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Wales Online
24-06-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Council announce plans for 500 new homes in Barry
Council announce plans for 500 new homes in Barry They have been forced to change their original plans to build 900 new homes in the north east of Barry Vale of Glamorgan Council are consulting locals on the plans (Image: Matthew Horwood ) The Vale of Glamorgan Council are consulting residents on proposed plans to build almost 400 new homes in the north west area of Barry near Porthkerry Country Park. The plans form part of a wider proposal for nearly 500 new homes in the town which will be built alongside local infrastructure improvements. The council had originally planned to build 900 new homes on Argae Lane in the north east of Barry but due to land ownership issues the council have been forced to look at different sites. As Barry is the largest town in the Vale of Glamorgan and home to 41% of the population, the council said land had to be allocated to reflect the town's status as a 'Key Settlement' and tackle the need for affordable housing. After considering a variety of different locations, they have identified the Weycock Cross area in north west Barry as the most suitable due to its proximity to key train stations, services and facilities. The council explained that the site is within walking distance of a major supermarket, GP surgery, community centre, three primary schools (English Medium, Welsh Medium and Church in Wales) and two high schools (English and Welsh Medium). The council also acknowledged how busy the Weycock Cross roundabout gets during peak times, saying they would be seeking to "deliver improvements to the capacity and flow of the roundabout" as part of the development. Article continues below The plan for 376 homes in Weycock Cross (Image: Vale of Glamorgan Council ) The proposed sites for new housing in Barry are: North West Barry (Weycock Cross) - up to 376 homes Hayes Lane, The Bendricks - 70 homes Neptune Road, Barry Waterfront - 40 homes 70 new homes will be built on Hayes Lanes in Barry (Image: Vale of Glamorgan Council ) 40 homes will also be built near the ASDA in Barry Waterfront (Image: Vale of Glamorgan Council ) The Vale of Glamorgan Council are running a public consultation on the plans, which lasts until July 14. Afterwards, they will consider the responses and prepare a subsequent report. Love dreamy Welsh homes? Sign up to our newsletter here . Andrew RT Davies, Member of the Senedd for the South Wales Central region, has criticised the Weycock Cross plans, calling them "completely unsuitable". He said: "For too long, we've faced overdevelopment in the Vale, thanks to arbritary housing targets imposed on our communities by Labour Senedd ministers. Article continues below "This, combined with Senedd ministers' plans to make Wales a Nation of Sanctuary for asylum seekers, will exacerbate existing pressures on local GP provision, dental surgeries, schools and transport infrastructure. These proposals must be dropped."
Free Malaysia Today
30-05-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Sarawak's education reforms: from vision to action
While in Sarawak this week to celebrate Hari Gawai, I would like to take a moment to commend the state government for its courageous and forward-looking approach to education reform. At a time when debates in Peninsular Malaysia continue to circle around whether or not to reform, Sarawak has charged ahead. It has asserted its autonomy and demonstrated clear resolve through a series of landmark educational policies that signal a deep and genuine commitment to uplifting its people. Embracing English Perhaps the most striking move has been Sarawak's decision to diverge from national policy by reinstating English as the primary medium of instruction in all its schools. This isn't just a linguistic shift—it's a strategic move toward global readiness. Proficiency in English remains critical for accessing knowledge in science, technology, and international arenas. By prioritising this, Sarawak is preparing its youth for global engagement, ensuring they are not left behind in an increasingly competitive world. Restoring academic benchmarks Sarawak has also reintroduced Standard 6 assessments, bucking the federal trend of abolishing them. This decision underscores the state's focus on academic benchmarking and early interventions. These exams provide a vital checkpoint to gauge students' preparedness for secondary education, allowing for targeted support where needed. It's a clear statement: excellence must be measurable, and progress must be tracked. Free tertiary education Most transformative of all, Sarawak has instituted free education for all Sarawakians—from primary school to technical colleges and universities. This sweeping policy removes financial barriers and opens doors for every child, regardless of background. It's a bold reminder that education is not a privilege for the few, but a fundamental right for all. A strong education system does far more than produce graduates. It nurtures thinkers, problem-solvers and future leaders. It cultivates resilience, vision, and a sense of civic responsibility—elements essential for building a robust and inclusive society. Blueprint for the future Sarawak's approach is more than a state policy—it's a reformed blueprint for how education can be harnessed as a catalyst for comprehensive development. Economically, a well-educated population forms the backbone of a skilled and innovative workforce. As the world revolves toward a knowledge economy, Sarawak's investment in human capital positions it to attract high-value industries, foster entrepreneurship, and move beyond reliance on traditional sectors like timber and oil palm. By shifting toward the digital economy, green technology, advanced manufacturing, aviation and logistics, Sarawak is staking a claim in the industries of the future. An educated workforce brings with it adaptability, innovation and the ability to command higher wages, ultimately lifting communities out of poverty and into prosperity. Social cohesion through education Education is equally powerful as a social force. It breaks cycles of underemployment and marginalisation. It fosters understanding across ethnic and cultural divides—a vital function in a diverse state like Sarawak. Educated citizens are better equipped to engage in meaningful discourse, to advocate for social justice, and to drive inclusive progress. In essence, education builds not just careers but character—and many a community. Healthy democracy Politically, an educated electorate is the bedrock of a functioning democracy. Informed citizens can hold leaders accountable, insist on accountability, transparency, and contribute to better governance. Sarawak's long-term vision is clear: to cultivate a generation of leaders who are capable, grounded and committed to the people they represent. Education, in this light, becomes the great equalizer. It levels the playing field and opens doors that once seemed sealed and shut. For Sarawak to thrive as a model of inclusive and sustainable development, education must remain central—not just as a policy priority, but as a guiding principle. The returns on this investment—economic, social, and political—are immeasurable. However, I do hope that progress in education does not erase or dissipate the cultural aspects, customs and heritage diversity of its populace. To all Sarawakians, I wish you Gayu Guru Gerai Nyamai—a long life, wellness, and a bountiful Gawai. The author can be reached at: rosli@ The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.
