Latest news with #Saltmarsh
South Wales Argus
2 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Fuel poverty in Wales: 340,000 homes struggling in 2024
New estimates from the Welsh Government reveal that 340,000 homes in Wales were in fuel poverty as of October 2024, meaning they need to spend more than 10 per cent of their income to heat their homes. Ben Saltmarsh, head of Wales at National Energy Action, said: "Fuel poverty has deepened dramatically in recent years. "Too many are living in cold homes, rationing essentials, and mired in debt – with grave physical and mental health consequences. "Children are growing up in conditions that can damage their life chances for decades. "Paying over £1,700 a year for a basic utility isn't normal – and in many parts of Wales it's even higher, since north Wales faces the highest energy costs in Great Britain and south Wales is not far behind." He said the figures highlight a major challenge ahead of the 2026 Senedd election. Mr Saltmarsh said: "With significant expected consequential funding from the UK government's Warm Homes Plan, all political parties in Wales must commit to considerably increasing investment in energy efficiency should they form the next Welsh government." National Energy Action is calling for continued emergency crisis support, including help to top up prepayment meters and purchase off-gas fuel such as oil and LPG. The charity also wants the UK Government to offer deeper energy bill support for those unable to afford a warm home and is urging Ofgem to help low-income households repay energy debt, much of which was accrued during the recent energy crisis.
South Wales Argus
03-08-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Certificate applied for to convert garage to be a home
The planning application for the conversion of the domestic vehicle garage at Hawthorn House, Whitebrook Lane, Llanvaches, Newport, was submitted by Mr Ron Saltmarsh under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. The proposal also includes the erection of a small extension to form a bathroom. The property, which falls under the C3 use class as a dwelling house, will maintain this status following the conversion, according to the applicant Mr Saltmarsh. The applicant has claimed that the development qualifies as "Permitted Development". The application was submitted with the assistance of agent Mr Chris Jackson from CJ Projects. The site, visible from public land, did not require pre-application advice, and the applicant, Mr Saltmarsh, declared ownership of the land in the application, which was signed by his agent, Mr Jackson, on June 10. The decision date for the application was not stated in the document. The grid reference for the property is Easting 341993, Northing 192786. The application did not indicate any objections or issues from the local community or planning authorities. The application could be granted a Lawful Development Certificate, signifying compliance with current planning policies and regulations.
South Wales Argus
20-07-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Newport garage could be converted into living space
Mr Ron Saltmarsh has applied for a lawful development certificate for the proposed changes at his home in Llanvaches. The plans, which have been lodged under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, outline a transformation of his garage into "ancillary living accommodation," which means it will be used as an additional part of the main home. The proposal also includes building a small extension to create a bathroom. The site is currently classified under use class C3, which covers dwelling houses or main residences, and it will remain under the same classification following the conversion. Mr Saltmarsh, who owns the property, has argued that the current use of the garage has been established as C3 for many years, therefore making the proposed changes a permitted development. The changes will be visible from a public road or land. CJ Projects, based in Chepstow, are acting as agents for Mr Saltmarsh. The application was signed by Mr Chris Jackson, from CJ Projects, on June 10. The decision date for the proposal has not been disclosed, as the document only contains the application form.
Yahoo
16-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
River tributary reconnected to floodplain
A project to restore a large section of a River Tyne tributary has been completed. Tipalt Burn, near Haltwhistle, Northumberland, has been reconnected to its floodplain after the watercourse had been historically straightened and dredged to increase productivity of the surrounding land. That resulted in worsening water quality, loss of a wildlife habitat and increased the risk of flooding to communities living downstream, the Tyne Rivers Trust charity said. Now, the burn has been reconnected to its floodplain, meaning water will flow more slowly, reducing flood risk and improving water quality. Trees have also been planted and ponds and wetlands created. It is hoped the project, led by the charity, will once again provide a habitat for salmon and trout, as well as wetland areas for breeding waders such as curlew. Tyne Rivers Trust chief scientist and technical director Jack Bloomer said the charity "worked with nature to restore the Tipalt Burn to how it used to be". "The restoration of natural features will have major benefits for aquatic species, including Atlantic salmon and brown trout, as well as an array of other species that rely on these waters both in the river and on the wetlands." The project cost £120,000 and was jointly funded by the Environment Agency's Water Environment Improvement Fund (WEIF) and Northumbrian Water's South Tyne Holistic Water Management fund. Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Send your story ideas here. Plan to clean river of mining waste revealed Saltmarsh restoration planned for two river sites Tyne Rivers Trust
