WITH its green, red and black fascia - considered "garish" by City of York Council, city pub Rumours generated a major headache - and a lengthy appeal battle - for planners.

Now, fewer than 18 months after the owners of the Micklegate nightspot finally won their fight to retain the Grade II listed building's vibrant colours, the painters have moved in - with brushes loaded with more neutral cream and black paint.

Arthur Swain, who owns the pub with business partner Chris Fall, said the pub's new toned-down image was a "change of heart" which aimed to attract a more mature clientele in preparation for Royal Ascot in York this year.

But he maintained that the lengthy appeal against the council's enforcement notice had been necessary to retain freedom of choice for businesses.

Mr Swain said: "It needed repainting so we chose a more manageable colour scheme. And with Ascot coming up we are doing a complete refurbishment throughout. It was a change of heart.

"We have gone away from the bright colour scheme and toned it down slightly. We have kept the sign and the board in the original colours.

"I hope the people who were concerned about the colours originally are a little bit more satisfied with the colours we have chosen now."

Rumours bosses were told to repaint the garish fascia soon after they took over the premises in August 2002. A retrospective listed building planning application failed and an enforcement notice was served. Rumours appealed and won the case in December 2003.

City of York Council welcomed the news that the frontage had been repainted, albeit months later than it had hoped.

A spokeswoman said: "We are pleased to hear that Rumours are repainting the fascia of the

building in colours that are more befitting York's sensitive historic environment."

Coun Janet Looker, who was on the planning committee that dealt with the case, said officer time and money had been spent on the issue, but that was just an everyday part of the planning process.

She said: "I obviously welcome any change in the colour scheme. I found the aesthetics of the green colour scheme particularly awful.

Updated: 10:19 Thursday, March 10, 2005