A Mynachlogddu man has been ordered to pay more than £5,500 in fines and costs after refusing to answer questions about unauthorised development on his land.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority planners have now issued a reminder to property owners about the importance of complying with planning law.

Geraint Owens, of 2a Maes Y Bont, Mynachlogddu, was found guilty of failing to respond to a Planning Contravention Notice relating to the property, at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on September 3.

On November 16, 2012, a Planning Contravention Notice was served on Mr Owens, requiring him to answer questions in respect of the use of 2 Maes Y Bont, after the National Park Authority’s Planning Enforcement Section became aware of the possibility that the property had been sub-divided into two separate dwellings.

Despite numerous requests Mr Owens failed to reply, and the Authority says it was left with no alternative but to commence prosecution proceedings.

After being found guilty of not responding to the Planning Contravention Notice, Mr Owens was fined £700 in respect of the offence plus a victim surcharge of £70. He was also ordered to pay costs of £5,000.

The local planning authority may only serve a notice when it appears that a breach of planning control may have occurred. The Authority issues these notices in order to find out more information, before deciding what, if any, enforcement action to take.

An Enforcement Notice was also served in relation to the unauthorised sub-division of the property into two separate dwellings and continues to be monitored for compliance.

Liam Jones, Pembrokeshire National Park Principal Planning Officer, said: “The decision taken by the magistrates in this case highlights the importance of property owners working with the Authority when faced with a breach of planning control.

“Officers will always attempt to discuss cases and where possible negotiate acceptable solutions. In this particular instance contact was sought on numerous occasions over a significant period of time to resolve the matter without the need for formal action.

“Unfortunately Mr Owens chose not to discuss the breach of planning control with officers and disregarded important correspondence. The Authority will not take such flagrant disregard of the planning regulations lightly.”