Cymdeithas yr Iaith has said that Carmarthenshire County Council has undermined the county and destined it to a massive growth in its population as it accepted the Local Development Plan today.

Sioned Elin, Chair of Cymdeithas yr Iaith in Carmarthenshire said:

"Although the Planning Inspector has recommended that the Local Development Plan was accepted, a number of concerns were raised during the Plan's consultation process by local communities and organisations across Carmarthenshire. The concerns ranged from the effect on the language, communities, the environment and economic factors. But it seems that the inspectors had the final say.

"Our main concern is that the figure of 15,000 houses was decided on the basis of a period of large population growth in Carmarthenshire. It is clear that the council is planning for a significant increase in population, but the way that national housing targets are set does not help.

The question now is whether there will be jobs, health care, leisure and cultural provision, and schools for all these people? Of course we need housing, but not on this scale.”

Cymdeithas yr Iaith will hold a meeting in St. Peter's Hall, Carmarthen on Saturday the 17th of January - Tynged yr Iaith yn Sir Gâr (the Fate of the Welsh language in Carmarthenshire). It will be an opportunity to look at the county's language strategy, and question whether the council is taking the Welsh language seriously. This will be an open meeting, with all resident and interested parties welcome. More informtaion through Bethan Williams – bethan@cymdeithas.org

The story in the press -

Carmarthenshire's 15,000 homes local plan is approved - BBC News 10/12/14