THE controversial owner of Eastbourne Pier will learn tonight if he can add more paint to the attraction.

Sheikh Abid Gulzar has applied for planning permission to paint two more of the pier’s domes gold.

These are the two remaining domes in the middle of the pier and painting them gold would match the other 13.

He caused a stir last year when he painted some of the buildings without authorisation.

He was later granted retrospective planning permission.

The borough council’s planning committee is meeting again tonight to consider a further application.

The officers’ recommendation is to give Mr Gulzar permmission for the work.

Mr Gulzar said: “I am boosting tourism in Eastbourne. People from London and elsewhere 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 again, because I have backed this town by buying the pier.”

Historic England says the work would result in some harm to the character and appearance of the pier.

However, the council says it is a credible programme of investment in the structure. Officers say the public interest is high.