ESTATE agent CB Slade has been ordered to paint the outside of its office in Fairford a different colour following complaints it was too bright.

Cotswold District Council's planning committee told the estate agent to paint over the turquoise facade after Fairford Town Council and a resident raised objections that it was out of keeping with the rest of the High Street.

Fairford has a policy of shopfronts being white or a muted colour to fit in with the rest of the High Street. CB Slade opened in Fairford earlier this year and painted the previously white shopfront turquoise to match their other branches in Cirencester and Cricklade.

Speaking at the committee meeting last week, Fairford town and district councillor Mark Wardle said: “Think of Poundland colours rather than looking at the muted blue in the photos and it gives you an impression of what we have.

“We are concerned that other businesses and residents had requested advice before on what colours they could use and had been told to use muted or white colours.”

Cllr Margaret Rickman said the colour of the shopfront was "appalling" and added: “What am I here for if not to preserve the Cotswolds?”

But Cllr Joe Harris said it was ridiculous to outlaw bright colours in the High Street, adding: “Do we start banning blue cars and red cars because they are causing harm?”

Christian Slade, of CB Slade, said the company was disappointed with the council’s decision, adding: “It goes against all of the feedback we have received from local residents who seem happy that we have transformed an empty building into a smart, well presented and thriving local business.

“The property we occupy was empty for over a year and had become exceptionally tatty before we occupied it."

He said the High Street has a mix of shops in different colours and that many businesses there use their corporate colours to identify their brand.

“We feel frustrated that we could be stopped from doing this,” added Mr Slade.

“Our branding is an important part of our business which has enabled us to successfully open, maintain employment of local people and, most importantly, support local causes and events who in turn are spending money in other local businesses.

"It would be a real shame if we were unable to continue with this based on a decision by the council."

Mr Slade added that he is going to appeal against the council's decision.