Latest news with #Ballymore
Telegraph
10 hours ago
- Automotive
- Telegraph
Fury as Labour council approves ‘unsafe' electric bus garage below high-rise flats
A Labour council has been criticised for approving the construction of an 'unsafe' electric bus garage underneath high-rise flats. Barnet council gave the go-ahead to a planned redevelopment of Edgware town centre, in north-west London, that would see up to 190 electric buses being recharged underneath large residential tower blocks. Campaigners called the plans 'unsafe' and warned that any underground fires could potentially place thousands of lives at risk. 'Nine of the [planned] tower blocks are structurally linked to the underground electric bus garage,' said Anuta Zack, of the Save Our Edgware campaign group. Ballymore, a development company, won approval from councillors this week to build more than 3,000 flats on the 20-acre site, which is currently occupied by a shopping centre, Edgware bus station and its adjoining bus garage. The plans will see Edgware bus garage moved underneath the new development, away from its current location towards the rear of the site, which backs on to a terminus for London Underground's Northern Line. Ms Zack added: 'Even Parliament has said you can't charge an electric vehicle under their buildings now. The council has approved an unsafe and undeliverable plan – one that ignores fire safety, legal duties and the will of residents.' A London Fire Brigade consultation response about the proposed development, dated Oct 1 2024 and seen by The Telegraph, said: 'The structural integrity of many of the blocks above the bus garage are intrinsically dependent on the structural integrity of the bus garage below. 'This is particularly relevant in this proposal as the potential for so many EV buses poses risks that are not fully understood by the industry at this point in time.' The response document adds: 'The proposals include a cycle storage area. It is our opinion that consideration is given to the storage (and potential charging) of electric bikes and electric scooters and the potential fire risk posed by these EPPVs (electric powered personal vehicles) which may be located within these areas.' A Barnet council spokesman said: 'Stringent planning conditions have been placed on the proposed underground bus garage which those objecting to the scheme were most concerned about. 'Residents should rest assured that it will only become operational when the London Fire Brigade and other building and safety regulators have confirmed they are satisfied the building is safe to be used, including for electric vehicle buses.' A London Fire Brigade spokesman said that senior firefighters had met Barnet council, Transport for London (TfL) and 'relevant stakeholders' to 'ensure that any fire safety issues have been highlighted'. 'We have also met, and engaged with, local residents to understand their concerns, particularly in relation to the provision of an underground bus garage at this development,' the spokesman added. 'Despite not being a statutory consultee on such planning applications, we would always look to provide a response around the fire strategy in high-rise buildings, particularly where it also involves a potential fire hazard such as electric vehicles. 'Prior to the usage of the proposed garage by buses of any type, whether they be electric-powered or not, we are clear that a fire safety strategy shall be submitted to and agreed in writing by the local planning authority, in consultation with London Fire Brigade. 'This is to ensure that the development incorporates the necessary fire safety measures in accordance with the relevant policy of the London Plan.' 'Safety of paramount importance' A spokesman for the Edgware development, which is a joint venture between TfL's property company and Ballymore, said: 'The safety of residents and visitors is of paramount importance and we remain in ongoing dialogue with the London Fire Brigade. 'This new garage is a vital part of delivering electric buses across London, which is a key priority for TfL and the mayor. 'Electric buses will produce cleaner air for Londoners and as such the garage will be designed to accommodate electric buses. 'The bus garage at Edgware will not be operational until 2030 at the earliest and we remain clear that no electric vehicles will be permitted until TfL, the London Fire Brigade, Barnet council, the Health & Safety Executive and Building Control have approved the design.'
