7. Has the Welsh Government considered any additional uses for the land at Gilestone Farm other than the proposed lease to the Green Man festival? OQ58744

All Welsh Government assets can be considered for delivery of any policy agenda. Gilestone farm is currently being managed appropriately to ensure that the asset is maintained whilst discussions on the long-term future of the site are concluded.

I'd like to thank the Minister for your answer. There is huge concern in my area about the £4.25 million purchase by the Welsh Government of Gilestone farm and the due diligence around that, and the potential future land use for that area. Currently, I'm aware that you're in discussions with the owners of the Green Man festival, but local people would like me to put an alternative solution to the Welsh Government of what that land could be used for, and would like you to take it very seriously.

South Powys is in need of an agricultural college because of the long travel times that people in my constituency have to go to get that provision. Welsh Government officials have previously told an organisation that there was no appropriate site for an agricultural college in south Powys, but now the Welsh Government has Gilestone farm, and I believe, and a lot of other people believe, that that would be a perfect place for an agricultural college. There's support for this from local people, local companies support it, and an education provider said that they would support it as well. And that means that that land could be used for farming and to help the next generations of young farmers. So, will the Welsh Government meet with me and others to take this proposal forward, because we all believe that that is a better use for that land, other than its use for a festival?  

You mentioned that there are ongoing discussions with Green Man, so if, at the conclusion of those discussions, it's decided not to proceed with the proposal, alternative policy objectives will be explored for the use of the site, or the site can be considered for sale on the open market. And that would be the time then to engage with Welsh Government.