LEGAL action could be brought against the owner of one of Brighton and Hove’s most iconic Regency homes after it was painted without permission.

Tony Antoniades was told he could restore the Grade I listed Marlborough House in the Old Steine, Brighton, to its original use as a residential property in 2015.

However, he was not given permission to paint it.

Mr Antoniades bought the property from Brighton and Hove City Council. The local authority had used it for offices.

He was not permitted to paint the outside of the building, which was originally finished with an 18th century render.

The agreement on purchase stated he was required to use an artificial stone finish for the outside of the building, which is seen as a modern equivalent to the classic stucco previously used.

But the building was painted. Mr Antoniades later put in a listed building consent application which was refused.

Mr Antoniades was served with an enforcement notice requiring him to remove the painted covering using a non-abrasive method by November 6, but no action was taken.

The council’s planning department is now meeting with town hall lawyers to discuss what action should be taken to deal with the issue.

Conservative councillor Robert Nemeth submitted a written question about the issue to the council’s tourism, development and culture committee on Thursday.

Cllr Nemeth wrote: “Will the chairman provide an update on the planning enforcement situation at Marlborough House following the issue of recent enforcement notices, including that which expired on November 6?”

In response, committee chairman Alan Robins wrote: “The enforcement notice expired on Monday, November 6.

“A site visit took place on Wednesday, November 8 and officers confirmed that works have not commenced to comply with the listed building enforcement notice.

“Officers are currently liaising with the legal team to ascertain the action that should now be taken.”

The Prince of Wales visited Brighton in 1783, staying at Grove House – as Marlborough House used to be known.

It was sold to the third Duke of Marlborough, then sold on once more in 1786 to William Hamilton MP.

After Mr Hamilton died in 1796, in 1870, another owner, John Beal, leased the house to the Brighton School Board, which later bought it.

The council sold the freehold to Mr Antoniades for around £500,000 in 1999.