Seaside village taken over by outsiders not speaking Welsh, councillor complains

A seaside village in north Wales has been "taken over by outsiders" and the Welsh language is no longer heard in its shops and cafes, according to a local councillor.

Robert Llewelyn-Jones made the comments during a planning meeting about a retrospective application to retain the use of a holiday let at Llanfaelog, near Rhosneigr, on Anglesey.

"When you visit the shops, people don't speak Welsh," he said.

"The place has changed, transformed, it's been taken over by outsiders."

His views were called "unfair" and "disappointing" by another councillor during the discussion about the one-bedroomed holiday property, described as a converted outbuilding.

Llewelyn-Jones said he feared that if the application was approved, it would have a negative impact on the Welsh language.

"When we visit Rhosneigr, it's full of tourists," he said.

"There are hotels in the area that people can stay in.

"It's a place for holiday-makers for three to four months, then quiet the rest of the year.

"I am sure it creates work for people, but we have to look at what the officers are trying to do, to stick to policies, trying to keep the original Rhosneigr, to preserve that."

Fellow councillor Douglas Fowlie disagreed with Llewelyn-Jones, and said: "I'm disappointed with comments about Rhosneigr, this is an application in Llanfaelog. I think it's unfair when you say the Welsh language is not used.

"You have only to look at the trades people working, they are Welsh speaking, we can't mislead the public."

Ken Hughes added: "There's been no local objection, it did not impact amenities of the area, and tourism is extremely important for Anglesey, bringing millions of pounds."

Head of development and planning Rhys Lloyd-Jones recommended refusal, but councillors voted in favour, meaning the matter must now be reconsidered.

He said there was a "high concentration" of holiday homes and short-term lets in the area, which could "significantly change communities".

"Areas with a high density of holiday accommodation face a knock-on effect, high house prices, cultural changes, pressure on local infrastructure and loss of community facilities serving the permanent population," he said.

"This policy must be applied strictly especially in areas where the percentage of holiday accommodation and second homes is so high."

Fowlie read a document from Jamie Miles, managing director of Anglesey Holiday Lettings, for the applicants.

It stated: "The Hoot is not a residential house in the heart of Rhosneigr, removed from the housing stock, it's a one-room converted outbuilding at Llanfaelog accommodating just two people.

"Whatever one's wider view about the number of holiday accommodation in Rhosneigr, refusing the use of The Hoot does not return a house to the residential market, there's no house to return."

Lloyd-Jones "accepted" it was only a one-bedroom property, for two people, but said the percentage of holiday accommodation was "already extremely high, if you permit this you would have to permit others".

"The fact it's not a new application sends out the wrong message to the public, if you have already done it without planning permission for years, you are giving the impression that is OK.

"That might set a very important and dangerous precedent, that people can do things without permission."