72% of people surveyed in the poll, which was commissioned by language campaign group Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg, agreed that "local councils should set housing targets based on the needs of their local area", with only 11% thinking that Welsh authorities based in Cardiff taking the decisions. There was a firm majority for local powers among all age groups, supporters of every party, and in every part of the country.  

The language pressure group argues there is currently an over-supply of housing that is not affordable for local people, which is having a damaging effect on the Welsh language at a community level. Research conducted on behalf of the now defunct Welsh Language Board in 2011 showed that the number of houses built in Conwy had led to a significant decline in the Welsh language.  

Tamsin Davies, Cymdeithas yr Iaith's sustainable communities spokesperson commented: "It's very clear that the people of Wales support our view that the planning system needs to be much closer to the people. In the proposals we are publishing today, we are outlining a different type of vision, of a situation where ther is a much bigger role for local authorities and community councils. In a meeting with us the Welsh Government's chief planner admitted authorities are 'too fixated' with basing targets on national statistics about population growth. Now is the time for them to solve that problem by setting up a new system which only considers local needs." 

The news comes as Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg launches its own Planning Bill at the Assembly today (12:30pm), which proposes ending the Welsh Government's, Planning Inspectorate's and national population projections influence over decisions on housing targets. The government's Planning Bill includes proposals for Minister to take more planning decisions, such as housing developments, in Cardiff, and establish regional panels to take over some local councils powers.