Dover council orders pensioner to repaint ‘lovely’ blue home – after just one neighbour complains
An 82-year-old woman in Deal, Mary Kenny, has been ordered by Dover District Council to repaint her vibrant blue home white or pale cream after a single neighbour complained. The council claims the colour is 'unsympathetic' to the Middle Street conservation area, despite other colourful properties nearby. Kenny, who spent over £3,000 on the renovation, feels unfairly targeted and is seeking an explanation for the decision.
- ▪Mary Kenny invested over £3,000 in 2023 to repaint her home in cobalt blue to refresh its appearance.
- ▪Dover District Council deemed the blue colour 'unsympathetic' to the conservation area and has ordered her to repaint it white or pale cream.
- ▪The council took enforcement action after one resident complaint, despite other homes and a pub in the area being painted in bright colours.
- ▪Kenny has been given a six-month deadline to comply and has begun repainting her house white.
- ▪She argues the blue improved the street scene and feels she is owed an explanation for the council's decision.
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NewsUKHome NewsDover council orders pensioner to repaint ‘lovely’ blue home – after just one neighbour complainsMary Kenny was warned she could be prosecuted if she does not complyLouis Walker Friday 01 May 2026 08:25 BSTBookmarkCommentsGo to commentsBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popover{"translations":{"comments":"Go to comments","share":"Share","copyLink":"Copy link","bookmark":"Bookmark","removeBookmark":"Remove bookmark"},"showComments":true,"showBookmark":true,"articleId":"b2968639","articleMeta":{"url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/blue-house-deal-mary-kenny-b2968639.html","title":"Dover council orders pensioner to repaint ‘lovely’ blue home – after one complaint"}}open image in gallery{"id":"trigger-autogallery-38156","index":0}Mary Kenny has been…
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