COLCHESTER Council took a creative approach to advertising rules when it put up a banner for its new Creative Business Centre - without permission.

The eye-catching wrap, measuring 17 metres wide and 8 metres high, covers the front side of the site at the Old Police Station in Queen Street.

It was an unfurled with a fanfare at a press launch last month.

Two weeks later, plans have been submitted seeking advertisement consent.

Colchester Council's planning committee is likely to have the final say because the authority owns the building and for a single officer to decide could be seen as undemocratic.

Opposition councillor Darius Laws, whose ward includes the site, said: "Whilst I look forward to this building being used as a digital and creative business start up centre, in relation to the retrospective planning application, if people are to have confidence in the fairness of the planning system, Colchester Council should be exemplary with regards to its own buildings and planning applications."

A council spokesperson said: “The permission sought is advertising consent, not planning permission.

"The application was actually submitted by the building contractor, Phelan Construction Limited, after consultation with the Planning Department.

"It appears that advertising consent is required, and therefore an application has been submitted retrospectively.

"Retrospective planning and advertising consent applications are regularly made by members of the public.”

As well as helping to protect the building, the wrap is designed to raise awareness of the £2million project so includes an artist’s impressions and a website link.

Up to 43 units will be available for new businesses inside the centre, which is expected to open later this year.

Phelan Construction are working on clearing out the building but retaining historic and architecturally important features like staircases and fireplaces.

The wrap is likely to stay in place until consent is formally granted.