TWO new windows are out of place at Saltburn's largest Victorian building, according to councillors.

They considered the unauthorised replacement at the Zetland hotel had seriously damaged the special architectural and historic character of the listed building, and want the old ones restored.

Officers had recommended refusal of a retrospective application for the replacement by Redcar and Cleveland council planning committee. Saltburn Parish Council did not object to the proposed window change and there had been no representations from neighbours or other consultation.

But, following an anonymous complaint, officers had identified the replacement of the original timber, vertically-sliding single-glazed sash windows with timber, double-glazed top-hinged imitation sashes. Their report said that, although the alterations were restricted to the rear of the building, it was still visually important in Saltburn's townscape, and could be the first steps in the gradual erosion of original features of the building.

The director of resources is to be authorised to issue a listed building enforcement notice requiring the reinstatement of the original sash windows.

The Zetland, now in flats, is one of the most prominent buildings in Redcar and Cleveland.

It was built to designs in the Italianate style by William Peachey in 1861-63 for the Stockton & Darlington Railway Co and was the key to Saltburn's initial phase of development as a planned Victorian seaside resort.