A DEVELOPER will be allowed to build another five houses in the village of Cross Inn despite concerns about “swamping” areas with non-Welsh speakers.

Cllr Lyndon Lloyd, from Beulah, expressed concerns about use of the Welsh language but did support the further development in Cross Inn, near New Quay.

“The villages have been swamped,” Cllr Lloyd told a recent meeting of the development control committee at Ceredigion County Council.

“They do bring their money with them, they do invigorate our communities. The sadness of the situation is the Welsh language. It affects our schools and communities,” added Cllr Lloyd.

The five houses, including one affordable home, would be the second phase of Cae John estate, developed by Dyfed Homes.

The plans are for a pair of semi-detached three bedroom homes and a row of three terraced houses, also with three bedrooms.

A planning report states: “Each house within the first phase of this development has been sold to local people and the developer is aware of other local people wanting at least three of these new homes.”

Local member Cllr Dafydd Edwards supported the application, which had been recommended for refusal by planning officers.

“I was of the view that Cross Inn should be a service centre, it has the three main points for a services centre, a garage, a shop and a pub,” he said with reference to the local development plan (LDP).

Planning officers say that the proposal would increase the number of houses in the village above LDP allocation, adding that it has doubled in size since 2007.

Cllr Gareth Lloyd added: “Without the houses, the services will disappear.”