Homes plan blocked again amid Welsh language fears

Gwynedd council has turned down a plan for homes in Botwnnog against officials' advice

Plans for 18 affordable homes have been refused for a second time amid fears the development could endanger the Welsh language.

In September, Botwnnog community council said it wanted a proposed housing scheme in the village to be limited to people who only speak Welsh.

It said it would be a "a danger to the Welsh language and the fabric of the community" and the county council, Cyngor Gwynedd, refused to back the scheme.

Following a month-long "cooling-off period" the planning committee stuck to its original decision on Monday and refused the plans again.

Officials warned this could lead to a successful appeal and significant costs as insufficient reasons had been given for refusal.

According to the authority there is a high need for housing in Botwnnog with 34 families on the social housing waiting list.

The site is designated for housing in the county's local development plan.

But councillor Gareth Williams questioned the demand for social housing in Botwnnog and dubbed the policy "deficient".

He said: "It is perfectly worthy to reject this devastating application without worrying about the costs of an appeal."

Councillor Gruffydd Williams said the application should be rejected because "it could cause significant damage to the Welsh language".

Had it been green lit 18 homes would have been built in the village

And councillor Gareth Jones said the authority had a duty to protect Welsh communities.

But councillor Edgar Wyn Owen said: "I won't apologise for trying to find affordable housing and help local people live where they want to live.

"You have no chance of beating this. When the inspector looks at this they will pass it immediately."

This year Anglesey council was forced to pay costs of more than £16,000 to an applicant after councillors went against officers' recommendations and rejected 33 affordable houses in similar circumstances.

Councillor Gareth Williams called the plans a "devastating application"

Meanwhile, an application to turn an 18th Century pub into holiday lets has been knocked back.

The Vaynol Arms in Pentir, near Bangor, has been closed since Christmas 2021.

Now Gwynedd council has turned down a proposal to split the ground floor into two holiday units.

According to council officers, who recommended it be refused, owner Duncan Gilroy had not provided enough evidence to prove it was not viable as a pub.

It was Mr Gilroy's third attempt to convert the pub's ground floor for holiday use.