THE owners of an historic Purbeck pub have backed down on their plans to paint it blue.

Corfe Castle parish councillors, and others, were aghast at the original proposals for the change to a ‘vast lake’ blue frontage – which has now been changed back to off-white.

One resident described the blue as ‘cold and uninviting’ and totally out of keeping with the historic village, one of Dorset’s key tourist locations.

Now the Castle Inn, which is highly rated on social media review sites, is to remain in traditional white, although with new signage, with the owners also removing their proposal for a short wall at the front of the Grade 2 listed building, something which most could see no reason for.

Said a Dorset Council planning officer: “During the course of the application the proposed colour for the building has been changed to be similar to the existing colour, therefore more sympathetic to the Grade II Listed Building and the Corfe Conservation Area. Regarding the proposed wall along the front, this has been removed from the application. On this basis the concerns of Corfe Castle Parish Council have been overcome and Corfe Castle Parish Council have been notified of these changes.”

In view of the changes the council has now approved the make over for the family-run East Street pub which will include new signs and lighting with the name of the premises painted on the front wall, rather than on a hanging sign.

Ward councillor Cherry Brooks said that the new design is ‘a little corporate’ but she welcomes the refurbishment.