Communities across Ceredigion and Powys could be given the first opportunity to purchase threatened pubs, shops and village facilities under new Welsh Government proposals.

A consultation launched on Tuesday, 10 November outlines plans for a Community Right to Buy scheme, designed to help residents protect buildings and land considered important to their communities.

Under the proposals, eligible community groups could nominate assets for registration based on their social, cultural or economic importance.

If a registered property was subsequently put up for sale, local groups would receive a right of first refusal and a protected period to develop proposals and secure funding. The scheme could apply to village pubs, shops, community centres, parks and green spaces. Buildings that previously provided community benefits could also qualify where there is a realistic prospect of restoring their former use.

For rural communities across mid and west Wales, where the closure of a village shop or pub can leave residents travelling considerable distances for services, the proposals could offer another route towards community ownership.

However, registering a property would not force its owner to sell, and community groups would still need to raise sufficient funds to complete any purchase.

Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning Siân Gwenllian said local people should have a genuine opportunity to protect assets important to their communities.

The announcement comes as Powys County Council separately reviews its approach to managing publicly owned land and buildings.

A revised Corporate Asset Policy, due before councillors on Wednesday, 11 November, includes provisions covering community asset transfers and the disposal of council property.

The proposed national scheme would introduce additional rights concerning registered community assets when their owners decide to sell.

Residents, businesses, community organisations and property owners are being invited to respond to the Welsh Government consultation before 4 January 2027.