Latest news with #Waverley
BBC News
4 hours ago
- BBC News
Waverley residents criticise council's CIL review scheme
Surrey residents who believe they were wrongly charged for work done to their houses have voiced concerns over a council scheme to appeal the Borough Council (WBC) said it would review community infrastructure levy (CIL) bills for residents who thought they had wrongly received the charges after some homeowners claimed they had incorrectly received bills of up to £70, a group of residents have said that the scope of the review system remains clear, claiming they had been told the scheme covers resident and agent errors despite the council website saying it only covers "errors by the council".The council has been approached for comment. John Crawford, who was hit with a £46,000 CIL for a mobile annexe building in 2021, said: "They need to reverse it immediately."I've lost faith in the local government because I feel like they haven't been prepared to look at it in a fair and logical manner." Mr Crawford told BBC Radio Surrey that he had the work done shortly after coming out of hospital having suffered a heart new building allowed his family to help look after him and his wife, who has been diagnosed with dementia since the couple received the CIL launched the discretionary review system on 17 July, which allowed homeowners who can submit appeals if they believe they were incorrectly charged CIL on residential extensions, annexes or self-built properties "due to an error by the council".A spokesperson for the CIL Injustice Group called a lack of clarity "paralysing", adding: "ordinary people, self builders and families improving their homes are left exposed in a process they do not understand and cannot trust".The group called for clarity from the council to confirm whether or not resident or agent error was covered by the review scheme, and explain what remedies were available to them if is typically charged to developers as a contribution towards essential infrastructure. However a number of homeowners across Waverley have also faced the council previously said that, in most cases, it had been correct in issuing the bills, despite anger from exception, it said, was the case of Steve and Caroline Dally who were billed £70,000 for a home extension and given no opportunity to argue their case.
The Herald Scotland
3 days ago
- The Herald Scotland
Waverley set for 'rare' trip around Arran next month
The special sailing will allow passengers to experience the full coastline of Arran from the unique perspective of Waverley's decks. The ship will allow those on board to take in the 'breathtaking' coastal scenery, mountainous landscape to the north and the picturesque villages dotted along the coastline on one sailing. The ship will cruise past the remote northwest coast with views of Goatfell, Glen Sannox and Lochranza before steaming past Lamlash Bay, passing close to Holy Isle with its ancient heritage and aroudn the southern coastline where passengers will also be able to spot the pear-shaped island of Pladda and its historic lighthouse, which was first lit in 1790. Read More Waverley honoured with water cannon salute to mark major milestone Captain Dominic McCall, Waverley's Master, is excited to take the steamer around the isle as he said: 'The Steam Round Arran sailing is always a highlight both personally and professionally. Waverley's circumnavigation of the island is one of the most unique cruises in the Glasgow & Clyde Coast Summer timetable, offering a rare chance to see the island in its entirety from the sea. 'The coastline offers ever changing scenery and some of the most dramatic views anywhere in Scotland. I already know which way round the island we'll go this year, but I'll be keeping that as a surprise until the day. It's something for passengers to look forward to.' Passengers who decided to go on the sailing will be able to board the Waverley at Glasgow with the paddle steamer departing at 9.45am before returning by coach from Largs at 9.15pm. It will also pick up at Greenock, departing at 11.30am and returning by coach at 9pm. The final two pick ups will be at [[Largs]] at 12.55pm before returning at 7.30pm and Keppel Pier at Millport at 1.15pm and returning at 7.45pm. The final people on board at Brodrick will join the boat at 2.30pm before returning at 6.30pm. The special sailing takes place as Waverley reaches the halfway point of its 2025 summer season to mark 50 years of sailing in preservation. Earlier this year, the major milestone was celebrated with a water cannon salute by tug CMS Thundererer. The salute took place near Oban on Tuesday as a mark of respect for Waverley's remarkable preservation journey and as a warm welcome back to the west coast of Scotland. Waverley, the World's last seagoing paddle steamer, has been preserved thanks to the continued dedication of passengers, supporters, volunteers, and organisations over five decades. Clyde Marine Services has played a vital role in her preservation, regularly providing tug support, including for dry dock operations. Waverley's 50th year in preservation officially begins with a special thank you sailing on May 22 for invited guests, recognising those who have played a part in keeping her sailing since she was famously gifted for £1 in 1974.
