A DECISION nine years ago to buy a former field studies centre in Simonsbath has cost West Somerset Council £80,000.

Having bought the site in 2004 for £100,000, councillors this week resigned themselves to cutting their losses and selling it to Exmoor National Park Authority for just £20,000.

The park authority will now set about applying for lottery funding to convert it into an interpretation centre for the Exmoor Forest, while immediately spending tens of thousands of pounds on emergency conservation work.

At Wednesday's cabinet meeting, councillors were told the 0.48 acre former school site known as White Rock Cottage was bought on the say-so of just one former district councillor using 'executive powers'.

Executive powers are no longer used by cabinet members and all expenditure over £25,000 must now be agreed by the cabinet - while anything above that goes before the full council.

But back in 2004, a single portfolio holder was allowed to sanction spending £100,000 on the Simonsbath site, on the premise of converting it into affordable homes and work units.

That dream never became a reality as the site has poor access, no water supply and would need expensive sewerage works due to the proximity of a nearby Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Neither housing associations or private developers could be persuaded to develop the site, especially as new-build open-market homes are banned within the boundaries of the national park.

This week, councillors were told something had to be done as the site was falling into disrepair and the park authority was keen to see it preserved.

Chief executive Adrian Dyer said Exmoor National Park Authority was willing to take the site off the council's hands for £20,000.

"Their aim in the longer term would be to apply for Heritage Lottery Funding to develop the site as a visitor facility or attraction," he said.

"The restored buildings are close to Ashcombe car park with is linked by footpaths to other historic land and buildings in Simonsbath and in the ownership of Exmoor National Park Authority.

"Their plan would be for White Rock Cottage to form the centrepiece for the interpretation of the Exmoor Forest, a compelling story that is not currently developed any location within the national park."

Councillors were warned the site was becoming an increasing liability due to its poor state of repair and, despite the financial loss, the sale would ultimately benefit local people.

Cllr Kate Kravis, the lead member for finance, said something had to be done and she believed the sale to the park authority was the best possible option.

"The park authority wants to protect the buildings and secure the site and they have the resources to pull in the funding to turn this historic site into an interpretation centre for Exmoor Forest," she said.

"We will be transferring the cottage for the economical and social wellbeing of people in the park so I am reassured we are doing the best for this property."