The latest discussion point of our consultation on Planning the Regeneration of the Welsh Language is the demography of language and planning to support its growth.
As before, we would be very grateful to receive your comments, suggestions and any practical experience you may have. You are welcome to use the questions and template below or send your comments in any other format that suits you.
Below is a summary of Dyfodol’s demands in relation to demography and planning. If you would like to read the full text of Planning the Regeneration of the Welsh Language, a copy is available on our website, dyfodol.net
Thank you to everyone who has already contributed to our discussion. We look forward to hearing from you – do get in touch:
or telephone 01248 811798
DISCUSSION POINT 6: DEMOGRAPHY AND TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING
Dyfodol believes that:
Demography is the relationship between people and territory. The term is used here to cover several aspects – economy, housing, land use, town and country planning etc. – in relation to the Welsh language. This section is concerned with areas where the Welsh language is the normal medium of communication, mainly located in the west but including many other areas too. This is a complex and challenging field.
The linking of the western areas together as a region, Arfor, has been proposed so as to address their economic weaknesses and the haemorrhaging of young (often Welsh-speaking) talent from the area – one of the main contributors to the decline of the language. The Welsh Government have embraced the concept. Our view is that this vision should be developed as a key component in the general strategy for developing Wales as a confident and successful nation. The intention would be for the Arfor region to offer diverse and exciting career opportunities and encouragement for innovation and enterprise, so that young people can create their own futures within this region, by staying, returning or moving into the area. Tied to this would be the intention of protecting and strengthening the Welsh-speaking community and communities.
Town and country planning and housing policy would reflect and empower the needs of the region and its communities rather than serving the interests of powerful commercial developers and the current drive towards damaging and insensitive over-provision.
DO YOU AGREE WITH US? HAVE YOU ANY FURTHER COMMENTS ON DEMOGRAPHY AND / OR PLANNING MATTERS?