Gilestone farm project, Powys starts public consultation

The organisation behind the Gilestone Farm Project in Powys is launching a “community conversation” on its plans which they hope could generate millions for the local economy.

The site, which was bought by the Welsh Government for £4.325 million, has been controversial politically and has been under intense scrutiny from opposition parties.

However the organisers of the project say they are "confident of potential benefits for the area" pointing to their a 21-year history of successfully working with traditional and modern Welsh rural businesses including Green Man festival.

OTHER NEWS:

• New Welshpool bank hub to be in prominent town centre building, MP confirms
• Welsh Government confirms when it expects delayed Dyfi Bridge to be finished
• A Powys farmhouse with "breath taking" views and its own swimming pool up for sale

Fiona Stewart, the project developer, said: “By launching our conversation we want to start a positive dialogue with the community of Talybont and the surrounding area on our Gilestone Farm project and the many local benefits it can bring.

“With final business plan having been scrutinised by the Welsh Government, we are now at the right stage of the project where we can share our ideas and begin to gather local people’s thoughts and ideas on how we can ensure that the Gilestone Farm project has the right positive impact.”

Organisers of the Gilestone Farm Project are looking to hear from the public (Image: Gilestone Farm Project)

The conversation, which launches today (Thursday June 8) will see over 4,000 leaflets being distributed to the local area and the launch of a dedicated project website – www.gilestonefarmproject.co.uk.

The community conversation follows on from a number of meetings with local representatives and organisations including Powys County Council, Talybont-on-Usk Community Council, and the National Park Authority.

Councillor James Gibson-Watts, Leader of Powys County Council said: “The exodus of many young people from Powys represents a serious threat to the viability of our communities and the county’s economy.

"Any proposal that offers the prospect of creating sustainable, skilled jobs for young people has to be of great interest to Powys County Council. So, the potential of the commercial arrangement between the Powys organisation behind Green Man and the Welsh Government at Gilestone is something in principle I very much support.

“The Welsh Government have announced that plans for Gilestone have progressed to an agreed point where further information can be circulated to the community. Whatever develops must fulfil the requirements of the appropriate official organisations that are authorised to give permissions within the Usk Special Area of Conservation. And Powys County Council will work with all parties to ensure that this happens.”