A CALL to potentially sell two former Ceredigion schools, closed after they merged into the new Ysgol Dyffryn Aeron school, potentially netting the council £550,000, has been backed by senior councillors.
In a report before the October 7 meeting of Ceredigion County Council’s Cabinet, members were asked to back the sale of the former Ysgol Felinfach and Ysgol Dihewyd village schools, both of which closed earlier this year.
The report, referring to both sites, said: “The current condition of the building is reasonable, but it will require maintenance and investment within the next 12 months to preserve it in reasonable condition.
“The Assets Team have written to Llanfihangel Ystrad Community Council to offer them the opportunity to express interest in the site, however they have not responded to this letter.
“There is potential scope for development by the council, but the gains would be marginal when set against the possible planning risks and abortive costs, and internal and external resources that would be required to develop the site.
“The recommendation from Development Group is that the site(s) is put on the open market following a comprehensive promotional exercise.”
In the case of Felinfach school, the report says: “Expressions of interest in the site have been received from individuals for future use and development, and so the purpose of putting the property on the open market is to achieve best value for the education service.”
It says the school and playground are valued at £200,000, and some £75,000 to £100,000 for a field across the road.
“This site is no longer required by the Education Service, and while consideration was given to possibly leasing it out, the preference of the Education Service is to obtain the capital receipt through sale of the asset. Following review by the Asset Panel and Development Group, the recommendation is therefore that the overall site is marketed for sale on the open market.”
Dihewyd has been valued at £250,000, with a recommendation that the overall site is marketed for sale on the open market.
At the meeting, members heard a letter had been submitted by local member Cllr Ceris Jones, saying the local community council wasn’t aware of any correspondence over the matter; Leader Cllr Bryan Davies assuring members the council would be communicated with ahead of any potential sales.
Members backed the recommendations, with the caveat the community council would be engaged with ahead of any potential sales.
