A HOMEOWNER fears he may have to rip down a 26ft mural on on his house that cost £3,600 after just ONE neighbour complained.
John Bennington, 42, transformed the side of his terraced home in Hucknall, Nottinghamshire, with a giant Gaudi-inspired artwork after falling in love with the Spanish architect’s designs during trips to Barcelona.
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The business information consultant paid £3,600 to street artist Kid30, also known as Nathan Bainbridge, to design and spray the 26ft-high mural, dubbed “Barceudi” after Barcelona, Gaudi, Picasso and Ibiza.
But despite winning praise from dozens of locals, John now faces the prospect of losing the eye-catching masterpiece after a single complaint triggered a planning row.
He has been forced to apply to Ashfield District Council for retrospective planning permission.
John said: “I love the mural and I’d be absolutely gutted if the council force me to paint over it.”
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The devoted Barcelona fan, who regularly visits the Spanish city and cheers on his idols at the Nou Camp, said he had checked with the council two years ago and was told planning permission was not required for a mural.
But he was unaware the rules had since changed.
He said: “When I first contacted the council two years ago you didn’t need planning, there were no issues.
“But the rules have since changed and I didn’t know.
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“I’ve had 26 people in support, and people seem to love it but one person complained.”
The artwork features several tributes to Spain, including Picasso’s famous anti-war Peace Dove and Guernica paintings.
John explained: “I regularly travel to Barcelona to watch FC Barcelona play and love the city for its modern and historic buildings, beach and the works of Antoni Gaudi.
“At the top you’ve got the bougainvillea plant that grows across Spain and Ibiza, that’s the tie into Ibiza.
“Then there’s the El Drec gecko which is designed by Gaudi and is in the Park Güell in Barcelona.”
While one objector branded the mural “excessive”, many neighbours have rallied behind it.
Marc Williamson wrote to planners: “Far more attractive than a blank wall. Tastefully done. Quality art work.”
Nearby resident Russel Bainbridge praised the piece for bringing “arts and culture” to the area, while Matthew Butcher simply said it “looks awesome”.
John admits he is dreading the council’s verdict.
He said: “I really don’t know what they’d ask me to do if it got rejected.
“I’d probably have to paint over it, but hopefully not.
“I would be absolutely gutted, I can’t see myself moving out of this house so I want to be with it for as long as possible.”
But not everyone is convinced.
One unnamed resident said: “I really don’t like it and I think it could encourage graffiti in the area.
“To me it looks like something you’d find on a tile shop in town. This isn’t Spain, it’s Ashfield. Maybe the gentleman should remember that.”
Another added: “It looks a bit messy, the blue paint has run and a bit like a kids drawing. More gaudy than Gaudi if you ask me.”
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Council planners are expected to make a decision later this month.
Ashfield District Council has been contacted for comment.