AHOM1: Darparu Tai Fforddiadwy

Delete this policy and replace with a new policy based on viability testing of housing market areas also taking account of the above comments.

This is the first time that the HBF has seen an affordable housing policy like this, in that it proposes a percentage requirement based on the size of the site rather than the viability of the area. Such an approach is not supported by the Welsh Government Development Plan Manual 3. Further such an approach takes no account of market areas which vary greatly in this area due to the geographical size and differences between the unban and rural areas, as identified by Appendix A of the viability document. These areas were used by the LHMA but have then not been used by the policy to consider viability by area. There is no explanation in the plan or the Viability evidence document as to why this different approach has been used.

CARMARTHENSHIRE HOUSE PRICE DATABASE SUMMARY as at November 2022 : APPENDIX B indicates average prices range across the borough from £164K - £284K which highlights the impact location will have on viability. Further the same table indicates that the increase in prices since 2019 has varied greatly between 13.1% and 56.9% again highlighting the difference in market areas.

No 'key sites' viability assessment has ben carried out, other recent RLP's have shown that these sites need to be considered differently to the high level viability assessment.

The wording of the policy states 'The affordable housing target percentage noted is a target to be used as a starting point for affordable housing negotiation'. This is unacceptable and contradicts its self if its a target it can't also be the starting point.

As is the normal practice there is no mention of viability within the policy and the need to consider whether it is viable for the scheme to deliver affordable housing along with many other potential S106 cost.

The idea of using the aggregate number of adjacent sites is not appropriate if the sites are being developed by different developers. Its is presumed that this wording is trying to avoid sites being subdivided to reduce affordable housing requirements, if this is the case then this is what it should say.

The requirement for perpetuity should not be contained within the policy wording and the acceptability of it should be checked with local RSL's.

Amend Policy

Introduction

Persimmon Homes West Wales write to submit these representations in respect of the current Carmarthenshire Deposit Local Development Plan (2018 to 2033) (“Deposit Plan”) consultation. As the Council will be aware, Persimmon Homes West Wales are actively promoting two additional candidate sites for residential allocation in the Deposit Plan, both of which have Option Agreements in place:

Land off Church Road, Gorslas (SR/067/002)
This submitted site is 2.7 hectares of undeveloped land, located to the north of Gorslas.

Land at Fforest Road, Fforest (SR/069/003)
Two options have been submitted for the site. The first forms 15.24 hectares and the second 4.5 hectares of undeveloped land which is situated directly adjacent to the eastern boundary and settlement building line of Fforest. Part of the site is allocated for housing in the adopted Carmarthenshire Local Development Plan (Site T3/7/h8).

Promotional documents were submitted as part of the candidate site submission which provide a full overview of each site.

Persimmon Homes are currently within the planning application process and delivering units on a number of sites which are detailed in the Deposit Plan – of which are relevant commentary on these is provided below.

This letter focuses on the key concerns with the Deposit Plan and overall housing strategy, reflecting on each matter with regard to the ‘tests of soundness’, to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 and Planning Policy Wales 11 (PPW 11) (February 2021).

Soundness
The fundamental requirement for a Local Development Plan to be sound is prescribed in the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. With regard to the ‘tests of soundness’, whilst there is no statutory definition of ‘soundness’ the Development Plans Manual (Edition 3) (March 2020) advises that the following criteria should be considered:

Test 1. Does the plan fit?
Test 2. Is the Plan appropriate?
Test 3. Will the Plan deliver?

Policies and comments

Persimmon Homes West Wales raise concern regarding the Plan Period, noting that if adopted in 2024 as targeted, the Plan will effectively only cover a relatively short Plan Period Post Adoption of 10 years. It is considered a more proactive approach would be to Plan for a 15 year period from the point of adoption to allow for greater certainty over the longer-term (particularly if a future LDP is likely to suffer from such delays and to align the Plan with Future Wales: the National Plan (2040). Such an approach would call for the allocation of additional sites to meet the housing need for the extended Plan Period.

The Deposit Plan as currently drafted fails Test 1 and 3 in terms of the current Plan Period, with regard to the effectiveness of the Plan Period and the need to fit with other plans and policies. We consider a 15 year plan period from the anticipated point of adoption should be implemented and additional residential site allocations which are available and deliverable should be allocated to meet housing need (Church Road, Gorslas and Land at Forest).

SP3: Sustainable Distribution – Settlement Framework
SP3 directs the provision of growth and development to sustainable locations. This takes a 4 tiered approach in terms of the settlement framework. These include the principal centres, the service centres, sustainable villages and rural villages. The principal centres remain as Carmarthen, Llanelli and Ammanford/Cross Hands, which includes Gorslas, where the majority of development will be directed. Fforest/Hendy is defined as a Service Centre in Cluster 2 where 15-20% of development will be directed. We support the provision of Housing Allocations in Principal Centres and Service Centres

As part of the review process, Persimmon Homes are promoting the inclusion of sites SR/069/003 (Option 1 and 2) in Fforest and SR/067/002 in Gorslas in the Deposit Plan.

