A mural on the exterior of Enfield Town Library, criticized by some as an “ugly eyesore,” will stay after the council approved retrospective planning permission.

Over 600 local residents signed a petition calling for the mural’s removal shortly after its launch in June.

It was later revealed that Enfield Council had neglected to obtain planning approval, despite the library’s location in a conservation zone.

Council place shaping manager Clare Moloney expressed regret over the oversight, stating that a decommissioning plan would be proposed if necessary.

The mural, named To Autumn and inspired by the poem of the same title by John Keats, was collaboratively designed by artist Albert Agwa alongside students from St Anne’s School.

The total budget for the project was £18,000, which included £15,000 allocated for creation and £3,000 for community engagement and design workshops.

During the planning committee meeting on November 18, three statements were made, including objections from Conservative councillors Edward Smith and Emma Supple, who voiced worries regarding the mural’s visual quality and maintenance.

Mr. Smith remarked, “What condition will it be in after a year or two once winter sets in?”

He expressed concerns that the mural could significantly deteriorate over time, adding that many residents feared it might become even less appealing.

Mrs. Supple noted that her inbox was “overflowing with objections” and referred to the 600 petitions initiated by fellow Conservative councillor Chris Dey.

Though the amount was not disclosed, a maintenance budget has been secured for the next five years.

Ms. Moloney assured the committee that funding for the mural came from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), which is sourced from developers and not from taxpayers.

Conservative member Michael Rye observed that residents in the conservation area would face a “lengthy process” for changes like installing double glazing, while the mural had sidestepped the usual protocols.

Nick Page, the council’s principal heritage advisor, commented, “From a heritage standpoint, this isn’t a site I would have selected for public art.”

Nevertheless, he argued that the mural’s contributions to culture, vibrancy, and character outweighed any potential drawbacks.

After deliberation, the committee’s seven Labour members approved the application, while the three Conservative members opposed it.