BUILDERS were forced to take the roof off a house and reduce the height of the building after complaints from neighbours.

Once the roof was off, the height of the building was reduced by 70cm before it was replaced.

The work had to be done after planners halted construction of the house, in Stillington, near Easingwold, when it became clear the building was higher than in the plans.

Owner Geoff Bobb said: "I am not particularly bothered it is coming down, the new height is what it should be.

"There has just been a mix-up between the architects and the timber frame people."

Mr Bobb and his wife, Ann, were originally denied planning permission to build the Scandinavian-style house, near their present home, but were given the go-ahead on appeal.

But when construction began, other villagers noticed it was higher than it should have been and informed Hambleton District Council.

Some residents said the increase in height could have wiped as much as £100,000 off the value of nearby houses.

More than 80 villagers signed a petition to ensure the Bobbs kept to planning guidelines.

Mr Bobb said: "When they have done this, the planning people will send someone to check it out.

"When they have looked at it, we can then continue with the building."