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South Wales Argus
13 hours ago
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Caerphilly borough councillors on council and Bedwas coal tip
In a recent statement, the leader claims the council does *not* know the proposal's precise nature. This is remarkable, as ERI, the company involved, states it met senior councillors and officers multiple times to explain plans. FOI requests confirm CCBC-ERI correspondence since 2017. More concerning, ERI's proposals were discussed at cabinet meetings on March 28, 2018, and July 12, 2023, yet minutes remain sealed. If nothing to hide, why the secrecy? A site meeting was organised to ERI's Six Bells 'reclamation' site, for council officers and Bedwas ward members, but as neighbouring Ynysddu ward councillors, we were excluded. For a project of this scale and environmental impact, such selective involvement is deeply troubling. The council's 'Declaration of Interests' reveals the former Ynysddu councillor—and former CCBC leader—knew of the project in 2018, but said nothing to residents, despite being chair of the local community partnership. Whether a lapse or deliberate omission, the public was left in the dark. Despite years of meetings, lease discussions, planning consultations, and ongoing communication between ERI and CCBC, we're now told the council can't recall project details. Is this genuine institutional forgetfulness, or convenient selective memory? The truth is, Caerphilly Council is actively negotiating a lease for ERI to access publicly owned Bedwas Tips for rent. It also participated in the Pre-Application Consultation (PAC), outlining plans to extract coal using heavy machinery from two out of four Category D tips. Under Section 19, Schedule 1 of The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Wales) Regulations 2017, this proposal clearly fits the legal definition of opencast mining. Our community banner referring to an "opencast mine" in Sirhowy Valley Country Park was accurate, not alarmist. The public deserves straight answers, not blurred language. The council may prefer softer terms like 'reclamation' (even though only 8 per cent of the tip, the coal content, will be removed) and 'rewilding' - (despite 92 per cent of the contaminated spoil being dumped on top of the Site of Importance for Nature Conservation at Mynydd y Grug). But let's be clear: this is a major industrial development near a cherished community green space. The stakes are too high for half-truths and secret records. It's time for full transparency, genuine public consultation, and honest communication. The people of Caerphilly are watching—and they deserve better than a council with a conveniently failing memory when it matters most. Thank you, Cllrs Reed and Jones


Edinburgh Live
19-06-2025
- General
- Edinburgh Live
Angry Edinburgh New Town residents fume 'we don't want yoga studio in our area'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Edinburgh residents have objected to plans for a new yoga studio they warn could 'increase noise and disturbance'. The planning application for 15 Northumberland Street North East Lane would see the currently vacant unit become a yoga and pilates studio, and will be discussed by councillors on June 25. Ahead of the meeting, locals have objected to the plans - citing the 'poor condition' of the entrance lane and the 'negative impact on safety in the area'. However, an Edinburgh Council planning officer's report has recommended the application be granted as it will 'preserve the character and appearance of the conservation area'. The report also says the proposal is 'appropriate within the location'. The unit, which was most recently used as an office, is surrounding by tenement buildings. Plans also include a new cycle parking area. The yoga studio would have opening hours of 8am until 8pm throughout the week. The report argues it would 'not have an unacceptable impact on the neighbouring properties'. The report continues: "While the immediate surrounding area is largely residential in nature, the proposed yoga studio will make a beneficial contribution to the viability and vitality of the area, through the provision of a new use that would have the potential to have positive effects on health, as it supports the opportunity for exercise within the area. The application site will be accessible via public transport and active travel routes due to its close proximity to the city centre." Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox However, residents have submitted 11 objections. The report summarised the objections, with locals arguing: "The entrance lane to the site is in poor condition and would not handle additional vehicle traffic; the application does not propose to increase parking on the site. "The proposal will result in an increase in users and on-street parking. Impact residential amenity. The proposed opening hours are not appropriate. Negatively impact the Conservation Area, negatively impact on the World Heritage Site. "Negatively impact on safety in the area. The proposed use is not appropriate for the area. An increase in noise and disturbance within the local area." Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. Developers argued the plans would 'not generate significant noise levels'. They added: "The proposed use as a yoga studio may generate some noise from people arriving and leaving the premises. However, the floor area to be used is relatively small, whilst yoga is not an activity that would generate significant levels of noise and disturbance." Concluding, the report stated: "The proposal would be acceptable with regard to Section 64 of the Town and Country Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997, as it will preserve the character and appearance of the conservation area. "The proposed change of use would have due regard for the global climate and nature crisis, and is acceptable in principle. The proposal is acceptable in terms scale, form and design and is compatible with the building and area as a whole. The proposed use is appropriate within this location." The plans will be discussed at a meeting on June 25.