Glasgow Times
3 days ago
- Glasgow Times
Waverley paddle steamer to cruise around Isle of Arran
The special sailing, set for Monday, August 4, is the only one of its kind in 2025 and will let passengers view Arran's coastline from the steamer's decks. The Isle of Arran is often called "Scotland in Miniature" because of its stunning coastal scenery with a mountainous landscape to the north. Passengers enjoy the sight and sound of a real steamship aboard Waverley (Image: Supplied) Passengers will also get to see the island's scenic villages and headlands to the south. Waverley will glide past the remote northwest coast, providing views of Goatfell, Glen Sannox, and Lochranza. Read more: Man due in court after 51-year-old 'assaulted' on street The ship will also pass through Lamlash Bay, cruising close to Holy Isle, and rounding the southern coastline where the pear-shaped island of Pladda and its historic lighthouse—first lit in 1790—can be spotted. Captain Dominic McCall, master of Waverley, said: "The Steam Round Arran sailing is always a highlight both personally and professionally. Waverley's magnificent triple expansion steam engine (Image: Supplied) "Waverley's circumnavigation of the island is one of the most unique cruises in the Glasgow and Clyde Coast summer timetable, offering a rare chance to see the island in its entirety from the sea. "The coastline offers ever-changing scenery and some of the most dramatic views anywhere in Scotland. "I already know which way round the island we'll go this year, but I'll be keeping that as a surprise until the day. "It's something for passengers to look forward to." Passengers can step aboard Waverley for a rare full circumnavigation of the island (Image: Supplied) The special sailing takes place as Waverley reaches the halfway point of her 2025 Clyde Coast summer season on the Clyde Coast. The season will continue until August 25. This year's programme is particularly special as Waverley celebrates 50 years of sailing in preservation. The paddle steamer offers various cruises throughout the season, allowing passengers to board from 18 ports around the Clyde, including Glasgow, Greenock, Largs, Dunoon, Ayr, Brodick, Rothesay, and Millport. There is full catering on all cruises, with snacks, tea and cake, a hot meal in the dining saloon, or a drink in one of the period lounges available. The souvenir shop will also be open, offering exclusive gifts and mementos to mark the experience aboard the much-loved ship. Tickets for all sailings can be booked in advance at or by calling the booking office on 0141 243 2224. Tickets can also be purchased on board Waverley.
News.com.au
3 days ago
- Business
- News.com.au
Art Deco block last traded for $28k with $8.35 per week rents for sale
An Art Deco block of flats in Waverley that last traded for $28k nearly six decades ago is set to hit the market. And the rents back in 1968 were between $8.35 and $8.80 because of a controlled rent scheme. The four two-bedders on a 400sqm block at 2 Wills Ave, known as Wills Court, are being sold in one line at a forthcoming auction with a guide in the mid-$4m range via Colliers apartment block specialist Paul Grasso. The site is just 900m from Bronte Beach. 'It's going to be attractive to wealthy mums and dads wanting to put their kids in there,' says Grasso. Waterfront sale falls over, then sells for $2m less He's also got a 1928-built character block of four large three-bedroom apartments, each with parking, just 500m from Balmoral Beach at 194 Spit Rd, Mosman, with an annual income of $312k. That's coming to market for the first time in 32 years and has hopes in the high $5m range. The vendor at Wills Court, Ian Brightwell, says his late father was keen to buy the flats, just one in a sizeable portfolio across the east, because 'a decent sized block of land that could be done up'. When he first bought it the four tenants paid between $8.35 and $8.80 per week — for a total income of $46.95 — because of a controlled rent scheme left over from World War II that was designed to protect war widows. These days, the flats each rent out for $800 per week, but he's selling up now because of increasing land tax costs. Says Grasso: 'The land tax means it's not a sensible rental proposition — it's a large chunk of land but just four units.' Apart from being of interest to families, he's expecting developers to be keen, who could potentially build a luxury duplex. Grasso, an associate director at Colliers, says: 'These listings represent the kind of generational assets that rarely come up for sale. 'We're seeing a surge in demand for boutique apartment blocks in lifestyle suburbs, driven by a lack of new supply and strong interest from downsizers and investors alike.' The launch of these two properties follows the successful sale of two other boutique blocks, reinforcing the strength of the market. In Mosman, Colliers recently transacted 161–165 Middle Head Road for about $20m, following a highly competitive campaign. The Art Deco walk-up comprises 10 residential apartments and two retail suites, with sweeping views over Balmoral Beach and the Sydney CBD. Meanwhile, in Rose Bay, 483 Old South Head Road sold for $6 million, reflecting a 3.9 per cent net yield. The property, which previously held DA approval for a 19-room hotel, was acquired by a buyer intending to retain the existing improvements, highlighting the enduring appeal of income-generating residential assets in prime locations. Tom Appleby, Colliers National Director and Head of Sydney North, added: 'Capital growth in this segment has been exceptional.