Irish Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Developer Sean Mulryan's Ballymore to build thousands of new homes in London
Developer Sean Mulryan's Ballymore has secured planning permission for a residential housing scheme in London that will deliver thousands of new homes. The Irish-based group has substantial businesses that build and sell new homes in London, controlled mostly through British-registered Ballymore Limited and subsidiaries. Ballymore and Places for London – the wholly owned commercial property company of Transport for London – have secured outline planning permission for the redevelopment of Edgware Town Centre from the London Borough of Barnet. The approved plans will deliver 3,365 new homes, including 1,150 affordable homes and 463 student accommodation spaces. READ MORE The scheme involves an estimated £1.7 billion (€2 billion) investment, creating more than 1,400 full-time jobs and generating £80 million for the local economy. 'Town centres and our local high streets are the beating heart of London's communities – by enabling their success we create opportunity for jobs, growth, connection, and foster pride of place,' said Mr Mulryan. [ Ballymore in €7.8m off-market deal for Naas Racecourse lands Opens in new window ] 'Our shared vision for Edgware will breathe new life into the town centre – transforming it into a more vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming place for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. 'We are immensely proud of these proposals, which are the result of five years of local views and deeply value the input we've received throughout the process. 'We are excited by the master plan that has emerged and look forward to continuing our work with the community and our partners to bring this vision to reality,' he said. How will the updated National Development Plan shape Ireland in years to come? Listen | 35:59 The development will more than double the existing commercial and leisure space, with 460,000 sq ft of new shops, cafes, restaurants and a new cinema. There will also be a new transport interchange, future-proofed for electric buses, with improved connections to the London Underground. Ballymore last month acquired about 13 acres of the lands at Naas Racecourse with a view to developing hundreds of new homes on the site. The Irish Times understands Ballymore paid upwards of €7.8 million in an off-market deal for the lands which are zoned for residential use. The price paid equates to an average of €600,000 an acre, which is broadly in line with the sums being paid for zoned residential land elsewhere in Dublin's commuter belt counties. Ballymore is expected to submit a planning application to Kildare County Council within the coming months for the development of between 250 and 300 homes on the site.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Chevron vs. Shell in Gulf of America: Who's Got the Edge?
Chevron Corporation CVX and Shell plc SHEL are two of the world's biggest energy companies, and both have been drilling for oil and gas in the deep waters of the Gulf of America (GoA) — what we used to call the Gulf of Mexico — for decades. This region is super important because it provides about 14% of all the crude oil produced in the United States, and is known for producing oil that's very profitable and has a lower carbon footprint. For both Chevron and Shell, their operations in the GoA are a vital part of their long-term plans, helping them use their money efficiently and meet their sustainability oil and gas in deep water is entering a new era, with companies using advanced technology and focusing more on reducing emissions. Because these projects cost a lot of money and U.S. energy independence is increasingly important globally, investors are paying closer attention to Chevron and Shell's GoA activities than ever before. Let's take a closer look at both companies to see which might be a better investment right now. The Case for Chevron Stock Chevron is really stepping up its game in the Gulf of America. The company recently started pumping oil from two huge new projects: Ballymore in April 2025, and Whale just a few months before that. Once it's fully running, Ballymore is expected to produce 75,000 barrels of oil per day, while Whale is designed for 100,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day. These two massive projects are key to Chevron's plan to boost its GoA production to 300,000 net barrels of oil equivalent per day by 2026, which is a whopping 50% increase from the 2020 levels!Chevron is combining its many years of offshore experience with new, energy-efficient designs. The company's Anchor platform, which started operating in August 2024, is built to tap into high-pressure oil reserves. Even older facilities, like Tahiti, which has been producing since 2009, are still thriving thanks to updated models and smarter cost management. All these upgrades mean that Chevron's oil from the Gulf is among the most profitable and environmentally friendly in its entire portfolio. Chevron isn't just focused on producing more oil; they are also investing smartly. The integrated major is using simpler designs and building things in pre-made sections to cut down on development time and costs. For example, the Whale facility uses energy-efficient systems to minimize its pollution. This strategy helps