Protection of Historic Brickwork and Facades

The Spitalfields Society is firmly opposed to the painting or alteration of historic brick-built elevations within the three Spitalfields Conservation Areas of Elder Street, Brick Lane and Fournier Street, Wentworth Street and other designated heritage zones.

Historic brick facades are an integral part of the architectural character and fabric of our area. They are not blank canvases for contemporary decoration or mural art but valued heritage assets that contribute to the authenticity and aesthetic continuity of our streets.

We consider the painting of historic brickwork to be wholly inappropriate and potentially harmful to the conservation area’s character. Such actions undermine the visual integrity of these elevations and risk setting an alarming precedent that could lead to further disfigurement of Spitalfields’ historic environment.

The Society is therefore calling upon the London Borough of Tower Hamlets to implement an Article 4 Direction to remove permitted development rights that currently allow such interventions. This measure would ensure that any proposal to paint or alter historic facades requires full planning consent and proper heritage consideration.

The Spitalfields Society, together with the Spitalfields Trust, will continue to engage actively with Tower Hamlets Council to ensure that the area’s distinctive historic streetscape — including those of Elder street, Puma Court, Wilkes Street, Hanbury Street, Wentworth Street, Fournier Street and Princelet Street — is fully protected from inappropriate interventions.