It is considered that the future development of the residential sites at both Gorslas and Fforest (option 1 and 2) which have been submitted as Candidate Sites would be coherent and consistent with the Local Development Plan vision, objectives, preferred strategy and Deposit Plan Policies.

SP4: A Sustainable Approach to Providing New Homes
This Deposit Plan proposes to use the ten-year based projection from Turley’s Housing and Economic Growth Report and utilise the Council Tax vacancy rate of 3.8% to underpin the future growth requirements for this revised Deposit LDP. This results in the following for the plan period:
- Projected population change between 2018-2033: +14,468
- New homes requirement: + 588 per year
- New Homes requirement during the plan period: 8,822
- Jobs creation value per annum: +276

This will result in 13 units less over the plan period from the original Deposit Plan which was consulted upon.
This Deposit Plan’s strategic policy (SP1) outlines the LDP will provide for the future growth of a sustainable economy and housing requirement through the provision of:
- 9,704 new homes to meet the identified housing requirement of 8,822 with a 10% flexibility allowance.
- The focus on regeneration and growth reflects the Council’s core strategic ambitions with development distributed in a sustainable manner consistent with the spatial strategy and settlement framework.

This will result in 456 less new homes in the plan period from the original Deposit Plan which was consulted upon. A more ambitious housing requirement would facilitate the economic growth required in the county and will be more effective in achieving the Council’s vision and objectives. Persimmon Homes considers that the plan lacks ambition in regards to the housing numbers.

The removal of the 5 year housing land supply policy within PPW 11 and TAN 1 and the replacement with the housing trajectory approach to monitor the delivery of LDP housing requirements, places even greater importance on ensuring that the housing trajectory is credible and realistic and it is critical that the housing allocations proposed in emerging Local Development Plans are appropriately and robustly evidenced to ensure that they are realistically deliverable.

Planning Policy Wales Edition 11 sets out the land use planning policies of the Welsh Government with its primary objective being to ensure that the planning system contributes towards the delivery of sustainable development and improves the social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being of Wales.

PPW 11 states that the ‘planning system must:
- Identify a supply of land to support the delivery of the housing requirement to meet the differing needs of communities across all tenures;
- Enable provision of a range of well-designed, energy efficient, good quality market and affordable housing that will contribute to the creation of sustainable places; and
- Focus on the delivery of the identified housing requirement and the related land supply’.

‘The supply of land to meet the housing requirement proposed in a development plant must be deliverable. To achieve this, development plans must include a supply of land which delivers the identified housing requirement figure and makes a locally appropriate additional flexibility allowance for sites not coming forward during the plan period. The ability to deliver requirements must be demonstrated through a housing trajectory. The trajectory should be prepared as part of the development plan process and form part of the plan. The trajectory will illustrate the expected rate of housing delivery for both market and affordable housing for the plan period. To be ‘deliverable’, sites must be free, or readily freed, from planning, physical and ownership constraints and be economically viable at the point in the trajectory when they are due to come forward for development in order to support the creation of sustainable communities’.

‘As part of demonstrating the deliverability of housing sites, financial viability must be assessed prior to their inclusion as allocations in a development plan. At the ‘Candidate Site’ stage of development plan preparation land owners/developers must carry out an initial site viability assessment and provide evidence to demonstrate the financial deliverability of their sites. At the ‘Deposit’ stage, there must be a high level plan-wide viability appraisal undertaken to give certainty that the development plan and its policies can be delivered in principle, taking into account affordable housing targets, infrastructure and other policy requirements’.

Flexibility Allowance
The flexibility allowance in terms of housing numbers is to be included in a Plan to ensure it will remain effective in the event of changing circumstance such as non-delivery of key sites and / or other unforeseen issues. The Development Plan Manual indicates that a 10% flexibility allowance should be the starting point in terms of housing provision. Persimmon Homes West Wales are of the view that the appropriate rate should be set based on local circumstances. We consider that a greater level of flexibility should be allowed for in the Plan to increase the change of meeting the housing needs of the County. Such a flexibility allowance will assist in overcoming uncertainties regarding housing deliverability and viability and would also allow additional flexibility given the shorter time period on which the Plan is proposed (10 years from adoption). The provision of 15% flexibility would increase the housing supply to 10,145 and increase the allocated plots by 441 dwellings.

Site Allocations
Persimmon Homes supports the allocation of the Strategic Site at Carmarthen West and would like to provide confirmation that as one of the largest house builders in West Wales, we are currently going through the Planning Application and Design process for 343 dwellings on Carmarthen West and are also actively working to obtain an Option Agreement for an additional 300 units. The site is considered deliverable and viable and we therefore support the inclusion of the site in the Plan under reference PrC1/MU1.

