A HOMEOWNER has been told she can remain in her house which was meant to be occupied by someone employed “in any commercial equestrian activity”.
Katriona Kelly applied for a certificate to show her occupation of her home, named Hiraeth House, has been lawful despite her not meeting the criteria specified in the original planning permission.
That intended the house, at Green Road, Pen Y Fan near The Narth, that is south of Monmouth, could only be occupied by someone employed, or last employed, in agriculture, forestery or commercial equestrian activity or their dependents including a widow or widower.
A further condition stated the house, that was granted planning permission in 2011, could only be used in connection with the use of the site as a riding and trekking centre that was approved in 1990.
Ms Kelly had moved into the house in 2013 following completion of construction and provided a council tax bill and signed statements from neighbours to prove she has continuously lived there for more than 10 years and as a result her occupation would be exempt from enforcement action.
A supporting statement provided to Monmouthshire County Council’s planning department stated: “When the application was submitted it had been her intention to run a horse riding and trekking centre from the property.”
Planners agreed to grant the certificate but in a report planning officer David Wong stated the conditions haven’t been removed: “It should be noted that this application does not remove the condition which remains on the property, but states that the current occupation is lawful and immune from enforcement action.”
