John Webb installed the dinosaur head with the help of artist Jake Westlake at the Cullen Antiques Centre last year in the hope of cheering people up.

Mr Webb said the dinosaur was only there until he was able to find a buyer for it.

“It’s comedy, it’s nothing serious,” he said. “It’s just a bit of fun.

“I own the building and thought I’d put a bit of art on it to make people happy and put a smile on their faces.

“I’ve said to the council from day one that it’s not permanent.”

Artist Mr Westlake added: “People have to go out of their way to take their kids to see it.

“It just adds a bit of colour and vibrancy to the place.”

However objections have since been lodged, and a retrospective planning application with Moray Council is now needed.

Moray Council said in a statement: “Dinosaur heads on a roof are unusual but where operational development occurs these require planning permission.”

A decision is expected to be made at the end of April.