Housing developers in Machynlleth will have to show what steps they are taking to sustain and promote the Welsh language when they build 11 new properties in the town.

The move – which is a first for Powys - has been welcomed by the county council, with Cllr Elwyn Vaughan describing it “as taking new steps in the status of the Welsh language in Powys”.

Mid Wales Housing, which intends to develop 11 flats on a site in Heol Maengwyn, Machynlleth, will have to implement a Language Impact Assessment as part of the planning process.

Cllr Vaughan added: “Machynlleth has been acknowledged as a key area for the Welsh language within the Powys Local Development Plan.

“It is a requirement by that plan that housing developments in those communities take practical steps to protect, promote and expand the Welsh language and therefore I welcome the work that Mid Wales Housing will be undertaking.”

Cllr Vaughan added: “This is the first time this is happening in Powys and hopefully shows the long-term commitment of the council to secure the sustainable role of the language and culture as an integral part of the area and I look forward to seeing this innovative action in Machynlleth a template for future developments.

“This is to be welcomed and the fruit of a great deal of work as part of the development of the Development Plan."

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