The self-employed architectural designer, Geoffrey Finnimore, built the structure in 2020 without telling authorities or asking for permission, the BBC reports. 

Finnimore was informed by Pembrokeshire Council that he must apply for retrospective permission for the home that is self-sufficient, and also collects rainwater.

But the council found that because it has now been occupied as a home for over four years, it is immune from prosecution action.

Finnimore said: “Without my home, which I created to solve my own problems and without state assistance, having to pay for other accommodation would be catastrophic for my finances and wellbeing.”

Finnimore has been asked by the council to apply for a lawful development certificate, external for the property.

This is a formal legal document that confirms the development is lawful.

But because Finnimore had resided there for over four years, it meant he could not face prosecution, so his application was accepted, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. 

Since the former owner left in 2018, Finnimore has been the principal custodian of 4.5 acres of land at Coed Troednoeth, Tir y Gafel.

The previous owner had resided at the site in a campervan with a lean-to structure, the council stated. 

Finnimore said this was “less than adequate” for his health and wellbeing, prompting him to develop the hut.

Finnimore confirmed, in a statement to the council, that he had resided at the site for over a decade, earns under £10,000 per annum as a self-employed worker, and he also provided evidence of his long-term residency.

Finnimore added: “This application has been sought by the council, and I have had to comply out of a position of vulnerability with respect to the prospect of enforcement against a building and living situation that has been demonstrated to be well-established and that I hold is deemed lawful.

“In the context of a housing and a cost-of-living crisis, I have taken care of my own needs.”

Finnimore also said: “So far as the council’s responsibilities in that context goes, I see that as one less problem to solve.

“Conversely, I would consider a rejection of a well-justified application like this as a contribution that exacerbates these deep and present social concerns.”

Council officers found, on the balance of probabilities, that Coed Troednoeth had existed and been occupied as a home for over four years prior to the application, making it immune from enforcement action. 

This prompted the council officers to grant the certificate.