Parts of adored Oxhey Village mural refused

Ron Dillingham, who owns a property in Capel Road in Oxhey Village, had a mural of a horse and a cart professionally painted when he refurbished the house last year.

The mural honours the history of the Brown family, the iconic local greengrocers who previously lived in the house, and reflects back to the stables kept at the back of the property.

Along with the painted mural, new railings were installed, and an updated outside light was fitted planning permission.

Despite the charming features, and only one objection received in Watford Borough Council's planning portal, the retrospective planning application for the railings and light has been refused.

Outside the former Brown house

While it was concluded that there was “no objection” to the repainting, the conservation and design manager stated that “cumulatively” the railings and lamp alter the character of the conservation area and “cause harm”.

The conclusion read: “It is possible to add both elements in a way which does not cause harm and the applicant should have sought advice prior to installing these features.”

The planning application was refused, but it does not include the mural painting itself.

Lights and railings were refused from the planning application

The officer report stated: “Overall, the railings and exterior light are considered to introduce features which are inaccurately designed and relatively poor quality in terms of the historic context. There are significant concerns that these result in harm to the significance and integrity of the Oxhey Conservation Area and over time and cumulatively will erode the inherent value of the historic setting.”

The Browns are local icons after being greengrocers in Watford for over 100 years. Before launching a stall in the old Watford Market, the Brown family travelled around with a horse and trap selling fruit and vegetables.

Before creating the mural, Mr Dillingham contacted a relative from the family and had their support for the mural.

Previously speaking to the Observer, Mr Dillingham: “Because the family told me it had the railings, I thought I’d put the railings back and I’ll put a nice lamp in the front – because I have the original lamp but it’s all rusted through and no good at all – and then I thought it’d look nice to make it look like a horse was coming out through the driveway.

“It’s all snowballed. Kids come by and they want to come up the driveway to look at it, it’s really becoming a local thing.”

He explained that he believed it would be a good way to honour the history of the Brown family, and add historic value to the area.

“A lot more people now know it belonged to the Brown greengrocers,” he said.

In a poll of 140 people, 79 per cent of readers said they do not think the mural should be removed, and 15 per cent said it should not be removed but a planning application should be sought next time.

Separately on Facebook, many Watford Observer readers shared their support and love for the mural.