Negotiations over a possible motor retail park at Withybush are back on track.

That's what Pembrokeshire County Council director of development, Roger Barrett-Evans, told Thursday's meeting of the economy committee.

The assurance came in light of criticism of what council members saw as precipitate Compulsory Purchase action to buy the 28.5 acres of land at Withybush Road, Haverfordwest.

Members, who had asked for the matter to be 'called-in', claimed that the owner had not been approached and no agent had been appointed.

Replying to Councillor (cllr) Henry Jones, the director said the agent they had been dealing with earlier had been identified by the Welsh Development Agency as having come from the owner herself. "We have had a reply to say an agent has now been appointed and we are back at the negotiating table."

Cllr Mike Evans urged that a suitable period of time is allowed before future Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) action is taken.

Roger Barrett-Evans replied: "If we are able to reach an agreement, we will conclude by agreement."

Cllr John Allen asked what would happen if an owner wished to develop land for the same purpose as the council, and did not wish to sell, or wanted to leave it five or ten years.

"We would acquire it," said the director. "That is the whole point of the CPO. The demand is there and we have to bring supply on stream."

Cllr Allen replied: "I don't think it is right we should force or threaten someone to do something. What alternative sites do we have?"

"We don't have them," came the reply. "That's the whole basis of the argument. "We are negotiating by agreement at the moment."

Deputy leader, Cllr John Allen-Mirehouse: "It's a question of timing. Both the owner and ourselves are agreed the land is going to be developed, but the demand is now. County council policy is to get this done as soon as possible in response to the demand from traders."

The cabinet decision for CPO action if agreement is not reached was approved.