WELSH language activists are planning a hunger strike against proposed planning laws they’ve dubbed a “multinationals’ dream.”

Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg (Welsh Language Society) revealed yesterday that some members are considering a fast over the Welsh government’s planning Bill.

Chair Jamie Bevan said: “This law’s impact on the Welsh language is serious, and the idea of a fast reflects the seriousness of the situation.”

Their announcement comes ahead of a crucial vote on the Bill in the Welsh Assembly on May 5.

Assembly Members will consider amendments to the Bill, which would strip local councils of planning powers and hand them to civil servants in Cardiff.

Cymdeithas says the centralisation would “weaken democratic voices” and allow developers to build without a commitment to affordable housing.

They believe that would see people priced out of communities and consequently put the Welsh language in a “fragile” position.

Speaking from his home in Merthyr, Mr Bevan said: “The Welsh language used to be the community language of Merthyr.

“At the moment, we have a system which builds for the sake of unsustainable growth, which benefits large companies.

“The patterns are destroying the Welsh language, our environment and exacerbating poverty.”

The Assembly’s cross-party environment committee has called on Planning Minister Carl Sargeant to consider the language as part of the planning laws.

But the ruling Labour group voted down changes last month, prompting plans for the hunger strike.

The Welsh government insisted yesterday that it had worked with Cymdeithas to make changes that will protect the Welsh language.

“The minister continues to work with all parties to ensure that any further amendments to the Bill … are in the best interests of communities across Wales,” a spokeswoman said.