Moray Council has issued a no tolerance notice towards unauthorised development in the region after councillors were forced to take enforcement action against homeowners in Cullen and Forres conservation areas.

The residents ignored planning regulations by replacing timber-framed windows with uPVC windows without seeking advice or permission.

The regulations are in place to safeguard the heritage and integrity of listed buildings and conservation areas.

Moray Council’s chair of planning & regulatory services committee, Cllr David Bremner, said there was no excuse for homeowners or other developers to ignore or flout the regulations.

He added: “Before making any changes to listed buildings, or any property within a conservation area, contact should first be made with our development management to assess any works that may need planning permission or other consent.

“There’s advice on the council’s website on how to seek free planning advice for householder developments and properties which are listed buildings.

“Having a property that is listed or lies in a conservation area is an asset and the responsibility of making changes to such properties needs to be taken seriously. Ill-considered changes can have a serious negative impact on the character of the conservation area.

“Action will be taken to regulate development that is carried out without the necessary consent, to preserve the character of Moray’s heritage and protect our listed buildings and conservation areas from inappropriate and unauthorised development.”