South Tipperary County Council has overturned an enforcement order it had previously issued - demanding that a development of holiday homes be demolished and the land returned to its condition "prior to commencement of the development".

Liam Campion - who built the 52 homes close to the Rock of Cashel - has been granted "retention planning permission" for 32 of the buildings.

The Co Laois based builder has now lodged an appeal with An Bord Pleanála challenging the decision to withhold retention permission for the remaining 20 homes.

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His company, Campion Concrete Products Ltd received planning permission just over two years ago for the development of a 120-bedroom hotel, an international trade centre and 52 holiday cottages at Ballypadeen.

However, in an inspection of the site - after the holiday cottages had been constructed - officials deemed that "the works had not been carried out in compliance with planning permission".

An enforcement order was then issued requiring the cessations of all work at the site and the removal of all 52 homes.

In ongoing legal proceedings Mr Campion won the right to keep 32 of the homes and to build a reduced 78-bedroom hotel. He has accused the County Council of putting 250 jobs and the €75 million development at risk.

An Bord Pleanála's decision is expected in June.

(VB/JM)