A man has been told to demolish a bungalow that he built in 2013.

On Friday, Adam Kenealey lost an appeal to save the house that he illegally built on Green Belt land.

He said the bungalow had been in situ for more than four years and the works were part of a conversion of a stable building.

But a Three Rivers District Council inspector rejected the appeal and said his claim that it was a conversion was “bordering on irrational”.

He also said Mr Kenealey undertook “blatant attempts to mislead the council” and “lied and influenced others to falsify documents”.

The inspector’s report said: “If the appellant had not approached this appeal in such a reckless manner, then the council might not have needed to go to lengths that it did in its comprehensive statement.

“For the reasons given, and having regard to all other matters raised, I conclude that the appeal should be dismissed and I shall uphold the corrected enforcement notice. I refuse to grant planning permission on the application.”

The house will be demolished within six months and Mr Kenealey will pay costs to the council because the appeal resulted in “unnecessary and wasted expense”.

Cllr Chris Whately-Smith, cabinet member for planning at Three Rivers District Council, said: “This case sets an example that any unauthorised works within Three Rivers will be fully investigated with the appropriate action taken.

“It should also send out a strong message that unauthorised works will not be tolerated by the council, and the consequences of failing to adhere to planning legislation can have severe ramifications and cost implications for those that undertake such works.”

Adam Kenealey has been contacted for a comment.