A DECISION over whether to permit plans for a detached house has been postponed - after fears were raised over its close proximity to historic buildings.

An application has been lodged by a David Todd to build the bungalow within the grounds of the existing property 'Ardvaar' in Wemyss Bay.

Council officials recommended the proposal should be given the green light, but councillors on the planning board have opted to hold a site visit after a handful of objections were submitted.

Councillor Tommy McVey attempted to push through the plans but he lost out by six votes to four.

Residents have expressed concern the proposed bungalow would sit close to the B-listed Dunloe House, the plans for which were drafted by renowned architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

It would also be surrounded by Victorian buildings on Wemyss Bay Road which are said to be linked to some of Scotland’s most significant families.

Objectors have branded the house as having a 'poor quality design' and fear it would spoil both the coastal setting of Dunloe House and negatively affect the character of the entire road.

At the board meeting, Councillor Innes Nelson said: “I’m very much in agreement that we need a site visit so we can see the views from the listed building.”

Plans state the bungalow would cover a footprint of approximately 150 square metres and would stand almost six metres high.

It would be finished in dark grey concrete tiles, white render walls and some feature cladding panels at roof level on the sides and between two rear windows.

It would also have grey uPVC doors and windows.

Alongside complaints about the design, some residents have expressed concerns over additional traffic the property could create and potential flooding risk.

No response was required from Historic Environment Scotland about the plans because Dunloe House is not A-listed.

A site visit is expected to take place in the coming weeks before the planning board reconvenes for a decision to be made.