Latest news with #RichardBell
Edinburgh Reporter
6 days ago
- General
- Edinburgh Reporter
How Ordnance Survey Maps Assist in Navigating UK Planning Regulations
In the UK, proper advance planning is undertaken prior to entering property development, especially when it comes to planning regulations. One mistake in boundary identification or misrepresentation of a neighbouring infrastructure can halt a whole project. The most important fact about proper preparation is the use of UK planning maps, specifically Ordnance Survey (OS) maps at a scale of 1:1250. They not only provide a visual representation of the proposed site but also offer legal clarity, allowing one to proceed through the application process with confidence. Photo by Richard Bell on Unsplash Why 1:1250 Scale Maps Are Essential 1:1250 maps are perfectly scaled, showing the details of the land parcel plans, buildings and public routes without being too detailed or too generic. Developers, architects, and surveyors use this scale in the presentation of plans because it is detailed enough to portray physical buildings and boundary lines, and it also encompasses the surrounding area to show access and other features in the vicinity. This scale is typically required by local authorities when a planning application is being initiated. It conforms to national mapping standards, and that is why it has been considered as the default reference by property professionals in the UK. Legal Boundaries and Site Ownership Before even writing a proposal, one should define clear boundaries of a site as the first step in developing a proposal. OS maps indicate the present legal boundaries of parcels of land, therefore eliminating disputes or confusion. These boundaries define the legal framework within which designs, ownership rights, and the right to develop are established. Without these visuals, it is easy to under- or overestimate the size of a property or encroachment. This kind of misalignment not only delays the process of giving the permissions but also opens the doors to legal challenges once the permission is granted. Relationship to Existing Infrastructure It is as important to know what is in a proposed site as it is to know what is around it. When a new access road, utility connection or pedestrian route is created, information on the existing structure is needed. The transport links, footpaths, green spaces, and service corridors are indicated in Ordnance Survey information, and all of these will affect the council's decision concerning accessibility and integration. The local authorities do not consider developments in isolation, but rather in terms of their impact on public services. Recommendations made on an OS base map will align with the proposed and available options. Planning Portal Compliance and Submission Requirements The majority of UK councils require that planning applications be submitted via the Planning Portal or to local authorities, both of which stipulate that approved mapping standards must be used. Ordnance Survey 1:1250 maps fit these requirements and eliminate the possibility of rejections due to technical formatting or unsupported data sources. Submission of non-compliant maps typically results in the rejection of applications, which is a waste of time and causes tension in the project schedule. An OS-compliant map is preferable to select at the outset to ensure the procedure's efficiency. Visibility of Constraints and Designations The type of land use, such as a conservation area or flood zone, also affects development potential. Such information can be overlaid on an OS base, allowing these considerations to be taken into account in the early design rather than requiring revisions. Even though these overlays are based on additional datasets, the base OS map gives the spatial accuracy needed to understand how constraints interrelate with the development site. Such accuracy is lacking, and one can easily overlook key planning factors that may result in rejections. Multi-Stakeholder Communication and Transparency Project planning can involve a combination of architects, consultants, legal teams, and representatives of local authorities. A common, standardised map enables everyone to negotiate proposals on a common visual basis. This shared understanding accelerates the collaboration process and minimises confusion regarding the location, size, or other aspects of the site. It is also useful for conveying proposals in a clear manner to non-technical stakeholders, such as community groups or funding bodies, who may struggle to interpret technical documentation. Mapping the Path to Approval Any successful planning application starts with certainty regarding land, context and constraints. That clarity comes into focus using UK planning maps, which are based on Ordnance Survey 1:1250 scale data. By matching development proposals to the official mapping standards, property professionals boost transparency, accuracy and their likelihood of approval. An OS map is not just a background image in a regulatory environment where detail counts, but a key planning tool that sets the foundation for success. Like this: Like Related
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Kalamazoo Astronomical Society hosts free observing sessions
KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) — From April through October, visitors to the Kalamazoo Nature Center can join the local Kalamazoo Astronomical Society's public observing sessions and learn more about the night sky. 'We've been at the nature center for probably over 30 years now,' Richard Bell, president of the Kalamazoo Astronomical Society, said. 'Since before I've been in the club.' Everything you need to know about the Perseid meteor shower Families and amateur astronomers join Bell and his fellow society members at KNC's 'Owl Observatory,' a 12-foot by 12-foot building with a retractable roof. 'The observatory itself has a 16-inch telescope that we just put in September of 2019,' Bell said. 'Riding on top is a 4-inch refracting telescope that we use for wider field views.' These telescopes are capable of seeing astronomical objects some million or more light-years away and folks are encouraged to bring along their own telescopes for tips and advice from volunteers. 'There's nothing better than one-on-one interaction out in the field,' Bell said. 'Where you can learn how to set it up, properly align it and actually find stuff in the sky.' On Saturday, the Kalamazoo Astronomical Society will be featuring 'The Summer Triangle,' a special cluster of some of the brightest stars in the sky during this time of year. 'The Summer Triangle is an 'asterism,' kind of like an unofficial group of stars,' Bell said. 'It's visible throughout the summer and well into the fall.' Themes for public observing sessions depend on the season and circumstances of the Earth's rotation. In the fall, astronomers can identify the Andromeda galaxy. In the spring, they can see the Virgo star cluster. Astronomers capture the birth of planets around a baby sun outside our solar system 'I try to step aside and do a constellation tour for everyone,' Bell said. 'Basically, a planetarium show but under the real sky so it's much, much better.' Public observing sessions at the Owl Observatory in Kalamazoo are free to the public. Two more will take place this summer on Aug. 16 and Aug. 30. For more information on stargazing in West Michigan, visit the . Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Glasgow given go-ahead to introduce a tourist tax
Tourists in Glasgow will start paying extra for their accommodation after the city gave the green light to introduce a tourist tax by 2027. In a bid to generate £16m a year for the Scottish city, visitors heading to Glasgow will be charged five per cent of their accommodation bill extra, which will work out to £4.83 per night on average. Under national legislation, the council has to undergo an 18-month implementation phase, so the levy will not be rolled out until January 2027 at the earliest. The decision was made in a city administration committee on Thursday, with 1.5 per cent of each levy being retained by accommodation providers, while the rest will be invested in Glasgow's infrastructure projects and events. The funding will also be used for public services, such as street sweeping, maintenance of city landmarks and improvements to parks, which will benefit both residents and visitors. A council spokesperson said there was support from all parties on the committee, including the SNP, Labour, Greens and Conservatives. The move to introduce the levy came following a public consultation that started in January between local trade bodies and accommodation businesses. Deputy Council Leader Richard Bell told The Independent: 'Many Glaswegians will be familiar with visitor levies, which are relatively common abroad. 'The levy means that some of the people who enjoy what Glasgow has to offer, but do not pay local taxes, will be asked to make a small contribution to the city. 'In turn, that money will be invested in making Glasgow a better place for citizens and visitors alike – which will benefit our tourist trade.' Green Cllr Blair Anderson, whose motion started the process, said: 'The tourist tax is going to be a game-changer for Glasgow, delivering more money to tidy up our city and make it even more attractive for visitors and residents alike. 'A small contribution from tourists will mean we can invest millions more in street sweeping, bin collections, and getting Glasgow looking good again. 'I'm glad that Greens in Holyrood got this law passed, and I'm grateful to all councillors who have worked with me over recent months to get this tax in place as soon as possible.' The levy will apply to all hotels, hostels, guest houses, bed & breakfasts and self-catering accommodation. Glasgow currently averages around 2.9 million overnight stays each year, which generates an expenditure of £250m. The Visitor Levy Act became law in September 2024. This allows councils in Scotland to tax overnight accommodation if they wish to do so. This devolved power has been met with mixed responses, with Edinburgh becoming the first to vote in January to add a five per cent surcharge on visitors' overnight stays by 2026. Meanwhile, South Ayrshire council is set to abandon its plans for a visitor levy in light of residents' and businesses' concerns that the area does not warrant one for the number of visitors it receives.
