A picturesque seaside village in Wales has reportedly been 'taken over by outsiders', with the Welsh language in rapid decline in the area.

Local councillor Robert Llewelyn-Jones said the language can no longer be heard inside shops and cafes in Llanfaelog, which is situated near Rhosneigr, on Anglesey.

During a meeting about a retrospective application to retain the use of a holiday let in the village, he said: 'When you visit the shops, people don't speak Welsh.

'The place has changed, transformed, it's been taken over by outsiders.' 

He argued that if the application was approved, there would be a detrimental impact on the language even further.

The councillor said, according to the BBC: 'When we visit Rhosneigr, it's full of tourists.'

'I am sure it creates work for people, but we have to look at what the officers are trying to do, to stick to policies, trying to keep the original Rhosneigr, to preserve that.'

Another councillor said his views were 'unfair', adding: 'You have only to look at the tradespeople working, they are Welsh speaking, we can't mislead the public.'

It comes amid the ongoing debate over the Llanfaelog holiday let, which has run for years without being flagged - despite not having permission to operate as a letting enterprise.

Following much debate, the head of development and planning Rhys Lloyd-Jones recommended refusal, but councillors voted in favour. 

This means the matter must be reconsidered. 

Llanfaelog has seen an increase in the number of holiday homes and short-term lets in recent years. 

Rhys Lloyd-Jones said: 'The percentage in the Llanfaelog Community Council area was 37.49 per cent – well over double the guidelines. 

'Areas with a high density of holiday accommodation face a knock-on effect, high house prices, cultural changes, pressure on local infrastructure and loss of community facilities serving the permanent population.

'Although it may be considered this is only one holiday let, consistency is required.

'This policy must be applied strictly especially in areas where the percentage of holiday accommodation and second homes is so high.'