Latest news with #SUDS
Time Business News
04-08-2025
- Automotive
- Time Business News
Investing in the right way in a new driveway
When it comes to home improvements that boost kerb appeal, add value, and offer long-term practicality, a new driveway is one of the smartest investments you can make. But not all driveways are created equal — and not all investments are wise. To ensure your new driveway delivers on both aesthetics and function, it's important to approach the project with clear priorities, the right budget, and a focus on quality and suitability over short-term savings. It can be tempting to go for the cheapest quote, but a low-cost driveway may end up costing you more in the long run through repairs, poor drainage, or early deterioration. Investing in quality materials like block paving, resin-bound surfaces, or natural stone might carry a higher upfront cost, but they often offer greater durability and visual appeal, requiring far less maintenance over time. Well-constructed driveways not only lasts longer but can also improve the resale value of your home, especially in competitive property markets where first impressions count. A good investment in a driveway isn't just about materials — it's about choosing a style that complements your home. Whether you live in a period property in a historic area or a modern suburban house, your driveway should feel like a natural extension of the home's design. Professional contractors can offer design guidance to ensure that the layout, colour, edging, and surface texture all enhance the character of your property while also meeting practical needs like off-road parking or wheelchair accessibility. A true investment means planning for compliance. UK regulations — including SUDS (Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems) — now require certain driveways to be permeable or to include proper drainage if water runs off onto public roads. Ignoring this could result in fines or having to re-do the work. A reputable contractor will ensure the project meets local planning and drainage regulations, preventing future headaches. A strong investment in a driveway should also include professional installation, strong foundations, and attention to finishing touches such as edging, lighting, or even decorative patterns. These small additions can make a big impact on overall appearance and usability. A driveway is more than just a surface to park your car — it's the welcome mat to your home. Investing in the right design, materials, and installation isn't just smart financially — it's a decision that improves your property's appearance, function, and long-term value. Take the time to choose well, and the return on your investment will speak for itself. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time Business News
04-08-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
How local contractors are well-versed in Oxford's specific rules and building codes when it comes to driveways and roofing
When planning a new driveway or undertaking roofing work on your property, one of the most overlooked—but absolutely crucial—factors is compliance with local building codes and planning regulations. In Oxford, where both modern housing developments and historic buildings sit side by side, these rules can vary significantly. This is where local contractors have a distinct advantage—they're not only skilled at the practical side of the job, but they also understand the administrative and legal requirements specific to the area. Oxford City Council often requires planning permission for certain types of driveway installations—especially in conservation areas or near listed buildings, which are common in Oxford. Local contractors are typically aware of which materials, styles, and finishes are acceptable in these locations. They know when permeable surfacing is needed to comply with SUDS (Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems), and they can guide you through whether your project requires official approval or falls under permitted development. The same goes for roofing. Certain types of alterations—such as replacing roofing materials on visible elevations in a conservation zone—may need specific permission. A contractor based in Oxford is likely to have experience dealing with local planning departments, helping you avoid delays or costly mistakes. Local contractors also bring an understanding of regional building standards and environmental factors. Oxford experiences a temperate climate with plenty of rainfall throughout the year, meaning drainage and waterproofing must be spot-on. Local roofers understand how to prevent water ingress in older properties and how to pitch a roof to handle heavier rainfall. Likewise, driveway installers know how to prepare sub-bases for Oxford's common soil types to ensure long-term durability. Driveway installations often require digging and groundwork, which may involve underground utilities. Local contractors are familiar with the layout of services like gas, electricity, and water networks in Oxford and know how to coordinate with the relevant authorities when needed. In short, working with a local Oxford contractor means your project is far more likely to go smoothly, remain compliant, and meet long-term expectations. Their knowledge goes beyond construction—it includes the regulations, restrictions, and local quirks that only come from experience. If you want a driveway or roof built to last—and done right the first time—going local is the smart choice. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
The National
12-06-2025
- Business
- The National
Cardross development to go ahead after Government overrules council
Management of Cala Homes appealed to Scottish ministers after Argyll and Bute Council's planning, protective services and licensing (PPSL) committee blocked its bid to amend a condition of planning permission in August 2024. Planning permission in principle for the site at Kirkton Farm, outside Cardross, was granted in 2017, but a change of the condition was blocked due to concerns over flooding. Council officials had recommended granting planning permission, but a decision to refuse won a roll call vote by five votes to four. A Scottish Government officer has now overruled the decision and upheld the appeal by Cala. The housing company now hopes to start work at the site later this year. READ MORE: Controversial Loch Lomond Flamingo Land plans recalled The report will go before the PPSL committee at its meeting on Wednesday, June 18. It is only for noting by councillors, so no discussion will take place. The Scottish Government officer said: 'The council's and representees' concerns relate to the implications of the proposed drainage arrangements on land west of Darleith Road, specifically on the Mill Dam pond and on flood risk along the Geilston Burn including at the property 'The Glen'. The focus is therefore on part (iii) of condition 11. 