possible sale?

RHONDDA CYNON TAF COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL
Minutes of the meeting of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council held
at the County Borough Council Offices, The Pavilions, Clydach Vale on
Wednesday, 24 September 2008 at 5.00 p.m.

From Mrs.H.Dobbs to the Leader of the Council (County
Borough Councillor R.Roberts):
“Since Welsh Assembly Government states to ensure that
Community Land Trusts (and others) have first refusal on an suitable public land that becomes available for sale in order that pockets and areas of open space, wasteland and woodland, where children and young people already play can be protected
– Why was the land at Bryn Rhodfa, Treorchy not offered for sale to The Community Land Trust as the Welsh Assembly
Government advocates to be protected for the children in our community to play safely as they have done for over 50 years”?
Leader’s Response
“Can I assure you that in every instance where the Council disposes of land, the Estates Department will fully consider any approach that is made by a community group or representative body to utilise that land for a community scheme or project of work.
Indeed, there are recent examples where the disposal of such sites has been suspended to allow these groups time to develop their ideas. Therefore, our approach to land management and
These minutes are subject to approval as an accurate record at the next meeting of the Council

Page 12 disposal has helped to address many of the economic and social issues that the Council as a whole is seeking to tackle.
I am not aware of any legislation in place that will affect our land disposal programme through Community Land Trusts having first refusal as I think you suggest. We are currently in the process of clarifying this with the Welsh Assembly Government.
My understanding is that there has been an individual AM who has raised the issue on 18 July. This certainly will have to go through the Assembly’s legislative process but that currently there is not such legislation in place at the moment. This is current information.”
Supplementary Question from Mrs.Dobbs
“It is in place and it is in the Welsh Assembly Government Play
Policy. Why did you sell the land when a family and play areawas in place in 1979?”
Response from the Leader
“It may be in a policy document but it is not current legislation - that is the information I have before me. If I am contradicted, I will recant my statement. It may be in a policy document but there is no legislation. It has been through normal Council procedure, consultation was held and land was disposed of.”
www.rhondda-cynon-taff.gov.uk/stellent/groups/Public/documents/Minutes/0...

PARENTS are fighting to stop the sale of a patch of council-owned land which is used as a play area by children.

The land is at Penywaun and parents want it turned into a playground instead.

Residents say there are few facilities for children, with the nearest playground on the other side of the estate, across main roads.

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/south-wales-news/cynon-valley/2008/10/...