Language campaigners have welcomed Planning Minister Carl Sargeant's pledge to include the Welsh language in the Planning Bill made to the Assembly's Environment committee today (Wednesday, 14th January). 

 

The Minister told Assembly Members he is 'looking to introduce amendments [to the Bill] concerning the Welsh language'. Welcoming the news, Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg's sustainable communities spokesperson Tamsin Davies commented: 

 

"It's good to hear the Minister's commitment to amend the Bill to include the Welsh language, and that in a way which confirms that the Welsh language is belongs to everyone in Wales and to every part of our country. The campaign is starting to make progress. We will be meeting with government officials to discuss these matters further over the next few weeks, we are looking forward to discussing creating a new system which reflects the unique needs of Wales. A new planning system that would strengthen the Welsh language of course, but also one which improves the environment and tackles poverty." 

 

"We can't afford a copy and paste job from the system in England, it could be the death knell of our Welsh-speaking communities otherwise. This is just a first step. Local Authorities as well as the Welsh Government need to protect and promote the Welsh language in our communities." 

 

The Minister's comments come after Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg said it has started to take legal steps challenging the legislation on the grounds the Government has ignored the Welsh Language Commissioner's advice. Last year, seven council leaders wrote to the Government about the Bill complaining about its failure to help the language.