South Wales Argus
15-06-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Newport outbuilding can be used as wellness centre
The outbuilding of the property on Allt-Yr-Yn Road, Newport, will be transformed into a Reiki healing and yoga centre. The decision was made under application 25/0242, a Lawful Development Certificate for proposed use. The applicant can now officially operate the centre, which has been deemed suitable for the residential area. The outbuilding, located in the rear garden of the semi-detached property, has been in existence since at least 2006, as confirmed by aerial images. The centre will be open from Monday to Thursday, offering sessions between 9.30am and 6pm. Each session typically hosts one client and lasts for one hour and 15 minutes, with a maximum of two sessions per day. On rare occasions, up to four clients may be present at the same time. The clients are mostly local and are expected to walk to the sessions, with alternative parking areas identified for those who drive. Councillor Fouweather raised concerns about operating a business in a residential area, but no other objections were recorded. The planning consideration concluded that the proposed use of the outbuilding does not constitute a material change of use because of the limited and infrequent numbers of clients. The centre's operations are expected to have minimal noise and traffic impacts, consistent with the norms for a residential area. The proposed activities have been deemed consistent with the residential context. The decision was made under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development)(Amendment)(Wales) Order 2013. The decision includes reference to specific documents: Building Plans V2.0, Application Form, and a confirming email received on May 8, 2025. The proposal is consistent with Newport's Well-Being Plan 2018–23 objectives.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Huge 17.5-metre phone mast could be installed next to Beckenham flats
A new 17.5-metre phone mast could be coming to Beckenham. The mast, which would support six antennas and two dish antennas, is proposed for land adjacent to Flat 1, Beckenham Court, The Avenue. A phone mast, or cell tower, is a tall structure equipped with antennas and technology that send and receive radio signals, enabling mobile phone communication. The application, submitted by Cornerstone, also includes plans for two equipment cabinets at ground level and associated development works. Bromley Council has confirmed it has received the application and is now inviting public comments. The full application is available to view on the council's public access website using reference number 25/01541. Comments must be submitted in writing to the Assistant Director (Planning) at the Civic Centre, Churchill Court, 2 Westmoreland Road, Bromley, BR1 1AS, within 21 days of the notice's publication. The council will then determine whether prior approval is required for the siting and appearance of the telecommunications apparatus. The consultation period is part of the standard process for such proposals, allowing residents to express any concerns or support for the development. The application has been submitted under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (England) Order 2015, which covers the installation of telecommunications infrastructure. Want to find out all the latest planning applications, alcohol licensing applications and planned road closures near you? Then search the Public Notice Portal. The Public Notice Portal is owned and operated by the News Media Association, the voice of UK national, regional, and local newspapers in all their print and digital forms. NMA members include nearly 900 local and regional news titles which reach 40 million people across the length and breadth of the country each month. Many of these publications have served their communities for centuries and remain the most reliable source of verified news and information. Created by local news publishers and supported by the Google News Initiative, the portal carries statutory public notices published in local newspapers and is the fastest and most effective way of finding out what is happening in YOUR neighbourhood.


Glasgow Times
18-05-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow student housing plan includes shops and gym
The project, which includes the demolition of existing buildings on the site, aims to create purpose-built student accommodation along with short-stay accommodation for non-term time. The development will also feature ground floor shops, a snooker hall, and a gym, as well as associated landscaping, amenities, and access work. The proposal is set to be discussed with the public at a consultation event on May 22, from 2pm to 7pm at Woodside Library on St George's Rd. This will be the first opportunity for members of the public to ask questions, give feedback, and learn more about the plans from the project team. The full notice can be viewed at READ MORE: Three buildings next to M8 could be demolished in Glasgow The consultation comes under the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (Scotland) Regulations 2013, which was amended in 2021. Further information about the project can be obtained from Iceni Projects, and those who wish to make comments on the proposals can do so at the event or by emailing stgeorgesroad@ by June 13. This consultation is the first of two planned events for the project. It is important to note that this process does not relate to a formal planning application. If a planning application is submitted to Glasgow City Council, a statutory neighbour notification and publicity will be undertaken, and the public will have the opportunity to make formal representations regarding the proposal. The announcement was made on behalf of Albert Investment Co (Commercial) Ltd.