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It's housed in a non-descript building in the heart of London's West End - even taxi drivers struggle to find it.

But Number 16 New Burlington Place in central London is home to a body whose influence over large parts of Wales is direct, powerful and sometimes controversial.

The Crown Estate owns or manages almost four thousand acres of farm land in Wales, with nearly seventy thousand further acres of common land also registered in its name.

In addition to these land-based assets, Crown Estate also owns or manages substantial marine interests down to and including the sea bed out to 12 nautical miles from the cost.

Although the land is owned by the Crown, the income from this extensive land and property portfolio goes straight to the Treasury, to the benefit of the tax-payer.

In return the Monarchy is guaranteed funding to fulfil its public duties.

The arrangement has suited both parties well over the years, but the dawn of both devolution and off-shore renewable energy has led to stresses and strains.

Last year, a Commons inquiry concluded that the Crown Estate should be more accountable, particularly in its dealings in the devolved nations.

The same report also recommended that Scottish assets should be managed in Scotland's interests to address the democratic deficit.

In Wales too, there's growing concern at an alleged lack of accountability.

Plaid Cymru's leader at Westminster, Elfyn Llwyd MP, describes the Crown Estate as "entirely anachronistic" and wants to see the Welsh Assembly Government given a greater say in how its Welsh assets are developed.

But the misgivings aren't just from the the nationalist parties in Wales and Scotland.

With the Crown Estate receiving a payment for every off-shore wind turbine on its land, one Welsh Labour MP has concerns about its role in implementing the Government's renewable energy policy.

While accepting that the Crown Estate does take heed of Government priorities, Huw Irranca Davies points out that its main priority is to maximise the return for the tax payer.

His concern is that if the Crown Estate decides it can earn more income from other activities - such as oil or gas - they may take precedence.

Presented by John Stevenson.