Chevron produce highly profitable oil with less carbon, showing they're being financially smart and environmentally responsible. The Case for Shell Stock Shell is a true pioneer in deepwater drilling and remains the biggest producer in the Gulf of America. They were the first company to successfully extract oil from water depths beyond 1,000 feet, way back in 1978. Shell's current list of assets includes major projects like Perdido, Stones, Vito, and Whale, all of which highlight Shell's unmatched ability to operate in extremely deep waters. Sparta, another new project set to begin producing in 2028, will be the next standardized facility in its deepwater portfolio. These projects really show off Shell's engineering skill and its ability to control costs even in one of the toughest drilling environments in the strategic advantage comes from its focus on replicating designs and using robotics. The Vito and Whale projects, for instance, used almost identical designs, which meant engineering work was 50% faster and manufacturing errors were reduced by 75%. Also, in 2024, the Stones project led the industry by using robotic systems to inspect offshore tanks, cutting costs and making operations safer. When it comes to emissions, Shell has already reduced methane output in the GoA by 40% since 2016 and even beat its 2023 emissions target by 5%, further strengthening its reputation for environmental GoA portfolio is anchored by advanced deepwater hubs like Perdido and Stones, among the world's deepest and most complex offshore facilities. These assets support a hub-and-spoke model, enabling efficient tiebacks and extended field life. Upcoming projects like Sparta follow Shell's phased, capital-efficient approach. With high uptime, strong recovery rates, and low emissions, Shell's GoA operations offer reliable cash flow while aligning with its broader strategy of disciplined growth and decarbonization. Price Performance Over the last year, Shell's stock has remained relatively stable, dropping just 0.1%, while Chevron's stock has dipped 3.3%. Chevron's recent underperformance might mean its stock is undervalued, especially if its ambitious Gulf production goals are met on time. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Valuation Comparison When we look at how much investors are willing to pay for future earnings, Chevron trades at 18.26 times its forward earnings, while Shell trades at 11.29 times. Chevron's higher value likely reflects expectations of better profit margins from its growing GoA projects and the positive impact of recently acquired high-value assets from Hess. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Earnings Outlook The Zacks Consensus Estimate sees Chevron's EPS to drop by 27% in 2025, but then bounce back strongly with a 23% increase in 2026. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Shell's EPS is projected to fall by 20% in 2025, with a slower recovery of 10% in 2026. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Conclusion Chevron and Shell are both powerful players in the Gulf of America, bringing decades of experience together with modern efficiencies and a good environmental track record. Shell stands out for its sheer size, innovative spirit, and ability to replicate successful projects. Chevron, on the other hand, offers a more focused strategy in the Gulf, with a clearer outlook for higher profit margins and stronger production both companies currently carrying a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), investors might find it tough to pick a clear winner. However, Chevron seems to be in a slightly better position right now. This is due to its very clear production targets, smart spending, and a projected stronger rebound in earnings. That said, both stocks remain compelling options for investors looking for high-quality exposure to one of the world's most resilient and environmentally conscious offshore oil basins. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Chevron Corporation (CVX) : Free Stock Analysis Report Shell PLC Unsponsored ADR (SHEL) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Globe and Mail
7 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Chevron vs. Shell in Gulf of America: Who's Got the Edge?
Chevron Corporation CVX and Shell plc SHEL are two of the world's biggest energy companies, and both have been drilling for oil and gas in the deep waters of the Gulf of America (GoA) — what we used to call the Gulf of Mexico — for decades. This region is super important because it provides about 14% of all the crude oil produced in the United States, and is known for producing oil that's very profitable and has a lower carbon footprint. For both Chevron and Shell, their operations in the GoA are a vital part of their long-term plans, helping them use their money efficiently and meet their sustainability goals. Developing oil and gas in deep water is entering a new era, with companies using advanced technology and focusing more on reducing emissions. Because these projects cost a lot of money and U.S. energy independence is increasingly important globally, investors are paying closer attention to Chevron and Shell's GoA activities than ever before. Let's take a closer look at both companies to see which might be a better investment right now. The Case for Chevron Stock Chevron is really stepping up its game in