Persimmon Homes supports the allocation of Dafen East Gateway for the delivery of housing under reference PrC2/h23. We are currently within the Planning Process for the development scheme and intend to begin construction on site as soon as we are able. We are confident that the development site will be delivered in line with the Housing Trajectory as set out in the Deposit Plan. In regards to this allocation, the site is currently 20% affordable housing with the planning application complying with this policy level, we therefore request that the affordable housing requirement is reduced from 30% (which does not fall in line with AHOM1 at 25%) to the current level of 20%.

AHOM1: Affordable Housing
Persimmon Homes West Wales Object to the nature of the Affordable Housing Provision Policy AHOM1. The changes to the Affordable Housing percentages at a blanket of 25% on sites which are over 101 plots does not consider the changes in viability and locality of a site across the County Council area.

If you require any further information on the above or would like to discuss any points, please do not hesitate to contact me.

No change to Plan.

Policy SP1: Strategic Growth
We support Policy SP1 which includes provision for 9,704 new homes to meet the identified housing requirement of 8,822 and consider this to be an achievable level of growth for the County.
We would reiterate the importance of enabling appopriate levels of growth in smaller sustainable villages, such as Pendine, in addition to larger key settlements, to ensure these housing targets for the Plan period can be achieved.

Policy SP3: Sustainable Distribution – Settlement Framework
The categorisation of Pendine as a ‘Tier 3 Sustainable Village’ within the Settlement Framework is supported. We agree that locations in this tier are
suitable for housing allocations, as per paragaph 11.74 of the Written Statement. In terms of the distribution of growth in Carmarthenshire, we support the notion at
paragraph 11.72, which recognises that much of the County is rural and housing is needed in these locations, not just in the larger top tier settlements. Accordingly,
the Plan should enable and encourage incremental growth of smaller sustainable villages, such as Pendine, to support their local population and economy.
Increased housing supply should be supported in locations where people already live, to ensure that local people have the opportunity to buy homes and continue to live in these areas, rather than needing to move elsewhere within or outside the
County. This will be crucial to address one of Carmarthenshire’s key issues: ageing population and out-migration of younger and working age people.

Policy SD1: Development Limits
We wholly support the alterations proposed to the development limit boundary of Pendine, which now includes Curtilage of Nieuport Farmhouse (Candidate Site Ref: SR/126/004); the western part of Land adjacent to Crofters Rest (Candidate Site Ref: SR/126/001); and a small area of Land rear of St Margarets Park (Candidate Site Ref: SR/126/002), to form a slightly larger housing allocation at Nieuport Yard (ref: SuV61/h1).
The inclusion of these sites ensures that the organic growth of Pendine can be supported through deliverable, viable and policy-compliant housing schemes,
which will contribute towards meeting the RLDP’s objectives. The above sites (as well as additional adjacent land) lie within the ownership of the site promoter, Mr T. Pearce, and represent logical extensions to the existing built form of Pendine. We
therefore support that these sites present valuable opportunities for a suitable level of growth within this ‘sustainable village’ (Tier 3 as per Policy SP3).
Notwithstanding the above, we propose that the development limit should be extended further to also include the remaining part of Land adjacent to Crofters
Rest, to encompass the full site as per the candidate site submission originally submitted in 2018 (ref: SR/126/001). Inclusion of the full extent of the Land adjacent to Crofters Rest presents an opportunity to provide a modest amount of additional housing. The site is also entirely within the site promoter’s ownership, thereby eliminating any land ownership constraints to delivery. The total site is a rectangular parcel of land comprising approximately 0.5ha, which is currently arable/general agricultural land. The site is relatively free from physical constraints, with a flat topography. There is
an existing hedgerow bounding the site to the north, separating the site from the B4314 road. Other than this hedgerow, the site is free from other landscape
constraints. The site is not subject to any statutory nature conservation or archaeological designations, nor tree preservations orders. The site does not lie
within a defined flood plain (TAN 15 Development Advice Maps). We note that the site is located within a Special Landscape Area, however so is the majority of the built settlement of Pendine. Considering this, together with the
partial inclusion of the site within the amended development limits, the landscape designation is not considered to unacceptably constrain the future development of the whole site at Crofters Rest.
As demonstrated for the western part of the site (now proposed to be included within the settlement) the access track off B4314 can suitably be extended
eastwards to accommodate further housing. Inclusion of this land would represent a logical extension to Pendine that would provide symmetry with the existing
housing located immediately north of B4314 (detached bungalows) yet would not extend the built settlement any further eastwards than the existing situation to the
north. The site lies in close proximity to existing residential development in Pendine and
is therefore assumed to be capable of providing appropriate services and utilities
connections. In our view, the extension of the development limit to include the remaining land
adjacent to Crofters Rest within the forthcoming LDP, represents a viable and deliverable opportunity to provide an appropriate range and choice of housing to
meet small scale additional growth within Pendine. The allocation of the full extent of the site would also provide additional flexibility as to the size and range of units
that could be offered on site, to meet local demand in a sustainable manner.

