An 82-year-old pensioner from Deal, Kent, claims she has been unfairly targeted by her local council after being ordered to repaint her blue house following just one complaint. Mary Kenny spent over £3,000 in 2023 to paint her home a cobalt shade she describes as 'lovely'. However, Dover District Council (DDC) has now issued an enforcement notice requiring her to redecorate the property in white or pale cream, citing that the colour is 'unsympathetic' to the conservation area where she resides.
Background of the Dispute
Mrs Kenny, a writer and grandmother-of-three, moved into the property in 2013 to accommodate her late husband after he suffered a stroke. She says she chose the blue colour to freshen up the house, which had become 'very grotty'. She notes that several other homes in Deal, including a nearby pub called The Alma, are also painted bright blue, and many neighbours have complimented her choice.
DDC first contacted Mrs Kenny in 2024 after a single complaint was lodged about the colour. Initially, the council only advised her to repaint, but due to lack of action, it has now escalated to enforcement. Mrs Kenny has been given six months from May 1 to comply or face potential prosecution.
Council's Justification
A DDC spokesman confirmed the enforcement notice, stating that while repainting a property does not usually require planning permission, it is necessary in conservation areas. The notice argues that the blue colour makes the building 'visually dominant' in the street scene and detracts from the 'visual harmony' of historic buildings, causing 'significant harm' to the conservation area.
The council requires the house to be painted white, off-white, or cream, but does not specify an approved list of colours. Mrs Kenny has already started repainting the property white, but she plans to appeal the notice, citing financial hardship and a lack of transparency in the decision-making process.
Public Reaction and Appeal
Mrs Kenny expressed concern about the situation, saying, 'I'm a little old lady of 82, so it's very concerning to have to confront a problem like this, but I do feel I am owed an explanation as to why.' She has received support from neighbours who like the blue house and is seeking arbitration to make such judgements more transparent.
The cost of repainting is a significant burden, with scaffolding alone costing over £1,000 last time. Mrs Kenny says she is willing to comply but cannot afford the full cost immediately. The council warns that failure to comply could result in prosecution or remedial action by the authority.
