A SUCCESSFUL planning proposal has been followed by a proposal of a different kind - after a Glynarthen man popped the question to his partner.

Andrew Rowlands had successfully pleaded his case before a meeting of Ceredigion planning committee to be able to build a family home near Rhydlewis.

And he promised councillors that if his application was approved he would immediately propose to his fiancee Sophie Gilligan.

Committee members applauded his declaration of love following his impassioned plea.

And after councillors over-ruled officials who had recommended refusing the plans for a four-bedroom home on the grounds of its size and rural location, 36-year-old Andrew was true to his word.

Just hours later, he asked Sophie, 24, to marry him - and she happily accepted.

“To be honest, I had been think about doing it for a while. I had bought the ring back on May 23 last year,” said Andrew, who works for BT as a pole tester and also runs his own trailer business Arthen Plant.

“I had nothing to lose in front of the council and I am so glad and relieved they agreed with me. I know there are rules and regulations and it has taken 15 months to get to this point but this is going to be our forever home and I am so glad they decided to back my appeal.”

Andrew did not tell Sophie, who works as a supervisor at Cardigan’s B&Q, that they had been granted permission.

“I had to hide the fact until she got home and tell a few lies to get her over to the site of the new house. That’s where I asked her to marry me. She had no idea.

“There’s no firm date set for the wedding yet. We’ll concentrate on building the house first. That will be a massive step for our future together.”