Questions remain over the decision by Pembrokeshire County Council to take up an equity share option in Bluestone Resorts Limited, but it will not be called in by the authority.

The decision to take up shares in the new company behind the multi-million pound Bluestone holiday village was taken at a cabinet meeting, held behind closed doors, on Monday, November 30th.

Freedom of Information (FOI) requests have been submitted to the authority asking for more information about who took the decision, when it was made and the precise value of the shares.

Concerns have been raised about the date the decision was taken, with reference to the financial restructuring of the company which took place last month.

A council spokesman said that the option to take up shares was given during this time and the decision was then made by cabinet.

Questions are being asked about the possible effects on future tourist planning decisions made by the council’s planning committee and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s (PCNP) development management committee, the majority of which is made up of council representatives.

When discussing applications members of the planning committees must declare any pecuniary interest in a development and cannot take part in discussions or vote.

A spokesman for the county council said: “It is the council that holds the equity share option in Bluestone Resorts Limited, not individual councillors.

“Councillors would therefore not be required to declare a pecuniary interest when discussing matters relating to the development.”

An FOI request submitted to the National Park Authority asked whether the general public can be assured that council members will not be allowed to sit on planning committees for applications for Bluestone, and if members interests will be reviewed for future tourism-related development applications?

A spokesman for the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority said: “Draft new guidance has been issued by the Ombudsman this week in relation to the members’ code of conduct.

“This guidance is being considered by the authority’s monitoring officer and further information may be available following next week’s National Park Authority meeting.”

Councillor Mike Williams, who is chairman of the PCNP development management committee, has sent ten questions to the authority’s finance officer, including: “Why should council taxpayers put their money at risk to benefit an original investor who has got cold feet, and obviously does not feel it is worth retaining his investment?” and “What is the total share issue in the company and who is to receive shares?