Banksy’s Spy Booth mural in Cheltenham could become a listed piece of art within days.

A planning application is expected to be submitted to Cheltenham Borough Council’s conservation team which, if accepted, will make it a crime to remove or deface the artwork.

The building on which it is displayed in Fairview is Grade II-listed but the mural remains an unauthorised piece of vandalism and, with the council’s permission, will become part of the building and share its listed status.

If approved, that would mean the props that compliment the piece, including the satellite dish and potentially the phone box, will also become listed items.

If the owner then decides to sell, it would mean they will either have to leave the satellite dish, which is currently being used, or see that it is replaced.

Private meetings have taken place at Cheltenham Chamber of Commerce between parties interested in saving the vandalised Banksy mural. “Sensitive” information was tabled at the meeting between chamber chief executive Michael Ratcliffe, Cheltenham MP Martin Horwood, and Banksy activists Hekmat Kaveh and Angela De Souza.

Mr Kaveh is still negotiating a £601,000 deal to potentially buy the building in Hewlett Road which displays Banksy’s defaced artwork.

The millionaire architect is hoping to keep the mural on public display and is asking for patience from the building’s owners.

He said: “Everyone’s aim, and this must not be forgotten, is to make sure that the Banksy stays on the wall by going through the relevant authorities. Once that happens, it will then ensure that it is an authorised piece of art which will then satisfy my solicitors to purchase the building.” Martin Horwood said that it was vital that meetings held were kept confidential until the matter was resolved.

He added: “I think that we are all in agreement that the Banksy should stay in Cheltenham.

“The situation is complicated, but we are hopeful of acquiring the Banksy and protecting it going forward. That is ultimately the long-term plan.”

Investigations are still ongoing after substantial and unconsented works took place within the building last month.