Latest news with #TownandCountryPlanningAct1990

South Wales Argus
03-06-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Newport office conversion plan rejected by council
M Le Masurier submitted a full application via AMT Designed Ltd to transform the ground floor of 8–10 Griffin Street into five flats. However, Newport City Council turned down the proposal on May 29. The major issues were flood risks, unsustainable development, overdevelopment, noise and ventilation, lack of biodiversity enhancement, insufficient cycle storage, and negative impact on the conservation area. The site is located in Flood Zone 3, with no plans provided to manage potential flooding. The application also did not include a contribution towards affordable housing, which goes against local standards. Overdevelopment issues were raised, noting poor space standards, lack of outlook, insufficient bin storage, and privacy concerns due to the layout of one of the flats. The application did not include a noise impact assessment or details about natural ventilation. The inadequate provision for biodiversity and green infrastructure, such as the absence of an ecological enhancement plan, was another reason for refusal. The application failed to provide details on secure and accessible cycle storage, which did not align with the council's sustainable travel policy. The conversion plans also lacked sufficient detail regarding window design and waste management, impacting the City Centre Conservation Area. The council assessed several drawings related to the project, including plans of the existing and proposed elevations and floor plans. The proposed development was considered minor and did not require an environmental impact assessment. In addition to the reasons for refusal, the council provided guidance on water and sewer connections, sustainable water use, and rights of appeal under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. The applicant has the right to appeal the decision if they wish to contest the refusal.

South Wales Argus
02-06-2025
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Newport house confirmed as lawful HMO for over 10 years
A certificate of lawfulness was issued for the property in Clyffard Crescent, Newport, after evidence was submitted showing continuous use as a four-bedroom, five-person HMO under use class C4. The three-storey, mid-terraced house comprises a basement with a kitchen, bedroom, shower, toilet, and garden access; a ground floor with a communal lounge and a bedroom; and a first floor with two bedrooms and a bathroom. The application was submitted by the owners, and was assessed under planning application number 25/0244. The application was made under Section 191(2) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, which stipulates a 10-year period for changes of use other than to a single dwelling. Key evidence supporting the application included floor plans and drawings detailing the property's internal layout, as well as a statutory declaration confirming continuous use as a four-bedroom, five-person HMO for at least 10 years. The property also had a series of HMO licences issued on July 3, 2016, July 4, 2021, and another dated August 1, 2011. Tenancy agreements covering the periods from September 29, 2014, to April 4, 2019, and from April 1, 2019, to September 1, 2026, were also submitted as evidence. Additionally, a council tax record noted the property as being vacant since October 2024, with plans to let it again shortly after March 2025. The planning authority accepted the evidence on the balance of probabilities, determining that the property met the criteria for lawful existing use as a C4 HMO due to continuous 10-year usage. No objections were received regarding the application. The decision was also considered compliant with Newport's Well-Being Plan 2018–23. The Welsh Government's 2015 study on HMO concentrations influenced changes requiring small HMOs (3–6 unrelated individuals sharing amenities) to have planning permission under C4 from February 2016. However, properties in lawful HMO use before February 2016 may continue such use without needing retrospective permission, provided continuity of use is demonstrated. The evidence submitted by the Simmons family, including a statutory declaration from the current owners confirming continuous HMO use since October 20, 2011, was found to be sufficient in proving the lawful use of the property as a C4 HMO since at least October 20, 2011. The use of the property as an HMO was found to have no significant impacts identified under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, Equality Act 2010, or Planning (Wales) Act 2015.

