Street art and graffiti policy

Street art

Art that improves a public space. This can include paintings, murals or sculptures. It must not damage the area or cause offence. You must get written permission from the council for work on council-owned land.

Graffiti

Unauthorised marking or damage to property, such as paint or pen. This is a criminal offence.

Tag

A stylised signature used in graffiti. Tags are usually created without permission and are treated as criminal damage.

Artist

Anyone who creates art. This includes professional, emerging, community and amateur artists.

If you want to create street art on council-owned land, you must apply to the Graffiti Task Force.

Your application must include:

• the proposed location
• details of the artwork
• how long the project will last
• who will carry out the work

A council officer will be assigned to your project. They will guide you through the process.

The council will:

• contact the service that owns the land
• inform local ward councillors
• consult planning officers where needed
• involve community safety officers

You may need planning permission in some locations.

For privately owned land, we encourage landowners to follow this policy, but we cannot enforce it.

You should involve the local community in your project where possible.

This includes:

• speaking to nearby residents
• working with local groups, town or parish councils
• giving people the chance to contribute ideas

You may need to provide evidence of consultation if requested.

Projects should involve local people where possible. For example, artists can work with community groups to design and create the artwork.

Street art must:

• be visually appropriate for the area
• not include political or religious messages
• not contain offensive, hateful or discriminatory content
• not create reputational risk for the council
• not encourage graffiti or tagging

Artists may sign their work if the property owner agrees.

You must share your design or proposal with the council before starting work. This helps make sure the project meets this policy.

The process is intended to be simple and not restrict creativity.

Street art is usually temporary.

Where possible:

• apply anti-graffiti coating
• include maintenance costs in your project

Artwork may be removed or replaced in future. Requests to remove artwork will be considered in the same way as new applications.

We may support designated legal graffiti walls in suitable locations.

These should:

• be part of a managed project
• involve experienced youth or community organisations
• follow the same standards as other street art