The man who owns 159 Fairview Road in Cheltenham – the external wall of which is covered in the Banksy ‘Spy Booth’ artwork – has said he “strenuously objects” to the mural being listed.

Among other reasons, David Possee said the piece is an unsolicited act of vandalism which he reported to the police. He added that a council stop order against any work being carried out on the wall has meant he has been forced to neglect repairs on the building and consequently has not been able to rent it.

Mr Possee concluded that if there is a genuine intention to find a way forward to protect the mural is should be retrospectively commissioned by the council to remove its illegal status.

You can read his full objections outlined below