Issue - meetings

To submit the report of the Head of Highways, Waste and Property.

It was resolved to adopt the Smallholdings Management Strategic Plan 2026-2031.

The report of the Head of Highways, Waste and Property incorporating the Smallholdings Management Strategic Plan 2026-2032 was presented for the Executive’s consideration.

Councillor Alun Roberts, Portfolio Member for Leisure, Tourism, Maritime and Property presented the Strategic Plan outlining how the Council will manage its agricultural smallholdings estate over the next five years. The plan aims to secure the estate’s long-term viability by ensuring it delivers appropriate financial, environmental and social returns that reflect its capital value. It identifies four priority areas – a financially sustainable estate,  a well-managed estate, an estate where risk is minimised and managed, and an estate that supports the Council Plan objectives. Councillor Alun Roberts emphasised that the smallholdings estate is a source of pride and that the plan seeks to place it on a secure footing for the future.

The Head of Highways, Waste and Property  reported on the work of the multi-party Smallholdings Steering Group which was established to review the previous policy adopted more than 15 years ago. The group met four times and recommends the revised plan as presented. He reiterated the pride in the estate and its contribution to the farming sector, rural communities and the Welsh language. There is a strong view that the estate should be retained, with no desire for large scale disposals.

The estate currently generates a profit of around £200k for the Council and its value and management justify continued investment. However, maintenance costs are rising faster  than the budget and the plan recommends increasing the annual repair and maintenance budget by £102k in 2026/27 to address the backlog. While there is no intention to sell units, the group considers it reasonable to assess the business case for retention or disposal when holdings become vacant, retain land where possible and reinvest any capital receipts back into the estate. Tenants should be protected, but rents need to be reviewed in accordance with the provisions and fair agreements established. Anglesey’s smallholdings estate is the second largest in Wales and varies in size, use and location. The aim is to manage it as effectively as possible.

Councillor Jeff Evans, Chair of the Corporate Scrutiny Committee reported on the committee’s meeting of 18 February 2026, at which members considered the Smallholdings Management Strategic Plan. Members reviewed the documentation and received assurances that consideration will be given to how progress will be reported. They discussed value for money and tenant engagement. Following discussion and taking account of the matters raised and responses provided, the committee resolved to recommend the Smallholdings Management Strategic Plan 2026-2031 to the Executive for approval.

Councillor Gary Prichard thanked the Smallholdings Steering Group whose work provided the foundation for the strategic plan.

It was resolved to adopt the Smallholdings Management Strategic Plan 2026-2031.