A man operating a collection of rare birds and exotic animals from a rural Carmarthenshire woodland site has been ordered to cease his operation and relocate his animals after neighbours complained about noise and environmental concerns.
James Wale established his facility on a 17-acre woodland property near Llannon two years ago, following the closure of his previous rare bird business in Pembrokeshire. The site housed wallabies, mongooses, porcupines, parrots, eagles, falcons, hornbills, skunks and other unusual species, alongside conventional livestock including horses, goats, chickens and ducks.
Carmarthenshire Council issued enforcement notices against Wale, citing breaches of planning regulations. A planning inspector appointed by Welsh ministers has now dismissed his appeal against the enforcement action, though granting him extended timelines to comply with the orders.
What prompted the enforcement action?
Neighbours raised multiple objections to the operation, with seven formal complaints submitted during the appeal process. Residents reported that the site produced sounds inconsistent with native wildlife, with one objector describing the noise as resembling a "tropical jungle," particularly during evening and night hours. Additional concerns centred on generator noise and barking dogs, which residents characterised as "particularly troublesome late at night."
Beyond noise, objectors cited sanitation issues, stray animals wandering onto neighbouring properties, and environmental degradation. One neighbour submitted photographs documenting goats and a Labrador that had strayed onto their land. Another described the woodland transforming into waterlogged conditions, claiming the site had become a "fly-tipping incident" that had destroyed what was once a "beautiful forest."
Llannon councillor Llinos Mai Davies stated that the operation adversely affected neighbouring properties and damaged the character of the surrounding area. Photographic evidence submitted to the council illustrated the boggy conditions and the woodland access track off the A476.
What was Wale's original plan?
Wale's planning agents indicated that he had envisioned establishing a "major tourism venture" on the site. His initial concept involved creating an owl garden centre, though he subsequently scaled back these ambitions to develop a private bird welfare home combined with forestry and farming activities.
A planning application was prepared for a smaller-scale operation encompassing approximately 30 bird and animal enclosures, with Wale not intending to reside on the property. Documents referenced proposed "reptile, mongoose and several animal enclosures." However, the planning inspector determined that the actual operation constituted a fundamentally different character from authorised use and remained unauthorised.
Wale's previous business operated from the grounds of Picton Castle in Pembrokeshire until the lease was not renewed, prompting his relocation to the Carmarthenshire site.
What has the planning inspector decided?
The inspector acknowledged that Wale maintained a minor element of forestry and agricultural activity, but concluded that the primary operation—housing the collection of exotic animals—constituted unauthorised use of the land.
Rather than the original six-month deadline, the inspector granted Wale 12 months to cease keeping non-agricultural animals, dismantle all enclosures and restore the site to its original condition. The extended timeline recognised the practical challenges involved: "Given the unusual type and mix of the animals, it may well take more time to find a suitable alternative location," the inspector noted.
Wale has also been given 12 months to cease living on the land, remove the log cabin and its associated foul drainage system.
Two enforcement notices were originally issued by the council in the previous year, with one subsequently withdrawn. A further notice was issued this year. The appeal process involved examination of the site by the planning inspector, who visited the land and observed the cabin and facilities during the inspection.
What happens next?
Wale's planning agents informed the Local Democracy Reporting Service that they intend to prepare a new planning application in an attempt to secure permission to retain the birds on the site. However, according to a Welsh Government freedom-of-information release updated on 6 October 2026, correspondence exists regarding a request for a further extension of time in the appeal case, though the release listing does not disclose the outcome of that request.
The outcome of any future planning application remains uncertain, and the timeline for relocating the animal collection presents a significant logistical undertaking given the diversity and specialised care requirements of the species involved.
Key Facts
- James Wale operates a collection of rare birds and exotic animals including wallabies, mongooses, porcupines, parrots, eagles, falcons and hornbills on a 17-acre woodland site near Llannon in Carmarthenshire
- A planning inspector has dismissed Wale's appeal against enforcement notices and ordered him to relocate the animals within 12 months and cease living on the land within the same timeframe
- Neighbours complained about noise described as resembling a tropical jungle, particularly at night, along with concerns about stray animals, sanitation and environmental degradation of the woodland
- Wale's planning agents intend to submit a new planning application to attempt to retain the birds on the site
- The extended 12-month compliance period was granted to allow time to locate suitable alternative accommodation for the unusual animal collection
