Hotel to be repainted after owners made it pink without permission

The owners painted the main façade of Caedmon House, which makes up the East Terrace of the Royal Hotel in the northern seaside town.

LTK Whitby Ltd has now asked North Yorkshire Council for approval to repaint the terraced building an "iced gem" colour.

In documents lodged with the council, the repaint was described as "essential" to sustain the business, and to make it "more attractive" in order to create a "greater contribution to the economic and social life of Whitby".

Whitby's largest hotel and entertainment venue, the 3-star accommodation is located on the West Cliff of Whitby and was built in the early 19th century.

Caedmon House is connected and forms part of the Royal Hotel, but also makes up another Grade II listed building, relating to three other properties: Kirby's Hotel and no. 5 and 6 East Parade.

Despite painting without listed building consent, LTK Whitby Ltd believed the issue could be resolved via a listed building enforcement notice, which would require the property to be repainted in an agreed colour.

However, a council case officer later confirmed that such a notice could not be used to authorise changes and would instead require the building to be returned to its original appearance, unless consent was granted.

In their submission, the applications argue the proposed repaint would not cause harm to the character of the historic terrace or its wider setting.

They state that the new colour would remain sympathetic to the building’s age and surroundings, whilst improving its visual appeal.

Properties are listed to protect its original features, particularly of special architectural or historic interest, a designation overseen nationally by Historic England.

Owners are expected to understand what makes their building significant and to seek approval before making changes that could affect its character.

Whilst routine repairs and internal redecoration are generally permitted without consent, external changes are more tightly controlled.

Changes such as repainting exteriors, altering original features and replacing new windows almost always require formal permission, which is what the owners of the Royal Hotel did not do.

Failure to obtain consent can lead to enforcement action and, in some cases, prosecution.

The proposal is currently open for public comment, allowing residents and interested parties to submit their views.

North Yorkshire Council has not yet set a date for when a decision on the application will be made.