A PLANNING inspector has rejected an affordable housing argument put forward by a Gower developer.

Michael Rasbridge wanted to build two semi-detached homes in Coed y Dwr, Oldwalls, and appealed against Swansea Council's refusal of planning permission.

Welsh Government appointed planning inspector Gwynedd Thomas said new house-building in open countryside was strictly controlled and only for farm, forestry and other workers that needed to live on site.

But in exceptional circumstances, such houses could be built to provide affordable housing to meet an existing deficiency.

The inspector said that, according to the council, there was no identified need for affordable housing in the Gower village of Oldwalls, and that Coed y Dwr was in fact outside the village.

"I do not accept that the letters in support of the proposal are sufficient to justify an identified need for affordable housing in the area," said the inspector.