PLANNING applications can be turned down on the basis of the effect of a development on the language and culture of Gwynedd, if a proposal is given the green light today (Thursday).

Gwynedd Council’s environment committee will decide if a year-long pilot scheme will be given the go ahead, which could have a radical effect on our communities and the local economy.

Supporters say that the proposed scheme is common sense and will protect the Welsh way of life from over-development and help ensure house prices stay within reach of local young people.

But others have voiced concerns that it is more red tape to strangle progress and economic regeneration.

According to council documents, language impact assessments will be required on residential, commercial, industrial or tourism development, or those which may lead to the loss of community facilities or job opportunities.

A more detailed impact assessment will have to be submitted for large scale developments.

The council report states that if a development is likely to have a negative effect on the community and Welsh language, the authority may refuse the application on these grounds alone.

Aran Jones, chief executive of Cymuned, the language and communities pressure group, said this was a step in the right direction but Gwynedd Council has been slow on the up-take.

He said: “Everyone agrees that our communities are in crisis. Instead of messing around with small steps we should follow the example of authorities in England who are solving the problem.

“We need strong leadership from the council board on this, not people at every level poking their fingers in the problem.”

He referred to the Yorkshire Dales National Park, which has deemed that no new houses are to be sold for a price beyond what locals can afford.

He added: “We should be creating a local housing market, not setting aside some houses as “affordable”.

“At the moment salaries from outside the area are setting the house prices.”

He added that Cymuned believe the council should refuse planning permission for business developments that are not owned by someone who lives in the county.