Residents living in historic areas of Brighton and Hove may be banned from painting their homes in bright colours.

Councillors may impose restrictions on "loud" colours being used by some people on 19th Century homes.

The idea is backed by Brighton and Hove Council's Conservation Areas Advisory Group.

Selma Montford, who chairs the group, said: "There is a black house in Preston and a blue house in the Roundhill area.

"We are not saying all houses should be the same colour but that loud colours should not be used in these areas."

Mrs Montford said the council might be able to offer a selection of light shades from which owners could choose.

People living in six conservation areas are keen to see new controls introduced. This would give the council planning powers over alterations to facades, roofs, front walls and railings of historic houses.

Most residents also support having the council control the colours of homes in these areas.

Questionnaires went out to homeowners in the Roundhill, Preston Park, Preston Village, West Hill, Clifton Hill and Regency Square conservation areas. Only in Roundhill was there substantial opposition to controls over house colours.

Mrs Montford said: "We want this to be seen as positive. It doesn't means that all applications will be refused but it does mean proposals can be considered rather than just carried out."

The council will now have to decide whether to apply to the Government for permission to introduce the controls.