Monmouthshire Council planning decisions this week
Silver birch approved for removal
A dangerously leaning silver birch tree was approved for removal by a delegated officer in Monmouthshire.
The tree was threatening a house, power line, and heating oil supply pipe.
Usk store to undergo redevelopment
The Co-op store on Bridge Street, Usk, will see a range of upgrades to its building and infrastructure.
Approved plans include the installation of a new gas cooler, DA pack, and air conditioning units in the rear yard, replacing existing equipment.
The timber shop fronts will be repaired and redecorated to match the current appearance.
The main entrance canopy will receive new boxing at its base to address damage to the timber columns.
Additional improvements include new ventilation systems, external LED lighting, and internal refurbishments such as upgraded flooring, ceilings, and fire boarding.
The application was granted listed building consent on June 3.
Glamping site approved in Tintern
A sustainable glamping site in Tintern has been approved by planners.
The seasonal development includes six bell tents, two compost toilets, and a shower block at Cross Farm, Ravensnest Wood Road.
Cottage set for energy efficiency upgrades
A cottage near Tintern is set for energy efficiency upgrades.
Monmouthshire County Council has approved plans to retrofit The Retreat, located on Barbadoes Hill, with external wall insulation and three new Velux roof windows.
The insulation will be applied to all four sides of the property and finished with a white render.
The application was approved by delegated decision on June 2.
Roof light given green light in Caerwent
A homeowner has been granted permission to add an extra roof light to their home.
Caerwent Community Council granted the applicant's request for a property on Merton Green, Caerwent, on May 29.
Garden to become driveway in Chepstow
A front garden is set to be converted into a driveway.
Monmouthshire County Council has approved a request to replace the lawn at 23 Western Avenue in Chepstow with a hard-surfaced parking area.
The proposed driveway will measure six metres by 6.5 metres.
The application was approved on June 2.
Forestry access track plans withdrawn
Elsewhere, plans to build a forestry access track in Devauden have been withdrawn.
The track was planned to support tree felling operations in Little Tredean Wood, where mature larch trees have been infected with Phytophthora ramorum.
The proposal was withdrawn on June 3.
Garden extension in Devauden approved
Meanwhile, a bungalow's garden will be extended after planning permission was granted.
The land will be incorporated into the residential garden at Pen Y Bryn Bungalow, Cobblers Hill, Devauden.
Gym and home office approved in Newchurch
A new gym and home office outbuilding at Pyotts Cottage, Coed Llifos Road, Newchurch, has been approved.
The construction was greenlit by a delegated officer.
Yew tree to be pruned to protect St Tysois Church
Finally, a historic yew tree will be pruned to protect a village church.
Located in the churchyard of St Tysois Church in Llansoy, near Usk, the tree will be trimmed to prevent overhanging branches from damaging the building or impeding access.
Monmouthshire County Council approved the plans on June 2.
The work will raise the tree's crown to two metres and clear branches within three metres of the church on its western side.
The application also includes the removal of epicormic shoots from the trunk.
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Daily Record
a day ago
- Daily Record
Campaigners secure crunch meeting as concerns rage over Strathyre felling plans
The meeting has been called between the main forestry organisation, community groups and councillors after a petition protesting the tree felling plans attracted more than 600 signatures. Concerned campaigners have secured a meeting with forestry chiefs over tree felling plans affecting more than 4,000 hectares of woodland near Strathyre. The Observer reported last week on a petition protesting proposals from Forestry and Land Scotland following growing concern over the presence of 'Phytophthora ramorum' infections across forests in the Trossachs region. The Strathyre Forests Larch Removal Plan (LRP) covers a total area of 4,225 hectares and is targeting both infected and uninfected trees within a prescribed 'buffer zone'. But those plans were subject to a petition of more than 600 signatures - and the pressure now appears to have paid off with a meeting in the works between residents, pressure groups, councillors and FLS themselves. Petition author Karen Clough said: 'We want the best outcome for the woodland here but the scale of the work planned is both exceptional and extraordinary. 'To lose almost 200 hectares of woodland in the next two to three years would really be devastating for the area, not just the habitats built up but also the eco-tourism which businesses can be so reliant upon. 'People come here to wander off into the quiet woodland and get lost - and they do so from all over the world - but who would want to come here if they're going to be surrounded by forestry work and logging machines? 'Why don't we ringfence an area around Strathyre as non-commercial woodland which can be more protected, where the diversity of habitats is saved and it wouldn't impact the community as severely?' Further concerns over the proposals on wildlife have been raised by Duncan Orr-Ewing, chairman of the Central Scotland Raptor Study Group, who added: 'There is a really broad mix of conifer tree species in the area and because of that diversity, it is really attractive to an array of wildlife - we have an interest in breeding raptors, but there is also a healthy population of goshawks and owls. 