A recent color choice has sparked a heated debate in Stamford, Lincolnshire.
Marianne Rawlins, a well-known figure from BBC’s *The Apprentice*, has been asked to repaint her baby and toddler shop after she opted for a gold shade without the necessary planning permission.
This charming Tudor building, which was empty for over two years before Marianne took it on, has drawn criticism for its bright new look.
Marianne, a mother of two and a former finalist on the reality show, opened her shop in September.
The historic Grade II-listed building, once known as Britain’s most picturesque town, had been empty for quite some time.
Marianne chose a ‘cherished gold’ from Dulux’s heritage range to brighten up the space, but this decision has led to unexpected trouble.
The local authority received a single complaint and informed her that she must change the color due to the building’s historical significance and its location in a conservation area.
Marianne, who was shocked by the council’s decision, expressed her disappointment.
She pointed out that other colorful shops in town, some of which are also listed buildings, seem to have escaped similar scrutiny.
“There’s a pink shop and others that stand out, and I don’t understand why they were approved while mine wasn’t,” she said.
She had several discussions with planning officers, suggesting possible compromises, like a darker shade of yellow or black, but was met with further objections.
The town’s civic society and Stamford Town Council have weighed in, criticizing the gold color for negatively impacting the building’s heritage.
South Kesteven District Council’s planning officers agree, stating that historically, buildings in the area would have been rendered in lighter shades on both floors.
Marianne is now facing the challenge of repainting the shop after a retrospective planning application was rejected.
Ongoing Appeal and Historical Preservation
Despite the setback, Marianne plans to appeal the decision, hoping that reason will prevail.
She’s open to making further compromises but feels she was unaware of the full extent of Stamford’s conservation rules until receiving an enforcement notice last year.
“We tried to enhance the building’s character, not detract from it,” Marianne commented, reflecting on her initial efforts to preserve the historic charm of the property.
Stamford’s Conservation Legacy
Stamford has a long history of conservation, becoming the UK’s first conservation area in 1967 after a successful campaign.
The Stamford Shopfront Design Guide, established around 25 years later, has been a key document for planning decisions.
It recommends using white or neutral colors on shopfronts and maintaining a cohesive color scheme.
Violating these guidelines can lead to severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
The ongoing debate highlights the delicate balance between preserving historical aesthetics and allowing contemporary expressions in conservation areas.
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