The owners of a cottage that has been described as 'too pink' have been ordered to repaint the home a less vibrant colour.
AFTER more than a decade sitting pretty in pink Teignbridge District Council has told Ann Kennedy her grade 11 listed building which dates from the 17th century in Kennford near Exeter must be repainted within three years to a colour that doesn't "cause substantial harm to the special character".
Mrs Kennedy has lived there for 13 years. When she moved in the cottage was pink – and in October 2011 she had it repainted in pink.
But before the paint had even dried a letter arrived from Teignbridge District Council telling her she needed planning permission – which costs £200 – and if she didn't get it the authority would take enforcement action.
Teignbridge District Council said in an official statement: "Today, Teignbridge District Council's Planning Committee refused a retrospective application for the painting of a Grade Two listed cottage in Kennford.
"The cottage was white but was painted a pale pink 13 years ago. In November 2011 it was repainted a bright pink colour by the current cottage owner. It is this shade which is the subject of this decision. "
The matter first came to the council's attention in November 2011 when a formal complaint was made about the colour.
The cottage was inspected by the Conservation Officer who weighed it up carefully against a colour palette for traditional limewash and concluded it was "strident even against the strongest of natural pigment colours available."
Teignbridge District Council added: "An application was lodged on April 23 and it went through the usual planning procedures including public consultation where everyone, including people living nearby, statutory consultees and anyone else, were able to put forward a view. It resulted in two letters of objection and seven in support of the applicant. A further five letters of support were submitted ahead of today's meeting."
"The colour is considered to cause substantial harm to the special character and is contrary to policies within the Teignbridge Local Plan 1989-2991, the Proposed Submission Teignbridge Local Plan 2013-2033 and National Planning Policy Framework."
Speaking in May Mrs Kennedy said: "The cottage has always been pink, it was pink when I bought it and the estate agent's picture showed it to be pink. It's not even a horrible pink as far as I can see. Only one person has complained and he doesn't even live within sight of my house.
"It dates from the 1600s and as far as I know it has always been pink, that was the colour locals used because that it the colour of the soil round here.
"There was a 20-year period many years ago when it was white and I understand the person complaining knew the owners then.
"But it is always known as the pink cottage, it is a landmark and used by villagers when they are giving directions." to people who are lost."
Councillors agreed that permission should be refused and an enforcement notice should be issued but that the period of compliance is three years. The vote was 17 for refusal and 3 against. Video:
