Latest news with #Lavis
Powys County Times
4 days ago
- General
- Powys County Times
Couple lived in timber lodge for 27 years without permission
A Pembrokeshire couple, who have lived in their lorry-delivered timber lodge without planning permission for nearly 30 years have been allowed to stay there. In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Graham and Margaret Lavis, through agent Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, submitted an application for a certificate of lawfulness for single-storey timber lodge Windermere, Simpson Cross, near Haverfordwest. An application for a certificate of lawfulness allows an applicant to keep a development if they can provide proof of occupancy or use over a prolonged period. A supporting statement said: 'The application relates to a timber-based dwelling, formerly a lodge which was delivered in two parts by lorry and then bolted together, that has been present on this site and occupied continuously by Mr and Mrs Graham Lavis since late November 1998 – a period of nearly 27 years. The veranda along the frontage of the lodge was also constructed in late 1998. 'In order to confirm that Windermere has been occupied as their only and permanent dwelling since November 1998, Mr and Mrs Lavis have now decided to apply for a Certificate of Lawfulness under the four and 10-year rule – the granting of which would also mean that it would benefit from immunity from any enforcement action. 'This application is not only on the basis of the size and fixed nature of the dwelling (in circa 2005/2007 a separate kitchen was attached to the original lodge and later on a further bedroom) but with the history of continuous occupation by Mr and Mrs Lavis from November 1998 to the present. 'The history of both construction and size means that Windermere can no longer be seen as a caravan/mobile home but as a permanent dwelling.' The statement said an adjacent property, in the ownership of the same family, The Stables, was granted a certificate of lawfulness back in 2005. In support of the application witness statements of occupancy and a history of construction works were provided. An officer report said the authority was 'satisfied that the evidence accompanying the application is sufficient to establish that the existing use is lawful,' adding the history of works had been corroborated through the review of the site using Google Earth Images. A certificate of lawfulness for the scheme was granted.
Pembrokeshire Herald
4 days ago
- General
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Reform UK on the rise: Second by-election victory in Carmarthenshire
A PEMBROKESHIRE couple, who have lived in their lorry-delivered timber lodge without planning permission for nearly 30 years have been allowed to stay there. In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Graham and Margaret Lavis, through agent Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, submitted an application for a certificate of lawfulness for single-storey timber lodge Windermere, Simpson Cross, near Haverfordwest. An application for a certificate of lawfulness allows an applicant to keep a development if they can provide proof of occupancy or use over a prolonged period. A supporting statement said: 'The application relates to a timber-based dwelling, formerly a lodge which was delivered in two parts by lorry and then bolted together, that has been present on this site and occupied continuously by Mr and Mrs Graham Lavis since late November 1998 – a period of nearly 27 years. The veranda along the frontage of the lodge was also constructed in late 1998. 'In order to confirm that Windermere has been occupied as their only and permanent dwelling since November 1998, Mr and Mrs Lavis have now decided to apply for a Certificate of Lawfulness under the four and 10-year rule – the granting of which would also mean that it would benefit from immunity from any enforcement action. 'This application is not only on the basis of the size and fixed nature of the dwelling (in circa 2005/2007 a separate kitchen was attached to the original lodge and later on a further bedroom) but with the history of continuous occupation by Mr and Mrs Lavis from November 1998 to the present. 'The history of both construction and size means that Windermere can no longer be seen as a caravan/mobile home but as a permanent dwelling.' The statement said an adjacent property, in the ownership of the same family, The Stables, was granted a certificate of lawfulness back in 2005. In support of the application witness statements of occupancy and a history of construction works were provided. An officer report said the authority was 'satisfied that the evidence accompanying the application is sufficient to establish that the existing use is lawful,' adding the history of works had been corroborated through the review of the site using Google Earth Images. A certificate of lawfulness for the scheme was granted. Picture caption: Windermere, Simpson Cross, near Haverfordwest. (Image: Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd)
Western Telegraph
4 days ago
- General
- Western Telegraph
Couple lived in timber lodge for 27 years without permission
