Finnimore has been the principal custodian of 4.5 acres of land at Coed Troednoeth, Tir y Gafel since the previous owner left in 2018.
They had lived at the site in a campervan with a lean-to structure, according to the council.
But Finnimore described this as “less than adequate” for his health and well-being, so started developing the hut.
In a personal statement to the local authority, he confirmed he had lived at the site for more than 10 years, earns less than £10,000 a year as a self-employed worker, and provided evidence of his long-term residency.
He added: “This application has been sought by the council, and I have had to comply out of a position of vulnerability with respect to the prospect of enforcement against a building and living situation that has been demonstrated to be well-established and that I hold is deemed lawful.”
“In the context of a housing and a cost-of-living crisis I have taken care of my own needs.
“So far as the council’s responsibilities in that context goes, I see that as one less problem to solve.
“Conversely, I would consider a rejection of a well-justified application like this as a contribution that exacerbates these deep and present social concerns.”
Council officers granted the certificate because they found, on the balance of probabilities, that Coed Troednoeth had existed and been occupied as a home for more than four years before the application, making it immune from enforcement action.
It added: “In June 2020, the land was purchased by Mr Finnimore and in November 2020, he began using the building as his principal dwelling, hence the justification to apply for a certificate of lawful use.”