Man who sparked row painting comedy legend’s house bright PINK hits back at whining neighbours with three-word reply
THE OWNER of a comedy legend’s former house has hit back at his neighbours after they slammed his new bright pink walls.
New owner Dave Hipkins had painted the house, which was once home to comedy legend Frankie Howerd, in a vibrant fuchsia pink, much to the disgust of his neighbours.
In response to his moaning neighbours, Hipkins left a sharp three word reply: “It will fade.”
He added: “Frankie liked pink and I’m keeping that vibe.”
“I know it is quite vivid now but the pink that was done before… when the sun was on it… it looked white. It was a very light pink before.
“I am trying to get the house back similar to how it was when Frankie was here and so I had that colour mixed.
“It stands out now. In a couple of years it will fade slightly.
“So some people don’t like it? They wouldn’t, would they?
“It is something a bit different but I have had some good comments too.”
His quip back came after neighbour Gillian Gravell described the £450,000 property in Cross, Somerset, as an “eyesore” following the paintwork.
She said: “I cannot think what possessed him to paint it that colour.
“I’m the only one here who sees it everyday and I don’t like it at all.”
The home previously belonged to comedy legend and actor Frankie Howerd.
The star of Up Pompeii! and The House in Nightmare Park died in 1992 and his unique pink home went up for sale 16 years later in 2008.
How to complain about your neighbour's house colour
While there is little written guidance on this specific complaint, we provide our best advice for how to tackle the issue if your neighbour suddenly decides to paint their house a bold new colour.
First, you should always try talking to your neighbour directly before pursuing any official action, according to the Citizen’s Advice Bureau.
If that doesn’t work there are other ways you can ask them to stop, for example by reporting them to the council.
Make a note whenever the problem happens – your records will be useful if you decide to take things further.
Write as much detail as possible. Include what happened, the length of time and how it affected you.
Keep any messages your neighbour sends you and collect evidence if you feel safe to.
Only talk to your neighbour if you feel safe and comfortable.
It’s quicker to talk face to face – but you can write, text or call if that’s easier. You can take someone with you for support.
Tell your neighbour how their behaviour is affecting you and what would help. Listen to your neighbour and see if you can reach a compromise together.
If negotiations fail in this way, you may be best suited to contact your local council for advice on the specific case.
While you’re unlikely to be successful in complaining in most circumstances about a paint colour, there have been some cases where legal action was partially successful.
A woman in Edinburgh went through a lengthy legal battle with the city’s council after a neighbour complained of the colour of her newly painted door.
Miranda Dickson was ordered by city planners to change the colour in 2022 due to the area’s World Heritage status after she had painted it bright pink.
She then repainted it green – but after further complaints, it was changed again to an “off-white” shade of pink.
That colour also sparked a complaint, but then finally received approval from officials in 2023.
At one point she had faced the threat of a £20,000 fine if she did not change the colour.