LGBTQ+ canopy on Bristol view must go, council rules

The family painted the canopy in support of the NHS and LGBTQ rights

A canopy painted in rainbow colours to support LGBTQ+ rights and the NHS is "harmful" to an iconic Bristol view and must go, a council has ruled.

Ken Aylmer, 52, applied for permission for the colourful design on his Grade II listed Clifton property in February.

But Bristol City Council said the vibrant colours had "adverse impact" on conservation areas and must be removed.

His retrospective planning application had more than 100 messages of support and 34 objections.

The canopy can be seen on the city's skyline including the Clifton Suspension Bridge.

The family had the canopy painted following repairs to the roof

He previously told the BBC he and his family decided on a rainbow for the Georgian property in October last year on the spur of the moment while they were having the roof repaired.

My Aylmer said they painted the canopy as one of his daughters is "an advocate for all things queer" and his wife had recovered from cancer treatment.

But a Bristol City Council officer ruled in September the paintwork "fails to preserve" the listed building it was on.

The council officer said: "The development being the rainbow painted canopy is highly visible from a wide area and due to the vibrant colours has an adverse impact the character and appearance of the Clifton and Hotwells Conservation Area and the City Docks Conservation Area.

"The introduction of the colourful paintwork to the canopy on this property is also not considered to be in keeping with the listed building and fails to preserve it."

Mr Aylmer told the BBC he was currently working with the authority to find a solution.