Council Calls for New Homes Reserved for Welsh Speakers
A community council is pushing for a development of 18 homes to be exclusively reserved for Welsh speakers. Botwnnog council is advocating for this move, citing concerns about English speakers negatively impacting the Welsh language speaking heartlands. The village on the Llyn Peninsula in northwest Wales has a high percentage of Welsh language speakers, but issues have arisen due to second-home owners inflating housing prices.
- The council believes there is no local need for the proposed housing, with only four names on the current housing list.
- They argue that the development would lead to overdevelopment and could potentially be occupied by non-Welsh speakers.
- Additional concerns include strain on schools, sewage systems, and local health services.
In response to objections, the council questions the definition of “local” and highlights the potential impact of non-Welsh speakers on the community’s language. They emphasize the importance of limiting the housing to Welsh speakers to maintain the Welsh language as the primary mode of communication.
The council expressed worries about the influx of non-Welsh speakers due to the area’s popularity for second homes, leading to a decline in Welsh speakers in nearby communities.
The applicants, R Williams of Cae Capel Cyf and agent Jamie Bradshaw of Owen Devenport Ltd, defend the proposal, stating that it aligns with professional advice and evidence of local housing needs. They argue that the development’s residents would likely reflect the Welsh language characteristics of the area, minimizing any negative impact on the language.
- The proposed development includes two-bedroom bungalows for social rent for individuals over 55.
- There are also plans for two-bedroom dormer bungalows for social and intermediate rent, along with three-bedroom dormer bungalows for various housing options.
The council’s planning meeting is set for September 9 to review the proposal, which includes creating a new access point off B4413. The aim is to provide affordable housing to meet documented local needs, supporting the Welsh language within the community while addressing concerns about non-Welsh speakers residing in the area.