Latest news with #TheFarm
Irish Examiner
a day ago
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Second Estuary View apartment plan for Bessborough site rejected
Another set of plans for an apartment development on lands of the former Bessborough mother and baby home in Cork City has been rejected just days after an even larger apartment complex in a separate part of the grounds was refused planning permission. An Coimisiún Pleanála — formerly known as An Bord Pleanála — ruled that a proposal by developer Estuary View Enterprises (EVE) 2020 Limited, to demolish a large number of agricultural buildings and construct 140 apartments on the grounds of Bessborough House in Blackrock failed to meet the planning requirements in terms of unit mix. Just 1% of apartments in the scheme named The Farm were three-bed units compared to the target of 28% set by Cork City Council. An Coimisiún Pleanála said the plans for the 5.1-hectare site represented a material contravention of the Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028 with no justification provided by the developer for its unit mix. However, the commission did not adopt a recommendation of its own planning inspector that the application should also be refused planning permission because it was not satisfied that the site was not previously used as a children's burial ground. The inspector, Colin McBride, said such a reason had been the basis for An Bord Pleanála to reject two earlier proposed developments in other parts of the Bessborough lands and it would similarly be premature to approve The Farm scheme. The Meadows plan also rejected The decision of An Coimisiún Pleanála comes just after it rejected plans by the same developer for a 280-unit apartment scheme, The Meadows, on a 2.29-hectare site in the Bessborough grounds. An Coimisiún Pleanála based its refusal in relation to that site on both the unit mix and excessive scale of the plans which it ruled would be 'visually obtrusive' as well as constituting a substandard form of 'incongruous' development. However, it also did not adopt a similar recommendation by Mr McBride that planning permission should also be refused over concerns about potential burial grounds of children. An artist's impression of a proposed bridge to the Blackrock to Passage West greenway as part of the proposed 280-unit Meadows scheme at Bessborough which was rejected last week by An Coimisiun Pleanála. The two proposals are part of a three-part masterplan by EVE to open up a large part of the Bessborough lands for the creation of new communities and a large publicly-accessible parkland area. A planning application has still to be submitted for the proposed third phase of 200 apartments in a western part of the grounds. Permissions for the Farms and Meadows schemes were sought under the process for strategic housing developments which obviated the need to first submit an application to Cork City Council. However, the local authority recommended that EVE's planning application for the Farm scheme should be approved subject to a number of conditions including the omission of one of the proposed five apartment blocks and a reduction in the height of two other buildings. It also supported the separate plans for the Meadows scheme. In contrast, elected members of Cork City Council at a meeting in 2022 were generally opposed to both developments due to concerns about historic legacy issues associated with the sites and the appropriateness of the projects. An aerial view of the former Bessborough convent in Blackrock, Cork City, where the Sisters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary ran a mother and baby home from 1922 until 1998. Picture: Denis Scannell The Farm scheme had also provided for a new pedestrian/cycle bridge over the Passage West Greenway while two repurposed farmyard buildings were due to be used for some apartment units as well as a creche, library, lounge and function space. Estuary View Enterprises said it had met with the Cork Survivors & Supporters Alliance (CSSA) at an early stage of the design process for the Farm scheme because of the sensitivity associated with the location. However, the developer said the locations within the Bessborough lands that were of concern to the group which they wanted preserved were outside the company's control but that the CSSA had no objection to the principle of the Farm scheme.
The Independent
2 days ago
- The Independent
Drug kingpin bragged about being famous singer's son in covert text messages
A 30‑year‑old man who had brokered multi‑million‑pound drug deals has been jailed after police pieced together his identity from encrypted messages referencing his famous father. Thomas Hooton, of Victoria Road West in Crosby, Liverpool, used the messaging service EncroChat, under the name 'Ownraptor', to deal heroin, cocaine, cannabis and ketamine, with a wholesale value of approximately £1.3 million. His arrest in April followed a covert operation by Merseyside 's organised crime partnership, comprising officers from the National Crime Agency (NCA) and Merseyside Police. The NCA said Hooton was involved in the supply of 42.5kg of cannabis, 3.25kg of heroin, 10 kg of cocaine and 1kg of ketamine. They also found that Hooton was in possession of about £400,000 and owed others £258,000. They added he had messaged 41 different contacts using EncroChat, a messaging service that was infiltrated and taken down in 2020 by a European taskforce, and was running a drug supply operation that ran to Scotland and England's North East and South. He was identified by police after sending a photo of his father, Peter, the lead singer of indie stalwarts The Farm, holding the Champions League trophy to contacts on EncroChat. He also spoke in the messages about driving a black Audi A3, saying that his 'arl fella' had sorted the insurance for him. The police then checked Peter Hooton's insurance and found that he had insured a car for his son, which was the same make and model mentioned. Hooton pleaded guilty at Liverpool Crown Court to conspiring to supply Class A and B drugs between 26 March and 4 June 2020. He was sentenced to 10 years and eight months in jail on Friday. Detective Chief Inspector Lynsay Armbruster said: 'It's clear Hooton was involved in organised crime for a long time before he was charged. 'His criminal and geographical reach will have taken considerable time to establish. His drug supply operations were on an almost daily basis, they were sustained and spanned the UK, working with high-level criminals.'
