Wales round-up: Ministers accept most of the Law Commission’s recommendations; Opposition mounts over major Penarth development

Ministers accept most of the Law Commission’s recommendations for planning law changes

Welsh housing minister has announced that the Welsh Government accepts most of the detailed recommendations made by the Law Commission to simplify and consolidate the legislation on all aspects of the Welsh planning system.

The Planner

Labour urges government to bring forward flooding investment

Ahead of the spending review, the Labour Party has called for the flooding protection investment to be brought forward as part of a wider challenge to the government to ‘Build it in Britain’.

The Planner

Opposition mounts over major Penarth development  

The government’s contentious proposals for a development of 576 homes and flats on 24 hectares of farmland it owns next to Cosmeston Lakes Country Park in the Vale of Glamorgan, just south of Penarth, is facing growing opposition. There are concerns over traffic and pollution and loss of historical heritage. More than 3,000 local people have signed a petition against the outline proposals, which include a primary school, community facilities and public open space.

Wales Online

Conwy Valley homes approved

Conwy County Borough Council has approved a 107-home development proposed by Clon Homes on the outskirts of Glan Conwy in the Conwy Valley.

Wales Online

Coal tip safety bill

More than half a billion pounds could be needed to ensure the safety of 2,000 old coal tips in Wales over the next 10 years, the chancellor has been warned by a group of Labour MPs concerned following a 60,000-tonne landslide earlier this year in Rhondda.

BBC News

Anglesey nuclear project moves

A new attempt to revive the £16 billion Wylfa nuclear project on Anglesey is being made by a US consortium that includes energy giant Westinghouse and engineering group Bechtel, according to news website Wales Online, citing reports in the Financial Times.

Wales Online

Cardiff reservoirs makeover

Proposals to reopen the capital’s Llanishen and Lisvane reservoirs with a new watersports centre and cafe have now been submitted to Cardiff City Council by Welsh Water.

Wales Online

Barry station redevelopment

Barry Island railway station could soon be home to a mix of restaurants, shops, business units and holiday accommodation now that the Vale of Glamorgan Council has agreed to market the station building and will accept a variety of tenants.

Wales Online

Swansea glass works demolition proposal

Gorseinon-based developer Michael Morgan has written to Swansea Council proposing to demolish the former Lyons/Pilkington glass works, a city centre landmark.

Wales Online

Abermule development

Powys County Council has formally submitted a planning application for a greater number of smaller business units at the Abermule Business Park, which already has permission for six units.

County Times

Newport Market flats dropped

Plans to provide 20 serviced flats as part of a £12 million redevelopment of Newport’s historic market have been withdrawn following concerns about the impact of a rooftop extension on the grade-II listed building, which is set to be transformed under ambitious plans by developer Loft-Co.

Wales Online

Powys crematorium project

Proposals for a crematorium and green burial facility at a 14-hectare site in Caersws, Powys, proposed by a company run by a councillor, are now out for public consultation.

BBC News

Pontcysyllte aqueduct scheme

Proposals for a new visitor centre and improved infrastructure for commercial boats and private boaters at the Pontcysyllte aqueduct, a World Heritage Site in North Wales, have been recommended for approval by Wrexham Council.

BBC News

Wrexham flats proposed

A planning application has been submitted to the borough council for 14 flats above an empty shop in Wrexham town centre.

BBC News

Swansea’s arena district renamed

The city centre district around Swansea’s new indoor arena is to be known officially as Copr Bay, using the Welsh word for copper – an industry that helped the city to drive the Industrial Revolution.

Swansea City Council

Backing for huge St Asaph solar farm project

Councillors have backed proposals for a huge 62-megawatt solar energy park earmarked for a 117-hectare farmland site near St Asaph in Denbighshire. Because the project has been classified as a development of national significance it will be determined by ministers.

BBC News