Telegraph
25-07-2025
- Telegraph
‘You could be in the Mediterranean': Why Swanage is the perfect seaside town
All summer, Telegraph Travel is taking the pulse of our most famous traditional seaside towns, examining the efforts being made to regenerate them, and reflecting on whether they are still worth visiting. This week, Teresa Machan visits Swanage Professor Joe Burns is putting the finishing touches to his Punch and Judy stand on Swanage Beach. Hook-nosed Mr Punch, looking pleased as, relaxes in a director's chair upholstered in red and white-striped canvas (in keeping with the booth's stripey skirt). 'He's having a rest,' says Prof Burns. 'The season starts tomorrow.' The first recorded Punch and Judy show on the beach in Swanage was in 1904. According to Burns, Dorset is the only county to have two full-time summer Punch and Judy shows – the second is in Weymouth. I'm no expert, but any novice can see that this tassel-trimmed booth is a thing of beauty. It was steam, the railway and the Victorian leisured class that led Punch from cities and touring fairs to seaside resorts like Swanage, on the Purbeck peninsula, a port and quarry town that became the 'queen of seaside resorts'. Purbeck stone paved the floors of Roman villas, fortified medieval Corfe Castle, slabbed cathedral floors and was shipped in vast quantities to the capital. Out-of-fashion architectural features came back as ballast for returning ships. Swanage is peppered with little bits of London, including bollards from Bloomsbury and a fish-topped weather vane from Billingsgate market. The Purbeck House Hotel has a tiled floor originally laid in the Houses of Parliament and an arch that once stood in Hyde Park. There are so many listed buildings in Swanage (179 to be precise) it looks like the town caught English Heritage-marker measles. Among them are the timber pier – rebuilt several times – and the 17th-century pub-come-fossil museum The Square and Compass in Worth Matravers. There's a full summer schedule of passenger trips to and from Swanage Pier but there's a buzz about town because the teak-and-brass Waverley, the last-remaining sea-going passenger steam ship, will pay several visits this September. Bronze plaques are nailed to the planks. Among the dedications I notice a common theme. 'Happy Place,' 'Happy Times,' 'Favourite Place'. This little seaside town has made a lot of people happy. Back on the beach's buttermilk sand, Prof Burns tells me: 'There's no faded glamour here. No boarded-up shops, pissheads or the smell of weed.' He points across a pedestrianised stretch of Shore Road to the folds of Ballard Down. 'It could be any decade. You can imagine the Victorians, picnicking up there.' What's Swanage really like? From the sea I saw kids crabbing, the spire of a clocktower, Victorian townhouses, a cliffside hotel, castle turrets, a stone obelisk poking up from pleasure gardens, some fine chalk stacks and a colourful medley of beach huts – all flanked by chalk headland and cradled by a swathe of Jurassic cliff. Behind me, rowers paddled a wooden gig, the Tilly Whim, and there – across the Solent – lay the Isle the Wight. What a setting. The nightlife won't keep you up but, amusement arcades aside, Swanage is compact, walkable and near picture perfect. Furthermore, the friendly locals like tourists. A sheltered, shallow bay, a lifeguarded zone, Blue Flag beach, steam railway and play areas hold obvious appeal for families – and it's easy to book a beach hut. Good cafes, artisan shopping, yoga and Pilates on the pier, alfresco bars, and several decent restaurants give it multi-generation appeal. Plentiful water fountains help save money and plastic. At Crave Beach Café, a hipster barista steamed an excellent cortado. Next door, at Swanage Bay Sauna, I ran from steam to sea and back again. What's not to like? Evenings are quiet – which is what attracts many visitors. Young and older are well catered for; teenagers less so. Electric vehicle owners may struggle. There are two Open Charge POD charging points for residents and visitors and four charging bays – two in each of Main Beach and Mermond Place car parks. Do this… Peruse the tat-free independent shops and galleries for art and unusual gifts. Visit The Purbeck Apothecary for tinctures, unusual and organic loose-leaf teas and immune-boosting 'Fire Cider'; Drift