THE owner of a disused Gwent signal-box says he is happy for a squatter to continue living there.

But planners will play the deciding role in whether 37-year-old Simon Coomer is allowed to stay at the signal-box at Old Troy Station, near Mitchel Troy, Monmouth.

Last Friday Newport county court issued an order of possession to property developer Robert Davies for Mr Coomer to be removed from the building. And Mr Coomer was ordered to pay £790 costs.

Mr Davies, who is also a solicitor at Gold Tops, Newport, says he has no grudge against Mr Coomer and would be glad for him to continue living there.

But if Monmouthshire county council chooses to evict Mr Coomer on planning grounds, Mr Davies says he will be forced to use the order of possession or face a large fine himself.

He said: "I have the order of possession but feel quite confident that Simon and myself can come to an agreement as long as an arrangement can be made with the council."

Mr Coomer, who was homeless for years, said: "They wanted to charge me £350 in costs before the hearing and now the cost has gone up and I am going to be thrown out onto the street.

"Where is their mentality? I haven't got that sort of money. They shouldn't be charging me that because I wasn't trespassing."

Mr Coomer spent two years transforming the derelict signal-box into a comfortable residence.

Bob Taylor, the principal enforcement officer at Monmouthshire council, said the situation was under review.

He said the council had received several letters and phone calls from residents about anti-social behaviour concerning the occupancy of the signal-box.

Mr Taylor said: "There is no planning permission to live there, and if it is causing a disturbance it is an option for the council to serve an enforcement notice on the owner and the occupier. If not complied with, then magistrates can issue a fine of up to £20,000."

He said it was unlikely planners would allow a change of use because of the signal-box's size and lack of facilities.