A LISTED building on Wincanton High Street has been painted a different colour without the required consent from a conservation officer, prompting concern from local residents and councillors.

The Dolphin Hotel has been painted yellow, a significant change from its previous cream colour.

Residents and councillors have concerns about the new colour’s impact on the town’s character, as well as the apparent absence of an application in line with planning regulations.

Maureen Emery, a resident who lives opposite The Dolphin, said: “I think they call it baby yellow but it’s not very pleasing to the eye. The previous cream colour was very nice and more in keeping with the building’s character.

“I had to get permission to add a drainpipe to my house which is a listed building opposite The Dolphin. I think if there’s a rule everybody should follow it.

“I feel sorry for other shops that have to do the paperwork.”

The Dolphin’s website states it has been a popular coaching inn since 1774.

The Manager of The Dolphin declined to comment on the colour change as did the owners Hopkins Development Ltd.

Town Mayor Colin Winder believes that it is now up to South Somerset District Council’s (SSDC) planning department to take action on The Dolphin’s change in appearance.

He said: “We really need some action. It’s not fair on other shopkeepers in the town. Everyone else goes through the hoop and applies for planning approval.

“We want a level playing field. The Nog Inn and Alex Appleton Jewellers had to apply when they made similar changes but one property in the town seems immune.”

He added: “It’s not a colour I would like but that’s a personal choice.”

A spokeswoman for the district council said that although the painting of a listed building did not automatically require planning permission, they had been made aware of The Dolphin’s new look and in their view it did require planning consent.

In a statement they said: “The Conservation Officer was made aware by the district councillor that the building has been painted and has visited the premises to inspect the works.

“Our initial view is that listed building consent is required and we have contacted the owner to let them know that they should make an application to allow the appropriateness of the colour change to be properly considered.”

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