PLANS to turn an area of wasteland in Machynlleth into allotments may have been dashed after town councillors revealed the land is owned by the county council.

A task and finish group was set up by the town council last month with the purpose of working with residents of David Williams Court who want to take over responsibility for a patch of land on the Plas grounds adjacent to their houses.

But councillors heard at a meeting of Machynlleth Town Council that the land, which residents say is blighted by fly-tipping and littering, is owned by Powys County Council and so could not work with the residents on their proposals.

Cllr Rhydian Mason told councillors: “The initial request was to use a piece of land which was originally derelict.

“As it happens, this is not land under­ our control, but it is under Powys County Council’s control.

“Sorry it’s not more positive news, but I do think we have explored it and given it a chance to develop.”

Cllr Rosemarie Harris, Cabinet member for property, buildings and housing, said: “We are planning to sell the land at public auction at the earliest opportunity.

“The land is where an old council depot was based and includes a listed building with structural issues that are currently being monitored. For these reasons, the council is of the view that this land would not be suitable for use as allotments."

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