Policy HOM1: Housing Allocations
In particular, we support the allocation of site ref: SuV61/h1 - Land at Nieuport Yard, for the delivery of 10 units. Part of the site already benefits from an
implemented planning permission for 5 units (planning permission ref: 2/21251).

Policy HOM2: Housing within Development Limits
We support Policy HOM2, which notes that whilst sites capable of delivering 5 or more dwellings are allocated for housing, there are smaller unallocated sites within
the settlement limits throughout the County which may be available for the delivery of small scale housing development. We support that proposals on such sites
should be permitted provided they accord with the relevant RLDP policies. Policy AHOM1: Provision of Affordable Homes We support the RLDP objectives for delivery of affordable housing in meeting the
needs of Carmarthenshire. We note that on-site AH contributions will be sought on developments of 10 or more dwellings, based on a percentage that rises
incrementally depending on the total number of dwellings proposed. Policy AHOM1 states that: “The affordable housing target percentage noted is a target
to be used as a starting point for affordable housing negotiations.” We would agree that among other considerations, viability should be taken into account when negotiating the amount of affordable housing contribution that should be sought for
any given scheme, to ensure the deliverability of market housing schemes.Policy AHOM1 also notes that: “Where adjacent and related residential proposals
result in combined numbers meeting or exceeding the above thresholds, the council will seek an element of affordable housing based on applying the above
target percentages to the aggregate number of dwellings.” Again, we would reiterate that this policy should be applied with careful consideration of the overall
viability of housing developments between the LPA and developers.

Policy SP16: Climate Change
We support this policy and recognise the importance of the Council’s wider goals to address climate change, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
However we would suggest that, in terms of Policy SP16, the design requirements for small-scale housing developments should be no more onerous than the
relevant Building Regulations requirements, in order to ensure that proposals remain deliverable and viable to meet the identified housing need over the Plan period.

Fel y nodir yn y crynodeb.
___
As set out in the summary.

Diolch am y cyfle i ymateb 2il CDLl Cyngor Sir Gaerfyrddin a nodaf fy sylwadau isod. Rwy’n fodlon i’m sylwadau ysgrifenedig gael eu hystyried gan yr Arolygydd ond nid wyf am siarad mewn sesiwn gwrandawiad.
Cynghorydd Meinir James
Ward Llangyndeyrn

Thank you for the opportunity to respond to Carmarthenshire County Council's 2nd LDP and my comments are noted below. I am happy for my written comments to be considered by the Inspector but I do not wish to speak at a hearing session.
Councillor Meinir James
Llangyndeyrn Ward



SP1 Twf Strategol 8 Opsiynau Twf
SP8 Y Gymraeg a Diwylliant Cymru
Mae 8,822 yn nifer rhy uchel o dai mewn cyfnod cymharol fyr a fydd yn handwyol iawn i’r Gymraeg yn Sir Gaerfyrddin. Mae darpariaeth hefyd yn yr 2il CDLl ar gyfer hyd at 9,704 o dai newydd yn fygythiad pellach i’r Gymraeg barhau a ffynnu yn ein cymunedau.
Mae rhagestyniadau twf poblogaeth Llywodraeth Cymru yn amcangyfrif cynnydd llawer is yn y boblogaeth ac yn gyffredinol mae mwy yn marw nag sydd yn cael eu geni yn Sir Gâr. Yn ôl ffigyrau Llywodraeth Cymru, 4100 o gynnydd yn y boblogaeth a welwyd mewn 10 mlynedd yn 2011.
Dylid ystyried beth yw’r gofynion yn y cymunedau ond mae opsiwn gofodol yn ystyried y defnydd o dir yn hytrach na’r effaith ar y defnydd tir ar y bobol a’r gymuned.
Mae’r opsiwn a ffefrir hefyd yn rhy uchelgeisiol o ran yr economi ag yn anelu at dyfiant llawer rhy gyflym fydd hefyd yn effeithio’n fawr ar y Gymraeg yng nghymunedau’r Sir.
Mae’r Cynllun yn nodi mai mewnfudo yw’r prif ffactor sy’n effeithio ar nifer y boblogaeth yn y Sir a phobol ifanc yw’r nifer fwyaf sy’n gadael y Sir. Mae angen i ni gadw ein pobol ifanc yn y Sir i sicrhau dyfodol a defnydd o’r Gymraeg yn ein cymunedau. Mae angen tai fforddadwy a thai pris cyrraeddiadwy i’n pobol ifanc i’w galluogi i brynu tŷ ag i aros yn y Sir. Mae adeiladu nifer fawr o dai, mawr, drud, allan o gyrraedd y rhai sydd am brynu eu cartref cyntaf.
Mae angen twf graddol a gofalus i ddiogelu a datblygu ein cymunedau i fod yn gymunedau hyfyw. Mae nifer o gadarnleoedd y Gymraeg yn ein pentrefi a chymunedau gwledig ac mae angen cynyddu niferoedd siaradwyr Cymraeg yn arbennig yn yr ardaloedd hyn.
Byddai 6500-7000 o dai yn ffigwr yn fwy realistig o ran y darpariaeth sydd ei angen gyda 45% o rhain yn dai fforddadwy, canran a awgrymir yn Fframwaith Datlbygu Cenedlaethol 2040 (Llywodraeth Cymru) yn rhoi bron 3000 o dai fforddadwy, a galli hynny gynnwys tai fydd y Cyngor yn eu prynu fel stoc dai hefyd.
Mae Fframwaith Datblygu Cenedlaethol 2040, Llywodraeth Cymru, yn nodi bydd angen 23,400 o dai yn Rhanbarth Canolbarth a De-Orllewin Cymru tan 2039 a thros y 5 mlynedd cyntaf fod angen 45% o rhain i fod yn dai fforddadwy. Mae Sir Gaerfyrddin yn rhan o’r rhanbarth yma sy’n cynnwys poblogaeth o dros 900,00 ac yn cynnwys Castell Nedd Port Talbot ac Abertawe ymhlith yr 8 ardal sydd o fewn y rhanbarth. Mae 8,822 o dai fel a nodir yn yr ail CDLl yn 37.7% o gyfanswm y tai mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn nodi sydd ei angen o fewn y rhanbarth. Nid yw hyn yn realistig nac ymarferol ac yn ategu bod 8,822 yn ffigwr rhy uchel ar gyfer Sir Gaerfyrddin.
Mae angen i ni fod yn uchelgeisiol dros ein cymunedau a pharhad y Gymraeg yn Sir Gaerfyrddin ond rhaid sicrhau bod yr uchelgais wedi’i nodi ar yr elfennau perthnasol fydd yn sicrhau cymunedau ffyniannus er lles ein trigolion. Mae pryder mawr bod cyfanswm y tai a fwriedir yn yr 2il CDLl yn atal ffyniant a pharhad y Gymraeg yn iaith gymunedol yn Sir Gaerfyrddin.

