Plans to transform a protected 17th century dove house into a luxury home have upset neighbours in the Angus countryside.
William Kirk, from Dundee, has been granted permission to turn the dilapidated doocot near the village of Newbigging into a two-bed home.
Mr Kirk revised his plans for the Category B listed building after an expert from Historic Environment Scotland said the initial design would “overwhelm” its historic centrepiece.
But neighbours have maintained their objection to the “domineering” 1,220 square metre building, saying it will look “out of place” next to the other redeveloped houses in the area.
Doocots – the Scots word for dove cot – are a familiar sight across eastern Scotland.
Lairds originally erected the buildings to provide secure accommodation for flocks of rock doves, providing estates with a delicacy for the table.
Long ago deemed surplus to requirements, most have been left to rot into the ground.
Mr Kirk’s plans, however, will see the doocot, most recently used as a store for farm equipment, become part of an eye-catching new build.
Architect Jon Frullani said the plans would “sensitively convert and restore” the building preserving “the special historic interest and significance” of the site.
The luxury home will include a kitchen living area, two en-suite bedrooms, bathroom, lounge, study areas and double garage.
Six neighbours in the rural part of Angus have criticised the plans.
Neighbour Graham Haig was one of those who objected.
He said: “The shape of this new build is said to be like many agricultural buildings in Angus, but it is not like any building in this original steading and will look out of place and domineering.
“My wife and I are neighbours of this new development, having moved in to our new house, across the track to the south of the proposed house three years ago.
“These plans will result in one third of our private garden being overlooked from the upstairs lounge and large upstairs terrace of the new house.
Neighbour Ciaran Roberts said the house would damage his business catering for “VIP golf players.”
He said: “My family are direct neighbours this new development and run a successful luxury two room bed and breakfast which caters especially to “VIP” golf players and media.
“These plans will cause a loss of privacy which we rely on for the benefit of our guests and tourism.”
Angus Council planning officers have approved the development, subject to a number of conditions.
