The national park covers 823 square miles

A series of meetings has been arranged to discuss the policies which shape the Snowdonia National Park over the next 13 years.

There are 1,000 sites with planning consent - which anyone can build on - but there are proposals that land released in the future will be available only to people from the area.

Only people who had lived or worked in the park for at least 10 years and could show a genuine need would be able to develop new housing sites.

This policy is aiming to drive down the price of land by limiting it just for local people Peter Ogden, Snowdonia National Park Authority

Peter Ogden, of the park authority, said: "We currently have an affordability gap between what people earn and the price of houses.

"The average wage in Snowdonia is about �17,000 and the average property price is �120,000.

"This policy is aiming to drive down the price of land by limiting it just for local people."

About 26,000 people live within the national park, which covers 823 square miles.

The park authority has estimated there will be a need for 700 new homes over the next 13-14 years.

Language issue

Mr Ogden added: "It is trying to give a fair deal for local people who obviously because of their wages are not in a position to compete with people from outside the area with more disposable income."

The polices are not directly aimed at the Welsh language, but they do aim to retain the integrity of Welsh-speaking communities.

Policies in the plan are designed to "develop Snowdonia's communities and economy in ways which are sustainable... and which enable everyone to use its resources responsibly and enjoy its special qualities equally."

A ban on new static caravan or chalet parks, quarries or the extension of these sites has also been included in the proposals.

The plan will be published in full on 1 October.

The inquiry will be chaired by an independent inspector who will report back to the park authority with recommendations on how the plan should be modified.