PLANS for up to 50 houses in Clynderwen must protect the Welsh language culture of residents living above the A40 ‘equator,’ county planners heard in a poetic plea last week.

Members of the county council’s planning and rights of way committee, meeting at County Hall, heard the plea by local member Huw George while discussing an outline application, made by Clynderwen & Cardiganshire Farmers Ltd, to develop the site and adjacent land of the organisation’s depot in the community.

The outline application, which could see up to 50 houses, with 26 affordable houses, built over a number of stages, was recommended for approval, subject to an affordable housing agreement.

Local member Huw George, expressing his concerns about the need to protect Clynderwen’s Welsh language culture, made reference to the poet Llwyd Williams.

He said the affordable housing proposed could help local people in need of housing.

“People throughout the county are the same but their cultures are different, the A40 is the ‘equator’ with an ‘above’ and a ‘below’; this is the first community above the ‘equator’; but the impact on the Welsh language and culture comes after ecology and community (in the planning report).”

He added: “Us people who live ‘north of the equator’ need a little support, this is an opportunity where we can support a Welsh community.”

The report suggests that the affordable houses are a mix of low cost home ownership properties and social rented.

The application was moved by Councillor Brian Hall, seconded by Councillor Keith Lewis, who added: “The point we are faced with in the north of the county is that there is a change over time of residents moving into the area. I wouldn’t say incomers don’t contribute greatly to our community; however what our youngsters are facing with affording their own home is becoming increasingly difficult.”