A policy on transferring council buildings and land to communities has been developed following controversy over two recent auctions which saw residents step in.

Pembroke Dock and Solva communities fought Pembrokeshire County Coucnil’s plans to auction off a former gun tower and farm in their areas, calling for time to develop plans and funds to take them over themselves.

Clr Bob Kilmister, cabinet member for finance, said “issues encountered disposing of Trecadwgan Farm and Pembroke Dock gun tower highlighted the lack of a transparent policy.”

The draft Community Asset Transfer Policy recognises that a “collaborative, well managed and long term approach to transferring assets to community organisations can create efficiencies for the Council whilst ensuring that

service provision is maintained in communities.”

At policy and pre-decision overview and scrutiny committee on November 12 members heard that Welsh Government recently published guidance to local authorities which had helped shape the policy.

One of the changes highlighted was the need for an existing use of a building to be in place although a sustainable business plan for any project would still be required and not all would be suitable.

The preference was for 125 year leases, rather than freehold, which allowed for grant applications but also would mean it could be reverted back to public ownership if no longer required by a community.