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New shade leaves locals in a dark mood

10/ 4/2008

WHOEVER said 'paint it black' has won the disapproval of some Sale householders.

They say the 'horrible' 60s building that used to house the DHSS looked bad enough before its owners decided on a dark hue for its new colour scheme.

Ray Barker can see the building, now called Dalton House, at the junction of Dane Street and Cross Street from his home.

The 72-year-old, of Worsley Road, explained: "They are painting it black at the moment. It used to be grey, which is bad enough, but it looks even worse in black.

"On the other side of the house is a building site, so it makes the whole area is an eyesore. It is one of the first buildings you reach in Sale and it doesn't make a good impression. If I was younger I would move."

Mr Barker said he had since been told that the owner of the building, thought to be north-west developer Bruntwood, does not need planning permission for the colour of paint it uses to decorate the outside of the building.

Another Worsley Road resident, Beryl McDonald, 75, remembers the DHSS offices being built 40 years ago.

"I objected to its construction and I attended two public inquiries to prevent an access being built round here," she said. "We were told that the building would not be demolished when it was sold on. I believe that the ground floor would be used for retail purposes.

"I think that colour is horrible. I don't understand why they would choose it."

A spokesman for Bruntwood said: "Until our works began, Dalton contributed little to its surroundings. We are currently investing over £2m in the building to create a combination of high quality offices and two new retail units on the ground floor.

"At the moment, with no windows, it doesn't look its best but when complete in September, we're confident it will look great. We hope local residents will agree.

"When developing our buildings we consider a range of factors, especially, aesthetics and practical implications. At Dalton we considered a selection of lighter colour schemes but had to discount them as the facade is susceptible to staining from rainwater and the passing traffic is likely to discolour the building."

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