LGBTQ+ and NHS rainbow canopy on historic Bristol property …
A family must remove a rainbow-painted canopy, designed to support the NHS[1] and LGBTQ+ rights, after it was deemed to have spoiled views in Bristol. Ken Aylmer made national headlines when his colourful awning appeared on his Grade II-listed property on ‘The Paragon’ in Clifton[2] in Bristol – part of the city’s most famous view from the Suspension Bridge. Despite support for Ken’s colourful gesture, his retrospective planning application has been turned down by Bristol City Council[3].
A compromise is reportedly being worked out between the Aylmer family and the local authority. The planning application for consent for the rainbow-coloured canopy was submitted in February 2023, with the application stating: “Colour is joyful, uplifting and inspiring. To return this canopy to an unfinished dull grey appearance, like many of its neighbours, would certainly be a loss.”
Ken Aylmer previously explained he painted the rainbow colours to thank the NHS after his wife Illona recovered from cancer, and to show solidarity with his daughter, who is a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ equality. More than 100 comments of support were submitted to Bristol City Council, with 34 objections. Historic England recommended its rejection because “the terrace is overly conspicuous by virtue of its use of vibrant primary colours” and the colours caused a “modest degree of harm to its (building) heritage significance”.
A council case officer noted the impact on the character and appearance of the Clifton and Hotwells and city docks conservation areas and remarked it “is not considered to be in keeping with the listed building and would fail to preserve it”. The case officer’s report reads: “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.”
Photo of the rainbow canopy as seen from the Harbourside (Image: Ken Aylmer/ Bristol City Council planning)
Speaking to The Independent,[6] Mr Aylmer accepted the reasoning on why the colours were refused.
He said: “They are quite vibrant colours that aren’t typically Georgian and it is the view of Bristol.” But he confirmed discussions were now underway to keep the design in place. Ken said: “As it had such overwhelming support, it is important to people and it follows the thing about heritage evolving and being part of the culture…people also loved it.
“If we can have some kind of compromise while maintaining the historic aspect, that’d be great – a bit more muted with a Georgian-approved palette.”
Bristol City Council has been asked for further comment.
References
- ^ NHS (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ Clifton (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ Bristol City Council (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ Barton House residents asked not to return home to cook meals (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ New fish and chip shop opening in Bristol (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ Speaking to The Independent, (www.independent.co.uk)