CAMPAIGNERS in Bangor are celebrating after plans to develop 366 new homes in Pen y Ffridd have been turned down.

Residents living in the area had protested against the proposed development, claiming that it would have an "adverse effect on the Welsh language in the City."

Plaid Cymru Bangor also worked tirelessly to oppose the plans due to the required investment needed for the infrastructure of the area.

Siân Gwenllian, Plaid Cymru Assembly Member for Arfon said: “There is no doubt that new housing is needed for local people, but they need to be the right type of homes in the right place.

"It is pleasing to see common sense has prevailed and that the Planning Inspector has seen the problems that would arise from developing so many houses in one area of Bangor.

“Plaid Cymru will continue to press for a planning system that takes full account of local needs and the Welsh language."

The Inspector noted that removing the development boundary out of Gwynedd and Anglesey’s Joint Local Development Plan adopted in July last year, has had a major impact on the decision to refuse the planning application.

The final report states that the main consideration for refusing the Pen y Ffridd appeal was the appropriateness of the site for residential development given it is no longer allocated for residential use in the development plan.

Welsh Labour Secretary, Lesley Griffiths had originally granted the planning application in July 2017.

However, the Inspector was of the opinion that the situation [in Gwynedd] had been "significantly altered by the adoption of the Joint Local Development Plan and that "the potential the effect of the development on the Welsh language would also differ."

Plaid Cymru hosted a number of discussions and a public consultation in order for local residents to air their views.

At a meeting held in October last year, most people in attendance strongly refused the planning application.

Councillor Gareth Roberts was present at those meetings and represents the area's residents on Gwynedd Council.

"Local residents did not want to see a development of this size coming to the Ward, its effect would have been very detrimental," he said.

"We stood firm on this issue from the outset.

"We are proud to hear that the Planning Inspector has decided to refuse the right to develop the land. Our hard work has paid off."