Tone down order for purple house

Tone down order for purple house

The cottage could now turn a lighter shade of lilac

A controversial cottage is to turn a shade paler after neighbours and councillors disapproved of its shocking colour.

The 18th Century property in Bicester, Oxfordshire, has been turning heads since its owner decided to paint it bright purple two years ago.

But councillors and conservation officers are not happy with the effect it may be having on the look of the surrounding area.

Now, a compromise seems to have been reached - with planning officers recommending acceptance of a more restrained pale lilac.

It is a complete eyesore

Rose Stratford, neighbour

Ironically, lilac was the shade of the cottage when Momcilo Djujic bought the two-storey property in Launton Road in 2001.

He painted it purple as part of its refurbishment.

Almost immediately, Cherwell District Council and conservation officers said it must be changed.

Last summer, Mr Djujic suggested painting the property a bronze colour - but that was refused.

At a meeting of Bicester Town Council, neighbour Rose Stratford said: "I cannot wait for the purple to go. It is a complete eyesore."

A planning officer for Cherwell Disctrict Council said: "The first colour change that was mooted was a mustard colour but the proposed pale lilac colour is certainly more suitable."

The council will consider the new colour scheme at a meeting next month.