A lANDLORD has been left with a massive repair bill after replacing traditional windows at a listed farmhouse.

Inkersall Investments didn’t seek planning permission when they used 22 “crude modern” UPVC units at Knowe Farm, Kirkconnel, Dumfriesshire.

And they face a £60,000 bill to replace the windows after the Scottish Government backed a council decision to enforce their removal.

James Woodcock, of Inkersall, said: “We’re very disappointed. This is a big expense and the money would be better used fixing other parts of the farm.”

Historic Scotland alerted planners at Dumfries to the changes at the B-listed 19th century farmhouse in 2011.Inkersall sought permission to keep the UPVC windows..

But that bid was thrown out after complaints from the council’s conservation officer and the Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland.

Inkersall appealed but the Government have ruled in favour of the council.

Ex-tenants Robyn Forbes and Scott Smith told our sister paper the Dumfires Galloway Standard they left the farm in March because of problems with the landlords.

Robyn, 30, dubbed the firm “arrogant”, adding: “I asked them what would happen to us if the windows were to be replaced. They said, ‘It won’t come to that’. They got what they deserved.”