SP8 Y Gymraeg a Diwylliant Cymru
11.173
Nid yw ffigyrau niferoedd siaradwyr Cymraeg yn Sir Gaerfyrddin yng nghyfrifiad 2021 wedi’u hystyried ar gyfer yr 2il CDLl a’r ffigyrau o 2011 sydd wedi’u defnyddio, wedi dyddio. Gan fod y ffigyrau diweddaraf wedi dangos cwymp sylweddol i nifer y siaradwyr o fewn y Sir mae oblygiadau pell gyrhaeddol i’r 2il CDLl o ystyried y ffigyrau’n fanwl. Dylid edrych nid yn unig ar gyfanswm y nifer o siaradwyr Cymraeg, ond ym mhle mae’r nifer uchaf o siaradwyr er mwyn diogelu a datblygu’r Gymraeg yn y cymunedau hynny.
Dylai polisïau cynllunio a fabwysiedir o fewn yr 2il CDLl alluogi parhad a datblygiad y Gymraeg yn iaith fyw ym mhob cymuned o fewn y Sir gyda sylw arbennig yn cael ei roi i’r cymunedau sydd á’r canrannau uchaf o siaradwyr yng nghyfrifiad 2021.
Gan fod y niferoedd wedi gostwng yn sylweddol o fewn y Sir ers cyfrifiad 2011, mae’n amlwg nad yw’r polisïau cynllunio presennol yn ddigonol i barhad y Gymraeg yn iaith hyfyw o fewn y Sir. Rhaid wrth bolisiau cryf i sicrhau bod y Gymraeg yn ffynnu yng nghymunedau’r Sir.
Mae’n rhaid ail edrych ar yr 2il CDLl gan ddefnyddio ffigyrau Cyfrifiad 2021 i sicrhau bod y CDLl yn “hyrwyddo’r Gymraeg a’i diwylliant” (Amcanion Llesiant Sir Gaeryfrdidn 2017-18) “ac mae hefyd yn ymrwymedig i gyfrannu at nod hirdymor Llywodraeth Cymru o sicrhau 1 miliwn o siaradwyr Cymraeg erbyn 2050”(Cymraeg 2050: Miliwn o siaradwyr Cymraeg, Llywodraeth Cymru 2017). Mae Deddf Llesiant Cenedlaethau’r Dyfodol yn nodi “Cymru â diwylliant bywiog lle mae’r Gymraeg yn ffynnu” ac mae angen sicrhau bod y ffigyrau o’r cyfrifiad diweddaraf i sicrhau y gall Sir Gaerfyrddin gyrraedd y nod hwnnw.

