Planners have rejected an application by Welsh international footballer Rhys Norrington-Davies to build a new home near his family.

Despite a number of discussions, councillors “couldn’t see a way of supporting” the international right-back’s application to build a large home with fitness facilities in Talybont.

Rhys Norrington-Davies’ plan to demolish stables and build a new house near his family was first presented to Ceredigion County Council’s development control committee in July.

It was deferred for further discussions and in September was sent to a task and finish working group where “we try to find a compromise”, said Cllr Gareth Lloyd, but “looking at the information in front of us we had to come to a decision – we couldn’t see a way of supporting this application.”

He added at the development control committee meeting today (Wednesday) that if the house and facilities been separate developments there may have been a way forward, with members hopeful the applicant would consider a new application.

Local member Cllr Rowland Rees-Evans said it was “disappointing” that this was “someone who’s putting Ceredigion on the map and we couldn’t help him,” highlighting the planning policies from Cardiff didn’t always suit rural areas.

The application to demolish existing stables and build a 306 square metre house, with two fitness rooms and plunge pool, on land at Tyn y Cae is recommended for refusal by planning officers.

It was refused by the committee on Wednesday, 13 October.