Latest news with #FutureWales
South Wales Argus
27-05-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
Plans submitted to revamp Eveswell Community Centre
Eveswell Community Centre will undergo a series of upgrades, including new roof canopies, improved windows and doors, and a solar panel installation, all while maintaining its current use as a community facility. The project is spearheaded by Paul Hackwood, of TocH, and managed by Town & Country Planning Advisors Ltd. The updates aim to significantly enhance the building's energy efficiency and lifespan. The centre will be fitted with external insulation and composite cladding featuring a timber-effect finish, and all existing windows and doors will be replaced with high-performance aluminium units. A new insulated metal roof will be installed, complemented by sections of a sedum green roof, which is expected to bolster the building's sustainability credentials. Two new entrance canopies are also part of the refurbishment. The roof-mounted solar photovoltaic array, with a capacity of 4.8kW, is expected to provide a portion of the building's electricity needs, reducing its carbon footprint. The refurbishment package also includes works such as infrared-controlled external lighting, CCTV, rainwater goods, and decorative aluminium covers over some of the concrete fixings. The community centre is easily accessible from Eveswell Street and Archibald Street, being on a corner plot in the residential area. The site is designated as Flood Zone 3 (Sea); however, the development is classified as low vulnerability, and the sedum roof is expected to assist with drainage. Officials noted that the development would not lead to any change in the building's footprint or increase its vulnerability to flooding. The centre has no previous planning applications, appeals, or enforcement records. The revamp is aligned with both national and local planning policies, including Future Wales – The National Plan 2040 and the Newport Local Development Plan 2011–2026. The improvements are anticipated to support the continued use and regeneration of the community centre, enhancing its utility for local groups and services. Construction is expected to commence within five years, adhering to the submitted plans, if they are approved.
South Wales Argus
05-05-2025
- South Wales Argus
Newport: Fence around grass verge deemed harmful to amenity
The applicant of Pepys Grove, Newport, applied to change the use of a grass verge to residential land and to keep a 1.8m high fence enclosing the verge. However, the application was refused, with the decision report citing "significant adverse impacts to highway safety and visual amenity." The fence was found to obstruct pedestrian views at a junction, raising safety concerns. Highways officials suggested lowering or relocating the fence 2m back, but the current setup was deemed unsafe. The fence also reportedly replaced a grass verge, disrupting the street's character. Its scale, design, and position were described as harmful to the visual appearance and contrary to Local Development Plan policies GP2 and GP6. The verge's loss and the likely removal of a street tree also drew objections from the landscape officer. Although the application stated no trees were affected, aerial images seemed to differ. However, as the tree removal happened before new Green Infrastructure (GI) requirements came into effect in October 2023, no replacement planting was sought. Letters were sent to 10 neighbours and the ward member, but no responses were received. Both the highways and landscape officers objected to the plans. The site is currently under an active enforcement investigation, which likely led to the retrospective application. The refusal was based on breaches of policies GP2 (General Amenity), GP4 (Highways), and GP6 (Design) of the Newport Local Development Plan 2011–2026. National planning guidance and "Future Wales" policies on good design and biodiversity were also considered. The application was finalised after a consultation period that ended on January 8, 2025, with the statutory expiry date being April 7, 2025. Photographs included in the decision report showed the previous and current arrangements, supporting the decision to refuse the application. The refusal highlights the importance of adhering to planning regulations and considering the wider community and environmental impact of property modifications.