The Independent
20-06-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Glasgow given go-ahead to introduce a tourist tax
Tourists in Glasgow will start paying extra for their accommodation after the city gave the green light to introduce a tourist tax by 2027. In a bid to generate £16m a year for the Scottish city, visitors heading to Glasgow will be charged five per cent of their accommodation bill extra, which will work out to £4.83 per night on average. Under national legislation, the council has to undergo an 18-month implementation phase, so the levy will not be rolled out until January 2027 at the earliest. The decision was made in a city administration committee on Thursday, with 1.5 per cent of each levy being retained by accommodation providers, while the rest will be invested in Glasgow's infrastructure projects and events. The funding will also be used for public services, such as street sweeping, maintenance of city landmarks and improvements to parks, which will benefit both residents and visitors. A council spokesperson said there was support from all parties on the committee, including the SNP, Labour, Greens and Conservatives. The move to introduce the levy came following a public consultation that started in January between local trade bodies and accommodation businesses. Deputy Council Leader Richard Bell told The Independent: 'Many Glaswegians will be familiar with visitor levies, which are relatively common abroad. 'The levy means that some of the people who enjoy what Glasgow has to offer, but do not pay local taxes, will be asked to make a small contribution to the city. 'In turn, that money will be invested in making Glasgow a better place for citizens and visitors alike – which will benefit our tourist trade.' Green Cllr Blair Anderson, whose motion started the process, said: 'The tourist tax is going to be a game-changer for Glasgow, delivering more money to tidy up our city and make it even more attractive for visitors and residents alike. 'A small contribution from tourists will mean we can invest millions more in street sweeping, bin collections, and getting Glasgow looking good again. 'I'm glad that Greens in Holyrood got this law passed, and I'm grateful to all councillors who have worked with me over recent months to get this tax in place as soon as possible.' The levy will apply to all hotels, hostels, guest houses, bed & breakfasts and self-catering accommodation. Glasgow currently averages around 2.9 million overnight stays each year, which generates an expenditure of £250m. The Visitor Levy Act became law in September 2024. This allows councils in Scotland to tax overnight accommodation if they wish to do so. This devolved power has been met with mixed responses, with Edinburgh becoming the first to vote in January to add a five per cent surcharge on visitors' overnight stays by 2026. Meanwhile, South Ayrshire council is set to abandon its plans for a visitor levy in light of residents' and businesses' concerns that the area does not warrant one for the number of visitors it receives.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Yahoo
Four indicted in drug cases
Jun. 6—CANTON — A St. Lawrence County grand jury on Tuesday handed up four indictments for drug possession. Jeyson Infante, 27, of Massena, was indicted by a St. Lawrence County Grand Jury on two counts third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and evidence tampering. He allegedly possessed cocaine with intent to sell it on April 7 in Massena. He is represented by attorney Nicole Duve. Three people were indicted as co-defendents in a methamphetamine case. Richard Bell, 55, of Massena, was indicted on one count of second-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, three counts third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and one count second-degree criminally using drug paraphernalia. On May 23 in Morristown, he allegedly possessed methamphetamine with intent to sell and cutting agents. He is represented by the St. Lawrence County Public Defender's Office. Kay Bullock, 44, an inmate at St. Lawrence County Correctional Facility, was indicted on one of count second-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, three counts third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, and one count second-degree criminally using drug paraphernalia. On May 23 in Morristown, she allegedly possessed methamphetamine with intent to sell. She does not have an attorney, according to court documents. Anthony Moselle, 55, an inmate at St. Lawrence County Correctional Facility, was indicted on one count second-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, three counts third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, and one count second-degree criminally using drug paraphernalia. On May 23 in Morristown, he allegedly possessed methamphetamine with intent to sell. He is represented by attorney Brian Barrett.
