Latest news with #EmmaHarding
BBC News
23-04-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Fate of Somerset's 'ugly' shopping centre to be decided at appeal
Plans to turn an "eyesore" shopping centre into a retirement community are to be decided by a planning inspector.A six-day appeal hearing will begin in Shepton Mallet on Wednesday, after Somerset councillors rejected the plans for Street's Crispin Shopping Centre in July Retirement Living wants to demolish the shopping centre, original built in 1979, and build a retirement complex in its place, with 45 extra care apartments and 11 retirement cottages. Somerset Council's Planning Committee East voted against the proposals citing a lack of parking, an unattractive design and possible damage to local heritage assets. According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the Hampshire-based developer lodged an appeal against this "extremely disappointing" decision shortly after the committee Retirement Living said the development was "in a sustainable location" and would deliver "tangible benefits" to the local community. Local resident Emma Harding spoke out against the plans at the council's planning meeting last year. She said: "I am one of the seven residential neighbours which will be overlooked by the new flats."We don't have an issue with the site being developed - we have an issue with what's being put there and how it may be put there. When you have demolition work close to our properties, we're concerned about the damage that will be done to them by vibration."Councillor Peter Goater, vice-chairman of Street Parish Council, told last year's meeting: "The existing building is an ugly monstrosity which has been taken over by pigeons, rats and antisocial behaviour."Street Liberal Democrat Somerset Councillor Simon Carswell is in favour of the plans."I think it'll be good for Street. It'll provide homes for retired people, and it will get rid of an eyesore which is right in the centre of the High Street," he said. "So I think that can only be good for the community." The site is one of nine identified for delivering new housing within the council's revised Mendip Local Plan Part II, which went out to public consultation in Churchill's proposals, the existing buildings would be replaced with a three-storey, L-shaped block of apartments, with two blocks of cottages on the northern and eastern sides. The council previously voted unanimously to refuse the plans on eight grounds including "over-development", "insufficient information" on how existing trees within the site can be adequately protected and not including adequate space for waste vehicles.A Churchill Retirement Living spokesman said: "The site is in a highly accessible location, making it suitable for older people."The appeal proposal will assist in releasing and freeing up under-occupied houses elsewhere in the county back into the housing currently operates the Riverain Lodge care facility in Taunton town centre, and secured planning permission in early-April 2024 to deliver a similar development on the former police station site in Wells.
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Patsy Kensit shares an emotional message about feeling ‘isolated' after PTSD diagnosis
Patsy Kensit has shared an emotional message about feeling 'isolated' – weeks after revealing her diagnosis with post-traumatic stress disorder. The 56-year-old actor, who played Emma Harding in 'EastEnders', described the past few days as the 'saddest week ever' and spoke about struggling with loneliness when she is not working. She said on Instagram: 'It's the end to the most saddest week ever. 'The weekends are always hard as I can feel isolated and I worry constantly… tomorrow is a new day – breath work, meditation and exercise. 'God bless anyone who can relate to any of this… love and light.' Patsy, who has had a career spanning film, television, and music, has previously been open about her struggles with mental health. Last month, she spoke publicly about her PTSD diagnosis and the challenges she has faced. She said online: 'Today I feel misled and hurt. "I was diagnosed with PTSD at the end of last year and really turned a major corner and was feeling great. 'I don't feel great today. I feel grateful but sad. Anyone who has dealt with mental health issues and depression will understand and know that you are not alone.' She added: 'When I'm working I feel none of the above. I've just finished filming. I will meditate and try and raise my frequency to bring positivity back into my life. Today is just a bad day.' The actor has had a varied career, first rising to fame as a child star in films such as 'The Great Gatsby' in 1974, before becoming the lead singer of the band Eighth Wonder in the 1980s. She later transitioned into television, with roles in 'Holby City' and 'Emmerdale', before joining 'EastEnders' in 2023 as Emma Harding, the estranged mother of Lola Pearce. Outside of her career, Kensit has been in the public eye for her high-profile relationships. She was married to musicians Dan Donovan, Jim Kerr and Liam Gallagher before later becoming engaged to property tycoon Patric Cassidy. The couple split last year following a series of reported arguments. Following her breakup, Patsy turned to celebrity dating app Raya in search of a new man.
