Category Archives: Housing

DYFODOL I’R IAITH’S OPPOSITION TO HOUSING PLAN

Reply

Dyfodol i’r Iaith have stated their opposition to a plan to raise 69 new houses in Coetmor, Bethesda. The plan will be discussed by Gwynedd Council’s Planning Committee next Monday (June 15th), and the Planning Department have recommended that it be approved.

Dyfodol believes that this plan is totally inappropriate and insensitive to the linguistic needs and profile of the area. According to the 2011 Census, Bethesda is one of the areas where the Welsh language continues to hold its ground, with over 70% of the community able to speak the language.

The organisation has suggested that its members in Gwynedd express their opinion on this matter by joining the Pwyllgor Diogelu Coetmor (Coetmor Preservation Committee)’s protest, which will meet outside the Council Chamber before the Planning Committee.

Heini Gruffudd, Dyfodol i’r Iaith’s Chair said:

“It is essential that we safeguard the Welsh language in its heartlands, and take every practical step to ensure that it remains the natural medium of communication within these communities.

This case illustrates the key relationship between planning policy and protecting community language. It also demonstrates the importance of the recent victory in relation to the new Planning Bill, which allows consideration of the Welsh language within individual planning applications. This was a victory for which Dyfodol had lobbied earnestly.

VICTORY FOR DYFODOL ON THE PLANNING BILL

Reply

After two years of persistent lobbying to give attention to the Welsh language within the Planning Bill, Dyfodol’s efforts have finally come to fruition. The Welsh Language is now part of the Planning Measure and a statutory consideration, which will transform the way in which housing plans will be treated by local authorities in Wales. This was all won through discussion and persuasion.

Dyfodol i’r Iaith began lobbying in the light of weaknesses in the TAN20 regulations which gave local authorities limited rights to consider the Welsh language. This was followed by a slightly stronger TAN20, but one that still did not give consideration of the language a strong statutory basis.

Dyfodol i’r Iaith met with Carwyn Jones, the Prime Minister three times, and many times with the Government’s planning officers. A presentation was made on the matter to the senedd and contact was made with Assembly Members of all parties.

Success was achieved in convincing the politicians of the need to include the Welsh language within the Bill. Evidence provided by Meirion Davies, a member of Dyfodol’s Board, on the effect of the current house planning structures was a significant contribution. Following this came a detailed discussion on satisfactory wording. During these and former stages, Emyr Lewis’s guidance to the politicians was of key importance. An amendment wording that was clear and simple was successfully arrived at.

As Dyfodol yr Iaith led the public debate, discussing with politicians and officers, doors opened without pushing. Many steps still lie ahead of us, but for now, we can be rightly proud of our achievements