Category Archives: Planning

DYFODOL’S EISTEDDFOD

Reply

Thank you to everyone who made this such a memorable Eisteddfod for us: to those who contributed to our presentations and talks, those who provided entertainment or who simply came over for a chat and to discuss our work with us.

PRESENTATIONS

We delivered two presentations from the stage of Pabell y Cymdeithasau, including a timely and positive discussion on the contribution of local government to the strategy of Cymraeg 2050. We believe that it is both practical and necessary for the local authorities in the Welshest areas (Anglesey, Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire, as well as Gwynedd) to adopt Welsh as its internal administrative medium. Dyfrig Siencyn from Gwynedd and Peter Hughes-Griffiths from Carmarthenshire discussed the challenge and reality of achieving this, with Gwerfyl Pierce Jones chairing the meeting.

Cynog Dafis and Dr Kathryn Jones of Iaith Cyf. outlined the importance of Language Planning and robust, appropriate management structures if we are to formulate a comprehensive strategy which will produce the right circumstances and goodwill to allow growth for the language. This is the cornerstone of our approach, and we hope that this presentation will provide a basis for further discussion. It was good to note that this was being discussed within the context of positive developments, such as the Welsh Minister’s recent statement that language expertise will be called upon as the next steps are being planned for the regeneration of the language.

DISCUSSIONS

We welcomed a range of experts to share their thoughts and experiences with visitors to our stall. Gareth Pierce discussed education needs; Owen Evans, Chief Executive of S4C, outlined the future of the channel; and Simon Brooks and Wyn Thomas introduced the problems facing the Welsh language in the context of the planning system.

ENTERTAINMENT

Following all the discussion, it was pleasant to relax and enjoy the programme of mid-afternoon entertainment which we’d arranged again this year. Thank you to all the fantastic musicians who brought us such joy during the week!

REASONS FOR REJECTING THE ADOPTION OF THE LOCAL JOINT DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR GWYNEDD AND MÔN

Reply

In partnership with the following language organisations; Cylch yr Iaith, Canolfan Hanes Uwchgwyrfai and Cymdeithas yr Iaith,  Dyfodol i’r Iaith is part of the Gwynedd and Môn Housing and Planning Campaign Committee. This Committee was established to challenge and oppose the Local Development Plan, which is about to be decided upon by both authorities.

If you are also concerned about the impact this Plan will have on the Welsh language, then we would ask you to write to your county Councillor, and demostrate your objection by joining the gathering arranged outside the Gwynedd Council Offices in Caernarfon at 1.15 on 28/07, and Cyngor Môn’s offices, Llangefni ar 9.15 on 31/07.

Our objections to Plan can be summarised thus:.

  • TOO MANY HOUSES 

The Plan states that the number of houses; 7,902 between the two authorities, provides for population growth. This growth is based upon in-migration, and in preparing for this, promotes it. The process was based upon allocating county totals for Gwynedd and Môn, and distributing these to communities. This is totally unacceptible. The totals should have been based upon supplying the local needs of each of the communities.

 

  • FLAWED LANGUAGE ASSESSMENT

In contrast to assessements of other aspects of the Plan, the Joint Planning Policy Unit did not commission an independent assessment of its language sustainability. This work was undertaken by the Unit itself, despite its admission that it had no expertise in this area. The language organisations decided to commission an independent assessment from the language consultancy, Hanfod. This study concluded that the Plan proposed too many houses, and that as a result, the situation of the Welsh language would be weakened. The independent assessment was ignored by by the Unit.

 

  • FLAWED LANGUAGE POLICY

The Plan’s Strategic Policy 1 (The Welsh Language and Culture) does not support the Welsh language. The policy allows for damaging developments if it is possible to lessen the damage to some extent by ameliorative measures. Siân Gwenllian AM and Llyr Huws Gruffydd AM have stated that this policy is unacceptable.

 

  • FLAWED SURVEY

As part of their evidence base for the Plan, both local authorities conducted the ‘Gwynedd and Ynys Môn Housing and Language Survey’ between September and November 2013, but the statistician Hywel Jones (Statiaith) demonstrated that the methodology adopted was seriously flawed. His assessment of the survey concluded that it was statistically invalid and its conclusions unreliable.

 

  • PERCENTAGE OF AFFORADLE HOUSING TOO LOW

The percentage of affordable housing within a development is set as low as 10%. Evidence of need shows that this percentage should be much higher. This policy means that open market housing will constitute 90% of these housing developments.

 

  • NUMBER OF LOCAL HOUSING MARKET POLICY COMMUNITIES TOO LOW

Only in a very limited number of communities will the policy of limiting housing to local people be implemented.

 

  • FEWER AREAS ALLOCATED CLUSTERS

Fewer small villages and rural areas will be allocated clusters, leading to a low number of houses. This will negate the opportunity for many communities to ensure their sustainablity and natural growth by supplying local need.

 

  • NO GRADUAL DEVELOPMENTS

It will not be possible to impose conditions upon developers to build gradually; that is, to build a specific number of houses at a time, according to an agreed timetable.