Welsh government unveils new measures to halt the decline of the Welsh language
Latest census data showed a small decline in the number of Welsh speakers in Wales from 19% to 17.8%.
But a big rise in the number of children speaking Welsh in Cardiff meant the true loss of the language in its historical heartlands was masked.In areas like Brynamman, at the southern tip of Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, the language is in significant decline.In the 1970s, more than 90% of the village spoke Welsh. Now, fewer than 60% do so. Campaigners say this story is replicated in many majority Welsh speaking communities across western Wales, where English is now becoming the dominant language.
They argue that housing developments with insufficient affordable homes, as well as the proliferation of second homes, inflates property prices and reduces the number of Welsh-speaking families able to stay in these areas.Now, the Welsh government has announced plans to give protected status to some Welsh speaking communities akin to special conservation areas.
That would mean developers and local authorities will have to increase the consideration given to the Welsh language when applications are made.The Welsh government's Secretary for the Welsh Language, Mark Drakeford, told me he accepts this policy may lead to more developments being blocked, but says it's a matter of 'levelling the playing field' for local residents.But many in the construction industry say the last thing the planning process needs is more bureaucracy. It's also far from clear how this policy work in practice and succeed in arresting decades of decline.
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