Latest news with #LocalPlan2030
BBC News
22-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Bedford area with four drive-through cafes could see more added
Three drive-through cafes could be built opposite the site earmarked for Universal Studios and next to a retail park with four existing drive-throughs.A planning application has been submitted to develop agricultural land next to the A421 in Kempston, south of Turnstone Estates also wants to add six commercial buildings, which would be divided into "flexible use units" for small and medium-sized 5.29 hectare site borders the Interchange Retail Park that currently hosts several stores and Burger King, Costa, KFC and McDonalds. The proposed Universal Studios theme park would sit on the other side of the A421 at Kempston Hardwick, and hopes to attract up to 55,000 visitors per day at peak planning application includes a suggestion to link up the theme park's lake area with the Interchange Retail Park for cyclists and pedestrians. Turnstone Estates said the project - entitled Interchange South - was in a "strategic location"."Within five minutes is the proposed Universal Studios UK location, placing it at the heart of one of the most significant regional investments in a generation."It offers a rare opportunity for a range of businesses to locate in an established retail and employment location and next to a future global visitor destination," it said. The property developer said its site was allocated for development in the Bedford Local Plan also plans to include rooftop solar panels to generate electricity and 140 cycle spaces and 273 car parking spaces."This proposal aims to bring forward a viable and deliverable scheme on land that has remained underutilised, thereby contributing positively to the local economy," it added. Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
The Star
22-04-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Perak govt denies seabed mining activities along coastal area
IPOH: The state government has denied allegations of seabed tin mining activities along the coastal area of the Sungai Batu estuary in the Manjung District, which is said to have affected the livelihood of fishermen. During the winding-up session of the Perak State Assembly on Tuesday (April 22), Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad clarified that checks with the relevant agencies confirmed that no approval has been granted for any mining activities in the area. 'The Minerals and Geoscience Department confirmed that no Mining Operation Scheme Approval Letter has been issued. 'Any mining activity can only be carried out after obtaining approval,' he said. Saarani said that although an application (mining) has been submitted to the department, the application is still under evaluation, and no operational approval has been granted so far. According to Saarani, the only activity currently taking place is a silica sand mining by a developer with a valid approval. 'The sand mining site is located five kilometres away from the turtle landing area at Pantai Pasir Panjang,' he noted. He further explained that under the amended Manjung District Local Plan 2030, the coastal area in question has been designated as a Level 3 Environmentally Sensitive Coastal Zone in relation to marine ecosystem conservation and is prohibited from any form of mining activity. 'A decision was made to reject any mining applications or license renewals in the area, in line with the state government's commitment to protect the environment and the interests of the fishing community. 'The State Government remains committed to monitoring the area and will take immediate action to halt any unapproved mining activities if detected,' he added. In February this year, more than 1,500 fishermen who rely on coastal resources for their livelihood had urged the relevant authorities to revoke the approval granted for a seabed tin mining project scheduled to be carried out along the coastal area of the district.
