A popular Scarborough hotel has lost a planning appeal after painting the lower exterior of its Grade II* listed building dark blue without prior permission.
Dark blue and teal paintwork at a Grade II* listed Scarborough hotel has been rejected after a planning appeal failed.
The Highlander Hotel on the Esplanade painted the lower part of its exterior dark blue and its front wall teal before securing planning permission.
A Government planning inspector has now dismissed an appeal to keep the retrospective works, ruling that the bold colours harmed the significance of the designated heritage assets overlooking South Bay.
The original redecoration works were rejected by North Yorkshire Council, leading Star Pubs and Bars to submit an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.
In its original planning proposal, Star Pubs and Bars argued the colours were chosen to brighten the property and match branding.
The company said:
"To give the business a new appearance which will suit the new signage and give the building a fresh look.
While the colour may appear stark initially, by limiting this colour to the ground and sub-floor basement levels, we feel that this is a limited change which could be considered a positive proposal."
A site visit conducted this summer by Government inspector Mr Walker found that the painting of the property eroded the visual unity of the listed terrace.
He determined that the works detracted from the visual cohesion of the group of buildings, which contribute to the special interest and significance of the listed building and the Scarborough conservation area.
Mr Walker said:
"There is little to suggest that the building has ever been painted such a colour or a colour other than a muted tone such as white or cream.
Therefore, although I recognise that the upper floors remain pale and muted, the blue and teal colour are not historically appropriate for this building."
A recently published report by the inspector outlined that the desire to brighten the property was based on personal preference rather than historic evidence.
Mr Walker concluded:
"I therefore find that the works have failed to preserve the special interest of the Grade II* listed building and have not preserved or enhanced the character or appearance of the Scarborough conservation area. As a result, the expectations of the Act have not been met, and the works have harmed the significance of these designated heritage assets.
The wish to enhance and brighten the property with the colours chosen appears to be mainly based on a personal preference rather than historic evidence, and this is therefore largely a private, rather than a public, benefit. The weight that I ascribe to the public benefits that have resulted from the works is not sufficient to outweigh the great weight that I attach to the harm I have identified."
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