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Rebecca Loos' remote life and fears over TV comeback after 'pleasuring a pig'
As Rebecca Loos makes her TV comeback on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, the Mirror takes a look at what the media personality's life looks like now, more than 20 years after 'Pig-gate' Back in 2004, Rebecca Loos made headlines after making allegations that threatened to rock the marriage of the '00s golden couple, David and Victoria Beckham. Rebecca, now 48, briefly worked as football icon David's personal assistant in 2003 following his high-profile transfer to Real Madrid. In an interview given to the now-defunct News of the World, the Madrid-born former glamour model claimed she and David had embarked on a steamy night of passion behind Victoria's back. The Beckhams dismissed these claims as "ludicrous", while Rebecca used her newfound platform to launch a reality TV career. Perhaps most notably, the media personality made an appearance on Channel 5's controversial 2004 offering The Farm. Slammed as "morbid and sordid" by the RSPCA, the divisive show followed celebs as they competed for the title of "Top Farmer", with challenges centred around agriculture and livestock rearing. Rebecca, who came in third place behind Jeff Brazier and Vanilla Ice, provided what was arguably the most memorable moment of the first series. Wearing rubber gloves, Rebecca was seen pleasuring a boar to extract semen, in scenes that sparked a flurry of Ofcom complaints. While some viewers argued that the act was "akin to bestiality", as per the Manchester Evening News, Ofcom ultimately ruled that the incident had not been "degrading or harmful to the boar", clearing Channel Five of breaching taste and decency. Although the memory of 'pig-gate' still lingers in public consciousness, Rebecca's life has changed in many ways since her days as a darling of the reality TV circuit. Indeed, Rebecca bowed out of the spotlight not long after her whirlwind ascent to fame and now lives a much quieter life in the picturesque hamlet of Hemsedal in the mountains of Norway. It's here where former Playboy model Rebecca has found happiness with her husband, Sven Christjar Skaiaa, a Norwegian doctor she met while shooting the 2008 reality TV series 71 Degrees North. While Rebecca appeared in front of the camera, Sven was working behind the scenes as a medic. Despite appearing to come from very different worlds, sparks soon flew, and it wasn't long until Rebecca realised she'd found the one. The following February, Rebecca announced that she and Sven were expecting a baby, telling Spanish gossip programme 'Esta Pasando':"I wasn't planning on having a child. It was an accident. But the child will be very welcome and very loved." She continued: "He is not well-known. He's Norwegian. We met after the summer in Norway, and he's a doctor. We're both delighted with the pregnancy. He wasn't a fling, he's my boyfriend, and I hope to spend the rest of my life with him." Noting that change was on the horizon, Rebecca then vowed: "Becoming a mother will change everything. My years as a crazy, single woman are over." Rebecca and Sven, who tied the knot in a small ceremony in 2012, set off for a new life in Hemsedal, in southern Norway's Buskerud county, where they raise their two sons in the remote "Scandinavian Alps". A far cry from the media buzz of London, Rebecca's idyllic-looking home is a three-hour drive from the nearest airport and a two-hour drive to the closest hospital. However, she doesn't seem to miss the conveniences of city life one bit. and, in a previous interview with the MailOnline, she claimed to have "no regrets". Mum of two Rebecca revealed: "I am so happy. I have no regrets. "People said I was mad, who was this guy? I hardly knew him, what on earth was I doing? But look at everything I have now. I am so happy with my life now. Many people are so afraid of change. "Change is good, change is how you learn, people should just f***ing go for it. I like the way my life has taken me. If I hadn't been famous, I would not have been invited on the TV show where I met my husband, Sven, and had my lovely boys. I would not have had the life I have now. I took a lot of wrong decisions and got talked into a lot of things." Nowadays, Rebecca works as a yoga teacher and massage therapist, and only ever makes a handful of media appearances. Information on Rebecca's official website offers a little insight into her huge career change. According to this website: "In 2009, life led Rebecca to the picturesque landscapes of Hemsedal, Norway. This move marked a significant shift in her journey, as she embraced a new way of living that prioritised connection to nature, family, and personal growth. "While adjusting to a new language and community, she completed a rigorous three-year education to become a certified Medical Assistant in 2011. This background not only solidified her medical knowledge but also deepened her appreciation for holistic health. "Following the birth of her second child in 2012, Rebecca's yoga practice evolved beyond its initial physical focus. She embarked on a deeper exploration of Ashtanga yoga, experiencing firsthand how the practice revealed hidden layers of resilience, presence, and joy. Each session became an opportunity for self-discovery and reflection, enhancing her commitment to share this journey with others." Now Rebecca has emerged from her idyll to participate in Celebrity SAS, where she's faced a grilling over her accusations about the Beckhams. When quizzed by Jason Fox and Chris Oliver in the show's Mirror Room, Rebecca discussed the motivation behind her TV comeback, admitting: 'I just wanted to show people who I am and just be myself, which has always been my thing. And I just went in it with a very open mind and take it as it comes. 