RETROSPECTIVE planning permission for a boundary wall and gateway around one of the Rosneath area's best-known buildings has been approved.

Carol Weir was given planning permission and listed building consent for the work – which has already taken place – at the A-listed Ferry Inn on the western shore of the Gare Loch.

Members of Argyll and Bute Council's planning, protective services and licensing committee agreed to grant permission and consent, in line with officials' recommendation, at a meeting in Lochgilphead on Wednesday.

A total of 13 letters and emails of objection were lodged against the plans, including one from Rosneath and Clynder Community Council.

The objectors complained that the wall is too high – it has a maximum height of 2.5 metres – and that it was built without proper consultation.

In a report to Wednesday's committee meeting planning officer Howard Young said: “The wall was built without first applying for planning permission and listed building consent. Retrospective applications have now been submitted and advertised giving people the opportunity to make representations.

“The application is assessed on its merits against development plan policy and other material considerations."

The current Ferry Inn is one of only two buildings in Scotland designed by the renowned Sir Edwin Lutyens, and was built after the site was bought by Queen Victoria's daughter, Princess Louise, in 1896.

Renovations to the property, and the adjacent Ferry Inn Cottage, were carried out by previous owners over several years and were completed in 2013.

A number of conditions were attached to the planning permission granted on Wednesday, specifying that the wall be covered in a 'wet dash' render, that no further changes can be made to the wall, and that a landscaping scheme is submitted to the council for approval within three months.