Bangor Mail

Major homes plan blocked

- Developers wanted to build at Pen y Ffridd

DEVELOPERS have failed in their bid to overturn planning refusal for 366 homes in Bangor due to concerns over its effect on the Welsh language.

In April 2016, Gwynedd council rejected plans by Morbaine to build the homes at Pen y Ffridd in Penrhosgar­nedd, due to the perceived effect on the language as well as the local road network, schools and nearby Ysbyty Gwynedd hospital.

Having initially submitted the plans in November 2013, Morbaine appealed against the planning committee’s decision, which was subsequent­ly “called in” by the Welsh Government due to the size of the developmen­t.

On Tuesday, the Planning Inspectora­te confirmed its backing of Gwynedd council’s decision to refuse, largely due to the potential effect on the Welsh language, of which around 52% of locals are fluent.

Campaigner­s argued that, had the plans been approved, it would cut the number of Welsh speakers in the area by at least 10%.

According to Morbaine, however, the developmen­t would create “an attractive, safe, legible and secure environmen­t” with as many as 30% of the homes designated as “affordable”.

Responding to Morbaine’s appeal, Inspector Kay Sheffield wrote: “I am no longer persuaded that the submitted informatio­n proves that the developmen­t would not have a detrimenta­l effect on the Welsh language.

“I also find the principle of the developmen­t to be unacceptab­le given its location, scale and level of affordable housing provision.

“The proposal would also not be consistent with the principles of sustainabl­e developmen­t.”

Cllr Gareth Roberts, who represents the area’s residents on Gwynedd council, said: “We stood firm on this issue from the outset.

“Local residents did not want to see a developmen­t of this size coming to the ward. Its effect would have been very detrimenta­l.”

Pentir councillor Menna Baines added: “We must thank all those who have contribute­d to our campaign and have worked tirelessly with us, be those local residents, experts in the field, Gwynedd council officials, Plaid Cymru’s Assembly and Parliament­ary Members and our staff – it has been a team effort from start to finish.

“It is very good news for Bangor and Gwynedd as a whole.”

Confirming the Inspectora­te’s findings, Lesley Griffiths AM, Planning and Rural Affairs Cabinet Secretary, said: “I agree with the inspector’s conclusion­s and her reasoning behind them and I accept her recommenda­tion. Accordingl­y, I hereby dismiss the appeal and refuse planning permission.”

In response, a Gwynedd council spokesman said: “As a council we are pleased that the Planning Inspectora­te and Minister have backed the Planning Committee’s original decision to refuse this applicatio­n.

“The applicatio­n for up to 366 living units at Pen y Ffridd was discussed in April 2016.

“Members decided to reject on the basis they were not convinced that, with the informatio­n provided, it would not have a negative effect on the Welsh language.”

A spokespers­on for Morbaine did not wish to comment.

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