Latest news with #CyngorGwynedd
Wales Online
10 hours ago
- Automotive
- Wales Online
Three key roads earmarked for upgrades in Denbighshire after £4.8m spending boost
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Three key roads in Denbighshire have been identified for improvements using money accessed from the Welsh Government. A similar exercise in Gwynedd has seen more than 60 roads and footpaths earmarked for upgrades. Denbighshire Council has secured £4.8m from Cardiff's Local Government Borrowing Initiative (LGBI) to boost its road maintenance programme. The local authority is now planning 'significant investment' to resurface three roads. They are the A525 Nany Y Garth Pass near Ruthin; the A547 Abergele Road near Rhuddlan; and Ty Newydd Road, a key conduit in Rhyl. Denbighshire's Highways aims to start work 'straight away' during the 'optimum time for carriageway surfacing works'. Cllr Barry Mellor, lead member for environment and transport, said: 'We know the improvement of the county's road network is a topic that comes up regularly from our residents. The work that will be carried out on our roads over the next two years will really help improve the network and driving experience for both residents and visitors to Denbighshire.' The LGBI funding runs for two years with Denbighshire saying improvements are planned on a 'number of roads'. Details of other highways to benefit from the funding will be released in due course. Cyngor Gwynedd received £7.8m through the LGBI scheme – it has a two-year target list that extends to more than 60 roads, paths and structures such as bridges and retaining walls. The local authority said these span the entire county from 'Llanrug to Llanystumdwy and from Tudweiliog to Tywyn'. The North Wales Live Whatsapp community for top stories and breaking news is live now - here's how to sign up (Image: Cyngor Gwynedd) Council leader Cllr Nia Jeffreys said: 'The condition of the roads is of concern to a large number of local people, but due to the dire financial situation of local authorities we have not been able to invest in the network as we would have liked. 'This investment will make a huge difference and target the areas most in need in terms of potholes in roads, resurfacing, footpaths, and other structures.' The LGBI initative was announced in March by Ken Skates, cabinet secretary for transport and North Wales. It provides an extra £10m of revenue funding to enable local councils to unlock £120m of additional capital funding. A similar scheme was rolled out successfully in Wales between 2012 and 2014. Cllr June Jones, Cyngor Gwynedd's cabinet member for highways, said the extra cash will enable a broader programme of work to be carried out on the country's roads. 'It also means the council will be able to plan spending much better,' she said. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox 'For example, this past financial year, £750,000 was spent on filling potholes on our network here in Gwynedd. This is not the best use of our road maintenance revenue funding as it is completely responsive. 'Through this investment over two years, we are confident that we will reduce our emergency spending on filling potholes in roads and spend more on programmed resurfacing work.' Find out what's happening on the roads near you
Wales Online
14 hours ago
- Business
- Wales Online
Owners of 200-year-old slate quarry bid to extend its life or warn jobs will be lost
Owners of 200-year-old slate quarry bid to extend its life or warn jobs will be lost Ffestiniog Quarry is in the heart of Blaenau Ffestiniog and its owner estimates there remain 100 years worth of slate resources there Ffestiniog Quarry (also known as Oakeley Quarry or Gloddfa Ganol Mine Plans have been submitted to extend the life of a 200-year-old quarry in North Wales. Ffestiniog Quarry, also known as Oakeley Quarry or Gloddfa Ganol Mine, is nestled in the heart of Blaenau Ffestiniog. The quarry has been producing slates since 1818, formed by Ordovician slate beds laid down over 470 million years ago. Under its current planning permission, work at the 160-hectare site is due to finish at the end of this year. Now owner Breedon Trading Ltd is hoping to extend this by another four decades. The proposed scheme is based on the ability to produce 30,000 slates per week. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here If planning permission isn't granted by Cyngor Gwynedd, it's stated that the quarry would cease operations at the end of the year, leading to job losses., , reports North Wales Live. An aerial view of the quarry area Planning agent SLR said: "The applicant is submitting a planning application for the continuation of slate extraction operations, together with the deposit of mineral wastes and overburden, along with the production of secondary aggregates, within the quarry workings beyond the current cessation date of 31st December, 2025. Article continues below "Ffestiniog Quarry works the mudstone and siltstone slate deposits of the Nant Ffrancon Subgroup of the Ordovician succession. "All superficial surface deposits (soils and overburden) have been removed; extraction operations involve the removal of slate from the working faces predominantly using blasting, and occasionally mechanical techniques. "The development also involves the periodic clearing of slate waste from the quarry working area to expose the faces underneath. "Notwithstanding this, as with other slate quarries (such as Penrhyn Quarry) slates suitable for producing roofing tiles are located lower in the sequence (i.e. deeper in the quarry workings). "This means that the upper parts of the sequence (typically the first four benches) are classed as quarry waste and need to be cleared to expose the better-quality slate. "The proposals would not seek