Wales round-up: Barratt buys large brownfield site for Chepstow housing; Swansea hospital enforcement row

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

Aberystwyth marina moves

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 bus routes shorn

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

Conwy Valley initiative

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