The American candy store in Ipswich, Suffolk, was turned bright pink without approval from the council (Picture: Google/SWNS)
The owner of a Grade II listed building has sparked backlash for turning it into a bright pink American candy store.
It has been branded ‘not acceptable’ by council chiefs in Ipswich, Suffolk, who have given the owner of Mexican Candy until the end of the month to change it.
Because it is a listed building an application would have to be submitted to change the exterior appearance of the building.
Carole Jones, who works in planning at Ipswich Borough Council, wants the shop to be painted a ‘more suitable’ colour, with the removal of signs, including illuminated ones.
She said: ‘That shop has been various things over the years, even a gift shop, but it’s never looked like that before.
‘We have many listed buildings in Ipswich and they are an important part of our heritage.
‘We have already contacted the tenants, who – we understand – have appointed a local architect who is drawing up a listed building application.’
The building was listed in 1977 with its timber frame and ornamental bargeboards and used to be a hairdresser’s painted blue grey.
Abdi Mishevan, director of the shop, hit back and confirmed he had sent an application to the council who hoped to get a designer in by mid-February if it was approved.
He said: ‘I was just trying to bring a good idea to Ipswich.
‘I’ve travelled around the world so I was just trying to help our community to have the kinds of products you can’t buy elsewhere in the UK.
‘When we took over it was something that we weren’t aware of that listed buildings needed to have separate applications, now we have done it properly.’
Another councillor John Cook agreed with Carole and said: ‘In Ipswich, we have many buildings of historical value.
‘Planning rules exist for a reason, and we expect property and business owners to comply with them.
‘Before undertaking work, especially on listed buildings or in conservation areas, it is wise to check what is appropriate with planners, and whether planning permission is required.’
Ipswich has more than 600 listed buildings and structures that date back to the Victorian and Tudor times.
A Grade II listed building is defined as a ‘particularly important building of more than special interest’ by Heritage England.
The town has four American candy shops open in the main shopping district, with Mexican Candy the latest to open within a matter of months.
The owner has been given until the end of this month.