Covent Garden's vibrant street art scene will continue to flourish with the approval of a new mural at 18 Mercer Street, London, WC2H 9QE. The Westminster Planning Sub-Committee voted to grant conditional advertisement consent for the non-illuminated painted artwork, which measures 11.4m by 15.1m on the flank elevation of the building. The consent is granted for a period of five years, with a renewal requiring a new application.
The mural, designed by artist Rob Lowe, also known as Supermundane, replaces an existing artwork on the same site. Lowe also designed the previous mural, which was granted advertisement consent on appeal in December 2020. An Inspector at the time found that the previous artwork added detail and visual interest, reflected the area's character, and preserved or enhanced the Covent Garden Conservation Area without harming nearby listed buildings. The Inspector also found insufficient evidence of material impact on light levels or disturbance.
The new design features a brightly coloured abstract pattern with the prominent text CREATIVITY IS IN ALL OF US
. Despite its approval, objections were raised by local amenity societies and residents. The Covent Garden Community Association argued that the mural's scale, bold colours, and design would harm the character and appearance of the Covent Garden and Seven Dials Conservation Areas and the setting of nearby listed buildings. They also raised concerns about its impact on residential amenity, citing dominant outlooks, reduced reflected light, and potential noise, disturbance, and loss of privacy from people gathering to take photographs.
Similar objections were lodged by the Ching Court Association, Seven Dials Housing Co-operative, and an occupier of 15 Mercer Street, who echoed concerns about visual amenity, character and appearance of conservation areas, the setting of listed buildings, and increased prominence due to its extension. They also cited visually dominant and intrusive outlooks, impact on reflected light, noise, disturbance, loss of privacy, and the mural constituting a public nuisance. These groups requested a more subdued design developed in consultation with local stakeholders or for the wall to be returned to a plain finish.
Westminster Council assesses the impact of murals on conservation areas based on whether they preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the area. This includes considering the mural's scale, design, colours, and its effect on visual amenity, the character and appearance of the area, and the setting of nearby listed buildings. The council also considers the impact on residential amenity, including outlook, reflected light, noise, disturbance, and loss of privacy.
The committee approved the application with four votes in favour and one against. The decision means the popular artistic display on Mercer Street will continue to add visual interest to the area. The consent is for a period of five years, with the mural to be displayed from 13 October 2026 to 12 October 2031, after which it must be removed without delay, implying a new application would be required for renewal.
While the information confirms Rob Lowe's experience with public art at this specific location within the Covent Garden Conservation Area, it does not detail his broader experience in London or other similar conservation areas.
For further details, the agenda and reports for the Planning Sub-Committee meeting on 13th October 2026 can be found at Agenda frontsheet, Public reports pack, and Printed minutes.