In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Graham and Margaret Lavis, through agent Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, submitted an application for a certificate of lawfulness for single-storey timber lodge Windermere, Simpson Cross, near Haverfordwest. An application for a certificate of lawfulness allows an applicant to keep a development if they can provide proof of occupancy or use over a prolonged period. A supporting statement said: 'The application relates to a timber-based dwelling, formerly a lodge which was delivered in two parts by lorry and then bolted together, that has been present on this site and occupied continuously by Mr and Mrs Graham Lavis since late November 1998 – a period of nearly 27 years. The veranda along the frontage of the lodge was also constructed in late 1998. 'In order to confirm that Windermere has been occupied as their only and permanent dwelling since November 1998, Mr and Mrs Lavis have now decided to apply for a Certificate of Lawfulness under the four and 10-year rule – the granting of which would also mean that it would benefit from immunity from any enforcement action. 'This application is not only on the basis of the size and fixed nature of the dwelling (in circa 2005/2007 a separate kitchen was attached to the original lodge and later on a further bedroom) but with the history of continuous occupation by Mr and Mrs Lavis from November 1998 to the present. 'The history of both construction and size means that Windermere can no longer be seen as a caravan/mobile home but as a permanent dwelling.' The statement said an adjacent property, in the ownership of the same family, The Stables, was granted a certificate of lawfulness back in 2005. In support of the application witness statements of occupancy and a history of construction works were provided. An officer report said the authority was 'satisfied that the evidence accompanying the application is sufficient to establish that the existing use is lawful,' adding the history of works had been corroborated through the review of the site using Google Earth Images. A certificate of lawfulness for the scheme was granted.
IOL News
17-05-2025
- IOL News
Bonteheuwel shooting highlights persistent gang violence in Cape Flats
Police are investigating murder following a shooting which left a woman shot and killed in Bonteheuwel. Image: Supplied The battle to quell gang violence in the Cape Flats continues to test police resources and resolve, with certain precincts proving especially stubborn despite ongoing law enforcement interventions. In the latest incident, a 47-year-old woman was gunned down in Bonteheuwel early on Saturday morning, underscoring the grim reality still facing residents caught in the crossfire of turf wars and criminal rivalries. According to police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk, Bishop Lavis SAPS members responded to a call just after 6:30 am in Yellowwood Road. 'The body of a female who sustained a gunshot wound to the head was found in front of a premises,' Van Wyk confirmed. 'She was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel.' He added that the body was discovered by a community member on his way to work, who immediately alerted residents and police. The motive for the murder remains unclear, and the suspect or suspects had already fled the scene when authorities arrived. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'The circumstances surrounding this incident are still under investigation,' said Van Wyk. A murder case has been registered, and police are appealing to the public for information. 'We urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS mobile application anonymously.' Ward Councillor Angus Mckenzie said: "Between 2am and 4am on Saturday, a woman was shot and killed in Yellowwood Road, Bonteheuwel. "The circumstances around the shooting are not clear. It is alleged that she is a victim of the ongoing drug and gang turf war going on in the V and Y blocks of Bonteheuwel. Our deepest sympathy goes out to her family and friends during this difficult time." The murder comes as the South African Police Service intensifies efforts to address violent crime in volatile areas. Police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa said a multidisciplinary strategy involving SAPS, City of Cape Town LEAP officers, Metro Police, and Neighbourhood Watch groups has begun to show some stabilisation in hotspot areas. 'However, other identified precincts still require intensified serious interventions,' she said. Part of the SAPS's success, according to Potelwa, lies in the increased deployment of personnel alongside improved technology and intelligence gathering. 'The City of Cape Town's ShotSpotter system, coupled with the camera network, license plate recognition innovations, as well as drone technology, are becoming a force to be reckoned with,' she said. In a separate breakthrough earlier this week, members of the Western Cape Flying Squad arrested three foreign nationals at a burial service in Maitland cemetery, where shots had been fired. Seven illegal firearms were recovered. 'The suspects, aged 32, 36 and 49, will appear in court soon for illegal possession of firearms,' Potelwa confirmed, adding that additional charges may follow. 