Reading’s Brewdog has finally removed “detrimental” paint from its listed building on Castle Street.

The craft beer company was forced to remove the paint after a retrospective planning application to Reading Borough Council (RBC) was refused.

Eighteen months later, Brewdog has finally stripped the grey paint off the building’s front walls, exposing the original stone, although some grey marks remain.

The paint used was not appropriate as it did not let the walls breathe and was an inappropriate colour.

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Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), Cllr Rowland explained why the craft pub company had to remove the paint.

She said: “They were naughty. They submitted a retrospective planning application.

“Parts of it were refused for some of the things they did that were not in keeping with the conservation area and listed building.

“Our planning department has been speaking with them to urge them to complete it.

“It has taken them about a year and a half to comply with the refusal. Finally, they have got around to it.”

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The building, 11 Castle Street, is Grade II listed and is in the St Mary’s Butts/Castle Street Conservation Area.

Reading Civic Society said: “Looking at their website at other developments they are usually more sensitive of the original historic brickwork.

“This has been a matter of enforcement action by the council which has been in train for approximately the last 2 years.

“If repainted it should be a stone colour as it was before.

“Well done councillor Karen Rowland for following this through.”

The building is a former congregational chapel and has hosted many pubs and clubs since its breakaway from St Mary’s.

These include ‘Dogma’, Litten Tree, Applejacks, Public, Rynd and Evissa.