A couple whose newly painted home in Oxhey was refused by a council have won an appeal against the decision.

The property in Capel Road had been repainted from yellow to lilac by Ian Davis and Kate Codrington in August 2020 but said they did not know this needed planning permission.

When Watford Borough Council found out about the work, the couple were told to submit a retrospective planning application.

And the duo were left "severely shocked" to find out it was subsequently refused in September 2021.

A council officer ruled lilac was "harmful" to the surrounding conservation area and "unacceptable in its design", which left potentially no option but for the house to return its original colour.

Watford Observer: How the house looked before (left) and after (right)How the house looked before (left) and after (right)

But following the refusal, the couple launched an appeal against the decision which was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in December.

And on February 18 the decision was made to grant it.

A planning document from the Inspectorate published on the council’s website says the house retains much of its original character and makes a “positive contribution to the character and appearance of the street scene”.

It continued that the “paint colour does not detract from that positive contribution”.

The document added: “Although different from other colours nearby it is a pale and neutral lilac/grey tone which is sympathetic to and harmonises with the palette of other colours and finishes in the immediate area.

“Moreover, the contrast with the white painted detailing around the front door and windows subtly emphasises these original elements.”

Watford Observer: Kate Codrington Kate Codrington

Ms Codrington said the news was “fabulous”, adding she was glad ‘lilac-gate’ is over.

She added: “I feel greatly relieved that the expensive, administrative mess caused by 'lilac-gate' has finished and we can celebrate. There has been so much support for us in Oxhey village, I am glad that the house will continue to bring colour and brightness to the neighbourhood.”