'I was quite nervous as to how the others would perceive me. I was nervous and apprehensive as to how the show would be edited, because that's always something you have no control of. However, I must say the production team on this show have been absolutely amazing from day one, they have been truthful, they have stuck to their word." Touching upon how differently she and Beckhams are perceived by the public, she reflected: 'It felt unjust that my life was pretty hell and his (Becks) life kept going and kept blossoming. I've been accused of being a liar. I've had a lifetime of opinions around me, I've definitely developed thick skin. "I think the public opinion now has softened, at least from what I'm gathering since the documentary came out with the Beckhams a couple of years ago. I think it is now because thanks to social media, there is a whole different following out there, which it's a double-edged sword.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Son of The Farm's singer jailed for £1.3m drug supply
The son of the lead singer of the band The Farm has been jailed for running a drug operation which spanned the UK. Police discovered the identity of Thomas Hooton, 30, from encrypted messages he exchanged with organised criminals about his musician father, Peter. He used the messaging service EncroChat to deal drugs with a wholesale value of around £1.3m, the National Crime Agency said. Hooton, of Victoria Road West, Crosby, Liverpool, pleaded guilty at Liverpool Crown Court to conspiring to supply heroin, cocaine, cannabis and ketamine and was sentenced to 10 years and eight months in jail. Hooton was involved in the supply of 42.5kg of cannabis, 3.25kg of heroin, 10 kg of cocaine and 1kg of ketamine and brokered "high level deals", Merseyside Police said. He had messaged 41 different contacts under the name Ownraptor on EncroChat, the force said. Detectives found he had a county lines drug supply operation which ran to Scotland, the north east and the south of England. 'Criminal reach' Police said one of the key details to discovering Thomas' identity was a picture of his father with the Champions League trophy sent via EncroChat. He also spoke in the messages about driving a black Audi A3 and that his "arl fella'" arranged his insurance for him. Official checks showed Peter Hooton insured a black Audi A3 for his son Thomas. The encrypted chats also revealed he was in possession of about £400,000 and owed others £258,000. Det Chief Insp Lynsay Armbruster said: "It's clear Hooton was involved in organised crime for a long time before he was charged. "His criminal and geographical reach will have taken considerable time to establish. "His drug supply operations were on an almost daily basis, they were sustained and spanned the UK working with high-level criminals." EncroChat was infiltrated and taken down in 2020 by a European taskforce. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230. Related internet links Merseyside Police
BBC News
3 days ago
- BBC News
Son of The Farm's Peter Hooton jailed for £1.3m Encrochat operation
The son of the lead singer of the band The Farm has been jailed for running a drug operation which spanned the UK. Police discovered the identity of Thomas Hooton, 30, from encrypted messages he exchanged with organised criminals about his musician father, used the messaging service EncroChat to deal drugs with a wholesale value of around £1.3m, the National Crime Agency said. Hooton, of Victoria Road West, Crosby, Liverpool, pleaded guilty at Liverpool Crown Court to conspiring to supply heroin, cocaine, cannabis and ketamine and was sentenced to 10 years and eight months in jail. Hooton was involved in the supply of 42.5kg of cannabis, 3.25kg of heroin, 10 kg of cocaine and 1kg of ketamine and brokered "high level deals", Merseyside Police had messaged 41 different contacts under the name Ownraptor on EncroChat, the force said. Detectives found he had a county lines drug supply operation which ran to Scotland, the north east and the south of England. 'Criminal reach' Police said one of the key details to discovering Thomas' identity was a picture of his father with the Champions League trophy sent via also spoke in the messages about driving a black Audi A3 and that his "arl fella'" arranged his insurance for checks showed Peter Hooton insured a black Audi A3 for his son encrypted chats also revealed he was in possession of about £400,000 and owed others £258, Chief Insp Lynsay Armbruster said: "It's clear Hooton was involved in organised crime for a long time before he was charged."His criminal and geographical reach will have taken considerable time to establish."His drug supply operations were on an almost daily basis, they were sustained and spanned the UK working with high-level criminals."EncroChat was infiltrated and taken down in 2020 by a European taskforce. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
