Latest news with #BlaenauGwentCountyBoroughCouncil
South Wales Argus
3 days ago
- General
- South Wales Argus
Community spirit transforms garden at Augusta House
Augusta House, a learning disability respite service in Victoria Park, Blaenau Gwent, received the garden makeover through a community project led by volunteers, schools, and organisations. The project was designed to create a welcoming and stimulating outdoor environment for residents and their families. Cllr Helen Cunningham, cabinet member for adults and communities, said: "The Augusta House Gardening Project is a shining example of how community spirit and collaboration can create meaningful change. Dozens volunteered (Image: Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council) "Seeing volunteers, local schools and organisations come together to transform this space is truly inspiring. "This garden will become a lasting legacy for residents to cherish and I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed their time, energy and resources to make it happen." The project involved volunteers from British Gas, Pen-y-Cwm School, St Mary's RC Primary School, Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council, and the Friends of Augusta group. British Gas provided decorative metal panels, while Able Touch Joinery in Tredegar donated planters and wind chimes. Helen Beecham, service manager at Augusta House, said: "We are truly overwhelmed by the generosity, kindness and community spirit shown by everyone who contributed to the Augusta House Gardening Project. "Seeing volunteers, schools and local organisations come together to create such a beautiful space has been incredibly uplifting." The Council's Neighbourhood Services Team delivered a truckload of compost and chippings from its green waste project at Silent Valley. The sensory garden has also been designed to support wildlife, with insect hotels, solitary bee homes, and bird and bat boxes, all donated by the council's biodiversity team. Cheryl Jones and Suzanne Cadwallader from Friends of Augusta said: "We couldn't thank you all enough. "It's truly been overwhelming to see so many stepping forward to help us achieve the vision we set out for our garden. "I think we have surpassed all expectation on how fantastic it's turned out. "It looks so vibrant and welcoming. "We are blessed to have such thoughtful and generous people in our community." Augusta House staff provided volunteers with a buffet lunch and bottled water on the day of the makeover.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Plans for new Burger King restaurant in Gwent town
A drive-thru Burger King restaurant could be coming to a Gwent town and be part of an overall development that creates over 60 jobs in the town. At Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council's Planning committee on Thursday, June 5, councillors will decide a planning application by Starburst limited for a drive through Burger King, a pizza restaurant/takeaway and a tanning 'shop' on land at Blaina Road in Brynmawr. Provision for 30 parking spaces is included in the scheme which includes four electric vehicle charging points. A number of objections have been raised against the proposal. These were on the grounds that there are already 15 fast food restaurants and takeaways in the town; that the development would contribute to the rise in child obesity, as well as cause anti-social behaviour. Objectors also point out there are 10 tanning salons within a 10 mile radius of Brynmawr. The report by development management team manager Steph Hopkins. notes that Brynmawr Town Council objected to the proposal. This is due to traffic congestion already in the area and that the development if approved would: 'cause further chaos' for motorists and pedestrians. The town council were also under the impression that this land at was intended for leisure purposes. The report shows that an outline planning to build 25 homes and a drive through restaurant at the site were approved back in 2018. A further application providing details for a drive-through Costa Coffee shop was approved in 2019. But since 2020 no further progress has been made to develop the site. Mrs Hopkins said: 'It is acknowledged that the proposal is a departure from the Local Development Plan (LDP). 'There has been no interest from residential developers during the lifetime of the current LDP, a time period spanning 13 years, despite the fact there has been outline planning permission on the site for residential development since 2018.' Mrs Hopkins adds that it is 'worth noting' by councillors that the site's allocation for housing in the current LDP is not going to be part of the new replacement LDP. Mrs Hopkins continued: 'Nevertheless, members must weigh up the land use allocation of housing against the proposal of a drive-through/restaurant, pizza restaurant/takeaway and a tanning salon. 'With the exception of the land use allocation, the scheme broadly complies with policy. 'This must be weighed up against the strict adherence to a policy that requires only housing on the site.' Mrs Hopkins concludes: 'It is considered that on balance, the development proposal would not have an unacceptable impact on the character, appearance or amenity of surrounding area and wider landscape, or the safe, effective and efficient use of the highway network.' Due to this Mrs Hopkins will recommend that councillors approve the planning application.