'Development-related water flows into this land would come from three sources. Firstly, runoff from land to the north of the development site that currently flows overland across the site and finds its way into the Geilston Burn (a small proportion may currently drain towards Barrs Road). It is proposed that this water be captured by a cutoff ditch and discharged into a tributary of the Geilston Burn (which apparently flows into the Mill Dam pond). 'The second source would be surface water originating from the development site itself. This water is to be directed to a SUDS detention basin from which the outflow is to be limited to the one in two year greenfield release rate. 'The detention basin is said to have sufficient capacity to cater for a one in 200 year rainfall event plus a 41 per cent allowance for climate change. 'The third source would be surface water originating from the existing Kilmahew Avenue/ Drive/ Court development to the east of the appeal site. It appears that surface water drainage from this area was incorrectly connected to the combined sewer in Barrs Road. This may be contributing to flooding issues downstream in Cardross. 'It is proposed to divert the surface water from Kilmahew Avenue into a new Scottish Water pipe (the 'third pipe') across the southern part of the appeal site. Together with the outflow from the SUDS basin, it is proposed that this water would then discharge to the west of Darleith Road in the vicinity of the Mill Pond. 'I note that this element of the water discharge would effectively implement the arrangement that should have been put in place originally in the agreed plans for the Kilmahew Avenue estate, albeit the discharge into the Geilston Burn is now proposed at a more upstream location. 'I am satisfied that the surface water discharges from the first two sources (the cutoff ditch and the SUDS basin) would be broadly equivalent to the agricultural runoff experienced pre-development. The flows originating from Kilmahew Avenue would be additional.' READ MORE: 'First in Scotland': New 'free' store opens in Glasgow shopping centre The official added: 'I find that the submissions demonstrate to my satisfaction that the development will not increase the risk of off-site surface water flooding. 'I do not consider that this policy requires the appellant to manage the water arising from the existing Kilmahew Avenue estate. The council's professional advisors on flooding matters are content that the appellant's submissions meet the required technical standards. 'The professional evidence before me therefore firmly favours the appellant's position. Overall, I conclude that the requirements of condition 11 have been satisfied.' A statement by Cala said: 'Cala are delighted with this positive decision, and we continue our work with Argyll and Bute Council to secure the remaining necessary consents to facilitate this much needed housing development. 'We are currently targeting the start of the enabling works in autumn 2025, with first residents welcomed late 2026/early 2027.'
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Signs installed near car wash
WESTWOOD A popular car wash has caused traffic flow issues on Hoods Creek Pike where it meets U.S. 23 in Westwood recently. Boyd County Sheriff Jamie Reihs made a social media post Tuesday announcing new signage has been installed — visible in both directions — near SUDS Car Wash. 'Please pay attention to these important signs and stay safe while driving in the area,' Reihs said. The sheriff thanked the state highway department for its quick response to his requests. 'Your help in keeping our community safe is greatly appreciated,' Reihs posted. Over the weekend, Reihs addressed concerns about the heavy traffic near the car wash on social media. Boyd County Sheriff's deputies had been monitoring the situation and directing traffic to ensure safety, he said. Reihs reminded the public a Kentucky Revised Statute law prohibits stopping or parking in roadways. 'Our deputies can and will issue citations for this,' he posted. The sheriff suggested considering a return to SUDS at a later time if necessary.
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
St. George reaches agreement with Drag Stars, apologizes for violating First Amendment rights
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — The City of St. George and Southern Utah Drag Stars reached an agreement Friday in a discrimination lawsuit filed more than a year ago, prompting a public apology from St. George. St. George City settled a lawsuit with , which was backed by the , on Friday, Feb. 7, according to court documents. As part of the settlement, the ACLU said St. George admitted to violating Drag Stars' First Amendment rights and agreed to release a public apology for denying their special events permit in 2023. In exchange, the ACLU agreed to drop the lawsuit. Shortly after the settlement was filed, St. George released a public apology saying, in part, that it 'regrets violating SUDS' constitutionally protected right to free speech' and 'welcomes all citizens to hold special events in the future.' Transgender dorm bill passes decisively in House, moves on to Senate The lawsuit stemmed from an incident in early 2023 where the CEO of Southern Utah Drag Stars, Mitski Avalōx, was allegedly denied an event permit for a family-friendly drag event. The city allegedly used a local advertising ordinance to deny the permit request. In May of the same year, the Southern Utah Drag Stars sued St. George claiming it had discriminated against drag performances and other LGBTQ+ events, violating their First and Fourteenth Amendment rights. The ACLU claims this permit denial was 'part of a years-long effort to target drag performances and LGBTQ+ pride events.' On Friday, Feb. 7, the ACLU announced the agreement with the city calling it a 'historic settlement.' 'Amid nationwide attacks on LGBTQ+ people, this settlement is a reminder that the First Amendment protects everyone,' said Emerson Sykes, ACLU senior staff attorney. 'Drag is undeniably a form of artistic and political expression and we couldn't be more pleased that our clients' rights have been vindicated.' St. George's full statement can be read below: In the Spring of 2023, Southern Utah Drag Stars, LLC ('SUDS') submitted an application to hold a special event in St. George City and St. George City denied the permit. St. George City admits the permit denial violated SUDS' First Amendment rights and publicly apologizes for violating SUDS' First Amendment rights. St. George City regrets violating SUDS' constitutionally protected right to free speech, it strives to uphold the U.S. Constitution, and it has worked with SUDS to favorably resolve the violation of SUDS' rights. St. George City welcomes all citizens to hold special events in the future and respects the First Amendment rights of all community members. St. George City Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