South Wales Argus
26-05-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Former Newport hay store withdrawn for residential use
The application, made by AJ Planning and Development Ltd, sought to obtain a lawful development certificate for the building and its surrounding land at Cae Pandy Cottage, Watery Lane, Langstone, Newport. The application aimed to officially recognise the building's use as a residential storage space, a role it reportedly served for more than a decade. The application was supported by various documents, including statutory declarations, planning drawings, site location plans, and photographs. The building's history, as stated in the application, highlighted its continuous residential use since 1984, after ceasing operations as a farm. The building reportedly accommodated domestic storage and vehicle sheltering, with utility connections from the main cottage. The planning and development firm detailed the building's use history in a supporting letter, stating it had been utilised as a residential ancillary space by Mr and Mrs Roberts, and later by Mr Bushell, who moved in 2019. Photographic evidence in the application showed the building storing domestic items, including wheelchairs, furniture, tools, toys, pet housing, and antique vehicles. The letter argued that this evidence supported the claim of the building's residential ancillary use since 1984. The application also cited Section 191 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, arguing the building's use was lawful due to the passage of time without enforcement. The applicants concluded that Newport City Council had a statutory duty to issue the lawful development certificate, as no further permission was needed due to the long-established use. However, the application was ultimately withdrawn, as noted in a decision letter from Newport City Council's Regeneration and Economic Development Department, dated May 14, 2025.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Plan to expand recycling facility among applications to Bexley Council
A plan to increase recycling capacity by 70,000 tonnes is among applications submitted to Bexley Council. The proposal, by Mr L Bicaku, involves extending the facility at Century Wharf Industrial Estate, Crayford Creek Road, Crayford. It includes both upward and outward extensions to the existing building. According to the public notice, the aim is to improve efficiency and quality at the site, as well as enable the facility to process an additional 70,000 tonnes per year of mixed recyclables. The application, reference 25/00884/FULM, can be viewed on the council's planning portal. Public comments must be submitted by June 4. In a separate application, Mr R Manak has requested permission to alter the footprint and elevations of a previously approved development at Aysgarth, Cross Lane, Bexley. The site falls within the Parkhurst Conservation Area and the application is being made under Section 73 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. The original permission, reference 24/01696/FUL, was for the erection of two single-storey side extensions following the demolition of an existing garage and conservatory, and the incorporation of dormer windows to the northwest and southwest roof slopes. The current application, reference 25/00910/FUL, seeks to vary condition 2 (approved drawings) of the original permission. The full details of both applications can be viewed online at: Written responses for the Aysgarth application must be submitted by June 5 and addressed to Development Management, Civic Offices, 2 Watling Street, Bexleyheath, Kent, DA6 7AT. The council has advised that, under the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1995, any response will be made available for public inspection. It has also noted that, as the Aysgarth application relates to a domestic dwelling, if the application is refused and the applicant appeals under the Householder Appeal Service, only observations made on this application will be passed to the Planning Inspectorate. There will be no further opportunity to make representations at the appeal stage. Richard Turek, head of development management at Bexley Council, signed both public notices. The notices were published on May 14. Members of the public can view and comment on both applications via the council's planning portal. Further details on how to submit comments are available on the council's website. Want to find out all the latest planning applications, alcohol licensing applications and planned road closures near you? Then search the Public Notice Portal. The Public Notice Portal is owned and operated by the News Media Association, the voice of UK national, regional, and local newspapers in all their print and digital forms. NMA members include nearly 900 local and regional news titles which reach 40 million people across the length and breadth of the country each month. Many of these publications have served their communities for centuries and remain the most reliable source of verified news and information. Created by local news publishers and supported by the Google News Initiative, the portal carries statutory public notices published in local newspapers and is the fastest and most effective way of finding out what is happening in YOUR neighbourhood. Public Notice Portal Find, save and share Public Notices that affect you in your local area
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Work begins on sandpit despite planning refusal
Work to build a large children's sandpit and recreation area in a field in West Sussex has begun, despite planning permission being refused. Chris Dixon applied to build a 25m/sq sandpit, "tumble down mound", boules pitch and bar area on land off Marine Drive, Goring, however his bid was rejected. But Mr Dixon confirmed in an online statement that he had begun building the project anyway, and that there would "soon be 23 flag poles proudly waving the Union Jack". A spokesperson for Worthing Borough Council said it was waiting for further information about the works before taking any action. "We've been made aware of the activity and have written to the landowner for clarification about what he is doing there," they said. "We will then consider whether any enforcement action is necessary." Mr Dixon's company, Goring Gap Limited, announced plans last year to create a "fenced family entertainment area" focused around the sandpit. The scheme also includes concessions for vendors selling food, drinks, snacks and sweets from gazebos and trailers, as well as a bar for alcohol. It would also feature toilets and car parking facilities. The council previously said it rejected the application because it had not received enough information from Mr Dixon to prove that the "use and operations described in the application would be or are lawful". "The proposed leisure related uses would involve a material change of use of the land, which was previously agricultural, and the associated works would be operational development," the added. The council said this believed such a development would be unlawful under Section 55 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. On 15 May, Mr Dixon posted to his website: "Work has begun on the children's sandpit, tumble down mound, boules and bar area. "There will soon be 23 flag poles proudly waiving the Union Jack, Worthing and Sussex colours." The BBC has contacted Mr Dixon for comment. Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. New cancer centre approved at Brighton hospital Plans deferred for new homes in village Worthing Borough Council