THE controversial owner of Eastbourne Pier has put in a retrospective planning application for permission after painting several domes a gold colour.

The Argus reported earlier this week Sheikh Abid Gulzar’s staff had painted several domes on the seafront landmark gold, prompting complaints.

Mr Gulzar, 71, insisted he did not understand what the fuss was about - and it has now emerged he has lodged an application with Eastbourne Borough Council.

Mr Gulzar is asking for listed building consent for painting two domes with a primer undercoat layer and gold metallic outer layer as well as retrospective listed building consent for repairing and painting the Waterfront bar/restaurant, painting lion detailing on lampposts and painting 13 other domes.

Eastbourne Borough Council and Historic England both ordered the pier owner to stop painting on the Grade II* listed building until the retrospective planning permissions has been decided on by town planners.

Mr Gulzar said: "I want everyone to know that yes I have now put in this planning application, and I will be very interested to see what the councillors will have to say.

"I will be going along to the next meeting of the planning committee, and I would hope that I have the full support of the borough councillors.

"I have not done anything wrong. Eastbourne Pier has become the talk of the town - you could say country - in recent days and that can only be good for us all.

"I am boosting tourism in Eastbourne - there is no doubt. People from London and away are coming down to see what all the fuss is about, and when they get here most of them tell me what a great job I am doing.

"TV crews were asking for people's opinions and in 30 minutes they could not find one person against the gold.

"It looks lovely, I am very proud of it, and I say to Eastbourne Borough Council - back me - because I have backed this town by buying the pier."

The next meeting of the council's planning committee is August 30.