Latest news with #WillDavies
BBC News
30-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Cambridge hotel's rooftop bar canopy plans blocked for sixth time
A hotel which has had plans for a roof canopy rejected six times has been told they might never be the latest refusal, the Varsity Hotel and Spa in Thompsons Lane, Cambridge, was told its plans for a canopy on its rooftop bar and terrace had failed to overcome the reasons behind the previous refusals, which included the impact on the city's historic City councillor Katie Porrer, Liberal Democrats, said she was "struggling" to see what could fit on top of the hotel roof and be hotel said it would not give up on its plans to build the canopy, which it has been trying to gain permission for since 2022. Will Davies, from the hotel, said the hospitality industry was in a "precarious state" and said the hotel was "struggling at the moment".He believed the canopy could help attract customers and give more people the chance for elevated views across the city, which he claimed were normally only accessible to members of the University of Cambridge, or at a latest two designs were presented to councillors at a planning committee meeting on 25 first proposal was for a pergola on the roof with a retractable second was for a new all-weather, stepped-in, retractable roof canopy, with an independently supported tensile roof fabric above planning officers said the designs would still be an "incongruous, dominating extension to the rooftop that would detrimentally impact the historic skyline of Cambridge".Porrer said she had been "really hoping" the hotel would come forward with different plans, but said they were "very similar" to what had been submitted said the proposals did "break the skyline" and highlighted planning inspectors had concluded that the public and economic benefits did not outweigh this also said she was "struggling" to see what could fit on top of the hotel and was "not sure what else can be built on there".Martin Smart, from the ruling Labour party, said he was "struggling to find something in this application I can agree with".But Robert Dryden, also Labour, believed the proposals offered a "modern design that respects the Cambridge skyline", and argued it did not "overwhelm or clash", but offered a "contrast".Both of the applications were ultimately refused by a majority of councillors on the planning committee. This article was written by a trusted journalist and then edited for length and style with the help of AI, before being checked again by a BBC Journalist. It's part of a pilot. Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Summer picnic and music workshop held to mark Learning Disability Week in Brighton
A summer picnic and music workshop has brought people together for a day of connection and creativity in Brighton. Organised by Brighton and Hove Speak Out, the event took place in Brighthelm Gardens on June 17 and marked Learning Disability Week 2025. The gathering welcomed 34 charity members, staff, and volunteers for a day of community and celebration in support of people with learning disabilities. Will Davies, CEO of Brighton and Hove Speak Out, said: "Events like these are crucial for our members. "They provide a safe, welcoming environment where people with learning disabilities can express themselves, build connections, and try new experiences." The day began with a picnic in the gardens and continued with a music workshop led by the New Note Orchestra, the world's first orchestra created to support people affected by addiction. Brighton and Hove Speak Out hosted a summer picnic and music workshop (Image: David McHugh / Brighton Pictures) The workshop invited attendees to explore different instruments and make music together in a supportive setting. A Speak Out participant said: "I loved the drums, it was so loud when we played altogether. "I hope they can come back again." Learning Disability Week is a national event running from June 16 to 22, with the 2025 theme "Do you see me?" The theme calls for greater recognition of people with learning disabilities as individuals with unique skills, goals, and perspectives. The week also aims to raise awareness of the barriers faced by people with learning disabilities and to highlight their achievements. Events like the Brighton picnic are taking place around the country to mark the week, each reinforcing the value and voices of those with learning disabilities. Brighton and Hove Speak Out is an independent advocacy charity that supports people with learning disabilities through a wide range of activities and programs.
BBC News
17-06-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Fleetwood sign Sutton striker Davies
Fleetwood Town have signed Sutton United striker Will Davies on a two-year 26-year-old scored 18 goals in 49 appearances for Sutton in the National League last season, having left York City in March 2024. Davies first caught they eye with Leiston Town in the Southern League Premier Division Central, scoring 50 goals over two led to a move to Braintree Town, where he netted seven times in 14 National League South signed him in November 2023 and he managed five league goals in 20 games for them before moving to Sutton following a loan spell at becomes the Cod Army's second signing of the summer, after the arrival of defender Toby Mullarkey from Crawley Town last week.
