Plans to remove a Banksy mural from a property have been scuppered by a local council.
Last week Q Scaffolding placed hoardings over the Spy Booth artwork in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, claiming it was for the home owner to carry out essential maintenance work.
But a spokesman for the company later admitted his boss, street art collector Sky Grimes, had bought the piece from the property’s owner.
Now Cheltenham Borough Council has issued the home owner with a “temporary stop notice”, which means building work to the Grade II listed property cannot resume for 28 days.
The artwork, which depicts three spies tapping into a phone box painted on the house located close to GCHQ, first appeared overnight in April. Banksy admitted he was the creator last month.
Mark Nelson, the council's built environment enforcement manager, said: "Cheltenham Borough Council has issued a temporary stop notice to halt work on 159 Fairview Road for 28 days.
"The temporary stop notice has been served because the council considers that works have taken place to a Grade II listed building, which affects its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest, without obtaining consent.
"The purpose of the notice is to stop works whilst discussions take place about the next steps.
"It is worth clarifying that whilst the council is supportive of the public's desire to keep the artwork on this property, the temporary stop notice has been issued to protect the integrity of this listed building."