the Gulf of America. The company recently started pumping oil from two huge new projects: Ballymore in April 2025, and Whale just a few months before that. Once it's fully running, Ballymore is expected to produce 75,000 barrels of oil per day, while Whale is designed for 100,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day. These two massive projects are key to Chevron's plan to boost its GoA production to 300,000 net barrels of oil equivalent per day by 2026, which is a whopping 50% increase from the 2020 levels! Chevron is combining its many years of offshore experience with new, energy-efficient designs. The company's Anchor platform, which started operating in August 2024, is built to tap into high-pressure oil reserves. Even older facilities, like Tahiti, which has been producing since 2009, are still thriving thanks to updated models and smarter cost management. All these upgrades mean that Chevron's oil from the Gulf is among the most profitable and environmentally friendly in its entire portfolio. Chevron isn't just focused on producing more oil; they are also investing smartly. The integrated major is using simpler designs and building things in pre-made sections to cut down on development time and costs. For example, the Whale facility uses energy-efficient systems to minimize its pollution. This strategy helps Chevron produce highly profitable oil with less carbon, showing they're being financially smart and environmentally responsible. The Case for Shell Stock Shell is a true pioneer in deepwater drilling and remains the biggest producer in the Gulf of America. They were the first company to successfully extract oil from water depths beyond 1,000 feet, way back in 1978. Shell's current list of assets includes major projects like Perdido, Stones, Vito, and Whale, all of which highlight Shell's unmatched ability to operate in extremely deep waters. Sparta, another new project set to begin producing in 2028, will be the next standardized facility in its deepwater portfolio. These projects really show off Shell's engineering skill and its ability to control costs even in one of the toughest drilling environments in the world. Shell's strategic advantage comes from its focus on replicating designs and using robotics. The Vito and Whale projects, for instance, used almost identical designs, which meant engineering work was 50% faster and manufacturing errors were reduced by 75%. Also, in 2024, the Stones project led the industry by using robotic systems to inspect offshore tanks, cutting costs and making operations safer. When it comes to emissions, Shell has already reduced methane output in the GoA by 40% since 2016 and even beat its 2023 emissions target by 5%, further strengthening its reputation for environmental responsibility. Shell's GoA portfolio is anchored by advanced deepwater hubs like Perdido and Stones, among the world's deepest and most complex offshore facilities. These assets support a hub-and-spoke model, enabling efficient tiebacks and extended field life. Upcoming projects like Sparta follow Shell's phased, capital-efficient approach. With high uptime, strong recovery rates, and low emissions, Shell's GoA operations offer reliable cash flow while aligning with its broader strategy of disciplined growth and decarbonization. Price Performance Over the last year, Shell's stock has remained relatively stable, dropping just 0.1%, while Chevron's stock has dipped 3.3%. Chevron's recent underperformance might mean its stock is undervalued, especially if its ambitious Gulf production goals are met on time. Valuation Comparison When we look at how much investors are willing to pay for future earnings, Chevron trades at 18.26 times its forward earnings, while Shell trades at 11.29 times. Chevron's higher value likely reflects expectations of better profit margins from its growing GoA projects and the positive impact of recently acquired high-value assets from Hess. Earnings Outlook The Zacks Consensus Estimate sees Chevron's EPS to drop by 27% in 2025, but then bounce back strongly with a 23% increase in 2026. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Shell's EPS is projected to fall by 20% in 2025, with a slower recovery of 10% in 2026. Conclusion Chevron and Shell are both powerful players in the Gulf of America, bringing decades of experience together with modern efficiencies and a good environmental track record. Shell stands out for its sheer size, innovative spirit, and ability to replicate successful projects. Chevron, on the other hand, offers a more focused strategy in the Gulf, with a clearer outlook for higher profit margins and stronger production growth. With both companies currently carrying a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), investors might find it tough to pick a clear winner. However, Chevron seems to be in a slightly better position right now. This is due to its very clear production targets, smart spending, and a projected stronger rebound in earnings. That said, both stocks remain compelling options for investors looking for high-quality exposure to one of the world's most resilient and environmentally conscious offshore oil basins. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. 5 Stocks Set to Double Each was handpicked by a Zacks expert as the #1 favorite stock to gain +100% or more in the coming year. While not all picks can be winners, previous recommendations have soared +112%, +171%, +209% and +232%. Most of the stocks in this report are flying under Wall Street radar, which provides a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor. Today, See These 5 Potential Home Runs >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Chevron Corporation (CVX): Free Stock Analysis Report
