THE Welsh Government has commenced legal action against a company who advised the sale of public land in Rhoose for millions of pounds below its market value.

The site, at Upper House Farm, was sold by the government for less than £3m on the recommendation of property advisors Lambert Smith Hampton, before it was later sold on for housing for £10.5m.

The sale was one of a series of land deals made across the country by the Regeneration Fund for Wales, under guidance from the firm.

Housing and regeneration minister Rebecca Evans confirmed after being questioned last week by South Wales Central AM, Andrew RT Davies, that legal action was "being pursued" against Lambert Smith Hampton and another firm, Amber Fund Management.

She added that a further update on progress was likely in due course.

While welcoming the news, Mr Davies described the scandal as a "slap in the face for Welsh taxpayers," which he called a "low point" for the Welsh Government in terms of public investment.

Mr Davies said: "It was absolutely scandalous for valuable land across Wales to be sold for a fraction of its worth, including at Rhoose in the Vale of Glamorgan.

"Taxpayers will be dismayed to see public money treated with such a cavalier attitude.

"I’m pleased that legal action has commenced on an issue that has been a constant source of embarrassment to the Welsh Government.

"People are rightly angry about what went on – and something like this must never be allowed to happen again."