‘Illegal’ street art continues to be probed by conservation team

Many of the murals in the centre of Bungay have been painted onto listed buildings in the town’s conservation area by street artist Vinne Nylon.

In order to preserve the original character of the old buildings any changes to their original form require consent from East Suffolk Council, which had launched an investigation into the commissioning of the work.

Vinnie Nylon pictured hard at work painting Discount Motor Parts on Lower Olland Street in Bungay (Image: Bruno Brown)

It was a Bungay Fisher Theatre initiative to appoint the artist for free, to promote his exhibition on September 17.

The council has confirmed its investigation is still ongoing.

The artwork has divided opinion in the town.

William Drew-Batty says if East Suffolk don’t take action to the murals it will show inconsistency (Image: Archant)

William Drew-Batty, who lives and runs his business on Upper Olland Street, said: “Living in a conservation area, with many listed buildings, the allowing of these murals, without having public consultation, highlights a lack of consistency.

“An owner of a listed building has to seek permission and even then there are certain rules that one has to adhere to.”

Vinnie Nylon’s work on the side of Discount Motor Parts Bungay, on Upper Olland Street (Image: Bruno Brown)

According to Historic England, it is a criminal offence if consent isn’t issued to “alterations” of listed buildings.

Two of the paintings are on either side of the town’s Discount Motor Parts, Upper Olland Street and Lower Olland Street.

Vinnie Nylon’s street art opposite the Bungay Fisher Theatre (Image: Submitted)