South Staffordshire pub can keep outdoor seating area – but mural set to be painted over
An award-winning South Staffordshire pub can keep its outdoor seating area – but an “unauthorised” wall mural is set to be painted over.
Art displays have previously been created on the side of The Star Inn in Penkridge to show support for NHS workers during the Covid pandemic and raise awareness of the lifesaving work of Midlands Air Ambulance.
Landlady Ally Heath has been given an award by Round Table in recognition of the pub’s community work. And in 2023 the Market Street venue was named Marston’s tenanted and leased pub of the year.
Retrospective planning permission was initially sought to retain the wall mural, alongside an area of raised decking and outdoor seating. But the applicant was advised that would be recommended for refusal because the mural was considered “harmful to the character and appearance of the conservation area”, a report to South Staffordshire Council’s planning committee said.
An application to retain the decking area and outdoor seating and paint over the wall mural was approved however by the committee at a meeting on Tuesday (November 18). Members voted unanimously to approve the application – and were told that it would be possible for a fresh planning application to be submitted to create a new wall mural in the future.
Committee member Councillor Victor Kelly said: “All this was done during Covid, when planning regulations were relaxed and open spaces were allowed to be converted to help pubs and cafés to get back on their feet. This has come from nowhere – I’m on several councils and I’ve never seen an enforcement notice come across.”
The application approved at Tuesday’s meeting was backed by Penkridge Parish Council and more than 100 members of the public. The public gallery was packed with supporters of the pub on Tuesday.
Penkridge resident Nigel Smith, who spoke in support of the application, said: “The Star fully appreciates the importance of following the planning process and once they were aware that permission was required have worked transparently with the council to rectify the matter. The Star completes great work in and for the local community, supporting local clubs as well as national charities including the Air Ambulance.
“The new decking area replaced an area previously overgrown with bushes and litter, needles and empty beer cans – a space that was unsightly, unhygienic and unsafe. By clearing that area and installing the current decking, The Star transformed it into a clean, safe and managed outdoor area that is far more appropriate to a family-friendly public house.
“It allows customers to be seated comfortably and responsibly and it helps The Star’s management control where people gather, which in turn supports better noise management overall. The structure is modest as it stands, well-maintained and does not negatively impact any neighbouring properties.
“The air ambulance mural is the third The Star has had on the side of the building. Previous versions have always been well received and The Star has always used local artists and artwork to bring colour, character and identity to the building.
“The current mural continues that tradition and has become a positive focal point for the majority of the community, brightening up what was previously a plain and tired wall. Local customers and residents comment on how much they enjoy it and it contributes to the pub’s role as a welcoming and vibrant community hub.
“It causes no harm to the local area, creates no disturbance and has no structural impact. Both the mural and the decking were created with the sole intention of improving The Star’s premises, supporting the community and customers and enhancing the surrounding environment.”
