Residents in Cowbridge have banded together to buy a beloved piece of land at auction to save it from future development.
According to the “Save the Three Fields” website, the area, known locally as the Three Fields, is a “historic link” between Cowbridge and Llanblethian.
The website reads: “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.”
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.
However, 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, a Vale of Glamorgan Councillor for the Cowbridge ward, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “I fully approve of and support the efforts of the local community to save these fields for future generations.
If 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 that acquires and stewards land.
Any remaining funds after purchase will be used for “ongoing maintenance” and “professional costs”.
If unsuccessful, money will be refunded to the donors in line with GoFundMe’s policy.
The website reads: “We aim to reduce the maintenance costs by retaining the existing relationship with the existing farmer.
“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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