Locals fuming with 'unacceptable' shopfront that 'ruins' picturesque town and 'must be repainted'

Owner Vicky Whiter has been locked in a battle with South Kesteven District Council because she did not apply for planning permission before the "unacceptable" paint job.

Conservation rules in her area of Stamford mean that any repainting of shopfronts needs to be approved by the council.

Whiter said that she was unaware of the rules when she had it painted the shopfront and that she cannot afford to pay to have it changed, which she estimates would cost as much as £5,000.

She said: "I budget to re-decorate the shop front every four years and will happily adhere to all planning when I plan to re-decorate in the summer of 2026. At this time however I cannot put the survival of my business at risk by spending now."

If her request for more time to repaint the shopfront is refused, she fears that she will be taken to court by the council.

According to the Stamford Shopfront Design Guide, a guide that aims to ensure that the heritage is retained the maximum penalty for breaking the rules is two years in prison and an unlimited fine.

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The guide features a recommendation to use white or neutral colours on slender shopfronts, and a single colour for all the major elements of the design.

However, there is no indication of what colours are and are not allowed.

Whiter said: "This bullish attitude is unfathomable...Stamford’s independent shops are the heart and soul of the town and are what makes it special.

"I very much hope the council will take a pragmatic and supportive stance and work with small independent retailers to ensure that by improving the look of the high street they don’t immeasurably damage it by driving independents out of business."

A spokesman for South Kesteven District Council said any changes to the shop were subject to conservation area and listed building rules.

They said: “Listing ensures that the architectural and historic interests of buildings are carefully considered separately from the merits of any development proposals and before any alterations, either external or internal, are agreed.

"Listed building consent is required for any changes that would alter their special character.

"No advice or guidance was sought prior to the painting of these premises but council officers have since suggested alternative paint colours that would be appropriate and are happy to continue to work with the applicant to agree both these and a timescale for the repainting of the shopfront."