Sperrins wind farm gets go ahead after appeal
The ruling also concluded that the stated environmental and economic benefits of the proposal and Stormont's climate obligations "weigh strongly in its favour".The Save Benbradagh group, which had campaigned against the turbines, raised the prospect that permission for the scheme would set a precedent opening up the entire Sperrins area for wind energy development.However, the PAC said: "No two sites are the same and every application must be considered on its own merits in the evidential and policy context then prevailing."It added that it did not accept that approval of this development would open up other areas to successive developments.The ruling has been welcomed by the wind farm developer, RES.Jennifer McCorry, Project Manager for RES, said: "Magheramore has been carefully designed to fit sensitively into the existing landscape and we warmly welcome the decision, which unlocks much-needed investment in the local economy."
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The Independent
4 hours ago
- The Independent
Average UK house price jumps by more than £1,000 month-on-month
The average house price jumped by 0.4% or more than £1,000 in cash terms in July, Halifax has reported. Across the UK, the average property value in July was £298,237, up from £297,157 in June. Amanda Bryden, head of mortgages at Halifax, said: 'UK house prices rose in July, up by 0.4% (£1,080 in cash terms), the biggest monthly increase since the start of this year. 'The average house price is now £298,237, 2.4% higher than a year ago. 'While the national average remains close to a record high, it's worth remembering that prices vary widely across the country depending on a number of factors, not least location and property type. 'Challenges remain for those looking to move up or on to the property ladder. 'But with mortgage rates continuing to ease and wages still rising, the picture on affordability is gradually improving. 'Combined with the more flexible affordability assessments now in place, the result is a housing market that continues to show resilience, with activity levels holding up well. 'We expect house prices to follow a steady path of modest gains through the rest of the year.' Looking across the UK, Northern Ireland continued to be the strongest-performing area, with house prices typically rising by 9.3% annually, Halifax said. In Scotland, property values rose by 4.7% and in Wales they increased by 2.7% on average. In England, the North West and Yorkshire and the Humber recorded the strongest annual property price inflation, at 4.0%. Alice Haine, personal finance analyst at Bestinvest by Evelyn Partners, said: 'Housing market activity is picking up, driven by increased listings, easing borrowing costs and a relaxation of mortgage lending rules.' Thomas Lambert, a financial planner at wealth manager Quilter, said: 'This improvement comes despite the lingering impact of stamp duty threshold changes earlier in the year, which have increased upfront costs for many buyers and us being deep into the summer lull. 'While mortgage rates have drifted lower and affordability rules have been eased, many households are still constrained by high living costs and sluggish income growth. 'For first-time buyers, even small increases in rates or property prices can make the difference between buying and staying put.' Nathan Emerson, chief executive of property professionals' body Propertymark, said: 'Lenders are adapting to market trends by offering more competitive products.' Amy Reynolds, head of sales at London-based estate agency Antony Roberts, said: 'While in our offices we experienced a brief lull in activity at the start of the school holidays, it has picked up significantly since then. 'Serious buyers are committing and keen to move before the end of the year.' Mark Harris, chief executive of mortgage broker SPF Private Clients, said: 'Mortgage rates continue to edge downwards but it's not just pricing that is improving, with lenders also broadening policy, including increasing loan-to-income caps and lowering some income requirements, which is boosting affordability.' Tom Bill, head of UK residential research at Knight Frank, said: 'The UK housing market is getting back on its feet following the disruption of April's stamp duty cliff edge, but high levels of supply are keeping prices in check. 'We expect low single-digit annual growth by the end of the year but that depends on the content of the autumn budget. 'Some parts of the economy are already adopting the brace position and buyers could begin to hesitate after the summer if speculation over tax rises persists. 'The conundrum for the housing market is that the Government needs to increase its financial headroom to keep borrowing costs in check but without sentiment-sapping tax hikes.' Here are average house prices and the annual increase, according to Halifax (regional annual change figures are based on the most recent three months of approved mortgage transaction data): East Midlands, £245,182, 2.4% Eastern England, £334,494, 1.1% London, £539,914, 0.5% North East, £177,251, 3.2% North West, £242,293, 4.0% Northern Ireland, £214,832, 9.3% Scotland, £215,238, 4.7% South East, £388,260, 0.5% South West, £302,306, 0.2% Wales, £227,928, 2.7% West Midlands, £260,265, 2.6% Yorkshire and the Humber, £215,532, 4.0%
BreakingNews.ie
5 hours ago
- BreakingNews.ie
Man who sought reduced working hours after strokes settles discrimination case
