A cash machine without planning permission could mean money down the drain.

Having been installed in February without asking Rutland County Council's approval, the cash machine outside Oakham Mini Shop on Melton Road in Oakham will now only remain in place with its blessing.

The council could force the machine's removal, although the applicant would likely be offered a chance to appeal.

According to the applicant's agent, NCR Atleos, the cash machine was installed in accordance with national safety guidelines, opting for a well-lit area for CCTV feed clarity as well as 'natural surveillance' from passing pedestrians, customers and vehicles.

Care was also taken in choosing a suitable height for the machine, the application continues, so as to provide convenient access for wheelchair users, while other accessibility features, including raised tactile markers on the key pad, were incorporated to assist the visually impaired.

A separate retrospective planning permission application for the illuminated cash machine sign above the installation has also been submitted.