Council investigate Bungay Banksy Vinnie Nylon's street art

But Bungay's Fisher Theatre's plan to employ an internationally renowned street artist to paint a series of his works on buildings has not proved palatable to conservation officials.

Barely had the paint dried when East Suffolk Council launched an investigation over concerns the eye-catching paintings were daubed on a number of walls in a conservation area, without the necessary permission.

The district council - which is responsible for approving major changes to buildings in the area - said it had not been approached to allow the works to go ahead.

The idea was thought up by the theatre, which had been involved in discussions with Bungay Town Council about their art initiative.

The artworks were created by Vinnie Nylon - already dubbed the Banksy of Bungay.

Vinnie Nylon's work on the side of Discount Motor Parts Bungay, on Upper Olland Street (Image: Bruno Brown)

Vinnie Nylon's street art on Upper Olland Street (Image: Bruno Brown)

As the artist worked on his creations today, he was under the impression he was permitted to work on the buildings - although he expressed surprise about it.

Mr Nylon, who has worked with Banksy on projects with Bristol, London and Brighton, said: "I’m really shocked that we’ve been able to do this here as all the buildings in the town centre are listed buildings."

But as he put finishing touches to the work, East Suffolk Council dropped its bombshell.

A spokesman said: “East Suffolk Council has been made aware of potentially unauthorised works within a Conservation Area in Bungay.

"Our planning team is in the process of establishing contact with the commissioner of the work.”

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Vinnie Nylon's street art opposite the Green Dragon Pub in Bungay (Image: Submitted)

Locals seemed supportive of the scheme.

Two of the paintings are on either side of the town's Discount Motor Parts.

Donna Edney, who works at the family-run shop, said: “We’re really supportive of it and think it looks amazing."

Alison Adams, who lives nearby, said: "I think the artwork is very striking and really positive for the town. They are very good for Bungay."

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Vinnie Nylon's street art opposite the Bungay Fisher Theatre (Image: Submitted)

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Mr Nylon has spent almost 40 years on the British street art and graffiti scene. In that time, the related art gallery industry has grown to become a global movement.

He creates largely character-based works that employ a strong use of colour and dynamic forms which have proven to be a hit with collectors internationally.

He has exhibited in Toyko annually since 2015 and in Miami and has worked for major brands.

He has an exhibition at Bungay's Fisher Theatre on September 17.

In a statement Bungay Town Council said: "The murals in Bungay are not a town council project.

"The project is led by the Fisher Theatre.

"The Fisher Theatre has commissioned the artwork murals to launch an exhibition in their gallery.

"The Town Council were approached in the spring by the Fisher Theatre, and we agreed to support the initiative by applying for necessary permissions.

At that time, we let the Fisher Theatre know that we would require locations and details of the artwork.

"The permission for murals/artwork varies from district to district. Some districts require advertising consent, some just listed building consent in conservation areas. Some will agree to this sort of project through preplanning advice.

"After consulting with East Suffolk, we were informed that the artwork would be in the conservation area and would require advertising consent. This is a good approach as it means the community is consulted before any artwork is installed.

"Unfortunately, the Fisher Theatre struggled to get the designs from the artists, and we ran out of time to obtain the consents.

"We discussed this with the Fisher Theatre and they decided to go ahead with the project without East Suffolk planning consent.

"The Fisher Theatre did have the permission of the landlords of the property, and they have agreed with the owners that they would paint over any artwork if there was a problem.

In essence they would be temporary."  

Vinnie Nylon pictured hard at work painting Discount Motor Parts on Lower Olland Street in Bungay (Image: Bruno Brown)