WL1: Y Gymraeg a Datblygiadau Newydd
Er mwyn sicrhau bod ein cymunedau yn leoliadau “lle mae’r Gymraeg yn ffynnu”, rhaid cael Asesiad o’r Effaith ar y Gymraeg ar gyfer pob datblygiad o 5 tŷ neu fwy yn yr 2il CDLl gan gynnwys y dyraniadau tai sydd ym mholisiau HOM1 a HOM3. Mae pob datblygiad yn mynd i effeithio ar y Gymraeg yn y gymuned.
Nid yw Cynllun Gweithredu Iaith yn ddigonol ar gyfer y datblygiadau hyn nag unrhyw ddatblygiad o fewn y Sir, i sicrhau parhad a thwf y Gymraeg yn iaith hyfyw yn ein cymunedau. Mae angen Asesiad Effaith ar y Gymraeg a wneir yn annibynnol ac allanol ar raddfa a lefel sydd ar gyfer unrhyw asesiad arall e.e. priffyrdd, NRW, cadwraeth. Rhaid i’r Asesiad Effaith ar y Gymraeg gael ei drin a’i drafod hefyd ar yr un statws a’r asesiadau statudol eraill. Mae pwysigrwydd y Gymraeg yng nghymunedau’r Sir yn haeddu’r ystyriaethau ar y lefel hyn er mwyn cyrraedd y nodau a osodir yn neddfwriaethau Llywodraeth Cymru ac yn amcanion a nodau Cyngor Sir Gaerfyrddin a osodir yn Amcanion Llesiant Sir Gaerfyrddin a Strategaeth y Gymraeg.
Mae angen bod yn rhagweithiol i weld y cynnydd yn y Gymraeg a ddymunwn er lles ein cymunedau.
SP5 Strategaeth Tai Fforddiadwy
AHOM1: Darparu Tai Fforddiadwy – Cyfraniadau Ar-safle
Dylid gosod polisi amodol bod rhai o’r tai fforddiadwy i’w hadeiladu ar ddechrau’r datblygiad neu o leiaf yn rhan o’r 5 neu 10 tŷ cyntaf yn y datblygiad i sicrhau y caiff y tai fforddiadwy eu hadeiladu yn y tymor hir, yn ddi-rwystr.
Mae’n amodol i annedd sengl rhan-dalu swm cyfnewid wrth i’r annedd gael ei adeiladu a dylai amod tebyg i fod yn rhan o gyfraniad ar-safle at dai fforddiadwy hefyd.
Bydd hyn yn galluogi i ymateb i’r galw am dai fforddiadwy ynghynt hefyd gan y bydd yr anheddau ar gael ar ddechrau datblygiad a heb orfod aros i ddatblygiad gael ei gwblhau.

SP11 Yr Economi Ymwelwyr
11.247
Er lles ein cymunedau, a sicrhau tai i bobol leol a thai fforddiadwy i brynwyr cartrefi cyntaf, mae angen gosod cyfyngiadau ar hawliau datblygu a ganiateir i newid anheddau sy’n bodoli eisoes i gartrefi gwyliau, ail gartrefi, a hefyd llety gwyliau dros-dro fel Airbnb. Mae angen gosod canran o gartrefi o’r math yma a ganiateir mewn cymuned i sicrhau bod bywyd cymunedol yn parhau drwy gydol y flwyddyn a chartrefi priodol ar gael i bobol leol.

SP16 Newid yn yr Hinsawdd
Polisi CCH3 – Pwyntiau Gwefru Cerbydau Trydan
11.498/11.499/11.500
Byddai’n fwy addas a chost-effeithiol a chynaladwy i roi pwyntiau gwefru ‘3-fas’ (3-phase) ymhob annedd newydd. Gallai hyn alluogi’r preswylydd i’w defnyddio ar gyfer gwefru trydan a pwmpiau gwresogi. Byddai hyn hefyd yn galluogi’r preswylydd i ddefnyddio’r technoleg diweddaraf pan fyddent ei angen e.e. ni fydd gan bob preswylydd gar trydan yn syth a gallai’r pwynt gwefru trydan EV rhydu a mynd yn ofer yn y cyfamser.
Byddai hefyd yn well i asesu’r ddarpariaeth lleol wrth glustnodi gofodau pwynt gwefru mewn datblygiadau meysydd parcio gan y gallai fod llawer o bwyntiau gwefru yn y cyffiniau neu os nad oes dim byddai angen cynyddu’r 10%.
11.495/11.497
Mae’r heriau trafnidiaeth gyhoeddus a’r amrywiaeth yn y gofynion yng nghymunedau Sir Gaerfyrddin yn cynnig cyfle i hybu cynlluniau Ceir trydan cymunedol/i’w rhannu a syniadau eraill newydd y dylid eu hystyried yn opsyniau i ateb y gofynion.

