A BROMSGROVE solicitor has reacted angrily to a threat by the district council to haul him before the courts for flouting strict rules on listed buildings.

Thomas Horton and Sons could face legal action after erecting an illuminated sign without planning consent on their 18th century recently refurbished listed premises.

The offices were officially opened on Monday by CBI boss Digby Jones after months of expensive work.

Matthew Horton, of Thomas Horton and Sons, said: "It is a kick in the teeth following a very expensive restoration."

The Strand-based firm has now applied for retrospective planning permission, although this looks set to be refused by Bromsgrove District Council's planning committee on Monday.

Council officials could demand the firm remove the sign, which is illuminated by four spotlights, on the grounds it is detrimental to the appearance of the building and the surrounding area.

The office is a Grade Two-listed building in a town conservation area - factors which command strict planning permission.

"I would find the refusal of this application extraordinary because we have been responsible for restoring the building from the sorry condition it was in," said Mr Horton.

"We have been particular in making sure the building has been restored to a very high standard and for the council to take a stand against some illuminated lights seems to me a very strange decision to take."

The firm has also applied for the use of the second floor of the premises to be changed from residential to business use.