Residents have formed an association in opposition to the proposed plans by the Welsh Government at Gilestone Farm.

The Stop Gilestone Farm Project is mounting a campaign to halt the plans to take over the farm, which was controversially bought by the Welsh Government last year for £4.25m and is set to be run by the same organisation that hosts the Green Man Festival.

The group said the proposed activities at the farm threaten an important wildlife habitat and object to the congestion and pollution that say will be caused by thousands of additional vehicles coming to the area.

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Group member Atty Beor-Roberts said: “The Welsh Government bought the wrong farm and did so without consulting local people. Gilestone Farm is totally unsuitable for the large-scale activities which the Green Man says it wants to bring here.

“These plans are unsustainable and a serious threat to our way of life, and to protected wildlife on the farm.

“It is outrageous the Welsh Government has gone as far as it has with this project without properly consulting people in the area, and we are determined to take action to stop this damaging and wasteful project in its tracks.”

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Plans for the site include a brewery, a bakery, a baking school and a series of live events – aiming to generate £23 million for the local economy.

The Stop Gilestone Farm Project group claim this will establish a large commercial operation which “will be totally unsuitable for the area” and will be holding a public meeting on Monday, August 14 at Henderson Hall in Talybont on Usk.

The Gilestone Farm project have responded fiercely these charges and said Mr Beor-Roberts was not giving the public accurate information.

A spokesperson for the project said: "The site will remain a working farm and is a key part of the business plan.  Not only that, but we’ll be seeking to enhance farming practises with a greater focus on strengthening the local environment, particularly the River Usk.  

"Our aspiration is to reduce phosphates entering the water system, primarily through taking a regenerative approach to farming at Gilestone Farm. We’re committed to being stewards for nature across the farm and increasing biodiversity net gain, wherever possible.  

"We plan to create transport partnerships that promote active and sustainable travel, providing more opportunities for more people to visit, work and enjoy Gilestone Farm. Licensed events will have a traffic management plan agreed by relevant authorities, event traffic will be directed away from Talybont-on-Usk (village)."