Telegraph
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Telegraph
Wayne Barnes re-referees the most brutal match in Lions history
The second Test of the British and Irish Lions' 1989 tour to Australia has gone down in folklore and infamy. As the Lions attempted to turn around their fortunes after defeat in the first Test in Sydney, the second instalment would eventually be dubbed the 'Battle of Ballymore' owing to the brutal physicality – both legal and illegal – on display at the famous stadium. The Lions, coached by Sir Ian McGeechan and captained by Finlay Calder, arrived in Brisbane determined not to take a backward step, which resulted in the 20,000 inside Ballymore witnessing one of the most brutish and beastly Tests in the history of the famous touring side. Spare a thought for the French referee, the late René Hourquet. Naturally, in 1989, Hourquet did not have the benefit of the television match official and, in those days, the assistant referees were nothing of the sort; they were touch judges whose remit included white paint and little else. The Lions would go onto triumph at Ballymore and then clinch a series win with a one-point victory back in Sydney a week later, on what was the first Australia-only tour since 1899. The Lions' triumph on Australian soil was their first series win in 15 years and it is tough to believe they have only won two since. But that series is remembered above all for the 'Battle of Ballymore'. Here, Telegraph Sport revisits some of the more notorious incidents from that Test, with former referee and our columnist Wayne Barnes casting his eye over some of the behaviour – and adjudicating accordingly. The first fight This slobberknocker is one of the most iconic in Lions history. It looks suspiciously like Lions scrum-half Robert Jones steps on the foot of his opposite number, Nick Farr-Jones, as the Australian captain goes to put the ball into the scrum. That was the catalyst to Farr-Jones giving his opposite number a bit of a shove, Jones replying in kind, both men grappling, and then full-fist-windmill chaos ensues. Keep an eye on Hourquet, too, who was clearly keen to be as close to the action as possible. Barnes, he admits, would have been a touch more standoffish – but, sensibly, there would have been cards where in reality there were none. High shot Barnes's fellow Telegraph Sport columnist, Brian Moore, started all three Tests in the victorious 1989 series and it will come as no surprise to those who remember his rampaging days as a hooker that he features heavily in these clips. Here, the Lions wrap around the front of the line-out and Moore is caught in the head by the shoulder of Farr-Jones. No wrap, no mitigation – except a small, late dip – but back then such an action was barely even a penalty. Barnes would have been reaching for the cards. Kudos to Moore for, as expected, playing on and not making a meal of it. Another high tackle It is Moore again. Here, our columnist wears another shoulder to the head – this time, specifically, the face – from Australian flanker Scott Gourley. Barnes marvels at how Moore looks after possession and offloads to Jones before wiping blood away from his nose. On this occasion, Barnes thinks Gourley would have been in trouble in the bunker. Yellow minimum, perhaps red. Stamp leads to another fight This one is nasty and notorious. Dai Young, the Wales tighthead and future Wasps coach, on his first of three Lions tours as a 22-year-old whipper-snapper, decides that the savagery dial needs turning up to 11, and so decides inexplicably to stamp on the head of Wallabies lock Steve Cutler. Tom Lawton, Australia's hooker, does not take too kindly to such skulduggery and chaos ensues again. 'Goodness,' says Barnes. The game has changed a lot since those days – Young himself might squirm a little when watching this back. Moore is in the thick of it again, too. Offside tackle It was refreshing to be able to observe a technical offence, here, rather than outright violence. And Barnes agrees with the partisan Australian commentators, as well as referee Hourquet, and believes that Mike Teague – christened 'Iron Mike' after his strong displays on this tour – was offside at the scrum. However, Barnes believes that the Lions could feel aggrieved that they were not rewarded further at the set piece. The visitors should have been awarded a scrum penalty. Poignantly, reviewing this footage – with the mayhem and madness – serves as a reminder of the tough task facing grass-roots referees when they take the pitch every Saturday and Sunday. As Barnes highlights, there is no TMO or bunker available to the sport's voluntary officials and, just like Hourquet, they rely on trusting their eyes and refereeing instinct. Incidents will be missed, that is human nature, but this footage serves as a reminder of just how difficult a sport rugby is to referee when you are a one-man or one-woman band. It also underlines just how far the sport has come in its attempts to clean up its act.
