Plans to surround a historic Kilwinning mansion with a two-metre high fence, CCTV and floodlights have been approved despite complaints.

Owner Gerry Hilferty’s plans to fence off Montgreenan House Mansion were approved subject to conditions last week.

This comes after complaints from a neighbour that it ‘would look like a prison’ and an objection from The Woodland Trust.

While the Scottish Wildlife Trust did not object, they insisted Mr Hilferty supply more information on the environmental effects on the woodland and wildlife.

Planning chiefs insisted all sections be positioned at least three metres away from footpaths or track and fencing shall not obstruct, block or divert walking routes and that the field of vision of the CCTV cameras will be limited to land inside the site only.

Prior to work starting a written statement and diagram detailing measures to protect trees, roots, habitats and permit the passage of wildlife, such as badgers, through or under the fence, shall be submitted to NAC.

They added: “Notwithstanding the legend on an approved drawing, no part of the fencing shall consist of railway weldmesh with concrete posts, nor shall Tornado R19/180/5 mesh be used with details of an alternative specification be submitted for approval of North Ayrshire Council as Planning Authority. "