyesore' complaints from locals

"The To Autumn mural was unveiled in June on the side of Enfield Town Library, with the artwork having been co-designed by artist Albert Agwa and students from St Anne's School, using a John Keats poem as inspiration. However, it later emerged the council had not sought prior planning approval for the artwork, despite the library being located within Enfield Town Conservation Area."

"More than 600 local people signed a petition calling for the eyesore mural to be removed. During a planning committee meeting last night (Tuesday 18th) three people gave deputations, including Conservative councillors Edward Smith and Emma Supple, who both raised concerns over the mural's aesthetics and maintenance. What is it going to look like in twelve months or two years after a couple of winters? asked Cllr Smith."

"Council placeshaping manager Clare Moloney apologised for the error made in the planning process and said a decommission plan was set to be submitted if necessary. A maintenance budget for the mural, which will last for five years, has also been identified, although the amount was not confirmed. Moloney also reassured the committee the mural was not paid for using council taxpayers' money, but instead from the community infrastructure levy (Cil), which is money raised from developers when they win planning permission."

A divisive mural titled To Autumn on Enfield Town Library was unveiled in June, co-designed by artist Albert Agwa and St Anne's School students, inspired by a John Keats poem. The council failed to seek prior planning approval despite the library being inside Enfield Town Conservation Area. More than 600 residents signed a petition calling for removal. Conservative councillors raised concerns about aesthetics, deterioration and maintenance. Council manager Clare Moloney apologised, said a decommission plan would be submitted if necessary, confirmed a five-year maintenance budget and said funding came from the community infrastructure levy rather than council taxpayers.

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