'The seizure of the firearms is quite significant in the police's quest to create safer communities, as illegal firearms are at the heart of serious violent crime in the Western Cape.' Since January this year, SAPS operations across the province have led to the confiscation of approximately 260 illegal firearms. Organised crime detectives, operating under the banner of specialised takedown units, have made 52 arrests since March. These include charges ranging from intimidation to murder, as well as contraventions of the Firearms Control Act and the Prevention of Organised Crime Act. 'Thirteen life sentences for murder were secured by specialist investigators,' said Potelwa. 'Gang bosses and runners are being brought before the court to face serious charges.' The police are also battling other forms murder of serious crime. In a disturbing case this past week, a 51-year-old man, recently released from prison, was arrested in Hanover Park after being found in the company of a nine-year-old girl who had been reported missing. He faces kidnapping and rape charges and appeared in the Wynberg Magistrate's Court on Friday. 'When SAPS officials were effecting the arrest, they came under attack from community members who wanted to take the law into their own hands,' said Potelwa. 'Such acts will not be tolerated as they constitute a serious crime.' "Despite the challenges, there have been notable gains in crime reduction, particularly in Khayelitsha. 'Although we are not out of the woods yet, the current downward trajectory in the township is acknowledged,' said Potelwa. She credited sustained police and community collaboration, targeted patrols, consistent objection to bail for serious offenders, and focused arrests of gang elements for the improvement. Potelwa added that, precincts like Mitchell's Plain, Bishop Lavis, Delft, and Mfuleni remain problematic due to persistent gang feuds and the availability of illegal firearms. Potelwa noted that the recent addition of 100 new members to the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit is starting to make a difference in some of the most historically challenging areas. SAPS continues to appeal to residents to play an active role in fighting crime. 'Someone, somewhere, somehow knows something,' said Potelwa. 'We urge communities to share information with the SAPS. Our success depends on it.'
IOL News
04-05-2025
- IOL News
Weekend violence: Police officer murdered, multiple arrests made in Western Cape
The swift response of the Colesberg Highway Patrol led to the interception of a stolen vehicle and the arrest of three male suspects on Saturday. Image: SAPS/Supplied Western Cape police have been kept busy with a number of shootings, and arrests over the weekend. SAPS spokesperson, Malcolm Potjie, said police are reeling in shock after one of their own was discovered murdered in Langa on Saturday morning. 'The 31-year-old female constable who was attached to Bishop Lavis SAPS, was discovered in her vehicle close to a primary school in Bennie Street with gunshot wounds. 'When she left her home in Kraaifontein last night after knocking off duty, she was heading to an evening church service KwaLanga,' Potjie said. Potjie said that Directorate for Priority Crime (DPCI) detectives have initiated a murder investigation, and that no arrests have been made yet. Sub Council Chairperson, Angus McKenzie, said that the female Bishop Lavis police officer was a well-liked and respected member of police. 'Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and her colleagues and the great policing family. 'The killing of any officer is tantamount to terrorism, and such actions require nothing less than the full might of the law brought against the perpetrators,' McKenzie said. 'We are deeply hurt and sad and mourn the loss of this well loved officer.' SAPS has urged anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or send a tip-off on the MySAPS App. In an unrelated incident, a shooting occurred in the parking lot next to the Gatesville Mosque in Athlone on Saturday afternoon. The shooting claimed the life of a 35-year-old female administrative clerk attached to Kraaifontein SAPS. 'A 56-year-old woman was also wounded and taken to a medical facility for treatment,' Potjie said. 'We appeal to anyone with information to contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or on the MySAPS mobile application anonymously.' Over the weekend police also responded to reports of a shooting in Humansdorp. This led to the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of a stolen firearm on Friday, 02 May 2025. The firearm was confirmed as stolen in Rawsonville, Cape Town, in 2014, SAPS said. The suspects are expected to appear before the Humansdorp Magistrate's Court on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and discharging a firearm in a municipal area. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The swift response of the Colesberg Highway Patrol also led to the interception of a stolen vehicle and the arrest of three male suspects on Saturday. 'The vehicle was reportedly stolen during a house robbery in Table View, Cape Town. Law enforcement officers recovered several items, including laptops, cell phones, and other valuables,' SAPS said. 'Both vehicles were seized, and the suspects, aged between 24 and 36, were charged with possession of suspected stolen vehicles and property. They are expected to appear in court soon.' Saldanha police were also kept busy as a case of arson was opened for investigation after Kelly Smith's Middelpos dwelling was destroyed in a fire on Friday.
