Latest news with #NathanBowen
Wales Online
11-08-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Hopes for riverside gym in Welsh town blocked by planners
Hopes for riverside gym in Welsh town blocked by planners An application before Ceredigion Council planners sought permission for a change of use of an industrial unit Cardigan in Ceredigion (Image: Richard Williams) Planners have turned down proposals to transform a storage facility on a Cardigan riverside industrial estate into a new gym. Nathan Bowen had applied to Ceredigion Council seeking approval for a change of use at Unit 12, Station Road, which would have included changing rooms, toilets, and related modifications. Cardigan RFC had backed the proposals. A supporting document submitted via agent Archi-Tech explained: "The project involves predominantly converting the interior of the existing building, with only new accesses and ramps created externally and introduction of large windows for light. "The interior and exterior works pose negligible risks of any ecological habitats, as careful consideration has gone into the design to minimise the impact of these habitats." For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here . An officer's report advising rejection stated: "It is considered that the change of use of the premises from Class B to D2 does not reflect nor enhance the role of the site as it is not in line with the relevant site schedule, which seeks to: 'Maximise use of remaining land and the redevelopment and/or rationalisation of existing site to provide for B1, B2 and B8 uses'. "It protects and enhances the existing B1, B2, B8 and complementary sui generis use of the site; and the development would result in the loss of a B-class use. A D2 use is not considered a complementary use of the site." The report further detailed that the property had been taken over by a suitable B-class operation as of August 2024, with the purpose of storing goods, noting that the shift towards an alternative use was "not on the basis of the commercial unviability of the B-class use – rather the commercial desire of the current tenant". It continued: "The Local Planning Authority therefore considers that until a formal marketing period has been carried out to evidence the lack of viability of the existing B-class use, an application to change its use is premature and therefore represents an unjustified loss of employment land, in conflict of LDP policies LU11 and LU13." The planning application was turned down because the proposed change of use "is considered to be premature as no formal marketing exercise has been undertaken to evidence that the employment facility in its present use class is no longer viable," and the authority was "not satisfied that the loss of the existing use would preserve the integrity [of the allocated site]." Article continues below
Metro
25-06-2025
- Business
- Metro
‘We want property developers to rebuild our pub brick-by-brick'
Campaigners are demanding developers rebuild a pub 'brick by brick' if it is demolished to make way for luxury flats. The Mitre in Crystal Palace has been one of the most famous watering holes in south-east London for over 150 years but wrecking crews have been called in to tear it down this week. The owners of the historic building were granted permission to build ten flats as long as the ground floor was retained as a pub. But work on the project was stopped after the building was deemed structurally unsafe. Bromley Council has closed part of the busy Croydon Road over fears The Mitre and neighbouring shops, including a pharmacy and barbers, would collapse too. Residents living above the shopping parade have also been moved out of their homes to allow for demolition. Now, campaigners tell Metro they want their beloved Mitre to be rebuilt, the 'lifeline' pharmacy reopened and compensation paid back by developers. It was built in 1867 and was one of the last pubs in London to feature a heated rail along the bottom of the bar so that weary Londoners could prop up the bar and keep their feet warm on a winter's night. demolition ordered by them was the 'last resort.' The pub building had been vacant since 2022 with famous graffiti artist Nathan Bowen tagging the venue's shutters with one of his trademark designs. Lucy Pearce, who lives on the road opposite the beloved boozer, told Metro: 'We want the pub rebuilt brick by brick. 'We are very disappointed with the demolition and want the council to force the developer to rebuild our little piece of London history. 'This pub was so special. We have lived here for decades and brought our children up here. The Mitre is part of the history of the area.' Her partner Julian added: 'We love the place. It should be retained for the community, it's a hub for local people and should be rebuilt.' Ella McCarthy has children with complex medical needs and relies on the local pharmacy, which has been closed while the demolition work takes place, for medication. She said: 'I rely on the pharmacy I really need the medication for the kids. The closure is a nightmare. We need a timeline as to when it can reopen.' Chris Shaw, 38, a not-for-profit company director, is trying to sell one of the evacuated flats on the parade. He told Metro: 'The uncertainty is a nightmare, I have just one buyer because of this. There has been no agreement or offer of compensation from the owner.' It is understood that after the demolition, the owner of the pub building will have to reapply for planning permission to construct flats. Bromley Council will assess any new application and have said the demolition ordered by them was the 'last resort.' A Bromley Council spokesperson told Metro: 'This demolition work is an absolute last resort, with our structural engineers advising that the building has become even more unstable and is now dangerous. More Trending 'The road is closed to allow for preparation work, with a hoarding being erected around the building, with demolition work then getting underway. 'Croydon Road will partially re-open once the hoarding is constructed and only fully re-open once the demolition work is complete. 'We apologise for any inconvenience, with this work unavoidable from a safety perspective.' In February 2024, South Staffordshire Council served an enforcement notice ordering the owners of the Crooked House in Himley to rebuild the iconic pub following its 'unlawful demolition'. MORE: This is where Keir Starmer will go if World War Three comes to London MORE: Samurai swordsman guilty of murdering schoolboy he nearly decapitated during rampage MORE: Man chased around Tube station for his watch before attacker is pinned down