CCH6
Wrth wynebu’r argyfwng newid hinsawdd dylid ystyried polisi cryfach nag anogaeth a rhoi ffafriaeth i roi neu gorfodi rhoi paneli solar, er enghraifft, ar bob tŷ mewn datblygiadau newydd yn enwedig ar bob tŷ fforddiadwy. Os yw to’r tŷ yn wynebu’r de, gorllewin neu’r dwyrain mae hwn yn ddewis fyddai’n gost effeithiol ar sawl lefel ag yn ateb cymharol syml ag effeithiol i leihau allyriadau carbon. Mae paneli solar ar gael sy’n gallu cael eu rhoi yn y to fyddai’n arbed gwario ar osod teils ar y to.
CHH7: Newid yn yr Hinsawdd – Fforestydd, Coetiroedd a Phlannu Coed
Tra’n cydnabod pwysigrwydd plannu coed a choetiroedd fel ymatebion i’r argyfwng hinsawdd, mae cynlluniau i brynu ffermydd lleol er mwyn cyflawni hyn yn tanseilio’r polisi. Dylid mabwysiadu opsiynau a chynlluniau i ffermwyr lleol i ddefnyddio rhan o’u tir i blannu’r coed a choetiroedd.
Byddai hyn yn sicrhau amddiffyn yr amgylchedd, treftadaeth ddiwylliannol, cymunedau a’n tirwedd ag yn sicrhau bywiolaeth i gadw’n pobol ifanc yng nghefn gwlad.


4 Sir Gaerfyrddin – Cyd-destun Strategol
Trosolwg pwynt 4.48
Tra’n cydnabod pwysigrywdd treftadaeth adeiledig y Sir, mae hyn yn her mawr yng ngyd-destun yr argyfwng newid hinsawdd yn arbennig mewn tref fel Llanymddyfri lle nad oes modd, ar hyn o bryd, i osod ynni adnewyddadwy fel paneli solar ar adeiladau’r dre. Nid yw’n ardal addas ar gyfer melinau gwynt chwaith ac mae hynny’n rhoi her arbennig i’r dref i fod yn gynaladwy.

Yn sgil yr argyfwng sydd o ran newid hinsawdd, mae angen datrys y math yma o sefyllfaoedd a chael hyblygrwydd gan fod paneli solar, er enghraifft, yn osodiad dros-dro a ddim yn amharu ar strwythur yr adeiladau.

SP1 Strategic Growth 8 Growth Options
SP8 Welsh Language and Culture
8,822 is too high a number of houses in a relatively short period of time which will be very detrimental to the Welsh language in Carmarthenshire. There is also provision in the 2nd LDP for up to 9,704 new homes which poses a further threat to the Welsh language in terms of its continuity and its ability to thrive in our communities.
The Welsh Government's population growth projections estimate a much lower increase in population and overall more die than are born in Carmarthenshire. According to Welsh Government figures, in 2011 a population increase of 4100 was observed over 10 years.
Consideration should be given to what the requirements are in the communities, but a spatial option considers the land use rather than the impact of the land use on the people and the community.
The preferred option is also too ambitious in terms of the economy and it aims for far too rapid growth which will also greatly impact the Welsh language in the County's communities.
The Scheme identifies immigration as the main factor affecting population numbers in the County and young people are the largest number leaving the County. We need to keep our young people in the County to ensure the future and use of Welsh in our communities. We need affordable housing and housing at an attainable price for our young people to enable them to buy a house and stay in the County. Building a large number of large, expensive houses is out of reach for those who want to buy their first home.
Gradual and careful growth is needed to protect and develop our communities into viable communities. Many of the Welsh language strongholds are located in our villages and rural communities and the numbers of Welsh speakers need to be increased in these areas in particular.
A figure of 6500-7000 houses would be more realistic in terms of the provision needed with 45% of these being affordable housing, a percentage suggested in the National Development Framework 2040 (Welsh Government). This would provide almost 3000 affordable homes, which could include houses that the Council will buy as housing stock as well.
The Welsh Government's National Development Framework 2040 states that 23,400 houses will be needed in the Mid and South West Wales Region until 2039 and over the first 5 years 45% of these are required to be affordable housing. Carmarthenshire is part of this region which includes a population of over 900,00 and includes Neath Port Talbot and Swansea among the 8 areas within the region. 8,822 houses as set out in the second LDP is 37.7% of the total number of housing that is identified by the Welsh Government as being required within the region. This is neither realistic nor practical and reinforces that the figure of 8,822 is too high for Carmarthenshire.
We need to be ambitious for our communities and the continuation of the Welsh language in Carmarthenshire but we must ensure that the ambition is based on the relevant elements that will ensure thriving communities for the benefit of our residents. There is great concern that the total number of houses intended in the 2nd LDP is preventing the prosperity and continuation of Welsh as a community language in Carmarthenshire.

