Decision to sell Plas Tan Y Bwlch deferred by Eryri park authority as secret bidder kept under wraps

Dale Spridgeon Local Democracy Reporter

A plan to sell one of the finest Grade II listed buildings in Gwynedd has been deferred until November amid public concerns and hidden details of a secret bidder.

Eryri National Park Authority has postponed its decision over an offer for its grand building Plas Tan y Bwlch, near Blaenau Ffestiniog.

The Authority estimates that £3 million is needed to bring the building up to modern standards, and extensive repairs required to maintain the Maentwrog mansion’s  listed status.

But details of a secret bidder were kept underwraps as  the decision to  postpone the sale of the property was taken behind closed doors at a meeting, yesterday. (Wednesday, September 11.)

Worries

The property was once the home of the wealthy Oakely family important quarry and land owners in the area.

Plans to sell the property  had prompted local worries over public access to the site,  which includes Llyn Mair and the surrounding woodland.

But in a statement Cllr Edgar Wyn Owen, the Authority’s Chair said the Authority had “listened” to the public and decided to defer the decision.

He said: “This is a significant decision for the Authority, we have listened to public and community concerns, and it is important that we take the time to consider the future of Plas Tan y Bwlch.”

“We have agreed that every option will be evaluated and that we will engage with the community and work closely with potential buyers to make the right decision for this historic property.”

An estimated £3 million is needed to bring the building up to modern standards with extensive repairs required to maintain its  listed status.

The Commitee members had previously been advised that Plas Tan y Bwlch also accounted for 50% of the Authority’s carbon footprint.

The Authority said postponement would allow further discussions with interested parties, potential partners  and consultation with  community groups,  to formalise details of public access to parts of the woodland and Llyn Mair.

According to the Authority, Plas Tan y Bwlch has been  “a significant financial cost on the Authority” – with operating costs reaching approximately £250,000 per year.

Over the last decade, the Authority’s budget has faced severe cuts, and despite various business models being implemented over the past 15 years, none have proven financially sustainable.

It stated that property had been listed on the market to “explore potential interest ” while simultaneously continuing discussions with a community group who had expressed “a desire to preserve the building for public or community use.”

A spokesperson added: “While some concerns have been raised regarding the lack of public consultation at the early stages, the Authority clarified that due to the sensitive nature of legal and confidential discussions, public consultation has been limited.

“However, discussions with relevant public bodies have been ongoing for some time, and additional drop-in session was agreed by Members to listen to further concerns by the local community with an open session to summarise at the end of the day.

“In light of the complexity surrounding the sale, Authority members  decided to delay any decisions until November 2024.

“This postponement will allow for a further thorough examination of all available options, ensuring that the long-term future of Plas Tan y Bwlch remains at the forefront of any decision-making process and to formalise public access to parts of the woodland and Llyn Mair.” 

The Eryri National Park Authority will revisit the decision at the Authority meeting in November 2024.

In the meantime, talks with community groups, public bodies, and potential buyers will continue.