A Brighton landlord could be forced to replace his “prohibited” windows – to fit in with the rest of the street which he claims has “no consistency at all”.

Randolph Mores, 65, spent £3,000 installing new double-glazed windows for his property in Clifton Street, West Hill, in July this year.

He replaced the old, single-glazed windows of the flat with new, UPVC double-glazed windows with the intention of keeping the flat warm during winter.

But council bosses said his property fell within the West Hill conservation area and he needed planning permission to change the windows. He was recommended to install a council-suggested replacement.

Mr Mores said: “I never knew it was a conservation area and it’s always been a cold flat, so I went ahead with it.

“The new windows are more economical and keep the house warmer, not to mention look better as well.

“But I soon got a letter from the council saying the windows were prohibited.

“They also said the windows weren’t consistent with the rest of the street – but the street has all sorts of windows on show and no consistency at all.

“The council now insists on me having new windows with only a narrow gap between the two panes, which aren’t economical at all. They’re very, very expensive too.”

Mr Morse collected more than 40 signatures of support from neighbours who approved his choice of windows and has since submitted a retrospective planning application.

He added: “I have no problem with the Green agenda in general, but I thought the Greens were pro-environment and economical solutions? The windows they want us to have are highly carpentered wood windows that are very expensive and won’t be as economical.”

A Brighton and Hove City Council spokesman said: “We are aware of Mr More’s retrospective planning application and it is currently being considered.

“We do urge residents to contact the council to get advice if they are at all unsure what is legally required before carrying out alterations to their properties, especially if they are in conservation areas.

“The Development Control team is there to help residents and can ultimately save them time and money.

“More information about planning and conservation areas can be found at www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/content/planning”