Lis Burnett, Deputy Leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, has rejected claims that the Council intends to lease the Kymin to "just anyone".

Penarth Town councillor Gary Allman had criticised the Vale's intention to market the house, telling Nub News:

"The Vale council has no right to deprive the people of Penarth of such a major public asset.

"We all have to come together to ensure the Kymin and its peaceful surroundings are not lost to the town.

The Victorian seafront house and gardens has served as a popular wedding venue. Since 1982, the building was let to Penarth Town Council by the Vale, but Penarth Town Council terminated this agreement in 2019.

A Vale Cabinet agenda for 21 September (Monday) revealed the Council's intention to find a new occupant - deeming it "surplus to requirements". The property will not be sold, but rather leased while remaining in Vale ownership.

Cllr Burnett says the leaser will be selected scrupulously.

"We don't need it for what we're doing as a council so we're looking for constructive suggestions.

"But putting it out for tender doesn't necessary mean we'll end up agreeing a tender, because if we don't get what we want, we won't do it.

"We're fairly open-minded, but from our perspective it has to have benefits for the town. We're not flogging it off to anyone who wants a nice house and a nice garden, it's got to be a good fit."

The building were offered to the National Trust and the Landmarks Trust, but both declined to take it over. Cllr Burnett says effective maintenance is a top priority.

"As our track record shows, when we're dealing with these things the quality, track record and intentions of the potential buyer is more important to us than the price. The Town Council can bid for it if they want!"

"The criteria is that the bidder has to prove they will maintain is to a high standard and provide value to the town. If they can't do that then we will not accept any bids.

"This is not about making money it's about bringing a much-loved building back into beneficial use."

In response, Cllr Allman told Nub News that he expects to see a high degree of popular involvement in the decision making process:

"They have to engage with and consult the people of Penarth before they agree anything. Because it's their asset."

Cllr Burnett replied:

"The reason we use processes like this is so that it is public and transparent. We have started the process as soon as we could bearing in mind the COVID-19 restrictions. We will report back any progress and Scrutiny Committees can discuss if they wish."

Nub News will have an update upon the conclusion of the Vale Council Cabinet meeting on Monday.