Neighbours in a flap over bid to convert doocot

Angus listed building to be turned into house despite objections

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-bedroom 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” 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 eyecatching newbuild.

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 kitchen/living area, will include a two en suite bedrooms, bathroom, lounge, study areas and double garage.

Six neighbours in the rural part of Angus have criticised the plans. Graham Haig was one of those who objected.

He said: “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.”

Ciaran Roberts said the house would damage his business catering for “VIP golf players”.

He said: “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.

Picture: Kim Cessford. Angus Council planning officers have approved the redevelopment of the doocot, near Newbigging.