Latest news with #AONB
The Independent
3 days ago
- The Independent
I'm an American living in the Cotswolds — JD Vance will have a dream vacation here (despite the terrifying roads)
'I couldn't believe some of the narrow roads were two-way.' American Audrey Ann Masur has lived in the Cotswolds, England, for almost five years and she's still surprised at how cars manage the slender roads. 'I was terrified of driving at first,' she tells me. So the motorcade drivers for JD Vance will have their work cut out in August during his summer family vacation to the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), which spans parts of six counties (Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, Worcestershire and Somerset). But Audrey has a message of reassurance for the Vice President: 'It's hard to go wrong with the Cotswolds. ' In fact, the 37-year-old admits: 'I still pinch myself some days.' Audrey says it 'now feels totally normal to drive along narrow roads and pull over for passing', and has built a following of over 11,000 on Instagram with upbeat posts that lift the veil on what life is like in picture-postcard England for someone from a rural farm community in Indiana. Audrey moved to the Cotswolds because her husband landed a job on one of the US bases in the area, though they live with their children in a Gloucestershire village off-base. Aside from the driving, did any other surprises pop up? Audrey says: 'Some household differences would be having no screens on the windows and no [electricity] outlets in the bathrooms. 'A few cultural differences would be how much people chat about the weather, the fact that you need to offer your friend cake two or three times instead of believing their initial refusal and the way everyone ends texts with 'xx'.'. As for the Cotswolds itself, Audrey remarks that while it's an expensive life, 'the quality of living is very good'. She continues: 'I knew it would be lovely, but it has exceeded my expectations. Doing everyday life in such a gorgeous setting lifts your spirits. I'm an old soul, so I really enjoy the local village traditions and events, particularly in the summer and at Christmas.' Audrey also loves to explore — and Mr Vance might like to make a note of some of her favorite sights and villages. The digital creator reveals: 'Stow-on-the-Wold is one of my favourite places to shop or get a coffee. And there you can also visit the 'Tolkien Door' at St Edward's Church [so named because it looks like it's been warped in from the author's Middle-earth]. I love the public footpaths around Winchcombe, and Sudeley Castle is a special place. 'Also, an afternoon at Chastleton House never disappoints and I love a little mooch — a new word in my American vocabulary — around Daylesford Farm and Eleven Bibury [an upscale destination in the village of Bibury comprising a café, shop and tearoom].' Audrey is also a fan of TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson 's Diddly Squat Farm, just outside the village of Chadlington. The farm featured on an Amazon Prime Video series and is now open to the public. Audrey comments: 'I'm from an agricultural community and have farmers in my family, so I think Clarkson's farm has done a great job raising awareness and conversation about what farmers are facing right now. 'We all love a bit of entertainment, and even better when it can do some good. Of course, it's not the most aesthetic place to visit in the Cotswolds, but clearly people love the show and I think that's a positive thing.' Mr Vance is, of course, already sold on the idea of a Cotswolds vacation, but Audrey believes more Americans should follow in his, and her, footsteps. She says: 'Often called a storybook or fairytale setting, the Cotswolds' natural beauty truly is outstanding, and the honey-colored buildings are well-maintained. The views — stunning! It's a place that encourages people to slow down, to literally stop and smell the roses. 'Rolling hills — a patchwork of green, yellow, and even purple — surround us everywhere we go.' But tread carefully, warns Audrey. She cautions: 'It is important for tourists to remember that these villages are not theme parks. 'Real people live here and need to carry out their everyday lives. On my Instagram page, I often encourage tourists to be respectful, particularly with parking, rubbish, and interactions. It's an amazing place to vacation when you keep those things in mind.' Audrey and her family will have to say goodbye to the area within the next few years, and it'll be a sad moment. She tells us that she and her family have made friends 'through church, work, and school' and 'even have some surrogate grandparent figures for the children'. She adds: 'I love the Cotswolds not only for the beauty, but because it's home now and I'm a part of the community. It's where my children are growing up and it will always remain very dear to my heart.'
