'Garish' RNLI mural approved despite objections

The mural will go on the gable wall of the former Customs House in Weymouth

A mural honouring to the RNLI is set to adorn a harbourside building, despite critics branding it "garish".

The mural, which shows Weymouth’s Ernest and Mabel lifeboat, is to be painted on the side of the listed Custom House Cafe.

The RNLI said the work would mark the organisation's 200th anniversary but council planners objected, describing it as "overbearing".

It was nevertheless approved by Dorset Council's area planning committee.

The site for the mural is almost directly opposite the town’s lifeboat station - one of the busiest on the south coast.

Planning officers said the mural, as proposed, would cause "harm" and would not enhance the conservation area.

They had suggested a smaller mural with toned-down paint colours.

A number of objections were received, including one which said: "The overall scheme is too large and garish. It’s presence would be overwhelming.

"The area is a conservation area and should be respected."

Barry Stoneham, fundraising treasurer for the RNLI, told Dorset Council’s area planning committee that there had been widespread support for the mural.

He said the colours proposed were from the RNLI colour range and to tone them down made no sense.

Rodwell and Wyke Labour councillor Kate Wheller said the mural was in the public interest and recognised the work of the RNLI which "saved countless lives at sea".

"Yes it is large and impactful but that’s the whole point,” she said.

Councillors voted five to two to allow it to go ahead, with one abstention.