A TOWY Valley farmer's bid to convert a stone barn into holiday lets has again been thrown out by planning chiefs because he started building work without permission.

Paul Davies had amended plans to convert the farm buildings at Maesglas, Llangadog, after planning perimission was turned down in December.

His new bid was supported by local member Andrew James who argued that the development could prove a valuable asset on the fringes of the Brecon Beacons National Park and help satisfy a growing demand for rural accommodation for tourists.

But enforcement officer Kevin Jones said Mr Davies had shown a "a flagrant disregard" towards planning law, while the Countryside Council of Wales reiterated their concerns regarding the use of the building by bats.

And senior planning officer Graham Noakes confirmed that Mr Davies, of Little Deane, Llanwrda, had pressed ahead with construction works without consent and the design of the new works did not reflect the original building’s design.

He also revealed that Mr Davies had now submitted an appeal to the Welsh Planning Inspectorate against the enforcement notice and a independent decision would be made in due course.

Cllr James told colleagues the only objections to Mr Davies's "enhancement" of the outbuildings had come from neighbours living in France. "We should support local young families," he said.

"Mr Davies has endeavoured to restore this building to its former glory – starting work prematurely is the only thing he has done wrong, he regrets his actions and is very apologetic.

"This work will only enhance the property – everyone in the area is supporting this young man."

But Cllr Terry Davies argued that, by allowing the application, the local authority would be setting a precedent.

"What message would we be sending out to people if we allowed this request for retrospective planning permission to go through?" he asked.

And Cllr Peter Cooper felt that the application effectively related to the total reconstruction of the barn. "It would have been easier to knock it down and then apply for planning permission," he commented.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Jones said Mr Davies had originally applied for planning permission to convert his barn "but then proceeded to demolish the building and 're-build' it rather than waiting for the outcome of the planning application".

He added: "As a result...Mr Davies was served with a planning enforcement notice requiring the removal of all internal walls, floors, windows, door openings and revert the building back to its pre-improved state.

"As Mr Davies decided to ignore these requests he was then served with a stop notice that requires all works to cease immediately.

"In this case the owner has shown a flagrant disregard shown towards planning law and the local planning authority will investigate all breaches of planning control."