for tasteful seaweed art and edible seaweed spaghetti; Salt for foodie gifts and homewares and renowned chocolatier Chococo. Drift, Chococo and other independents are on Commercial Road, a flower-filled pedestrian lane known as The Heart of Swanage. Here too, if you're self-catering, is the town's family-run fishmonger, Swanage Bay Fish. Stroll the pier (adults pay £2.20) and board a vintage diesel or a steam train at Swanage railway station – complete with vintage luggage, porter trolleys, posters and signage – to the ruins of Corfe Castle. After a day or two, turn your attention to the area's unmissable natural attractions (be prepared to walk up a few hills). Follow the coastal path west to Durlston Country Park or east to Old Harry Rocks and Studland Bay. Visit the small museum at Swanage Lifeboat Station before heading up through the butterfly-filled meadows of Downs Nature Reserve to Peveril Point, where the National Coastguard lookout is open to the public. Take a boat trip or go paddle-boarding or coasteering. For interesting commentary and to fully appreciate those dazzling chalk stacks, book a kayaking trip to Old Harry Rocks. The UK's oldest diving school, Divers Down, is at the entrance to the pier and takes divers under the pier and to several wreck sites. But don't do this… Don't head out to sea in an offshore wind. If in doubt, ask a skipper or staff on the pier. Avoid town-centre meters and head instead to one of two long-stay car parks. Eat this… Burnt Toast does a seriously good breakfast. Try the hash brown mash-up or build-your-own brioche. The cakes and slabs of quiche at Love Cake are extraordinary and ditherers might like the 'cake board' selection (£10). For a gourmet picnic, pick up a Dorset Grazing Box. For a beach-shack vibe with sand-at-your-feet views, head west along the beachfront to Burlington Chine, where Down the Beach serves chunky home-made fishcakes, calamari and falafel burgers. For afternoon tea or pre-dinner drinks, climb the 81 steps (or walk up the road) from the beach at Burlington Chine to The Grand hotel. The conservatory offers the same view and is a good option in winter or summer. For dinner, locals rate Smoke on the Water, The Narrows and The Salt Pig. From a local Richard Lester, assistant pier master (volunteer): 'I dreamed of retiring to Swanage and here I am, doing my dream job. We get several passenger boats a day during the summer and the big ones bring 500 people. 'I work with an army of volunteers and it takes eight of us to winch them in. We get about 12 or 13 weddings each year, too. People come from all over to see our dedication plaques on the boardwalk.' Lorraine Love, owner, The Purbeck Apothecary: 'I moved here in 1998. I call it 'Swanalulu' because the sun always shines. It was my dream to have my own apothecary and chemist and the local community has really embraced it. Our 'tea-tasting Tuesdays' are very popular. I love walking in the countryside and ancient woodland around Swanage. I wouldn't live anywhere else.' From a visitor Tracy and Eddie Joyce from Harlow, Essex: 'Swanage is our happy place. We've been coming for 15 years. As soon as we see the rhododendrons and get that first glimpse of the sea we know we're 'home'.' Trevor Pitt from Birmingham: 'We visited last year and decided to come back. It's our little discovery. Because Swanage isn't a through town you've got to make an effort to come here – I think that keeps it a bit special. 'Look at the view from the rooftop bar over there. You could be in the Mediterranean.' Stay here Deluxe sea-facing doubles at the Grand Hotel start at £248 including full breakfast. Sea-view upgrades from £20 per room per night. The YHA Swanage is housed in a sea-facing Victorian villa and has private rooms from £55. Nearby campsites include Tom's Field and California Meadows, which also has shepherd's huts. Get there The nearest mainline railway station is Wareham, for South Western Railway services to Waterloo. Swanage Station is the terminus of the heritage Swanage Railway branch line. National Express has a daily service between Victoria and Swanage. Purbeck Breezer bus routes 30, 35, 40 and 50 serve Swanage. Car access is via the Sandbanks Ferry from Sandbanks/Poole to Studland or the A351 via Wareham. Passenger trips to and from Swanage Pier in summer are operated by Coastal Cruises.
