The Gwynedd Houses plan was blocked again amid Welsh language fears

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

In September, Botwnnog Community Council he said he wanted a housing proposal in the village to be limited to people who only speak Welsh.

He said it would be “a danger to the Welsh language and the fabric of the community” and the county council, Cyngor Gwynedd, refused to back the plan.

After a one-month “reflection period”, the planning committee stood by its original decision on Monday and rejected the plans again.

Officials warned that this could lead to a successful appeal and significant costs, as sufficient reasons had not been given for the refusal.

There is a huge housing need in Botwnnog with 34 families on the social housing waiting list, according to the authority.

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

But councilor Gareth Williams questioned the demand for social housing in Botwnnog and branded the policy “poor”.

He said: “It is perfectly worthy to reject this devastating application without concern for the costs of an appeal.”

Councilor Gruffydd Williams said the application should be refused because it “could cause significant damage to the Welsh language”.

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

But Councilor Edgar Wyn Owen said: “I will make no apologies 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, he will pass it immediately.”

This year, Anglesey council was forced to pay costs of more than £16,000 to one applicant after councilors went against officers’ recommendations and rejected 33 affordable homes in similar circumstances.

Meanwhile, an application to turn an 18th-century pub into holiday rentals has been rejected.

The Vaynol Arms in Pentir, near Bangor, is closed from Christmas 2021.

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

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

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