A Scots homeowner is facing a fine of £20,000 after losing a tussle about her pink front door.
Miranda Dickson was ordered by Edinburgh City Council to change the colour of her front door in Edinburgh's New Town - a World Heritage conservation area - to an off-white shade by April as it doesn't fall in line with the guidelines, reports the Daily Express.
Ms Dickson says she spent a year and a half renovating her childhood home after her parents died in 2019 and was upset when she received the enforcement notice sparked by a complainer.
She appealed to the Scottish Government but they agreed with the council and the decision was upheld. Ms Dickson could now see herself be fined £2000 if she doesn't remove the 'unauthorised' paint, and a potential £20k payment if she is charged with breaking rules in the conservation area.
Ms Dickson told the Times: "My neighbours painted their doors and did not have to ask permission so guidelines on painting appear to be only for painting the building."
The mother-of-two moved back to Edinburgh after working in the US for nine years.
The written decision will allow Ms Dickson more time to have the work completed in spring but said she should apply for permission if she wanted to choose an alternative colour.
Steve Field, a government reporter, said the door colour should be changed. He said: "The guidance advises that 'doors should be painted an appropriate dark and muted colour'. It is evident from my site inspection that the pink paint is neither dark nor muted."
Mr Field added: "The guidelines recommend that windows should be painted white or off-white. The conservation area character appraisal recommends that windows be painted white to maintain the unity of architectural schemes.
"I accept that neither document advocates the use of white paint on front doors. However, I consider white to be a neutral colour and one used on front doors by a number of property owners in Drummond Place without causing an unacceptable impact on the character of the building.
"On these properties, the white doors also complement the white-painted windows so do not disrupt the unity of the Georgian architecture.'"
A council spokeswoman said earlier: "The colour of the door is not in keeping with the historic character and appearance of this listed building in the New Town, part of our world heritage site."
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