Latest news with #NewportLocalDevelopmentPlan
South Wales Argus
20 hours ago
- General
- South Wales Argus
Newport High School: plans for new security fence approved
The plans, submitted by M. Legge, propose enclosing a 4.4 square metre area at the front of the school's main reception with 2.4-metre-high green powder-coated weldmesh fencing and double access gates. The school, which also houses the Active Living Centre, is located on Bettws Lane in the Bettws ward. The planning application, numbered 25/0270, was considered under a range of policy frameworks, including Future Wales: The National Plan 2040, Planning Policy Wales (Edition 12) 2024, and the Newport Local Development Plan 2011–2026. Thirty-five neighbouring properties were notified of the proposal, with no objections received. A site notice was also posted on April 18, 2025. The Landscape Officer observed the potential for a visual impact but did not object due to the small scale of the proposal. No response was received from Ecology officers. The application was granted with conditions. These conditions include that the development must be carried out in accordance with submitted plans, and a scheme for ecological enhancement must be submitted and approved before commencement. The new fencing is designed to increase security at the school, enclosing a small area at the front of the main reception. While there was some concern about the visual impact, the school's large building is expected to offset any negative effects. The application was also assessed for its impact on residential amenity, with no negative effects anticipated due to the lack of direct impact on residential properties. The proposal was also deemed to have no direct ecological impact. However, an enhancement scheme, which could include the installation of a bird box, is required as part of the conditions for approval.
South Wales Argus
22-06-2025
- South Wales Argus
Application for Milman Street flat in Pillgwenlly refused
The application for Flat 4 at Milman Street, Pillgwenlly, was turned down after failing to prove the property was continuously used as a residence for a required period. The application sought a Lawful Development Certificate for the existing use of the flat. The case officer's visit on April 9 found the flat appeared to be under renovation and vacant, with no evidence of continuous use. The application was based on a mix of evidence, including electrical certificates for four flats dated March 2018, a 2016 email from a housing licensing officer, and a 2019 letter from an environmental health officer suggesting the presence of four flats. Handwritten letters from previous tenants, a 2017 video, and a fire detection certificate referencing all four flats were also provided. However, the evidence was found to be insufficiently precise or unambiguous to confirm the existence and continuous occupation of a fourth flat. Key issues identified included the absence of proof for the continuous occupancy of Flat 4 during the four-year period required. Documentation detailing how Flat 4 fits into the building was also missing. The letters provided were not in the statutory declaration form. Council tax records since 2019 list only three flats. The Newport Local Development Plan (2011–2026) was not directly relevant to the decision. The case officer's delegated decision report noted that legal advice supported the refusal to issue the certificate. The report concluded: "The application did not provide sufficiently precise or unambiguous evidence to confirm the existence and continuous occupation of a fourth flat." The decision was made with consideration of crime prevention, equality, and Welsh language impact policies, with no significant concerns noted. The site has a history of planning applications. In 2017, a certificate was issued confirming lawful use as three flats, while between 1990 and 1992, a change of use to multiple occupation was refused but later allowed on appeal. The decision report implies the refusal occurred soon after the site visit.
South Wales Argus
17-06-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Vacant Newport day centre could be converted into flats
The unused Pool Cottage Day Centre, seven miles east of Newport, will be transformed into four assisted living flats, with one flat on the first floor and three on the ground floor. The building, which was previously approved as a day-care centre in 2000 and has a history of use for adults with learning difficulties, will also see a side extension to replace an existing conservatory. The development, prepared by Studio Lime Architects, complies with the 2015 Technical Housing Standards and maintains the original building's style, massing, and materials. The site, which shares a car park with an existing care home, has no immediate neighbours and sits in a rural setting. The care home will remain unaffected by the changes. The ground-floor flats will cover areas of 50.4 sqm, 65.82 sqm, and 59.59 sqm, while the first-floor flat will span 59.28 sqm. An office space of 10.89 sqm will also be part of the first-floor area. The plans aim to provide high-quality assisted living spaces, enhancing residential care capacity. The ground-floor flats will have level thresholds suitable for wheelchair access, maintaining existing level site access from Magor Road. The proposed scheme aligns with the Newport Local Development Plan (2021–2036). It supports adaptable housing and the integration of health and social care, consistent with the Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP) and Marmot principles. The centre, a later addition to the site, features mostly ground-floor accommodation with a small first-floor area. The building will be repurposed to meet the growing demand for essential residential care capacity. The planning history of the site also includes applications dating back to 1990, relating to extensions and changes of use to a care home. The decision date for the approval has not been disclosed.
South Wales Argus
13-06-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
St Edward Street Newport could become HMO for four tenants
The property, located at 26 Saint Edward Street, has been earmarked for conversion from a standard residential dwelling to an HMO by Mr Williams of Wilmont Assets Ltd. The two-storey terraced house, which features a rear garden, is near Newport city centre, the train station, and on bus routes. The proposed change of use does not include any external modifications. Inside, the ground floor will house a single bedroom, a communal living area, and a kitchen, while the first floor will accommodate three bedrooms and a bathroom. The application was submitted following pre-application advice, which flagged no significant objections in principle. However, additional requirements were put forward, such as more detailed floor plans, a parking survey, and plans for cycle and waste storage. Other requirements included a biodiversity enhancement plan and a sustainability test. The proposal is said to align with several planning policies, including those in the Newport Local Development Plan, particularly policies relating to sustainability, amenity, highways, HMOs, and parking. A key policy consideration is the 15 per cent HMO density threshold within a 50m radius, which the proposal adheres to, according to the council's 2016 HMO supplementary planning guidance. The property's character and appearance will remain unchanged due to the absence of any external alterations. The proposal is expected to have minimal impact on neighbour amenity, with no anticipated increase in noise or disturbance. Despite the lack of off-street parking, the property's proximity to amenities and public transport mitigate the lack of on-site parking. A parking survey also indicated sufficient on-street parking availability.
South Wales Argus
02-06-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Newport man denied planning for pool house on Bassaleg Road
The proposal to retain and complete the pool house at 158 Bassaleg Road was refused due to worries about sewer infrastructure risks. Welsh Water objected, warning of the health, safety, and environmental risks posed by a 12-inch public sewer and a 300mm public combined sewer overflow running beneath the site. This objection was maintained throughout the process, with Welsh Water stating the development was "impractical" and contrary to Policy GP7. The planning application, as submitted, was for a pool house measuring 14.71m by 3.71m, with a height ranging from 2.48m to 3.2m. The building features bifold and French doors, roof lights, and materials matching the main dwelling. Welsh Water was not alone in expressing concerns. A neighbour also raised objections, citing potential damage to their garden and workshop, as well as the risk of undermining workshop foundations due to the deep, unsupported excavations. Meanwhile, the Welsh Government's initial concerns about the pool house's proximity to the M4 retaining wall were alleviated after structural documents were submitted. The tree officer raised no objections, and there were no significant biodiversity issues or impacts on trees. Despite the acceptable visual and residential impact of the pool house, the primary reason for the refusal was the risk to public health and safety due to construction over critical sewer infrastructure. The proposal was found to be non-compliant with Policy GP7 of the Newport Local Development Plan 2011–2026. The decision to refuse the application was made on prior to the statutory expiration on February 3, 2025. The refusal was supported by various architectural drawings and site plans, including elevations, floor plans, and location plans.
