Wales round-up: Barratt buys large brownfield site for Chepstow housing; Swansea hospital enforcement row
A round-up of planning news in Wales: 26 January-1 February, 2019
Barratt buys large brownfield site for Chepstow housing
The largest brownfield development site in Monmouthshire has been sold to Barratt Homes in a move set to boost Chepstow’s housing stock significantly.
The Planner
Box-ticking prevents proactive planning
Under-resourcing and a box-ticking culture has closed off the space planners traditionally used for reflection, professional discretion and proactive planning, according to a report by the RTPI.
The Planner
Brokenshire wants ‘fresh thinking’ on planning recruitment
Housing secretary James Brokenshire has told an audience of planners that the government must do more to support the profession and give it the respect it deserves.
The Planner
RTPI urges planners to protect ancient woodlands
Planning has a key role in protecting ancient woodland and trees which are threatened by the cumulative effects of inappropriate developments on their fringes as much as permanent loss and damage.
The Planner
£1bn support for UK’s heritage
More than £1 billion of National Lottery money will go towards supporting the UK’s heritage.
The Planner
Construction SMEs grow but concerns remain
Workloads for construction SMEs grew in the fourth quarter of 2018. Despite this, the industry is concerned that it could be held back by a weakening housing market and rising costs.
The Planner
The Marine & Property Group Ltd has agreed to acquire the 1,400 square-metre Harbour House at Aberystwyth Marina from the Welsh Government. This will mean more space for businesses that complements the waterside setting as well as cementing an arrangement with the town’s university to provide business start-up space.
The Marine & Property Group
Swansea hospital enforcement row
A private hospital in Swansea has been ordered to break up and remove a concrete base built without planning permission to accommodate a mobile MRI scanner after complaints from residents and concern that the works had significantly damaged a protected yew tree’s root system.
Wales Online
Cardiff's major bus operator is cutting out 12 bus routes in a move affecting people in both the east and west of the capital as it seeks to stem huge losses.
Wales Online
Llanelli debates depedestrianisation
Stepney Street, Llanelli's main shopping area, could soon become depedestrianised as part of new plans to ‘revitalise’ the town centre.
Wales Online
A first-of-its kind river restoration project led by the National Trust is aiming to attract more wildlife and decrease flood risk in part of the Conwy Valley around Afon Machno, in Cwm Penmachno.
BBC News
Cairns claims M4 relief road inquiry report backs the project
Welsh secretary Alun Cairns has said the inspector’s report from the public inquiry into the M4 relief road is in favour of the scheme going ahead.
BBC News
Flintshire quarry set to welcome holidaymakers
Acorn Leisure is set to open a holiday park development in a disused former quarry after Flintshire County Council approved proposals for a scheme providing luxury lodges, static and touring caravan pitches as well as glamping facilities at Afonwen near Caerwys.
Insider Media
Economy boosted by film and TV productions
Welsh film and television production boomed in 2018 because of Welsh Government support, with huge benefits for the Welsh economy, claims Dafydd Elis Thomas, deputy minister for culture, sport and tourism.
Welsh Government
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