The house caused controversy after the owners painted it anthracite, but despite the row they were told they did not need planning permission for the work
Steve and Emma Wallace-Madeley were told they did not need planning permission to paint the house anthracite(Image credit: Henley Herald)
A couple from Henley-on-Thames who controversially painted their home anthracite grey have decided to sell the home less than a year later.
Steve and Emma Wallace-Madeley caused a planning dispute after painting their home in a colour that offended neighbours, but despite being in a conservation area the couple were told the work did not need planning permission.
Now the four-bedroom end of terrace property has been put up for sale for £900,000.
What was the controversy?
In May last year the Wallace-Madeley's painted their house anthracite grey after getting permitted development approval, despite the home being in a conservation area.
The painted house drew criticism from locals with some submitting complaints to South Oxfordshire District Council (SODC) saying "It looks terrible and cheap" and "Unbelievable considering no sky dishes can face the highway on this Conservation road".
It was also argued the anthracite house stood out compared to other houses on the street and was not in-keeping for the area.
Neighbours argued the house was not in-keeping with the area and other houses on the street(Image credit: Google Earth)
Why were the couple allowed to do this?
SODC stated they had no authority to prevent the painting of the dwelling as "there are no Article 4 directions restricting development of the dwelling.”
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A spokesperson from SODC stated: "The relevant class of the General Permitted Development Order does not specify or exclude any paint colours."
Despite Henley Town Council's (HTC) planning committee questioning the decision, SODC confirmed no involvement of Conservation Officers was necessary, and no planning permission was required for painting the house exterior, regardless of the colour chosen.
Mrs Wallace-Madeley said: "Our house is somewhat new compared to the rest down our street. Our house is 20 years old, whereas the street dates back to the Victorian times, so we already felt the odd ones out.
“The grouting was a murky pink colour and didn’t match us at all. This beautiful railing black colour is smooth and modern.”
However, less than a year on from painting the home the couple have decided to sell the property, which is listed by Knight Frank for £900,000.
News Editor Joseph has previously written for Today’s Media and Chambers & Partners, focusing on news for conveyancers and industry professionals. Joseph has just started his own self build project, building his own home on his family’s farm with planning permission for a timber frame, three-bedroom house in a one-acre field. The foundation work has already begun and he hopes to have the home built in the next year. Prior to this he renovated his family's home as well as doing several DIY projects, including installing a shower, building sheds, and livestock fences and shelters for the farm’s animals. Outside of homebuilding, Joseph loves rugby and has written for Rugby World, the world’s largest rugby magazine.
