A £400,000 house must be bulldozed because it breaks planning regulations.

Builder Peter Howell, who built the detached house in Ingleby Arncliffe, near Stokesley, in North Yorkshire, has been ordered to demolish it in the next two months.

He lost an appeal against Hambleton Council. Planning inspector Derek Thew said the house was out of keeping with neighbouring homes.

He said: "The whole dwelling, by reason of its height and bulk, looks unacceptably instrusive and not in keeping with the general character of the road."

He said enforcement action was correct, even though council planning officers earlier recommended permission be granted.

Councillor Jackie Griffiths, from Stokesley, said: "Officers told this builder several times during the building of this house it was inappropriate and too large, but he ignored them and took a risk."

Mr Howell, who comes from nearby Teesside, has declined to comment.

A Hambleton Council spokesman said every trace of the house must be removed.