A man who asked for reduced working hours after having two strokes has settled a disability and age discrimination case against his former employer for £100,000. Property developer Fraser Partners Ltd settled the case with Clifford Donaldson, who was supported by the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, without admission of liability. Advertisement Mr Donaldson was employed by the firm as a site manager for more than seven years. In January 2023, he had two strokes that impacted on his speech and movement. After a short period of sick leave, he returned to work on a phased basis. Mr Donaldson said he asked for a reduction in his working hours to 30 hours a week, with a reduced salary. Advertisement In the summer of 2023, the company recruited a new site manager who was younger. Mr Donaldson was told that his own employment would end in September 2023. He alleged that he was told the new site manager would now manage the housing construction over three sites. Mr Donaldson said he was later offered a potential consultancy role to commence after his employment ended, but he says it came with no guarantee of hours or duration. He did not take up this offer and his employment with the company finished in September 2023. Advertisement Mr Donaldson said: 'This has been a very difficult experience for me and my family. 'I was shocked to learn I was being replaced, and that my employment was ending. 'I wanted to continue working. It was an awful way to be treated after years of dedication to the business. 'I believe assumptions were made about my ability following my strokes. I needed some understanding. Advertisement 'Instead, I felt abandoned, like I was only fit for the scrap heap because of my strokes and my age. 'I'm relieved the case is settled and I can move forward.' Geraldine McGahey, chief commissioner of the Equality Commission, said: 'Employers must be aware that employees like Cliff who acquire a disability have protections under the Disability Discrimination Act. 'They simply cannot make assumptions about their employees' workplace capabilities. 'Instead, they must communicate clearly with employees to fully understand their needs. 'The law requires that reasonable adjustments must be considered and implemented where appropriate. It is vital that all staff, especially line managers, are fully informed of these obligations.' She added: 'The Equality Commission provides expert advice and practical guidance to help employers develop effective policies and procedures. 'Making use of this support will help ensure compliance with Northern Ireland's equality laws and create a more inclusive workplace'. In settling the case, Fraser Partners Ltd affirmed its strong commitment to the principle of equality of opportunity in employment. The company also undertook to liaise with the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland to review its policies and procedures.
BBC News
12 hours ago
- BBC News
Stroke survivor settles job discrimination case for £100k
A man who said he lost his job after suffering two strokes has settled a disability and age discrimination case against his former employer for £100, Donaldson's speech and movement were affected after he took ill in January 2023, which led to him cutting his working hours and taking a reduced former property site manager took the case against Fraser Partners Ltd after a new, younger site manager was recruited and Mr Donaldson was told his employment would end in September 2023.A spokesperson for Fraser Partners, which settled the case without admission of liability, said they "strongly deny the claims made but chose to settle in order to avoid a lengthy legal process". "We remain fully committed to equality, fairness, and inclusion in the workplace, and continue to review our policies to ensure they meet the highest standards," a statement added. 'I didn't know if I had a future' Speaking to BBC News NI, Mr Donaldson said he joined Fraser Partners - previously known as Fraser Estates - in 1986 as a civil engineer, before being asked to take on a housing development management role in suffering two strokes, the 63-year-old, who lives in Belfast, took eight weeks off work before returning on a phased he said he "never in a million years" expected to be told his employment was coming to an end during a regular weekly meeting."It was such a shock to me that after 40 years of association with the company that I was let go," he Donaldson said he was extremely disappointed, and his mental health suffered "tremendously"."Two weeks after I found out I was let go was the worst of my life because I didn't know if I had a future at all," he added."When you have a stroke, it changes your life, you wonder: 'How am I going to look after my family?'"You have no income, you don't have a job. You wonder where the next step is coming from." Mr Donaldson's case was supported by the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland which, he said, helped him to feel less alone."I have so much to give still. I'm in counselling at the moment and my physical condition has been improved in the last two years," he said."I hope the counselling will help me return to my usual self, but that could take time." Employees feeling 'abandoned' Geraldine McGahey of the Equality Commission said the organisation got involved in Mr Donaldson's case as many people can relate to being with an employer for a long time and feel alone when things go wrong."Employers need to be aware of their obligations, they must fulfil their obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act," she said."I think Cliff's case illustrates very clearly that employers have that obligation but they also must tell their employees about their rights."The commission's chief said Mr Donaldson felt "very abandoned" and needed the support of his employer."A good employer would tell an employee like Cliff: 'This is what I have to do with you, this is how we're going to work together'... because they have an obligation to make reasonable adjustments to help that employee stay at work." Mrs McGahey said the resolution has resulted in a large settlement, and the commission has worked with the company to review their policies and procedures, and support them to get things right."Because if you don't get things right, it costs you a lot of money and a lot of actual reputation for your business as well," she added."People will be impacted by this story, they will consider how employers behave and treat their employees and that can impact on their loyalty to that kind of business."She added the vast majority of employers will have the correct policies within their businesses."But that's no good if you don't implement them," she said."You've got to make sure that it's a living document, that your managers know how to implement it, but similarly the employees must know what their rights are under that policy as well."
