A giant 3D coffee cup that sat above a Joe & The Juice outlet in Chalk Farm for six months has been removed by crane after Camden Council stepped in over planning permission concerns.
The oversized vinyl cup was fixed to the side of the Chalk Farm branch without consent. Camden Council intervened last week, demanding its removal while planning approval remained outstanding. It was dismantled by crane last week, despite original plans for it to remain in place until at least 2031.
The pink mural behind the cup, created by doodle artist Frankie Curtis, will remain in place with minor changes to remove the advertising element. The entire artwork – mural and cup combined – measured 4.2 metres by 2.25 metres.
Planning application still pending
Joe & The Juice lodged a planning application for the installation in February, but no decision had been reached when the council ordered its removal. “This advertisement which has now been removed was displayed without consent. An application has been submitted and is still to be determined, however the applicant was advised this would not be approved as it does not comply with planning policy.”
In the planning application, the company wrote: “Joe & The Juice are a prominent juice bar/café known by many people around the world for exceptional smoothies, juices and food. Allowing Joe & The Juice to operate in the space will bring increased employment and opportunities for local people and continued social and economic regeneration of the borough.”
The application added: “The wall along Hartland Road has had existing murals in the past, dating back to 2014. The proposed signage has been designed in keeping with the surrounding area of Camden and the growing alternative essence that the locality provides.”
What happens next
The mural itself – minus the 3D cup element – remains on the building following the crane removal. The pink mural itself – minus the 3D cup element – remains on the building following the crane removal.
