Council Faces Calls for Apology Over Failed Second Home Policy
A councillor has called for Cyngor Gwynedd to apologise "profusely" following the failure of a second home crackdown that cost taxpayers £465,654.
Cyngor Gwynedd was the first council to require planning permission for converting properties into second homes or holiday lets, a policy known as Article 4. However, this policy was overturned by the High Court.
The court ruled that flawed and incomplete information had been presented to councillors when they approved Article 4.
"The council should apologise profusely... for the losses they have caused by presenting defective papers to the cabinet."
The council expressed disappointment with the court's decision but maintained support for the reasons behind Article 4.
Attempts to appeal the ruling were refused.
Calls for Accountability and Disciplinary Action
Gruffydd Williams, who supports the measures, emphasised the need for an apology and accountability.
"The council should apologise profusely to the county's taxpayers for the losses they have caused by presenting defective papers to the cabinet.
We also need to know what disciplinary steps have been taken, to bring this whole mess to an end."
Background on Article 4 and Its Purpose
Gwynedd has the highest concentration of second homes in Wales. The council argued that stronger controls were necessary to protect Welsh-speaking communities and improve housing access.
Article 4 aimed to restrict the conversion of main homes into second homes or short-term holiday lets.
Opponents, led by a group in Abersoch, successfully challenged the policy in the High Court, arguing that reports had "significantly misled members" when presented to the cabinet.
The court's judgement does not affect areas of Gwynedd and Conwy within the boundaries of Eryri National Park.
Financial Impact of Article 4 Implementation
A report revealed that £465,654 has been spent on implementing and defending the Article 4 process to date.
Community Impact and Future Considerations
Williams highlighted the original intent behind Article 4.
"The whole point of putting Article 4 in place was so that local people had some kind of chance to buy houses in this area, rather than everyone flowing from here to Bangor, Caernarfon, Cardiff and beyond,"
He added that the council's errors had left communities "back at square one."
Despite the legal setback, Williams does not believe the council should abandon the policy but stressed the importance of avoiding past mistakes.
"It must be looked at realistically, and the correct papers must be presented, because we don't want the same mess again.
Taxpayers have paid the price for these mistakes. It's time for the council to take responsibility."
Council Response
A council spokesperson stated:
"Although we are disappointed with the court's decision, we also believe that the justification and the fundamental reasons for introducing Article 4 remain relevant.
The council acted responsibly and in good faith in addressing issues that are extremely important to the future of our communities."
They added that the 12-month period during which Article 4 was in force in Gwynedd will be "crucial" as the local authority determines its next steps.
