THE owner of a holiday log cabin has launched an appeal after a council issued a notice demanding it be removed.

Flintshire Council said Karl Edwards did not have planning permission to build the wooden structure on land next to his home at Pant-y-Ffordd near Treuddyn, near Mold.

The property known as The Lodge is currently listed on the Sykes Cottages website as a three-bedroom holiday let with a hot tub, shower room, kitchen and breakfast bar.

After carrying out an investigation, the authority asked Mr Edwards to remove the cabin and restore the land to its previous condition in April  because of the harm caused to the character of the open countryside.

However, he has now launched an appeal claiming that it is a suitable location for countryside breaks and should be allowed to be kept.

In a statement written on his behalf, planning consultant Philip Moren said: “The existing structure on site, a log cabin, was constructed in January 2017 and has been used as a holiday-let cottage with three bedrooms, which has been managed by Sykes Cottages since April 2017.

“It was originally acquired to meet an urgent need for overspill accommodation for Erwau Cottage to care for the appellant’s elderly father, who has since died.

“There are many opportunities for walking, cycling and other outdoor activities nearby.

“From a tourist’s perspective, therefore, the appeal property occupies a particularly suitable location for a countryside break.”

Mr Moren said only one complaint had ever been received about noise in relation to the log cabin, which was because of ‘partying and loud music’ during March.

But he added that it was mostly let to couples and families and measures had since been introduced to ban loud music after 10pm.

In response, Flintshire Council said that while Mr Edwards had approached them for pre-planning application advice in January 2016, he was informed it was unlikely to be supported and no application was ever received.

After carrying out several site visits, planning officers noted that the building was still on the land and decided to take action.

In a statement, the authority said: “The council do not consider that planning permission should be given, because the essential need for the retention of the log cabin for use either as a holiday unit, or as a separate unit of residential accommodation has not been established in accordance with the above development plan policies.

“There are no special circumstances in this case which would outweigh the harm caused by the unauthorised development to the character of the open countryside.

“Without any justification to retain the structure it is considered that the building in this location unacceptably harms the character and amenity of this open countryside location and is contrary to the relevant policies in the Unitary Development Plan.

“Planning conditions could not overcome the objections to the unauthorised development.”

A date is expected to be set for the appeal to be heard in the near future.