NOVEMBER 6, 2014: Hundreds of people had thrown their weight behind an internet campaign to save Greenock’s ‘yellow house’.
The Facebook page was set up by local man Brian McClure after the Varese family were ordered by Inverclyde Council bosses to repaint their lemon zest coloured home on the Esplanade.
The page already had over 900 supporters, with people leaving positive comments about the property.
Brian, a friend of the Varese family, said he set the page up as he was flabbergasted by the decision taken by planning bureaucrats.
The 31-year-old said: “I’m friends with Eduardo who stays there with his mum, dad and brother Stefano.
“I think he’s quite hurt about the whole thing. I think it’s terrible — it’s only a colour and there are a lot more important things for the council to be worried about around the town.
“I’m delighted by the response I’ve received from the Facebook page — we had 300 members within an hour of it being launched.”
Other supporters had been swift to leave comments online in support of the property.
Jim McMillan posted:“The family have stayed there for years and have given the council tens of thousands in council tax over the years — let them keep it yellow.”
Emma McDiarmid wrote: “Think it’s a disgrace. “If you’re a homeowner you should be able to do whatever you like.”
Another Facebook supporter, Mark Concliffe , added: “Typical bureaucracy gone mad.
“Inverclyde needs brightening up, especially along the front where thousands of visitors from cruise ships arrive and board buses to go out of town.
“With a bit of colour on show they may think about staying in town and spending their money here.”
An online petition had also been set up in support of the property, which sits on the corner of Madeira Street in the west end conservation area.
The Tele reported earlier this week how the Varese family had been refused planning permission to keep their house yellow.
They spent £3,000 painting it that colour, but council chiefs said it was ‘an intrusive feature’ and contrary to both the local development plan and Historic Scotland guidance.
They also stated that the colour is not in keeping with the conservation area.
The Varese family had branded the decision ‘absurd and crazy’ and have said they will launch an appeal against the judgement.
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