Community Council Advocates Welsh Language Condition for New Housing
A community council has stated it will support plans for a new housing estate only if the development is reserved for Welsh speakers.
Plans have been submitted for 15 "fully affordable" homes on land in Trefor, Gwynedd. The Trefor and Llanaelhaearn Community Council seeks to impose a Welsh language condition on the development to ensure it fosters a "balanced community."
Deputy Welsh Language Commissioner Osian Llywelyn confirmed that such a condition would be lawful but emphasized that language considerations cannot override statutory requirements, such as prioritizing homeless applicants.
Cyngor Gwynedd, which has recommended approval of the development subject to conditions, will review the plans on 2 March.
Community Council Views Development as a Progressive Opportunity
The community council described the development as a "golden opportunity to be truly progressive and innovative" by becoming the first planning authority in Wales to impose a language condition on a new social housing estate located in the heartland of the Welsh language.
According to the 2021 Census, Gwynedd holds the highest proportion of Welsh speakers in Wales, despite an overall decline in Welsh speakers across the country.
Trefor and Llanaelhaearn ranks within the top 3% of communities with the highest proportions of Welsh speakers among over 1,900 similarly sized communities across Wales.
The Census data indicates that more than three-quarters of local residents have at least some Welsh language skills, with 58% able to fully speak, read, and write Welsh.
About Trefor
Trefor is situated beneath the twin peaks known as The Rivals, steep hills marking the northern entrance to the Llyn Peninsula.
The village has historical ties to the slate industry, which once dominated the economy of northwest Wales. Its harbour was historically used to transport slate quarried nearby.
Nant Gwrtheyrn, the National Welsh Language Centre, occupies what was formerly a small slate quarrying village and is located a short distance down the coast.
Trefor is a sprawling village characterized by charming stone cottages and narrow streets, creating a picturesque setting.
The area has grown in popularity as a tourist destination, and many retirees from other parts of the UK have settled there.
Community Reactions to Welsh-Speaker-Only Housing Proposal
The proposal to allocate the new homes exclusively to Welsh speakers elicited mixed reactions during a community meeting on Friday.
Clare Brooks, 56, who moved to Trefor from Staffordshire three years ago with her husband Kevin, expressed a neutral stance.
"I'm not strongly opinionated either way," said Brooks. "I think whoever needs a home could do with a home."
She added, "I have no problem with homes going to Welsh speaking families if they could get enough people who are Welsh speaking."
Malcolm Evans, a 46-year-old Welsh speaker and security guard who has lived in Trefor for two years, believed the idea might be popular locally despite his personal disagreement.
"I think it will be unfair on some people," Evans said, adding that he thought it could be divisive.
Conversely, 67-year-old lifelong resident Llywarch Jones supported the proposal, noting changes he has observed in the community.
"I think it's the right thing to do," Jones said, emphasizing he was not anti-English.
"In the small villages around this area, there's more English people coming in and there's quite a lot in this village as it is," he added.
"There are one or two streets that are second homes. Nobody lives in them in the winter - no kids, no school, no shops," Jones noted.
Details of the Proposed Development
The application includes a mix of fully affordable homes: semi-detached, one and two-storey houses, plus a detached two-storey property. The plans also incorporate a new access road and landscaping.
Cyngor Gwynedd has recommended approval of the development, subject to a Section 106 agreement or an arrangement concerning open spaces.
Community Council's Conditions and Previous Attempts
During the consultation process, the community council indicated it did not oppose the development but requested two conditions: a Welsh language requirement for residents and the adoption of a local lettings policy instead of the standard allocation system.
The council stated:
"Cyngor Gwynedd is often proud to announce, if not to boast at times, that it is a progressive council that leads the rest of Wales on the issue of the Welsh language."
"It is our duty to recognise that there is a great deal of truth in that and thank you for your efforts."
"It would be a credit and a precedent for the council itself and an enlightened and long-awaited lead for the rest of Wales."
Similar initiatives have been attempted by other community councils in Gwynedd, including the Welsh-speaking village of Botwnnog on the Llŷn Peninsula.
In October 2024, plans to build 18 affordable homes in Botwnnog were rejected for a second time by Cyngor Gwynedd due to concerns that the development might threaten the Welsh language.
Deputy Welsh Language Commissioner's Perspective
Osian Llywelyn, Deputy Welsh Language Commissioner, stated that sustaining communities with a high density of Welsh speakers is "essential to the future of the language" and advocated for "policies that contribute to strengthening these communities."
However, he emphasized that language considerations cannot override statutory requirements, such as giving "reasonable priority" to individuals in specific circumstances, including those who are homeless or require relocation for medical reasons.
Llywelyn also noted that the council already prioritizes applicants with a "local connection," and evidence indicates this approach ensures a high percentage of housing allocations go to Welsh speakers.
Next Steps
Cyngor Gwynedd confirmed receipt of the application for 15 affordable homes in Trefor and stated that all comments and recommendations will be reviewed at the planning meeting scheduled for 2 March.
Additional reporting by Rob Thomas and Paul Pigott.
