Cardiff Council has claimed that Welsh is not part of the ‘social fabric’ of the capital city in a letter to language campaigners about its planning policy.

In a letter to Welsh language campaign group Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg, Cardiff Council Leader Phil Bale, who is also responsible for planning in the city, wrote: “.... on the basis of the evidence presented, this response comes to the conclusion that the use of the Welsh language is not part of the social fabric [of the city], in accordance with national guidelines. This means that it is not considered that development proposals which are noted in the Plan materially affect the linguistic balance communities across Cardiff, at the expense of the use of the language. As a result, I understand it is not considered that any specific policies are necessary in the plan to deal with the specific interests of the Welsh language..”

In a letter to the Planning Inspectorate, who are considering Cardiff Council’s Local Development Plan at the moment, Carl Morris, chair of the local branch of Cymdeithas yr Iaith, said: “It must be said that this claim is daft and completely ignorant, and obviously raises questions which need to be answered in terms of the attitude and the policy of the authority and its officers. We are not of the view that the remark reflects the support of the present leader of the Council for the language, but rather the ignorance of officers in the planning department. We ask you to insist that the County, in its development plan, considers the Welsh language in terms of its status, requirements in terms of new schools and education provision, and its place in our communities.

“There are a number of areas in the city where the Welsh language is strong, but we believe the desire of people in the city to see the Welsh language strengthen should also be considered. The support of people right across the city is reflected in the demand for Welsh-medium education. In addition, and although we are not of the view that percentages or numbers of speakers should decide whether considerations is given to the Welsh language in the plan or not, it’s clear, not only from the tens of thousands of Welsh speakers who live, visit and work in the city but also the number of places where Welsh is the main language used in the city – from chapels and schools to social spaces – that Welsh is a vital part of the social fabric of the capital city.

“You will be aware a number of developments that have been given English-only names over the years – from “Assembly Square” to “Central Square”. Giving private developments English-only names undermines the status and use of the language. Furthermore, there are a number of new English-only street names and monolingual sings which are part of new developments. These will have a negative effect on the use and status of the language as well.

“Furthermore, considering the rising demand for Welsh-medium education from residents in the city, consideration for the language is needed when planning new housing developments. Specifically, we believe there should be a presumption that any education provision which is part of a new housing development should be Welsh-medium. The effect of these developments on the use of generations to come of the Welsh language … For example, building a new housing estate without increasing Welsh-medium education provision or erecting English-only signs will deprive the next generation of seeing, hearing or using the Welsh language.

“So, we call on you to refuse Cardiff Council’s proposed wording in the Local Development Plan as it relates to the Welsh language. We will be pressing the council to adopt changes to the development plan along with adopting an appendix which outlines policy regarding the language and planning which is far more comprehensive and which aims to support the growth of the language in our capital city.”

Cymdeithas yr Iaith’s local officers will be meeting Council leader Phil Bale at the end of September to discuss planning policy in Cardiff.

The story in  the press:

Welsh language not part of Cardiff's 'social fabric' - BBC Wales online

Welsh language is not a part of Cardiff's 'social fabric' - Walesonline