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A Durham City pub has won its battle to keep a giant toucan mural after a planning inspector ruled the artwork does not harm the historic city centre.
The owners of The Boat Club, on Elvet Bridge, appealed after Durham County Council refused retrospective advertising consent for the colourful mural painted by artist Glenn Malpass.
Council planners had argued the artwork was of an "excessive size, scale and stark colour" and had a harmful impact on the surrounding conservation area.
The decision left the pub facing the prospect of painting over the mural, which features a Guinness toucan balancing a pint on its beak alongside images of Durham Cathedral and the River Wear.
(Image: ELG Planning)
However, a Government-appointed inspector has now overturned the refusal.
In a decision published on September 25, Inspector M J Francis allowed the appeal and granted consent for five years.
The inspector found the mural "would not harm the visual amenity of the area" and said it helps "enlivens the commercial setting of the pub and the area around it".
(Image: ELG Planning)
Addressing concerns about the bright blue background, the inspector noted it was "no more noticeable than the large turquoise tower behind it", referring to part of the nearby Prince Bishops Shopping Centre.
Pub owner Howard Eggleston had previously argued the shopping centre's turquoise panels dwarfed the mural and questioned why the artwork's colours had become an issue.
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The decision also rejected concerns raised by the City of Durham Trust, which said the mural had a "negative impact" on Elvet Bridge and the riverside setting.
The inspector concluded the mural "does not impinge on key views into the historic city centre" and "does not have an adverse effect" on nearby heritage assets.
The ruling means the mural can remain in place, bringing an end to a long-running planning dispute.