Consultation on impact of Bodelwyddan plans on language

Denbighshire council is to launch a consultation on a report which examines ways in which the Welsh language is affected by development.

The community linguistic impact assessment forms part of the Local Development Plan.

It focuses on potential impacts to Bodelwyddan, where the council proposes building 2,000 new homes.

The six-week consultation will start on 26 January. Copies of the report will be available at all libraries.

It will also be available at one-stop shops and on the council's website.

The Bodelwyddan development is a controversial one, with many villagers opposed to the proposal.

The report aims to suggest how the "cultural character" of the area could be both protected and strengthened.

Its recommendations include marketing the site bilingually, increasing Welsh language classes and securing a Welsh-medium primary school.

Councillor Sharon Frobisher, lead member for the environment and sustainable development, said: "This consultation document highlights the importance of the Welsh language and culture within the county and provides many valuable suggestions as to how this can be strengthened in the Bodelwyddan area - measures that can also be applied throughout Denbighshire."