News

Welsh language housing plan ‘risks division,’ says Tory MS

Published

10 months ago

June 1, 2025

Government proposals under fire amid concerns over bureaucracy and exclusion

THE WELSH Labour Government’s response to a key report on the future of Welsh-speaking communities has come under fire from the Conservatives, who claim its new language-based planning proposals risk fostering division and exclusion.

Plans published in response to the Commission for Welsh-speaking Communities include stronger restrictions on second home ownership, measures to prioritise housing for Welsh speakers in heartland areas, and changes to the planning system that would incorporate linguistic impact assessments into applications.

While ministers say the approach is vital to protect and strengthen the Welsh language in areas where it is most at risk, critics argue the proposals are vague, heavy-handed, and likely to cause bureaucratic delays and resentment.

Speaking on Thursday (May 29), Tom Giffard MS, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for the Welsh Language, said: “While we welcome efforts to promote the Welsh language, the Welsh Labour Government must take a balanced approach, ensuring the needs of all Welsh residents are met.

“Policies prioritising specific areas or communities based on linguistic criteria could unintentionally exclude or disadvantage others, add bureaucracy, and create unintended consequences for residents and businesses. Such an approach risks fostering division instead of cohesion.”

The Labour Government’s plans follow recommendations made by the Commission earlier this year to prevent the ongoing erosion of Welsh as a community language, particularly in rural and coastal areas where house prices have surged and the number of fluent Welsh speakers has fallen.

But the Conservative Party says the response fails to address underlying issues such as poor housing supply, limited economic opportunity, and a lack of transparency in the planning system.

“Labour’s track record on housing is weak,” said Mr Giffard. “They’ve missed house-building targets repeatedly and left thousands on waiting lists. We have serious doubts about their ability to deliver these new policies effectively.”

Welsh Labour has defended its stance, saying the Welsh language is part of the nation’s shared cultural inheritance and that urgent action is needed to secure its future. A government spokesperson said the policies would be subject to consultation and that local authorities would retain flexibility in implementation.

The Welsh Conservatives have called for a full impact assessment and greater clarity on how the measures would affect residents, developers, and small businesses.

A public consultation is expected to launch later this year, with draft guidance and legislative changes potentially following in 2026.

Background

The Commission for Welsh-speaking Communities, chaired by academic Dr Simon Brooks, was tasked with identifying strategies to strengthen the use of the language in everyday life. Its final report warned that Welsh may “disappear as a community language” from parts of Wales unless targeted intervention takes place.

Key recommendations included linguistic impact assessments for housing developments, expanded language requirements for public services, and greater community control over land use.

While supported by Plaid Cymru and Welsh language campaigners, the proposals have been labelled “discriminatory” by some opposition politicians and property groups.

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

12 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.

News

Man arrested after suspected drugs-related death in Haverfordwest

Published

12 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Police say death not suspicious as 46-year-old arrested over alleged Class A drug supply

A MAN has died following a medical emergency at a property in Haverfordwest, police have confirmed.

Emergency services were called at 3:18pm on Wednesday (March 18) after a report of a medical incident.

A man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.

The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.

However, police confirmed that a man, aged 46, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

No further details about the deceased have been formally released.

Crime

Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe

Published

13 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.

At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.

The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.

The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.

In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.

Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.

Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.

While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.

The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.

“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”

He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”

Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.