What is being labelled as the most luxurious piggery ever seen is at the centre of a planning row.

It is one of a number of planning issues that have come to a head in the hamlet of Penhalvean, near Redruth, where - it is alleged - buildings have been put up or altered without proper permission.

According to Stithians councillor Neil Plummer, a piggery that was given permission by Kerrier council looks more like a bungalow than an agricultural building.

"This is nothing but a piggery without pigs and has a nice letter box in a new access and hedge so they must be exceptionally clever pigs going to live there," said Mr Plummer.

Mr Plummer - who has made unauthorised developments an issue in his local election campaign - is furious that little action has been taken by the planners. He says a condition existed that required removal of the building if it was not used as a piggery. That has since led to an application to lift the condition but Mr Plummer still wants to see the building demolished.

Last week, an application by Mr and Mrs A Poor to keep the building, together with the erection of loose boxes, a feed store and a tack room was withdrawn.

Another application by Mr and Mrs Poor, for the retention of buildings for use as commercial stables, the retention and completion of buildings for use with stables and the stationing of a residential caravan was deferred last Thursday pending discussions with the county land agent.

Kevin Mosely, a Kerrier planning official, said in his opinion the site was not suitable for residential use. He agreed that the "piggery" looked more like a house. It was, he said, built with a double skin and had windows.

What Mr Poor now plans is not clear. He referred all inquiries to his agent, who is based in St Mawes, but he was not available yesterday as the Packet went to press.

When the Packet visited the site this week Mr Poor agreed there had been accusations made about him using the piggery - which he claimed was a stable - as a home. The building has windows, which appear to be double glazed, and local residents say it looks more like a bungalow than a piggery.

Mr Plummer is determined to see the planning laws within Kerrier tightened and says planning officials had to act more quickly on those who abused the rules.

Last week Mr Plummer criticised a businessman who had set up a bottling plant in Penhalvean.

An enforcement order is about to be issued by Kerrier planners on the owner, Mr John Holland. He insists he has only changed the use of the previous pottery - which, he says, has always been a commercial building - and that he is creating local jobs.

The bottling plant is near to Mr poor's piggery.