'The main concern over the FLS plans are that we haven't seen much of a mitigation plan for the raptor and owl species and a whole load of conifers potentially being removed could cause serious damage to the raptor population. 'We commented on the proposals at an early stage but haven't had any feedback from that; they have the information on the breeding raptors and the concerns they will leave this area if this is not carried out properly.' Trossachs and Teith councillor Martin Earl has been involved in brokering the meeting and welcomed the news - and also the extension of consultation over the plans until July 4. Cllr Earl said: 'Given how extensive these proposals are, I can fully understand why there is so much interest from the community so I am delighted that FLS agreed to extend the consultation period and agree to a meeting with interested parties. 'I look forward to this being a constructive opportunity for concerns to be addressed.' An FLS spokesman said 'Although the law requiring the removal of diseased larch within a timebound period does not require that the usual pre-felling checks are carried out, we nevertheless act in accordance with the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004, and use a number of measures to protect raptor and other species during our operations. 'In this instance, we have sought to minimise the potential impacts on wildlife by, as far as is possible, limiting the area of mature forest being removed, proposing the use of thinning and 'keyholing' techniques to minimise tree loss and, where we can, retain non-larch stands in excess of c.45 years of age. 'Where neither option is open to us we will continue to work with stakeholders, including NatureScot and the Central Scotland Raptor Study Group, to find other ways to minimise and mitigate the impacts on populations of priority and protected species.'
South Wales Argus
2 days ago
- South Wales Argus
Monmouthshire County Council Armed Forces Week flag raising
The flag-raising ceremony on June 23 at County Hall was led by the council's chair and armed forces champion, Councillor Peter Strong, and council leader, Councillor Mary Ann Brocklesby. Throughout the week, the council will host coffee mornings to bring together veterans, the community, and local schools to share stories. Councillor Strong said: "This week gives us the time to come together and show our appreciation to the Armed Forces Community. "We are proud to support our Armed Forces and look forward to hosting Wales' National Armed Forces Day this Saturday, June 28." The week will conclude with Monmouthshire County Council hosting Wales' National Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 28, at Caldicot Castle and Country Park. This free event is a celebration for the Armed Forces community, including serving personnel, veterans, reservists, cadets, and their families. Attendees will enjoy a parachute display by the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team, a Spitfire aircraft flight display from the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and a performance by the Band of the RAF Regiment, among other exhibitions. Councillor Brocklesby, said: "If you've not already secured your ticket, I'd urge you to do so quickly. "Wales' National Armed Forces Day event at Caldicot allows us as a council and our communities to show our support to active service men and women and the entire Armed Forces community. "I look forward to seeing you there." The council encourages people to secure their free tickets by visiting the Monmouthshire County Council website.
South Wales Argus
4 days ago
- South Wales Argus
Chepstow gallery celebrates the town's diverse communities
Named Changing Faces of Chepstow, the gallery recognises the town's multicultural history and contributions from its various communities. It was funded by the Welsh Government as part of their Anti-Racist Wales programme for Culture, Heritage, and Sport. The gallery explores Chepstow's community from a fresh perspective, acknowledging the town's historical roots as a melting pot for people from different origins. It acknowledges the influence of early invaders like the Romans and Normans, Irish Navvies, German wire workers, and the modern-day Ukrainian community on the town's fabric. As part of the gallery's unveiling event, Ukrainian community members who contributed to the gallery's creation presented the museum with two handmade fabric dolls symbolising Welsh and Ukrainian friendship. Welsh Government ministers and Monmouthshire County Council cabinet members attended the preview of the gallery. They included Jack Sargeant, minister for culture, skills and social partnership, and Jane Hutt, cabinet secretary for social justice, Trefnydd and chief whip. Also present were council leader Mary Ann Brocklesby, and cabinet members Angela Sandles and Sara Burch. The gallery is part of a larger project spanning Chepstow and Abergavenny Museums. Councillor Burch said: "I urge everyone who is able to visit the Changing Faces exhibition in Chepstow. "It is a wonderful addition to the museum and to the story of Monmouthshire as a whole." Councillor Sandles added: "It just shows how Monmouthshire, as it is today, has been shaped by people from all over the world. "We should celebrate that fact and the fact that our diverse community makes us stronger." A separate event saw the gallery officially opened by Councillor Peter Strong, chair of Monmouthshire County Council. The occasion brought together all those involved in the project, allowing community group members and experts to celebrate their collective achievements.
