Community led GBI toolkit
Obtaining a Space
Identifying & Securing the Site
For some, identifying and securing a site may be one of the more challenging elements of the project, or, for others it may be the identification of the site which sparks the initial idea for
the project.
When looking for land, in the first instance you'll need to decide if you are seeking to purchase or lease it. Once this has been decided, you may find it helpful to ask the surrounding community if they are aware of any land which might be suitable. This could include speaking with local landowners or businesses. It might also be helpful to contact other projects/organisations delivering similar interventions within the county as they may be aware of land available.
Social Farms and Gardens also have resources on finding suitable land.
If you identify a site but are not sure who owns the land, you can search for land and property information.
If you are seeking to use land owned by your local Town or Community Council, it would be best to contact them first to establish whether they would be interested in leasing or selling the land. Please note that such land may be subject to restrictions, and they may be limited to what can be done with the land depending on how it was obtained and the conditions surrounding it. For land owned by Carmarthenshire County Council, our website which has a number of resources including information on community asset transfer.
If you find a site you would like to lease, you will need to make sure that the correct type of lease is signed and contains all relevant information. This is important as it guarantees you the use of the land and provides the landowner with reassurances on what has been agreed. It may be beneficial to seek legal advice. For further information, see Social Farms and Gardens guide on leases.
When seeking an appropriate site, it is important to consider the need for planning. Certain sites may have constraints which preclude building so you will need to think carefully about the site and the type of infrastructure you may want to include at an early stage.
Registration of Land as a Town or Village Green
Unlike other ports of the UK, Wales does not currently have a designation for Assets of Community Value. However, some land may be eligible for protection as a Town or Village Green. Registration can safeguard land from development and provide a right for open access and recreation.
There may be fees associated with the registration of common land. Please find further information, including contact details for Carmarthenshire's Common Land Officer on our website.
Welsh Government has produced guidance for the completion of an application for the registration of land as a Town or Village Green.
The Open Space Society also has a step-by-step guide on how to decide whether a space is eligible for registration and the application process.
