Permission was originally granted in 2002, but neighbours reported a breach of the consent in that the extension was being constructed in the wrong place.

A retrospective application was made by the developer,but this was refused by the development control committee due to the impact on neighbouring properties.

“Two representations have been received from adjoining neighbours stating that work is continuing on site, despite the refusal of planning consent,” said planning director Alex Anderson.

“The objections request the council initiate steps to demolish the building that does not have planning permission.

“The plans approved by the committee in 2002 have the building some 1.5 metres from the boundary and is for an extension 0.5 metres less in height than that which has been constructed.

“The committee, in refusing the retrospective application, came to the view that the extension as built was unacceptable as it would have a significantly detrimental impact on the amenity of residential properties to the west of the extension, particularly No.1 Ferrier Street.

“In the circumstances, there would appear to be no realistic prospect of planning consent being granted for the extension as built.

“In order to remedy the breach of planning control, authorisation of the committee is sought to initiate enforcement action to either achieve compliance with the terms of the approved planning consent, or alternatively to demolish the extension.

“The likelihood is, however, that to implement the original consent, the existing extension would have to be substantially demolished.

“In the event that an enforcement notice is served, and is not complied with, then I would not propose to initiate direct action under the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997, without a further report to the committee.”

Development control members will consider the matter at their meeting in Forfar on Thursday.