Dyfodol i’r Iaith have reacted fiercely to the advice issued by the Planning Inspector on behalf of the Welsh Government to weaken a Welsh language clause within Gwynedd and Anglesey’s Local Development Plan.

Heini Gruffudd, Dyfodol’s Chair said:

“This advice is irresponsible and damaging to the Welsh language, particularly in the context of the Welsh Language Strategy and its stated aim of strengthening Welsh as a community language.”

“While the Government has set an ambitious target of creating a million Welsh speakers by 2050 and wishes to see the language as a living medium in our communities, the Planning Director’s advice is outrageous. The terms for judging the language impact of new housing plans should not remain separate.”

“If the Welsh Government is serious about achieving their aims in relation to the language, then it also needs to acknowledge the key role of the planning system as it prepares its long term strategy which would allow the Welsh language to thrive.”

Dyfodol i’r Iaith calls upon the Prime Minister and the Minister responsible for the Welsh language to:

–        Overturn the Planning Inspector’s advice

–        Ensure that the Welsh language is an essential factor in all planning applications and Local Development Plans [as specified within the Planning Measure of 2015]

–        Establish a separate Planning Inspectorate for Wales as soon as possible,