South Wales Argus
5 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Plans for new drive-thru Burger King restaurant in Brynmawr
At Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council's Planning committee on Thursday, June 5, councillors will decide a planning application by Starburst limited for a drive through Burger King, a pizza restaurant/takeaway and a tanning 'shop' on land at Blaina Road in Brynmawr. Provision for 30 parking spaces is included in the scheme which includes four electric vehicle charging points. A number of objections have been raised against the proposal. These were on the grounds that there are already 15 fast food restaurants and takeaways in the town; that the development would contribute to the rise in child obesity, as well as cause anti-social behaviour. Objectors also point out there are 10 tanning salons within a 10 mile radius of Brynmawr. The report by development management team manager Steph Hopkins. notes that Brynmawr Town Council objected to the proposal. This is due to traffic congestion already in the area and that the development if approved would: 'cause further chaos' for motorists and pedestrians. The town council were also under the impression that this land at was intended for leisure purposes. The report shows that an outline planning to build 25 homes and a drive through restaurant at the site were approved back in 2018. A further application providing details for a drive-through Costa Coffee shop was approved in 2019. But since 2020 no further progress has been made to develop the site. Mrs Hopkins said: 'It is acknowledged that the proposal is a departure from the Local Development Plan (LDP). 'There has been no interest from residential developers during the lifetime of the current LDP, a time period spanning 13 years, despite the fact there has been outline planning permission on the site for residential development since 2018.' Mrs Hopkins adds that it is 'worth noting' by councillors that the site's allocation for housing in the current LDP is not going to be part of the new replacement LDP. Mrs Hopkins continued: 'Nevertheless, members must weigh up the land use allocation of housing against the proposal of a drive-through/restaurant, pizza restaurant/takeaway and a tanning salon. 'With the exception of the land use allocation, the scheme broadly complies with policy. 'This must be weighed up against the strict adherence to a policy that requires only housing on the site.' Mrs Hopkins concludes: 'It is considered that on balance, the development proposal would not have an unacceptable impact on the character, appearance or amenity of surrounding area and wider landscape, or the safe, effective and efficient use of the highway network.' Due to this Mrs Hopkins will recommend that councillors approve the planning application.
South Wales Argus
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- South Wales Argus
Reduced 40mph speed limit implemented on sections of A467
From Wednesday, May 7, a 40mph speed limit was put in place on sections of the A467 and Blaenavon Road (B4248) by Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council. This replaced the previous 50mph speed limit. The new limit applies to the A467 from 50 metres east of Nantyglo roundabout, continuing north-easterly to its junction with Darren Felin Road, and then further north for 94m. Additionally, the A467 Blaenavon Road (West) will see the new speed limit enforced from the roundabout leading to Blaenavon Road, extending 60m westward. Blaenavon Road B4248 will also have the new 40mph speed limit from the roundabout, spreading 155m eastward. The council has provided a map detailing the affected roads, which can be viewed on its website. The decision was made in accordance with the Local Authorities Traffic Order (Procedure) (England & Wales) Regulations 1996 and the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. The council has emphasised that the new speed limits are being imposed for safety reasons. Speed limits are typically revised to improve road safety, reduce accidents, and enhance the overall driving conditions for motorists. The 40mph speed limit order will officially be in force from Wednesday, May 7. This change is part of a broader effort by Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council to enhance road safety across the area. Residents and motorists are advised to pay attention to the new speed limit signs and adjust their driving habits accordingly. The council is encouraging all drivers to adhere to the new speed limits to ensure their own safety and the safety of others. The local authority has warned that enforcement of the new speed limits will be strict. Motorists found exceeding the speed limit could face penalties. The council has not specified how long the new speed limits will be in place, but they are asking for full cooperation from all road users. This change comes as part of a wider initiative to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all residents and visitors in the Blaenau Gwent area. The council has reassured the public that any changes to road regulations are made with the utmost consideration for the safety and efficiency of the local transport network. Motorists are advised to keep an eye on the council's website and social media channels for any further updates or changes to local road regulations. The council has thanked residents for their cooperation and understanding as these new measures are implemented.
South Wales Argus
02-05-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Talks over CiNER glass bottle making factory in Ebbw Vale
At a meeting of Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council's Place scrutiny committee meeting on Tuesday, April 29 councillors asked for an update on the much anticipated development, which is expected to see Turkish firm, CiNER build the facility in Ebbw Vale. This was during discussion of the Regeneration and Community Services Performance Report for 2024/2025. The firm were given planning permission by councillors to build the factory at a site on the Rassau Industrial estate back in June 2022 and concerns are raised by councillors every few months or so on the lack of tangible progress being seen with the scheme. This is because of pastprojects such as the Circuit of Wales project which was for a motor racing circuit and technology park development proposal on moorland on the outskirts of Ebbw Vale, which promised much but ultimately failed to materialise. Opposition leader Cllr Wayne Hodgins (Indepdenednt said: 'Ths big ticket question on everyone's minds at present is there any update regarding the CiNER glass factory.' Business and regeneration service manager Owen Ashton said: 'Discussions are still ongoing with CiNER and Welsh Government who are a key partner. 'There are lot of commercial aspects to this, I know there are meetings pencilled in over the next few weeks, and I can provide an update in the next round (of committee meetings).' Cllr Hodgins said: 'It's good to hear that the project at this point in time is not dead in the water, it's very reassuring for us and the wider communities of Blaenau Gwent.' In February 2024 Blaenau Gwent planners approved amendments to the planning permission for the factory. Changes to the scale, height, layout, appearance, access, and landscape of were agreed and a condition about Great Crested Newts was deleted as the amphibians are not present at the site. CiNER is currently working to build two new state-of-the-art glass factories to help increase its glass production capacity to serve the European market. The first glass plant will be situated in Lommel, Belgium which they hope to have built by 2026 – their second factory is the one earmarked for Ebbw Vale. CiNER have been asked to comment.
