A proposal to build 20 homes in Chwilog that prompted concerns over potential for “linguistic harm” has been approved.

The estate doubled the amount of social housing there and locals feared for the linguistic balance of the 80 per cent Welsh-speaking village.

It was argued that the homes would provide affordable housing for local people and help meet housing needs.

The application, for land at Brynhyfryd/Cae Capel, came before the planning committee on 7 September.

The application by Williams Homes Bala Ltd and Grŵp Cynefin was amended, reducing the number of homes from 25 to 20.

The site was also revised, locating it entirely within a site specifically designated for housing in Chwilog.

The proposal also involves providing new access from the B4354.

The plan prompted strong local feeling.

Cllr Rhys Tudur opposed the plan, the community council unanimously objected, and there were further objections voiced through a 160-signature petition.

Cllr Gruff Williams proposed a vote to reject the scheme but this failed.

Addressing Welsh language concerns, Cllr Berwyn Parry Jones said: “One of the things I have noticed with every other social housing estate, is the percentage of Welsh speakers seems to be higher.

“So, maybe by not constructing estates, we are at risk of losing Welsh speakers by them moving away to find other places to live.”

He also added concerns that “refusal could see it going to appeal,” and said he “couldn’t support the proposal to refuse”.

Cllr Elwyn Edwards “agreed with a lot” of what had been said by Cllr Tudur but stated: “Unfortunately we are bound by working within policy passed by this council and [rules applied] by the planning inspector…at the moment, we have no choice but to agree.”

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A vote in line with the planning officer’s recommendation to approve the application passed, after achieving 10 votes in favour and five against.