Latest news with #GreenInfrastructure
South Wales Argus
05-07-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
Monmouthshire Council nature recovery plans approved
Monmouthshire County Council's cabinet approved the Local Nature Recovery Action Plan (NRAP) and the Green Infrastructure (GI) Strategy, both designed to support the authority's Climate and Nature Emergency response. The plans aim to reverse biodiversity decline, build ecosystem resilience, and encourage sustainable land use across the county. Cllr Catrin Maby, cabinet member for climate change and the environment, said: "The process we followed to develop these strategies highlighted the importance of collective action in addressing the climate emergency. "The council will now begin implementing the strategies, developing detailed action plans, and collaborating with partners such as the Gwent Green Grid Partnership, Living Levels Partnership, and Wye Valley National Landscape." The NRAP adapts national and regional objectives into practical local actions for communities and nature sites. The GI Strategy outlines the council's approach to improving biodiversity, ecosystem resilience, and health and wellbeing through green infrastructure. Both strategies were shaped by extensive public consultation, including a campaign launched at the Usk Show in autumn 2024. Monmouthshire County Council is also celebrating Wales Nature Week from July 5 to July 13 with events countywide. The events are listed on the council website.
South Wales Argus
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- South Wales Argus
Plan to reopen former petrol station in Newport rejected
City planners refused the application for 76 High Cross Road, Rogerstone, over concerns about safety and lack of evidence for demand. The site, inactive for years, was most recently used for car sales and MOT services. The proposal showed that the applicant, intended to revert its use back to a petrol station. The refusal came amid concerns about insufficient information regarding site access, vehicle and pedestrian movement, visibility, parking, servicing arrangements, and traffic generation. This raised highway safety concerns, as per Policy GP4. There was also a lack of evidence showing the proposed retail use would not harm the vitality or viability of nearby retail centres. Moreover, the applicant did not demonstrate a local need for the proposal. Public objections included worries about late or 24-hour opening leading to increased rubbish, and negative impacts on public health and atmosphere. One person, however, supported the idea, noting the benefit of reusing the site for its original purpose. The application sought to operate Monday to Saturday from 6am to 11pm, and on Sundays and Bank Holidays from 10am to 9pm. A highways officer recommended refusing the application due to insufficient detailed information. A landscape architect had no objections, provided a landscaping plan was included. The reuse of the site was seen as supporting urban regeneration goals under Policy SP18. The application was found to have no material impact on biodiversity, the character and appearance of the area, or on protected characteristics under equality law. A Green Infrastructure Statement was submitted, including plans for biodiversity enhancements like wildflower planters and bird and bat boxes, though the location of these was unclear. The proposed change to replace roller doors with glazing was deemed visually acceptable. The application referenced policies from the Newport LDP (2011–2026), Planning Policy Wales (Edition 12), and associated Technical Advice Notes.
Chicago Tribune
15-05-2025
- Science
- Chicago Tribune
Elgin News Digest: Planetarium presentation on Elgin Watch Co. set for May 21; ribbon-cutting for new East Dundee parking deck set for May 22
The School District U-46 Planetarium in Elgin will hold two public events on Wednesday, May 21, about the Elgin National Watch Co., its observatory and its connection to the planetarium. According to the school district's website, the program are scheduled for 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. with self-guided building tours from 4 to 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $2 per person. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. The planetarium opened in September 1963, according to the city of Elgin's website. It was an addition to the original part of the building, which was the 1909 Elgin National Watch Co. Observatory. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places. The planetarium is located at 312 Watch St.. For more information, go to email DebbieMcMullen@ or josephkellenberger@ or call 847-888-5019. East Dundee will host a ribbon-cutting event at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 22, to celebrate the completion of its new two-level parking garage at 304 Hill St. The garage has 163 parking spaces and ground level commercial space being marketed by the village for $500,000, according to a website for the development. The total cost for the garage was about $7 million. East Dundee also opened a new surface-level parking lot with 26 stalls at 309 Jackson St. in March. After the ribbon-cutting, East Dundee will hold its first Thirsty Thursday outdoor street festival of the season from 6 to 9 p.m. outside The Depot, 319 N. River St. The Gooroos will be on stage performing dance music, and food and beverages will be available for purchase. To celebrate Historic Presentation Month, the Elgin Public Museum will be holding guided tours, a program on green infrastructure and a plant sale on Saturday, May 24. Half-hour tours are scheduled for noon, 1:30 p.m., 2:15 p.m. and 3 p.m., according to the museum's Facebook page. At 12:30 p.m., Chris Flaherty will present 'Rooted in Community: Municipal Green Infrastructure.' Flaherty is founder of Green Guerilla, a land management company that specializes in native garden/natural area designs, applications and maintenance. Green Guerrilla will also be hosting a native plant sale outside the museum from noon to 4 p.m. Indoor events are included with admission — $3 for adults, $2 children ages 3 to 12 and seniors 60 and older, and free for toddlers under 3 and for adults with Elgin Township Senior Access passes. The museum is located at 225 Grand Blvd. in Lords Park.
South Wales Argus
05-05-2025
- South Wales Argus
Newport: Fence around grass verge deemed harmful to amenity
The applicant of Pepys Grove, Newport, applied to change the use of a grass verge to residential land and to keep a 1.8m high fence enclosing the verge. However, the application was refused, with the decision report citing "significant adverse impacts to highway safety and visual amenity." The fence was found to obstruct pedestrian views at a junction, raising safety concerns. Highways officials suggested lowering or relocating the fence 2m back, but the current setup was deemed unsafe. The fence also reportedly replaced a grass verge, disrupting the street's character. Its scale, design, and position were described as harmful to the visual appearance and contrary to Local Development Plan policies GP2 and GP6. The verge's loss and the likely removal of a street tree also drew objections from the landscape officer. Although the application stated no trees were affected, aerial images seemed to differ. However, as the tree removal happened before new Green Infrastructure (GI) requirements came into effect in October 2023, no replacement planting was sought. Letters were sent to 10 neighbours and the ward member, but no responses were received. Both the highways and landscape officers objected to the plans. The site is currently under an active enforcement investigation, which likely led to the retrospective application. The refusal was based on breaches of policies GP2 (General Amenity), GP4 (Highways), and GP6 (Design) of the Newport Local Development Plan 2011–2026. National planning guidance and "Future Wales" policies on good design and biodiversity were also considered. The application was finalised after a consultation period that ended on January 8, 2025, with the statutory expiry date being April 7, 2025. Photographs included in the decision report showed the previous and current arrangements, supporting the decision to refuse the application. The refusal highlights the importance of adhering to planning regulations and considering the wider community and environmental impact of property modifications.
