A detached four-bedroom house at the site

The Press & Journal reports that Aberdeenshire Council’s planners moved in after discovering the detached four-bedroom house had been built without permission on an estate near Banff.

The property was built by Ladysbridge Village Ltd, which is behind a development of homes, apartments and bungalows on the grounds of the former Ladysbridge Hospital.

Following an investigation, council planners found it had been built without permission and was “overbearing and overshadowing” to neighbouring properties.

Officers said the site must be returned to open land and the house completely removed, including the foundations.

Ladysbridge Village Ltd attempted to secure retrospective planning application but failed, and has now appealed to the Scottish Government.

In their appeal, the firm states: “Ladysbridge Village are appealing the planning decision to Scottish ministers as we do not accept the planners’ reason for refusal.

“The house, in our opinion, does not have an adverse effect on the surrounding houses.

“The light quality to the four semi-detached houses is good.”

A government reporter will issue a decision in due course. No work will be undertaken until the ruling is made.