Brecon and Radnorshire MS James Evans has reiterated his criticism of the Welsh Government’s controversial £4.25 million purchase of Gilestone Farm, calling it “the most expensive publicly owned ‘bird nest’ in history.”

Speaking after the Senedd’s Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee report condemned the rushed deal and lack of proper scrutiny, Mr Evans said the purchase “should never have happened” and raised serious questions about government procedures.

“The Labour Government has spent millions without a full, open tendering process or meaningful engagement with the community,” he said.

“Public funds must be spent with care and due diligence.”

“The next time the Labour Government reaches for the cheque book, they should listen to local concerns and act with far greater transparency,” he added.

The report comes as it recently emerged that the farm’s value has dropped by nearly £500,000 since the purchase in March 2022.

The Welsh Government bought Gilestone Farm to support the expansion of the Green Man Festival, before receiving a full business plan - but plans were later restricted after a rare pair of nesting ospreys were discovered on the site in 2023.

The Welsh Government says the farm was acquired “following proper processes and in keeping with market values at the time.” It added it is continuing to explore different options for how the site could be used in the future.

Read our full report on the latest developments in the Gilestone Farm controversy and the Senedd committee’s findings here.