Brent Planning Committee last night agreed an application by Quintain to largely cover the murals on the Bobby Moore Bridge underpass with advertising. The underpass leads from the Wembley Park station steps to Olympic Way, the processional route taken by most people attending events at Wembley Stadium.
The mural was commissioned by Brent Council in the early 1990s as a piece of public art to celebrate the rich and varied history of events that have taken place at the Stadium and Arena, starting with the post-war Olympics. Local historian Philip Grant and local resident Jaine Lunn argued that the mural provided a superior 'gateway' to Wembley compared with advertisements for Quintain's Tipi rental scheme or the LDO.
Lunn said, 'It's our mural, paid for by local people, and we don't want it covered up.' Grant argued that the officers' main report did not even mention 'Heritage' as a key issue and only advocated physical protection to allow possible display in the future. He said that the application should be refused in the interests of local amenity.
The application was approved by five votes to two.
Document submitted to members of the Planning Committee by Philip Grant: (Click bottom right square to enlarge)