The Welsh Government has started lease negotiations with the organisers of the Green Man festival, following its purchase of Gilestone Farm for £4.25 million.

The move has attracted criticism from opponents, after the acquisition in March last year was made without a comprehensive business plan in place.

Green Man Festival intends to use the farm to host smaller gatherings, food businesses and weddings.

Economy Minister Vaughan Gething, who approved the farm's purchase, has confirmed that Green Man representatives will be granted access to survey the site, and formal commercial lease negotiations will begin.

A "full and final options appraisal" will be submitted to Mr Gething for his consideration, before he makes a final decision.

Gilestone Farm's previous owners continue to occupy the premises as tenants, while the Green Man festival will remain at its current location on the Glanusk Estate, approximately six miles away near Crickhowell.

The festival's organisers aim to establish a "sustainable rural enterprise" at Gilestone Farm, generating 38 jobs and hosting weddings and other smaller events. Additionally, the farm will maintain its agricultural operations and serve as a base for food production.

Mr Gething emphasised the significance of Green Man as a key employer in Mid Wales, making a substantial contribution to the local economy. He stated the importance of supporting initiatives that align with the shared ambitions outlined in the Mid Wales Growth Deal, which aims to foster the development and prosperity of the creative sector in Wales.

Fiona Stewart, the CEO of Green Man, welcomed the Welsh Government's backing for their business plan at Gilestone Farm.

"We will now be working at pace with the Government, Powys Council and others to ensure the plans for the farm meet all the necessary requirements so we can get the project up and running," she said.

"In parallel, we will also be starting a conversation with the wider local community on our plans and the exciting opportunities they offer for Powys and Mid Wales.

"Ultimately our aim is that the Gilestone Farm Project can be a force for good helping address some of the many problems Powys faces and bring new opportunities to the area, particularly for young people."

James Evans, MS for Brecon & Radnorshire, voiced concerns about the Welsh Government's decision-making process, citing the absence of a thorough and transparent tendering procedure.

“It comes as no surprise that Welsh Government are pushing ahead with the lease," he said. 

"They say it is for the Green Man brand but Green Man is remaining in Glanusk estate.  The last information I had was that lease negotiations were with Cwningar Ltd rather than Green Man Festival Ltd.

“The Labour Government has spent millions without a full, open tendering process."

"Public funds must be spent with care and due diligence, the money wasted on purchasing the farm could have been better spent on our Welsh NHS," added Mr Evans.

In the Senedd this week, Mr Evans pressed for the Welsh Government to attend a meeting in Talybont-on-Usk on June 8, so that local people get accurate information.

Mr Drakeford said the Government will work with the community council, Powys County Council and the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority to promote “constructive community consultation” on the future use of Gilestone Farm.