A city homeowner will be allowed to keep the yellowish render on their home despite council officials saying it should be removed. 

Sarah and Christopher Elston have been told they can keep the insulation they applied to their property without proper planning permission after members of Norwich City Council’s planning committee objected to their own officer’s recommendation. 

The semi-detached home, on Fernhill, near Thorpe Road, was covered in a tinted render, which council officials argued was “detrimental” to the Thorpe Ridge Conservation area – which has extra restrictions on planning applications.

Other nearby properties, including the adjoining one, have a slightly whiter appearance.

A report to the committee said: “The new cladding is instantly visible.

“This causes a conflicting appearance to the distinctive and homogenous group of properties on the northern side of the cul-de-sac. 

“The colour of the installed render has yellow tones which are also not in keeping with the other properties.” 

Eastern Daily Press: The bid to keep the render was heard by Norwich City Council's planning committeeThe bid to keep the render was heard by Norwich City Council's planning committee (Image: George Thompson)

The council were made aware of the change after a member of the public reported it to the authority. 

The applicants said the change was needed because the original render was cracking, increasing internal dampness.  

Ms Elston argued the officer’s report was “misleading and at times incorrect” and "exaggerates" the changes made.

Council officers said they “did not agree” the report was misleading, insisting it is accurate. 

However, they accepted the changes were “less than substantial harm” and it was finely balanced. 

Eastern Daily Press: Labour councillor Mike SandsLabour councillor Mike Sands (Image: Archant)

Labour Councillor Mike Sands said the changes improved the “thermal performance” which should be encouraged and he could not tell the difference.

“I can see little visual difference between the before and after,” he said. 

“If I treat the pictures as a spot the difference, I can come up with 10 differences.  

“There’s a car that’s not in the other, there are some plants that are gone, the major difference I can see in the house is an open window. 

“ I cannot see why we are being asked to refuse this application, I think the changes could be an improvement.” 

It was approved by eight votes to three.