News Round-up - 6 July 2006
School scheme snub for green belt land
The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government has rejected an appeal against the refusal of planning permission for a redevelopment scheme at St Mary's Platt, Kent.
The plans include replacing the primary school with 36 homes, 20 of them affordable units, a development which would also have involved some of the housing being located on the existing school playing field.
The plan was supported by the county council, the local housing association and many villagers but was blocked by the local planning authority, Tonbridge and Malling District Council, mainly on green belt grounds.
The SoS decision followed the recommendation of the planning inspector who held the appeal inquiry and who concluded the scheme would constitute inappropriate development in the green belt.
Executive considers plans for five-star hotel
Scottish councillors have gone against the advice of their officials and given outline consent for Perth's first five-star hotel.
Planners at Perth and Kinross Council had recommended that the 300-bedroom development at Kinfauns should be refused as the proposed location is on land where there is a presumption against development unless essentially related to agriculture.
The scheme will be decided by the Scottish Executive however, as Scottish Natural Heritage has lodged a formal objection to the proposal.
Contractor fined for ignoring enforcement notice
A Northern Ireland contractor, Quinn Piling, has been fined £7,000 at Downpatrick Magistrates Court for failing to comply with a Planning Service enforcement notice over an unauthorised change of use on land at the village of Crossgar.
Quarry rivals wait for final redevelopment decision
Two leisure companies have been shortlisted by Gwynedd Council over proposals to redevelop a huge slate quarry near Llanberis.
One proposal would involve a mountain bike and business centre; the other competing scheme is for an artificial ski slope and water park.
Must try harder with school designs, says CABE
The government's design advisers have given a slating to the current poor standard of design of most secondary schools provided over the last five years.
Half were categorised as "poorly built, badly designed and failing to provide inspiring educational environments," according to the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE).
Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment
Underground gas storage success
Cheshire county council has approved a plan by a subsidiary of chemical manufacturer INEOS to use caverns created by salt extraction for a major new natural gas storage facility at Holford.
More information about the gas storage application by INEOS
Salt marsh and mud flat sanctuary created
The UK's largest man-made wetland has been created at Wallasea Island in Essex following the demolition of part of the existing sea wall.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Plans for 'unique, European waterfront city' unveiled
A blueprint for revitalising Swansea city centre has been prepared by a team of consultants led by Roger Tym and Partners on behalf of the city council, local commercial interests and the Welsh Assembly government.
The strategy calls for a greater mix of existing retail uses, new shopping and leisure developments and the creation of a distinctive waterfront city.
The proposals are now out for consultation and will be followed by an action plan later this year. The new-look Swansea is planned to be in place by the 2120s.
Swansea City and County Council
Swansea City Centre Strategic Framework Document
Asda decision referred to full council
Retail giant Asda has won a reprieve over its proposals to build a store at mainland Britain's most northerly town, Thurso.
Local councillors on the Caithness area committee of Highland Council had refused the scheme but now one the members has been successful in his bid to have the application referred to the full council for determination later this summer (August).
Roger Milne
6 July 2006
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