THE owners of a card shop which was refused permission to paint their shop front pink have lost an appeal.
Peter and Ann Lown, who run Castle Cards, in Barnard Castle Market Place, were ordered by Teesdale District Council to repaint the shop after they painted it pink and purple in November 2003.
Despite a petition of nearly 1,500 people supporting the colour scheme, the couple were refused permission last March.
Mr and Mrs Lown painted the shop to match their carrier bags and, although they offered to paint the windowsills a more subtle grey, their appeal was dismissed this month.
Planning inspector Wenda Fabian said: "It would appear incongruous and at odds with the colour of the many stone buildings surrounding the appeal site."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article