Regency home owner could face legal action
The owner of one of Brighton’s most iconic Regency homes could be facing legal action after it was painted without permission.
The council sold the freehold to Mr Tony Antoniades for around £500,000 in 1999.
He was told he could restore the Grade 1 listed Marlborough House in the Old Steine, to its original use as a residential property in 2015.
However, Mr Antoniades was not given permission to paint it.
He purchased the property from Brighton & Hove City Council. The local authority had previously used it for offices.
Mr Antoniades was not permitted to paint the outside of the building, which was originally finished with an 18th century render.
On purchase the agreement stated he was required to use an artificial stone finish for the outside of the building, which is seen as a modern equivalent to the classic stucco previously used.
However, the building was painted. Tony Antoniades subsequently put it in a listed building consent application which was refused.
He was served with an enforcement notice requiring him to remove the painted covering using a non-abrasive method by November, but no action was taken.
The council’s planning department is now meeting with town hall lawyers to discuss what action should be taken to deal with the issue.
By Clare Calder