SP8 Welsh Language and Culture
11.173
The figures for the number of Welsh speakers in Carmarthenshire in the 2021 census have not been considered for the 2nd LDP and the figures from 2011 that have been used, are out of date. As the latest figures have shown a significant drop in the number of speakers within the County the 2nd LDP has far-reaching implications when considering the figures in detail. One should look not only at the total number of Welsh speakers, but also where the highest numbers of speakers are located in order to protect and develop the Welsh language in those communities.
Planning policies adopted within the 2nd LDP should enable the continuation and development of Welsh as a living language in all communities within the County, with particular attention given to the communities with the highest percentages of speakers in the 2021 census.
As numbers have decreased significantly within the County since the 2011 census, it is clear that the current planning policies are not sufficient for the continuation of Welsh as a viable language within the County. Robust policies are required to ensure that the Welsh language thrives in the County's communities.
The 2nd LDP must be revisited using 2021 Census figures to ensure that the LDP "promotes Welsh language and culture" (Carmarthenshire Well-being Objectives 2017-18) "and is also committed to contributing to the Welsh Government's long-term goal of achieving 1 million Welsh speakers by 2050" (Cymraeg 2050: A million Welsh speakers, Welsh Government 2017). The Well-being of Future Generations Act states "A Wales of vibrant culture and thriving Welsh language" and the figures from the latest census need to be upheld to ensure that Carmarthenshire is able to achieve that goal.

WL1: Welsh Language and New Developments
To ensure that our communities are locations "of thriving Welsh language", a Welsh Language Impact Assessment must be held for all developments of 5 or more houses in the 2nd LDP including the housing allocations included in the HOM1 and HOM3 policies. Every development is going to impact the Welsh language in the community.
The Language Action Plan is not sufficient for these developments or any development within the County, to ensure the continuity and growth of Welsh as a viable language in our communities. A Welsh Language Impact Assessment is required which is undertaken independently and externally at a similar scale and level as would be for any other assessment e.g. highways, NRW, conservation. The Welsh Language Impact Assessment must also be dealt with and discussed with the same status as the other statutory assessments. The importance of the Welsh language in the County's communities deserves to be considered at this level in order to reach the goals set out in Welsh Government legislations and in Carmarthenshire County Council's objectives and aims set out in Carmarthenshire's Wellbeing Objectives and the Welsh Language Strategy.
We need to be proactive to see the increase in the Welsh language that we desire for the benefit of our communities.

SP5 Affordable Homes Strategy
AHOM1: Provision of Affordable Homes - On-site Contributions
A conditional policy should be set that some of the affordable homes are to be built at the beginning of the development or at least as part of the first 5 or 10 houses in the development to ensure that the affordable homes are built unhindered in the long term.
It is conditional for a single dwelling to pay in part a Commuted Sum as the dwelling is built and a similar condition should also be part of an on-site contribution to affordable homes.
This will also enable an earlier response to the demand for affordable homes as the dwellings will be available at the beginning of development and without having to wait for development to be completed.

SP11 The Visitor Economy
11.247
For the benefit of our communities, and to ensure housing for local people and affordable homes for first home buyers, restrictions need to be placed on permitted development rights to change existing dwellings into holiday homes, second homes, and also temporary holiday accommodation such as Airbnb. A percentage of this type of homes allowed in a community needs to be set to ensure that community life continues throughout the year and that suitable homes are available to local people.

SP16 Climate Change
Policy CCH3 – Electric Vehicle Charging Points
11.498/11.499/11.500
It would be more suitable and cost-effective and sustainable to install 3-phase charging points in all new dwellings. This could enable the resident to use them for electric charging and heating pumps. This would also enable the occupant to use the latest technology when they need it e.g. not every resident will have an electric car at once and the EV electric charging point could rust and go to waste in the meantime.
It would also be better to assess local provision when allocating charging points in car park developments as there may be many charging points in the vicinity or if there are none the 10% required would need to be increased.

11.495/11.497
The public transport challenges and the diversity of requirements within Carmarthenshire communities offer an opportunity to promote community/shared electric car schemes and other new ideas that should be considered as options to meet the requirements.

CCH6
When facing the climate change crisis, more robust policy should be considered than encouragement and preference should be given to installing or enforcing the installation of solar panels, for example, on all houses in new developments particularly on all affordable homes. If the roof of the house faces south, west or east this is an option that would be cost effective on many levels as a relatively simple and effective solution to reduce carbon emissions. There are solar panels available that can be installed in the roof that would save spending on installing tiles on the roof.
CCH7: Climate Change – Forest, Woodland, and Tree Planting
While recognising the importance of planting trees and woodlands as responses to the climate crisis, schemes to buy local farms to achieve this undermine the policy. Options and schemes should be adopted for local farmers to use part of their land to plant the trees and woodlands.
This would ensure that the environment, cultural heritage, communities and landscape are protected and would ensure livelihoods to retain our young people in the countryside.

4 Carmarthenshire – Strategic Context
Point 4.48 overview
Whilst recognising the importance of the County's built heritage, this is a major challenge in the context of the climate change crisis, particularly in a town such as Llandovery where it is currently not possible to install renewable energy such as solar panels on town buildings. It's also not a suitable area for wind turbines and that poses the town a particular challenge to be sustainable.

In light of the climate change crisis, these kind of situations need to be resolved and there needs to be flexibility as solar panels, for example, are a temporary installation and do not impair the structure of the buildings.