Painted courtyard mural at Palace Theatre, Newark-on-Trent

“25/02009/LBCLDC - Certificate of Lawfulness for Proposed Works to a Listed Building for removal of existing thermostat and relocation of new thermostat to side of stage, approved 19.01.2026 3.0 The Proposal 3.1 The application seeks listed building consent for the painting of a mural onto part of the south-facing external wall of the Theatre immediately adjacent to the rear of the flat roofed in-fill modern extension that sits between the Theatre and the National Civil…”

“There are numerous 18 th century Grade II listed buildings along Appleton Gate, both opposite the Theatre and on the same side of the road leading towards the town centre. The site is also within the designated Newark Conservation Area. Relevant Planning History 2.1. Numerous applications have been submitted for new/upgrading/repair works and below are the list of applications submitted this year alone: 2.2.”

“Apart from being an important structural wall of the theatre building, it adds little to the overall architectural interest of the building, and the mural would respect the only architectural features of a row of blocked windows by commencing below the window cills. Furthermore, the mural represents a feature that is reversible and could be easily painted over in the event that it is no longer required.”

“Conclusion 9.1. In compliance with Section 16 of the Act, special regard should be given to the desirability of preserving the listed building. Although the proposed mural represents a modern intervention, it is considered that it would result in no harm and would preserve the special historic and architectural interest of the Palace Theatre Listed Building, it would result in no harm to the setting and significance of the adjacent Grade II* Listed Buildings and it would…”

“Section 16(2) of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 and take account of the following other material considerations: • National Planning Policy Framework 2024 (as amended Feb 2025) • Planning Practice Guidance (online resource) • Historic England (2016) Making Changes to Heritage Assets: Advice Note 2 • Newark and Sherwood Amended Core Strategy (adopted 2019) – Core Policy 14: Historic Environment • Allocations and Development Management DPD…”

“Representations/Non-Statutory Consultation 6.3. No comments have been received from any third party/local resident. Comments of the Business Manager – Planning Development 7.1. The key issues are the impact on the special historic and architectural interest of the listed buildings and their setting and on the wider historic environment. 7.2.”

“Members considered the application, and a number of suggestions were made regarding the design of the mural which included the following: lighter coloured book spines; books from the 1920’s to reflect the period of the Palace Theatre; local authors could be used to promote their books sold in local book shops; a canvass which could be swopped periodically and also to make the space more flexible.”

“The Chair asked the Head of Planning Development to share the commentary with the relevant team.”

“AGREED (unanimously) that Planning Permission be approved, subject to conditions contained within the report.”