Wales round-up: Development funding boost for south-west Wales; FM mulls M4 relief road decision

Development funding boost for south-west Wales

A regeneration plan that is set to pump £27 million into development across south-west Wales is being rolled out across the region.

The Planner

FM mulls M4 relief road decision

First Minister Mark Drakeford has received the M4 relief road public inquiry report, which officials have been analysing since last November.

BBC News

Barry Waterfront moves

Proposals for a new business and entertainment development at the revamped Goods Shed on Barry Waterfront, which would also see a shopping container village and an outdoor events space, look set to be given the go-ahead by the Vale of Glamorgan Council.

Wales Online

Innovative housing funding

Housing and local government minister Julie James has announced £35 million of funding for innovative housing projects in Wales this year, part of a £90 million fund to test new approaches and technologies to help develop social and affordable housing.

Welsh Government

Permitted development and energy consenting changes

The administration has written to all chief planning officers highlighting changes to the consenting of energy infrastructure and new permitted development rights for electric vehicle infrastructure, devolved associated lines, telecommunications and non-domestic solar, which all come into force on 1 April.

Welsh Government

Neath mine refusal

Plans for an opencast coal mine next to the now-abandoned Unity drift mine have been refused by Neath Port Talbot Council. Officials highlighted that current energy and planning policy would only allow new mines in ‘wholly exceptional circumstances’. 

BBC News

Swansea housing developments

Swansea City Council’s latest housing proposals include developing 550 affordable homes for rent on council land.

Swansea City Council

Barry Island fairground ‘Butlins’ plan

The owner of the Barry Island fairground has unveiled plans for nearly 300 holiday lets in a move designed to bring ‘Butlins-style’ accommodation back to the attraction.

Wales Online

Capital bike scheme expansion 

Cardiff's bike rental scheme next bike is to open six new docking stations – at Splott, Butetown, Grangetown and Rumney as well as outside Ninian Park Station – as part of expansion plans.

Insider Media