BBC News
5 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Yorkshire Wolds AONB status backed by combined authority
A bid for the Yorkshire Wolds to be designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) has been backed by the Hull and East Yorkshire Combined of its executive board gave their support to plans that would give the area stronger legal protection covering development and England will consider feedback following a public consultation before deciding whether to ask the government to make the Riding of Yorkshire Council had already said it supported the idea. At the combined authority's executive board meeting on Friday, Hull and East Yorkshire Mayor Luke Campbell asked whether the designation would protect the area from solar farms Hunt, director of planning and development at East Riding Council, said: "It does raise the bar for new developments in terms of what would be allowed."Large-scale proposals like solar farms and large wind turbines would have an impact on the landscape and would be more severely controlled by an AONB designation."Anne Handley, leader of East Riding Council, asked whether farmers who wanted to build on their land would be subject to special planning Hunt said some planning rights might be removed, but the authority could work with landowners to try to reach the idea goes ahead, the AONB would cover about 180 sq miles (465 sq km).Natural England said the Yorkshire Wolds included "dramatic steep-sided dry valleys, high but gentle escarpments, dramatic coastal cliffs and open, rolling agricultural plateaux".It added: "Natural and cultural heritage in the area includes ancient woodland, species-rich grasslands, chalk streams, Iron Age settlements, abandoned medieval villages and Georgian manors and parkland." Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
England fans risk £2,500 fine if they flout St George's Cross flag rules
As the England's women's football team gear up for the Euro 2025 final, supporters are being warned that proudly flying the St George's Cross could land them a hefty fine England supporters are being urged to check the rules before proudly flying the St George's Cross outside their homes, or risk a whopping £2,500 fine. With the Lionesses storming into the Women's Euro 2025 final this Sunday against Spain, excitement is reaching fever pitch. But while the nation gets ready to cheer on the team, there's a little-known planning law that could turn celebrations into a costly nightmare. If you're planning to fly an England flag during the big match, the government has mostly relaxed the rules, but there's a major catch. While you're allowed to fly flags from your rooftop, including England, Scotland, Wales, the NHS, LGBT Pride, and even Commonwealth country flags, the trouble starts when the flag is flown from a pole sticking out from the side of your house. In that case, size really does matter. Flags projecting from anywhere other than the roof must not exceed 2 square metres in size. If you go bigger than that, you're breaking the law. If you live in a protected area like an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), then you might need special consent just to put the flag up at all. And if you don't comply, you could be slapped with a fine of up to £2,500, and potentially face daily penalties until the flag is taken down. To stay on the right side of the law, follow these top tips - roof-mounted flagpoles are your safest bet as no size limit applies here, unless you're in an AONB. Side-mounted poles, from windows or balconies, should be under 2m², otherwise you are at risk of getting reported. People are also allowed to fly two flags from the same pole, but one must be a national flag and placed on top. According to the official guidance, all flags must be in good condition and safely displayed, on private property with the owner's permission, not blocking official signs or creating transport hazard, and taken down if ordered by the planning authority. Flags which don't need permission include UK national flags (in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland), flags of the Commonwealth, UN or any UK-member international organisation, regional and local flags (e.g. Yorkshire, Wessex, Black Country), His Majesty's forces and Armed Forces Day flags, and Pride and NHS flags when flown correctly. So, before you deck out your home in red and white to support the Lionesses, make sure you know the rules, or you could be left footing a hefty legal bill instead of celebrating a win.
Leader Live
21-07-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
Bid to extend life of Burley Hill Quarry near Mold rejected
Meeting at County Hall in Ruthin, planning committee members voted to reject Tarmac Trading Ltd's application to continue working Burley Hill Quarry, near Mold, for another 15 years. The proposal, which sought to extend operations without increasing the site's boundaries or the volume of mineral extracted, was refused by 15 votes to three. Tiffany Cox, a chartered surveyor who has worked with Tarmac for eight years, defended the application, telling councillors it was 'simply an extension of time to allow the approved, consented limestone'. She insisted that 'no further land would be disturbed' and argued the limestone was essential for infrastructure. 'Unlike other forms of development, minerals can only be worked where they are found and are essential to build our roads, houses, and other infrastructure,' she said. 'The limestone at Burley already forms part of the landbank, and if this application were refused, the landbank would need to be replenished by extensions at other sites or through the approval of entirely new greenfield quarries.' Despite officers recommending approval, citing the economic need, the proposal faced opposition from residents, community councils, environmental groups, and Senedd Members. But Cllr Alan James proposed approving the application, calling it 'extremely difficult' but acknowledging: 'We clearly have a need.' Cllr Ellie Chard seconded this, adding: 'I feel that we do have to have a landbank… I'm sorry, we need it for our roads and housing, so we do have to have it for Denbighshire and Flintshire, the quantities that we need.' Tarmac Trading Ltd have applied tp Denbighshire County Council with a Section 73 application, which if granted could allow the company to continue working at Burley Hill Quarry for 15 years.. But several councillors spoke strongly against the plan. Cllr Andrea Tomlin argued that 'tranquillity is difficult to measure'. She added: 'I think we get that (sense of need) from the locals, not from the report or paper definition.' She then warned that granting permission would be 'to the detriment of the amenity'. Alyn Valley member Cllr Terry Mendies opposed the plans. 