Dyfodol i’r Iaith have again highlighted the need for more attention to be given to the Welsh language when deciding on planning applications.The organisation is aware that Redrow Homes, which is responsible for the Goetre Uchaf development in Bangor, is marketing new homes directly to potential buyers outside Wales. One of the English advertisments encourages buyers to “move to North Wales”, while endorsing the areas’ natural resources.

Heini Gruffudd, Dyfodol’s Chair said:

“This marketing strategy clearly shows who the target buyers are for such developments, and confirms our anxiety over the The Environment and Rural Affairs Secretary’s approval of a similar development of 336 houses in Pen y Ffridd.

A small number of homes in Goetre Uchaf have been designated as affordable units, but until we have a satisfactory framework for assessing the linguistic implications, this can only be seen as a token gesture. We would therefore again emphasise the pressing need for a a robust and powerful framework and methodology to assess the true impact of such developments on the Welsh language.”