Pantomime season is winding down but for some Kingstonians its surreal and comic atmosphere might feel strangely persistent this year.

That's after a number of bizarre planning applications referencing a popular fairy story appeared in the centre of Kingston recently.

The laminated signs were stuck up in prominent places around Kingston's iconic Out of Order sculpture of domino-like telephone boxes near the town centre.

Surrey Comet: Image: Matt Berglas Image: Matt Berglas

They suggested that the much-loved piece of contemporary art would soon be replaced by a "gigantic beanstalk" and as such were informing residents that plans were afoot to make this happen.

Bearing the mark of Kingston Council (RBK) the signs appeared to mimic authentic planning application notices, with some notable, whimsical exceptions.

Aside from references to a "gigantic bean stalk" made famous in the Jack and the Beanstalk fairytale, the applications were also attributed to 'Director of Growth, Jack Spriggins'.

Surrey Comet: Image: Matt Berglas Image: Matt Berglas

The address on the hoax notices meanwhile referenced the River House address on Kingston High Street (53-57) linked to Kingston University (KU).

They were first spotted by Kingston resident Matt Berglas.

"I have a flat on the road nearby and was walking back there around 3pm (Wednesday, January 30) when I saw them," he told the Comet.

"I was really baffled by it and thought it was pretty funny," he added.

Responding to a request from Kingston Council (RBK) a spokesperson described the notices as a "hoax" and confirmed that the applications were indeed fake and would be taken down.

"We can confirm that this has not been produced by Kingston Council and will be removed shortly," the spokesperson said.

Before that confirmation, Matt had speculated on why RBK would choose to replace such an iconic landmark for the town:

"It's definitely very iconic and a staple of Kingston and it would be a very strange move by the Council to remove that installation," he said in reference to the David Mach sculpture.

The origins of the mysterious hoax remain unknown at present.

Kingston School of Art, who are based at the aforementioned address, were contacted for comment.