A POWYS businessman who applied to his local authority for financial grants during the coronavirus pandemic inadvertently brought a criminal prosecution down upon him.

William Anthony Williams applied to Powys County Council for 19 separate grants on the same day back at the height of Covid-19, in spring 2020. It was when the local authority investigated the grant claims that they discovered Williams, 58, was operating as many as 40 separate businesses from a site in Ystradgynlais where there was only permission for six businesses to operate.

Williams, of Lynden, Lower Cwmtwrch, was found guilty of two offences of contravening a provision contained within building regulations at Llandrindod Wells Magistrates’ Court this week.

He was not at the hearing, held on Wednesday, June 8, but was found guilty in his absence – and ordered to pay nearly £3,000 in fines.

Rob Brown, acting for Powys County Council, said: “In the spring of 2020 the council received 19 applications from Mr Willimas, all from the same address. They reviewed their own records, which showed that there were six individual units present at the address, not 19.

“Building control identified that only one unit was in situ. Officers attended on July 3, 2020, to validate the units. Eventually, they met the owner and officers inspected the units.

“They found various units occupied by various businesses. There was Swansea Valley Luxury Travel which was owned by the defendant. Swansea Valley Man and a Van was one business he claimed was owned by his father.

“There was an MOT centre the defendant claimed was his, one unit was part of the MOT centre, while other businesses included Swansea Valley Motors, E&M Williams, Ystradgynlais Self Storage, which he said was run by his wife and son.

“Others included a Thai kitchen, the Travel Inn and a launderette.

“After the visit it was clear that there were more than six units, in fact building control were made aware of a possible 40 businesses. They re-checked records, which showed there should only be six units present.”

Mr Brown said subsequent visits showed there to be a distinct lack of protection between units for fire safety and the defendant was informed not to move any other businesses into the units.

He said officers later received information, in February 2021, that unlawful works were being undertaken on site, including the removal of asbestos without proper health and safety measures in place.

Mr Brown said the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service were even called to the premises on one occasion and that the local authority was making a significant application for costs in the sum of £6,525.

Magistrates found the case proved in absence and fined Williams £1,000 for the first offence and £1,250 for the second. In addition he was ordered to pay £350 costs and a £190 surcharge.

They also ordered him to comply with building regulations and with his local authority. They said they would allow him 56 days to pay the amount and if he does not he will fined £50 for every day he is in default.