Step back in local housing efforts

Step back in local housing efforts: calls for the Welsh Government to support local authorities

Cymdeithas yr Iaith has declared its support for Cyngor Gwynedd and has called on the Welsh Government to support county councils who seek to use Article 4 powers to ensure better housing for people in their communities, following the High Court ruling today (24/09/25).

In September 2024, Cyngor Gwynedd introduced an Article 4 direction requiring planning consent to turn a residential house into a second home or holiday let. With 66.5% of Gwynedd’s population priced out of the housing market and the Welsh language suffering due to the lack of available housing for local people, Cymdeithas yr Iaith warmly welcomed the steps that Cyngor Gwynedd were taking to address the issue.

The High Court judgement today has been described as a retrograde step for local housing, and is made following a judgement that the report presented to the Cyngor Gwynedd cabinet had not been entirely clear. Cyngor Gwynedd say they will appeal the judgement.

Jeff Smith, Chair of Cymdeithas yr Iaith’s Sustainable Communities Group, said:

“If the appeal is unsuccessful, this will be a huge blow to so many of our communities, our people and our language. Welsh speakers have been forced out of their areas for years due to not being able to afford to stay, whilst entire villages are being turned, to all intents and purposes, into holiday parks. 

“The aim of Article 4 is to reduce the number of second homes and holiday lets so that housing becomes affordable for people on a local wage. It has already made a difference in several parts of Gwynedd by reducing the number of houses bought as second homes, and it is vital that these initial positive effects are allowed to continue. Cymdeithas yr Iaith urges Cyngor Gwynedd to stand their ground and to make a strong stand for their people, their communities and the Welsh language.”

Jeff Smith added:

“Cymdeithas yr Iaith has also criticised the Welsh Government several times for not offering enough support to councils and planning authorities who wish to use Article 4 powers to control the numbers of holiday homes in their communities. We urge the Welsh Government to support councils who wish to introduce Article 4 rather than offering the powers and then walking away, leaving councils to deliver Welsh Government aims with little or no support.”