Latest news with #AQMA
Daily Record
a day ago
- General
- Daily Record
Air quality improvements at busy spots in East Kilbride and Rutherglen
Significant changes have been recorded at two Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs). Significant improvements have been recorded at two Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) in East Kilbride and Rutherglen. Under Scottish Government regulations that require local authorities to act when levels of pollution exceed national guidelines, the Whirlies roundabout was designated in 2008, while Rutherglen Main Street was given the status in 2016. Now, improvements to the efficiency of vehicle engines, along with initiatives led by the council and its partners, have led to both sites recording below-average pollution levels for more than three consecutive years. At the Whirlies, improvements to local public transport and cycling infrastructure, along with new segregated pedestrian space, have boosted active travel options. Meanwhile, in Rutherglen, junction upgrades and improved crossing spaces have improved safety for those using the area on foot, by public transport or by bike. As a result, councillors on the Community and Enterprise committee this week agreed to a proposal that both AQMAs be revoked. Councillor Robert Brown, Chair of the Community and Enterprise Resources committee, has welcomed the results in both target areas. He said: 'In this committee report, we can see the tangible and measurable results of particular initiatives undertaken in Rutherglen Main Street, and at the Whirlies. 'The effort has been a collective one, involving not just the local authority but its partners, and of course, the people of East Kilbride and Rutherglen. 'We all want to see continuing improvements in air quality in our local communities, and on two of our busiest traffic corridors, in particular. 'These improvements help encourage more people to walk, cycle or go by bus and train - active travel is good for us and good for the environment too. 'Today's decision is good news and shows progress, but as a council, we certainly don't see this as 'job done'. 'Ensuring the quality of the air we breathe is a long-term commitment, and we will continue to update and prioritise our comprehensive Air Quality Action Plan now and in the years ahead.' Following a period of statutory consultation, the revocation order is expected to come into effect in October. Detailed information on the levels recorded in each area before and during the AQMAs can be found on our website. You can also watch any of the council meetings live or on playback on the SL committees YouTube channel. A third AQMA in South Lanarkshire - in Lanark town centre - was revoked following approval by the Community and Enterprise Resources Committee in March 2023.
South Wales Argus
29-06-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Newport property gets new lease of life as social club
The site, at 119-121 Chepstow Road, Victoria Ward, Newport, will see its ground floor converted from its previous retail/community use to a club featuring seating, a bar, and the sale of coffee, snacks, and alcohol. The application was approved with conditions on May 28, and will operate on restricted hours of 8am to 11pm Monday to Thursday, 8am to midnight Saturday and 10am to 11pm on Sunday and Bank Holidays. The property's location is notable, situated in Maindee District Centre, and it falls within a Flood Zone 3 (defended) and an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA). The premises have a varied history of use, having been an estate agent from 2008 to 2015, a bridal shop and estate agent post-2015, a Kurdish community centre, and most recently, a retail unit. The surrounding area comprises a mix of commercial properties, including a restaurant, barbershop, and nail salon, with some residential properties located at the rear on Duckpool Road. The proposal was assessed against several planning policies, including the Future Wales – National Plan 2040, Planning Policy Wales Edition 12 (2024), and the Newport Local Development Plan (2011–2026), among others. The assessment highlighted that the club's presence is in keeping with a district centre location and does not undermine retail functionality. Parking and accessibility requirements, which necessitate one commercial space and eight car spaces based on the club's size, were considered. However, due to the premises' existing community centre designation and the proximity of public transport and pay/display parking, these concerns were mitigated. The club will be subject to several conditions to minimise its impact on the surrounding area. These include restrictions on the use of the rear external area to protect the residences on Duckpool Road and limitations on opening hours. The club will only be allowed to open from 8am to 11pm from Monday to Thursday, 8am to midnight on Saturdays, and 10am to 11pm on Sundays and bank holidays. Any cooking of hot food will also require prior approval for extraction systems. Five objections were raised in response to the proposal, primarily concerning potential alcohol-related anti-social behaviour, gambling concerns, and parking issues. However, authorities, including Gwent Police, Highways, Natural Resources Wales, and Waste services, raised no objections. The police also had no concerns about potential anti-social behaviour. The proposal was ultimately deemed to align with planning policies, particularly given its location within a district centre, sustainable transport access, and the absence of significant harm to amenity or infrastructure.