'This is a classic case of common sense prevailing,' he said. 'Look at the residents' objections; the Senedd Members. 'Very succinctly, I would urge members to vote against this.' Cllr Mendies then formally proposed refusal, citing the 'unacceptable impact' on the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the weight of formal objections. The committee also heard that, if rejected, the applicant could appeal the decision, and that the restoration of the site would be required if it were refused. The proposal had sparked fierce opposition in the run-up to the meeting. The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB Joint Advisory Committee, four local community councils, Madra, Ramblers Cymru, and Senedd Members including Sam Rowlands, Carolyn Thomas, Darren Millar, Llyr Gruffydd, Hannah Blythyn, and Mark Isherwood all raised significant concerns, citing environmental harm, traffic, noise, and damage to tourism. The debate had been delayed twice previously to allow further public consultation. In the end, councillors sided with the objectors, delivering a resounding rejection of the plans, with 15 votes to three. Clwyd West MS Darren Millar welcomed the refusal to extend the life of Burley Hill Quarry, Eryrys. He said: 'I am pleased that common sense has prevailed, and that the majority of planning committee members listened to the concerns raised by the local community and could see the detrimental impact this would have had on the area. Read more 'Residents, Llanferres Community Council, Llanarmon-yn-Iâl Community Council, Nercwys Community Council, and Mold Town Council all opposed the plans, as did the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) joint advisory committee as well as Madra and Ramblers Cymru. 'I thank Cllr Terry Mendies for putting forward the proposal for refusal, I know he has been working hard with the local community in recent years to oppose this application. 'I also thank all other planning committee members who supported his recommendation and voted against the application. 'The dormant quarry is situated in a designated area of outstanding natural beauty, bringing it back into use would have caused much disruption and had a detrimental affect on tourism to the area. Today's outcome is therefore fantastic news!'
North Wales Live
18-07-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
Controversial plan to reopen quarry in North Wales beauty spot thrown out
A controversial bid to extend the life of a dormant limestone quarry in a protected beauty spot has been thrown out by Denbighshire councillors. Meeting at County Hall in Ruthin this week, planning committee members voted to reject Tarmac Trading Ltd's application to continue working Burley Hill Quarry, near Mold, for another 15 years. The proposal, which sought to extend operations without increasing the site's boundaries or the volume of mineral extracted, was refused by 15 votes to three. Tiffany Cox, a chartered surveyor who has worked with Tarmac for eight years, defended the application, telling councillors it was 'simply an extension of time to allow the approved, consented limestone". She insisted that 'no further land would be disturbed' and argued the limestone was essential for infrastructure. 'Unlike other forms of development, minerals can only be worked where they are found and are essential to build our roads, houses, and other infrastructure,' she said. S ign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox. 'The limestone at Burley already forms part of the landbank, and if this application were refused, the landbank would need to be replenished by extensions at other sites or through the approval of entirely new greenfield quarries.' Despite officers recommending approval, citing the economic need, the proposal faced opposition from residents, community councils, environmental groups, and Senedd Members. But Cllr Alan James proposed approving the application, calling it 'extremely difficult' but acknowledging: 'We clearly have a need.' Cllr Ellie Chard seconded this, adding: 'I feel that we do have to have a landbank... I'm sorry, we need it for our roads and housing, so we do have to have it for Denbighshire and Flintshire, the quantities that we need.' But several councillors spoke strongly against the plan. Cllr Andrea Tomlin argued that 'tranquillity is difficult to measure'. She added: 'I think we get that (sense of need) from the locals, not from the report or paper definition.' She then warned that granting permission would be 'to the detriment of the amenity'. Alyn Valley member Cllr Terry Mendies opposed the plans. 'This is a classic case of common sense prevailing,' he said. 'Look at the residents' objections; the Senedd Members. Very succinctly, I would urge members to vote against this.' Cllr Mendies then formally proposed refusal, citing the 'unacceptable impact' on the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the weight of formal objections. The committee also heard that, if rejected, the applicant could appeal the decision, and that the restoration of the site would be required if it were refused. The proposal had sparked fierce opposition in the run-up to the meeting. The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB Joint Advisory Committee, four local community councils, Madra, Ramblers Cymru, and Senedd Members including Sam Rowlands, Carolyn Thomas, Darren Millar, Llyr Gruffydd, Hannah Blythyn, and Mark Isherwood all raised significant concerns, citing environmental harm, traffic, noise, and damage to tourism. The debate had been delayed twice previously to allow further public consultation. In the end, councillors sided with the objectors, delivering a resounding rejection of the plans, with 15 votes to three. Public notices in your area
