Purple pain – Barnard Castle shop’s new paint job under threat from council

A dispute over a shop front could cost a Barnard Castle business at least £1,000 after a complaint about the colour scheme.

Crystal, mineral and fossil shop, Sanders Cove, moved to new premises at 4 Market Place, but the family business was stunned when Durham County Council told them of a complaint about the grade 2* listed building’s new look.

“We had a visit from the council on Tuesday to say there was a report about the colour,” said Ian Sanderson, co-owner with his wife Holly.

“From what we can gather, somebody reported it because it’s not ‘heritage’ enough.”

Yet it’s the third paint job in a year, with the premises going navy blue in December, then green and pink in April.

After checking with the landlord, the Sandersons believed there was no problem with their planned purple branding – only to be left in limbo.

“We don’t know if we can get retrospective planning permission,” said Holly.

“If not, we might have to find a way to mute it a bit.”

And a worst-case scenario could bring big costs.

“The shop sign was nearly £1,000,” said Ian.

“If I have to remove that to repaint it, that’s devastating.

“The vinyl won’t come off nicely so I’d have to have the whole thing remade.”

The couple began trading in Barnard Castle just over a year ago, initially on The Bank.

A successful first year saw them expand into a larger space, reviving a former café that was closed for three years.

“We’ve poured thousands into this, and we’ve literally brought an empty building back to life,” added Ian.

“It’s upsetting.

“We love being in Barney and we want to stay and develop our business here.”

Stephen Reed, Durham County Council’s planning manager, said: “Having received a report about a grade 2* listed building being painted without consent, we visited the property to discuss the works.

“We have offered our advice and support to the business owners and will continue to seek a solution that balances their needs with the building’s listed status and its location within the Barnard Castle Conservation Area.”

Customers have rallied to support Sanders Cove, with several wanting to set up a petition.

But Ian isn’t keen on a confrontation.

“We don’t want to go down that path,” he said.

“We want to approach this in a calm, professional way and reach an amicable solution with the council.”

And neighbouring businesses are happy to see the building back in use – whatever the colour scheme.

Carly Payne at Moments café said: “The colour doesn’t both me at all.

“I hope they can work something out with the council and get retrospective permission if that’s what they need.”

And Fleur Sanderson (no relation) of Freja’s Home, urged better backing for independent business in the town.

“They’ve made a great effort and we’ve got to support anybody having a go and taking risks,” she said.

“We need independent businesses like this.

“The town is quite buoyant at the moment, and you’d hope the council would want to support that.”