Pembrokeshire has become the latest council in Wales to support Crown Estate assets in the county being devolved to its people - with Senedd Member for Mid and West Wales Cefin Campbell stating that the decision shows ‘how widespread the support is for a campaign that could bring in about £650 million a year to the Welsh exchequer’.

The Crown Estate owns 65% of Wales’ riverbeds and beaches, as well as more than 50,000 acres of land – valued at over £603m.

A sticking point in Wales is that although Welsh Government and the vast majority of local councils are in favour, Westminster has to date been against any change.

Approval of a notice of motion, submitted by Plaid Cymru county councillor Michael Williams, who represent’s Tenby’s north ward, by Plaid Cymru county councillor Michael Williams, who represent’s Tenby’s north ward, was officially moved at the May 8 meeting by Pembrokeshire Council leader Cllr Jon Harvey.

While many members of the chamber were supportive, there were voices of dissent from Conservative group members, Cllr David Bryan kicking-off by asking: “What benefit will there be for the Pembrokeshire taxpayer?”

Another Conservative member pouring scorn was Cllr Aled Thomas, who, describing the vote as “rather pointless” felt that any funds collected if it was devolved would lead to the county receiving less from Westminster.

That drew the ire of Plaid member Cllr Rhys Sinnett, who suggested that if Cllr Thomas, “believing in the primacy of Westminster” was “happy to give things away with nothing back,” it was a matter for him and his party.

He added: “Let’s be honest, this isn’t about making macro policy here today, this is about 20 out of 22 local authorities putting our collective voices together to have their say how money is spent.”

He said the country was “always treated as the poor relation” by Westminster, adding: “When we actually ask for something it looks like we’re going with the begging bowl; let’s have confidence in Wales as a nation.”

He finished: “Let’s get off our knees and do something that can help us.”

Further support for the notice of motion came from Cllr Mike Stoddart, who said it was “surely better if we had this money as a right”.

Cllr Williams finished the debate citing the potential economic benefits from green energy projects in the Celtic Sea, adding: “It’s only fair if there is any money coming in that we have that money; quite frankly something in place for 300 years does need reviewing now and again.”

His notice was backed by 34 votes to 11 (all members of the Conservative group); with PCC’s Deputy Leader Cllr Paul Miller (leader of the Labour group) abstaining.

Councillors have previously heard the Crown Estates derives nearly £60,000 from some 16 leases in Pembrokeshire.

The £59,005 includes £26,600 for foreshore lease agreements, £8,520 for the land around Haverfordwest’s Riverside Market, and £12,800 for a sailing centre and care park at Cosheston Pill near Pembroke Dock.