PLANS to paint a colourful mural on the graveyard wall of an historic church have been recommended for refusal.

Colchester Council has been recommended to refuse planning permission to install the mural on the external side of a wall at the Grade I listed Holy Trinity Church, in Trinity Street, Colchester.

Planning officer Eirini Dimerouki said the mural would be “inappropriate” for the “highly significant historic site” and would detract from its appearance and character.

Holy Trinity Church is the only surviving Saxon building in Colchester town centre, with the tower dating from around the year 1050.

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She added: “The materials to be used could exacerbate the poor condition of the wall by reducing its breathability and aggravating the existing issue of damp.

“The addition of the mural would affect the tranquil character of the churchyard and add visual clutter in the location, having thus an adverse impact on the conservation area as well.

“Therefore, the proposal would result in less than substantial harm to the special interest of the Grade I listed site and the conservation area.”

The plans state the mural would be painted with household paints and covered by anti-graffiti coating, but the application does not include technical details for the execution of the work.

Ms Dimerouki said: “Given the present condition of the wall, painting directly on its surface does not seem feasible, a preparation of the substrate should be necessary, but the application does not include any information on the matter.”

She also said the application does not provide sufficient information for the justification of the proposal, while the project would fail to secure any benefits for the designated heritage assets that could outweigh the anticipated harm.

A total of 44 concerned Colcestrians submitted online objections to the designs.

Some objectors said it is unclear who would maintain the mural or repair it in case of vandalism.

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However, seven letters of support were received by the council, with supporters citing the wall looks “unremarkable and drab” and the mural would brighten it up.

The application for planning permission to install the mural was lodged by Lion Walk Shopping Centre.

The mural, designed by Mersea artist Tom Knight, is a co-funded project by Our Colchester BID’s Recovery Fund and the shopping centre.

It would make reference to the historical significance of the church, including those buried in the graveyard, as well as reference Colchester’s more recent history.

Martin Leatherdale, Lion Walk centre manager, who is also a Colchester councillor, previously said he was not looking to change anything in the town- and just wanted to add some temporary artwork, which has no structural implications, to spark some great conversations.

Mr Leatherdale has been contacted following the recommendation for refusal.