A LLYN man has been ordered to pay a £24,000 fine after using one of his sheds as a garage for vehicle sales, repairs and MOTs.

Arwel Bryn Parry, 35, of Rhydyclafdy, was fined after pleading guilty to failing to comply with planning enforcement orders by Gwynedd Council.

District Judge Gwyn Jones, sitting at Caernarfon Magistrates Court on 13 February, heard that Parry, of Hendre Wen, continued to use a building at his home for commercial purposes for three years, contravening the planning enforcement order.

Although admitting the offence, Parry believes the level of the fine is unjust and has appealed to the crown court for a review of his case.

Parry had planning permission for an agricultural shed but it was clear that the building had been erected for commercial purposes, the court heard. It was proven that the purpose of the structure was as a garage - this without the “proper planning consent”.

A Gwynedd Council spokesperson said: “This was a very serious case. Over three years, several attempts were made by the council to secure compliance with the enforcement order.

“Mr Parry was granted permission to build an agricultural shed, but it became clear that it was being used for alternative commercial purposes.

"Despite several attempts by the council, the owner refused to comply with the enforcement orders to stop its use and to have the building demolished, which meant that the council had no choice in the end but to take legal action."

Read the full story in today’s Arfon/Dwyfor edition of the Cambrian News