Meirionnydd is being short-changed in a government plan for new homes, jobs and services over the next 20 years, according to a local councillor.

A Dolgellau councillor has said the Welsh Government plans treat the area as a ‘hinterland’ and lack ambition for rural Wales.

The National Development Framework, which will outline where new homes, jobs and services should be based over the next 20 years, earmarks Bangor and Caernarfon as the only centres for regional growth in Gwynedd.

The Welsh Government is consulting on its plan – but it has been slammed by councillors in Gwynedd as “hugely disappointing” and “lacking vision”.

Gwynedd councillors say the plan will see rural north-west Wales lose out at the expense of more urban areas.

Dyfrig Siencyn, councillor for Dolgellau North and Gwynedd Council leader, said: “One of the glaring omissions in the NNDF is the lack of ambition for rural Wales, which includes Dolgellau of course.

“They regard us as a hinterland, which by definition means land beyond known boundaries. We were quite scathing in our criticism of the document because it shows little knowledge, empathy and ambition for rural Wales.”

They have also claimed a lack of attention has been given to the Welsh language.

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