Homeowners in one of Wales’ wealthiest towns plan to buy fields beside their properties to prevent developers building on them.
Fearful of developers taking advantage of the green land near to the homes in quaint Cowbridge in the Vale of Glamorgan, residents living beside the leafy area known as Three Fields have banded together in the hope they can buy the land at auction.
The fields link Cowbridge and Llanblethian and are popular among walkers. Should the residents manage to purchase the land their intention is to leave it exactly as it is. For the biggest stories in Wales first sign up to our daily newsletter here
The homeowners have mobilised to even make their own website, which they’ve named Save the Three Fields Cowbridge, in the hope of attracting further backers.
“The area holds deep and lasting memories for many in the local community – from dog walks and fishing or rafting in the river to sledging down the hills and even a proposal or two,” campaigners said.
Fearful of developers taking advantage of the green land near to the homes in quaint Cowbridge in the Vale of Glamorgan, residents have come up with a plan -Credit:John Myers
The campaign was started by Adrian Griffiths to protect the land from potential housing development and “to ensure it remains as it is today for the enjoyment of future generations”.
The area is not in the Vale of Glamorgan local development plan which means it is not earmarked for development, but – according to the campaign – “the only way to safeguard the land against development is if the community has ownership”.
Campaigners hope to match the guide price of the land at £185,000 through donations, however, due to the nature of auctions, they are looking to fundraise “as much money as possible” to give themselves “the best chance of success”.
Charles Champion, councillor for Cowbridge, said: “I fully approve of and support the efforts of the local community to save these fields for future generations.”
Residents have banded together to raise money for the fields at auction -Credit:John Myers
If the purchase plans are successful the land will be incorporated into a community land trust to preserve it as a community asset.
A community land trust is a non-profit, community-controlled organisation which acquires and stewards land. Any remaining funds after purchase will be used for “ongoing maintenance” and “professional costs”.
If the plans are unsuccessful money will be refunded to the donors in line with GoFundMe’s policy, campaigners have said.
“We aim to reduce the maintenance costs by retaining the existing relationship with the existing farmer,” they said. “They have done a great job at maintaining the land so far and we want to keep it that way.”
The auction was originally scheduled for February 23 but has been postponed.
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