The golden pub that’s caused a bitter row
IN these dour times painting a pub yellow to brighten up the town might seem like a good idea.
But a plan to transform the Golden Lion in Todmorden, West Yorkshire, from white to a vibrant shade of gold backfired when the council threatened the owners with a £20,000 fine or jail.
Matthanee Nilavongse and Richard Walker did not know they needed planning consent to brighten up the pub – which they took over in 2015 and turned into a live music venue and community space – as it is a listed building and in a conservation area.
The pub was a vital community hub during the recent flooding crisis and has been providing free food and drink for residents in need during the coronavirus pandemic. Painting began at the start of March in anticipation of the Tour de Yorkshire passing through, but the cycle race has been postponed because of coronavirus.
A week ago a letter from the council arrived telling Miss Nilavongse and Mr Walker they were breaching planning laws.
Miss Nilavongse said: ‘This was a real shock. We stopped painting straight away. We didn’t know we weren’t allowed to do this, but we have explained that we’d be happy to compromise and find a solution.
‘I understand that we are a listed building, but the building has in fact been orange and pink in the past.’
Calderdale Council cabinet member Jane Scullion said: ‘We understand the contribution that this venue makes to the cultural and economic life of Todmorden and we would like to work with the owners to achieve a mutually agreeable solution.’