THE OWNER of a holiday log cabin has lost an appeal against a council’s enforcement notice for it to be removed.

Karl Edwards built the wooden structure on land next to his home at Pant-y-Ffordd near Treuddyn, Flintshire despite not having planning permission.

He said the property, known as The Lodge, was in a suitable location for countryside breaks and should be allowed to remain.

It was previously listed on the Sykes Cottages website as a three-bedroom holiday let with a hot tub, shower room, kitchen and breakfast bar.

A planning inspector appointed by the Welsh Government has now agreed with Flintshire Council that the cabin should be removed and the surrounding land restored.

Council orders removal of this holiday log cabin in Flintshire as owner launches appeal

Iwan Lloyd said he had upheld the authority’s decision in order to protect the countryside.

In a report, he said: “Development in the countryside is strictly controlled for sustainability reasons and to protect the countryside for its intrinsic sake.

“The development would conflict with policies designed to protect the countryside from unjustified development.

“The appellant asserts that the building has been let out as holiday accommodation which is an acceptable use without having adverse planning consequences on the area or impact on neighbouring occupiers’ living conditions.

“In relation to the holiday let use I attribute moderate weight to the economic benefits of the development, but this factor and others mentioned do not outweigh the conflict with the development plan. The presumption in favour of sustainable development does not therefore apply to the holiday let use.” During March, a noise complaint was received in relation to the log cabin because of ‘partying and loud music’.

It led to measures being introduced to ban loud music after 10pm.

Flintshire Council said Mr Edwards approached its staff for pre-planning application advice in January 2016, but was informed it was unlikely to be supported and no application was received.

After carrying out several site visits, planning officers decided to take action.

Mr Lloyd also agreed with the timescales set by the council for the building to be removed within six months, and the land cleared within nine months.

He added: “The appellant seeks six months compliance period for the removal of the building, and nine months to clear the land of materials and to return it to its condition before the breach took place.

“The appellant submits that given the nature of the internal fixtures more time is needed. However, the removal of fixtures from the building and the removal of the building should not warrant more time than that set out in the notice.”