Inverclyde Council served an enforcement notice on the Varese family three months ago, telling them they plan to force them to have the Esplanade house returned to its original colour.

The family had until 3 August to appeal to the Scottish Government against the enforcement notice.

However no appeal was lodged — and the eight week deadline they were given to repaint their property expired on 28 September.

Now urgent talks are underway between the local authority and the family in a bid to thrash out a deal.

The Tele understands that the family will have to repaint the property at their own cost or face possible action.

Councillor David Wilson, who chairs the planning board, said: “My understanding is that the council’s preference is for the colour of the house to be something as close as possible to the home’s original limewash.

“But that would be subject to discussion for both sides.

“It’s hoped that an amicable solution can be reached that suits both parties.” It was last September when the Tele revealed complaints had been made after the Vareses painted their west end house bright yellow.

They hit back by saying the fresh new look had proved a hit with neighbours and tourists, but the issue was discussed at the local community council meeting.

Two months later, Inverclyde Council officials refused the Varese family retrospective planning permission for the the lemon zest colour scheme, saying it was not in keeping with the west end conservation area.

The family’s subsequent appeal to the Local Review Body was then thrown out.

This sparked a ‘Save the Yellow House’ campaign with people taking to social media to air their views while a peaceful protest was also staged outside the property and a song was written about the furore and published on YouTube.

In July, Inverclyde Council served an enforcement notice on the Varese family, stating that unless they lodged an appeal with ministers by 3 August then they would force them to have the house returned to its original colour.

A spokesman at the Scottish Government yesterday confirmed they had not received an appeal from the family.

Inverclyde Council’s Planning Enforcement Charter states that failure to comply with an enforcement notice within the time-limit is an offence that can lead to a fine of up to £20,000 at the town’s sheriff court.

The charter further states that failure to comply can also result in the council taking ‘direct action’ by carrying out the required work itself and then recovering the costs incurred.

The Tele contacted the Varese family yesterday but they declined to comment.