PIGEONS planning to roost on the roof of one of the region's landmark buildings look to be in for a surprise.

Planners hope to ruffle a few feathers by placing spikes on the roof of York's Mansion House.

The pigeons are seen as a major nuisance as they bombard passers-by with their droppings and cause sky-high cleaning bills for the building.

The acid in their droppings has also led to concerns of damage to the stonework in the facade.

Last year, the council applied for permission to place spikes on the roof. That looks likely to be granted, subject to approval by the Secretary of State.

English Heritage has criticised the scheme, calling the spikes ugly and obtrusive, but the council's development control officer, Jonathan Carr, said they would be acceptable for the benefits they would bring.

"The spikes have been installed on numerous listed buildings and are generally considered to be the best method of deterring birds from perching on ledges, while minimising the visual impact of the deterrent," he said.

"It is felt that if the spikes were appropriately coloured, they would be likely to have a minimal visual impact upon the appearance of the building as a whole."