Huw Tudor fears he will not be able to live in Llanerfyl

Freelance business advisor Huw Tudor wants to build a house on his parents' land in Llanerfyl, Powys.

But he says he cannot because planning rules state that the land is outside the village boundary.

His plight is an example that will be discussed on Thursday between councillors and Carwyn Jones, the minister for the environment, planning and countryside.

I've found that there is no help being given to local people who come from this area and want to stay here Huw Tudor

Mr Tudor said he believed planning laws were forcing young people like himself to move away from the areas where they grew up.

His is one of at least a dozen similar cases that planners encounter every month in Powys, according to a county councillor.

"I've found that there is no help being given to local people who come from this area and want to stay here," said Mr Tudor.

House prices

"I feel very annoyed that I can't live and work in the area where I was brought up and I fear that I will have to move away to live somewhere where I can afford to buy a house."

Mr Tudor and his sister, a vet, want to build two houses on a plot of land owned by their parents.

"There are dozens of houses around our plots but if we can't build on them we will have to move out of the village because we can't afford the house prices in the village."

Hedd Bleddyn Williams wants planning laws changed

Powys councillor Hedd Bleddyn Williams said Mr Tudor's dilemma was not unique.

"I could show you at least a dozen examples of this kind that come before planners in Powys every month," he said.

"There are no lack of houses but local young people can't afford them because they are out-priced by people moving into the area.

"Changing planning regulations to allow young people to build houses would not cost local authorities or the Welsh assembly any money.

"We want young people with children to settle in our communities so they can be revitalised."

Mr Williams was part of a delegation of the Welsh Association of Town and Community Councils meeting Mr Jones on Thursday.