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Islington Couple Repaint Listed Townhouse White After Order to Undo Black Facade

The repainting followed a failed appeal after officials ruled the dark scheme harmed the square's historic character.

Overview

  • Planning inspector Ahsan Ghafoor ruled the alterations unauthorised and visually jarring, conflicting with the building’s listed status and the Barnsbury Conservation Area.
  • An enforcement notice required the frontage to be restored to its characteristic white using three coats of wash within two months.
  • The couple had painted the stucco, window frames, cornices, architraves, entrance steps and a basement lightwell dark grey and black without consent.
  • The owners repainted after their appeal was dismissed in July, and the terrace now aligns with neighbouring facades.
  • Local reaction ranged from criticism to sympathy, while a source close to the family said council papers showed only one formal complaint.