Leading local musicians have backed calls to abolish national housing targets in order to strengthen the Welsh language.

Among the 11 musicians calling for system with local needs at its centre, are entertainer Dewi Pws Morris from Tresaith, Clatshobant front-woman Delyth Wyn from Blaenporth, and founder of recording company Fflach and member of Ail Symudiad, Wyn Jones from Cardigan.

The musicians have signed a Cymdeithas yr Iaith statement calling for planning legislation which would base the system on local needs rather than nationally-set housing targets, ensure the impact of developments on the Welsh language are assessed, and give legal power to councillors to approve or reject plans based on their language impact.

Dewi Pws Morris said: “There needs to be a change to the whole planning system so the language can grow as a community language instead of declining. There’s no point getting some superficial fix which doesn’t get to the heart of the problem, which is the fact that the system knows the price of everything but the value of nothing. That’s why local community needs should be the focus of this new legislation, instead of serving rich people from outside.”

Toni Schiavone, Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg Sustainable Communities’ spokesman said: “The Welsh Government has the chance to show they’re serious about ensuring a future for Welsh speaking communities and people’s ability to live in Welsh.”

Cymdeithas yr Iaith is holding a series of public meetings to discuss its alternative Planning Bill and is inviting comments on its proposals until the end of the National Eisteddfod week in August.