A BREAM man suffering from a life-threatening heart condition says his retirement plans have been ‘ripped to shreds’ after Forest planners blocked his scheme to split his cottage into two.

Joiner Kevin Preest, 61, who was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy in 2015 and had an implantable cardioverter defibrillator fitted to his heart, wants to split his cottage into two properties after his heart condition forced him to lower his workload and draw out his pension early.

His plan is to downsize and move into the annexe next door and sell on the main cottage, but Forest of Dean District Council planners have rejected his plans.

“I’ve had 12 months of absolute hell,” he said.“Since I was diagnosed with this severe heart condition and having the defibrillator fitted I can no longer do as much as I used.”

Mr Preest who has lived at the Clements End property for almost 17 years said before his diagnosis that his intention was to keep the property in the family

“I was going to try and help my son buy the four bedroom cottage while I live in the annexe alongside.

“But since being diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy in 2015, I can no longer work as much and am no longer in a secure financial position."

The Forest of Dean District Council’s planning officer told councillors that the proposed sub-division of the dwelling and annexe into two homes would result in the introduction of a new residential dwelling in the countryside with any justification.

Additionally the officer concluded that the property is remote from amenities and facilities with limited access to community transport.

“One of the reasons they rejected my application was because they said there was limited access to public transport,” he said.

“But we have one of the busiest bus routes in the Forest just across the road from my gate!”