PLANNING AND THE WELSH LANGUAGE: ENSURING A SUPPORTIVE SYSTEM
The link between the planning system and ensuring the viability of the Welsh language in its various communities has long been acknowledged. In the context of the Government’s aim to create a million Welsh speakers by 2050, the current challenge is to ensure that the planning system supports, rather than hinders this ambition.
Over the past few months, new blueprints for a Planning Framework and Planning Policy for Wales have been published. But how likely are these developments to have a positive impact on the Welsh language? And how can the system be reformed in order to ensure conditions that promote the growth of the language?
These are some of the questions that will be discussed by Gwion Lewis at Dyfodol i’r Iaith’s presentation at Pabell y Cymdeithasau during the Eisteddfod in Cardiff this year. The organisation is proud to welcome Gwion, a s a speaker who has immense expertise in this complex field, and who has the talent to make his knowledge accessible to all.
Gwion Lewis is a Barrister with Landmark Chambers in London, who specialises in planning law, and in accordance with his own background and interests, is uniquely placed to discuss his expertise within the context of Wales and the Welsh language. The meeting will be held at 11.45 am, Wednesday August 8 at Pabell y Cymdeithasau.
A NEW COMMISSION FOR THE WELSH LANGUAGE: AN OPPORTUNITY TO BROADEN THE AGENDA?
What can we expect of the new Commission announced by the Government to support the aim of creating a million Welsh speakers by 2050? Dyfodol i’r Iaith is certainly eager to learn more, and to discuss the new structures aimed at addressing the challenge of promoting the language’s growth.
Dyfodol i’r Iaith is very pleased therefore to welcome the Welsh Language Minister, Eluned Morgan to address our meeting at Pabell y Cymdeithasau during the Eisteddfod in Cardiff this year. This will be an opportunity to learn more about the Government’s vision and the principles which underpin it.
Heini Gruffudd, Dyfodol’s Chair said:
“Dyfodol i’r Iaith has long campaigned for a new policy direction in relation to the Welsh language, and we believe there is much to welcome in the Government’s latest announcements. We will obviously be keeping a close eye on how things develop, and we look forward to discussing this with the politicians over the coming months. We would wish to see a framework and structures which allow consideration of the language’s needs across all policy areas, and a broader vision, which emphasises growth, in terms of the number of people who can speak Welsh and the opportunities to speak it.”
“We look forward to hearing what the Minister has to say, and to questioning her through our panel. Clearly, we will be emphasising the importance of commitment and sufficient resources if this new chapter is to succeed.”
The meeting will be held at Pabell y Cymdeithasau at 1.15pm on Friday August 10.