to laterally extend either the slate workings or associated tips beyond the current approved footprint and operations would not exceed the current permitted level of intensity. "Moreover, all tipping operations would be undertaken within the current operational areas either on the north-western side of the quarry or within the quarry void. "Having reviewed the quarry development scheme, proposals are being put forward which show the phased progression of the quarry workings, and the disposal of quarry waste. "This has shown that there are in excess of 100 years of slate resources within the quarry. However, the current application seeks to extend the duration for a period of 40 years." The document added: "Should planning permission not be granted then the quarry would cease operations at the end of the year resulting in the loss of employment. "With a lack of other quarry operations in the local area, this would potentially see those employed at the quarry seeking employment elsewhere, potentially moving out of the local area." Officials at Gwynedd Council are set to review the planning application. Article continues below
Wales Online
a day ago
- Business
- Wales Online
Plan for market hall where ex-prime minister launched political career refused
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Plans to build 14 flats at market hall where Welsh Prime Minister David Lloyd George gave his first political speech have been rejected. The application to convert the Market Hall on Church Street, Blaenau Ffestiniog, was turned down by Cyngor Gwynedd's planning committee, on Monday, June 16. The plans were submitted by Paul McCready of Mossley Hill Investments Gwynedd Ltd to develop eight one-bedroom, and six two-bedroom flats. Get all the latest Gwynedd news by signing up to our newsletter - sent every Tuesday Plans had first been submitted in February 2019, and deferred in July 2019, after more information was requested by the council's language unit, with some amended details supplied in 2020. (Image: Cyngor Gwynedd plans) However, in June 2021, the building was given Grade-II listing by Cadw. Due to elapsed time, planners had sought updated information, to assess the application against recent planning policy, but no response had been received, planning officer Keira Ann Sweenie said. "Despite officers' efforts there's been no progress," she told the meeting. It was felt the developers had "had enough time" and the recommendation was to refuse, based on lack of recent information and being unable to assess the application against recent policy. Developers had initially wanted to provide supported living accommodation, in partnership with MySpace Housing Association, but had acknowledged in a report this had "raised community concerns". (Image: Image Cyngor Gwynedd plans) Those concerns had mainly been about the "supported living" aspect attracting "outsiders", which it was feared could "worsen existing anti-social behaviour issues within the community". Having "taken regard to the concerns" the developers had hoped amended plans for 14 self-contained, "open market" apartments, in lieu of managed rentals, would be "received favourably" by the community. "The provision of one and two-bedroom apartments increases choice for smaller families, young couples or households of older people," they had stated, adding they could help meet "an identified demand" for smaller housing units. It would also ensure the empty building would avoid falling into disrepair, "and prevent it from becoming a draw for anti-social behaviour" they had argued. The application had prompted Ffestiniog Town Council objections, with members concerned t it was "not a development for local needs". "If there is no local demand for one-bedroom flats, then this may be a threat to the area's language and community," it said. It was "not in support" due to "no consideration" of the Welsh language and parking issues, including the needs of the Church. It also raised concerns about bats, but had received no response. The report noted the Housing Strategic Unit felt there was "some demand" for one- and two-bedroom affordable flats, but no formal valuation was submitted. The Language Unit said there was a "lack of clarity" in the plans, and could not support the view there was "no likely language impact". A member of the public had objected, saying the site should not be used due to its history, parking, and "pressure on the community and the Welsh language" based on a "danger that more people would move in". The Gwynedd Archaeological Planning Service felt the building was of "historic interest" having been constructed between 1861-1864, by Owen Roberts, of Dolgareddu and designed by Owen Morris, of Porthmadog. Although of "no exceptional architectural value" it had "historical importance" due to links to the 19th century when the town was flourishing, and as the place where David Lloyd George had spoken. A diary, held by the National Library of Wales, describes how the building was where he gave his first political speech, on February 12, 1886. Local member Cllr Elfed Wyn Ap Elwyn had "concerns," based on local views, and those of the community council, particularly over parking and worries over the impact on the Welsh language. Local people also had "strong feelings" to protect the historic building. Due to a lack of current information, planning officers felt there was "no option" but to recommend refusal. Cllr Anne Lloyd Jones proposed rejecting based on lack of information, seconded by Cllr Edgar Wyn Owen, a view supported by other councillors. The application was refused. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now
North Wales Chronicle
a day ago
- Health
- North Wales Chronicle
Penrhos Polish Village: Progress at Gwynedd housing project
The first phase of the ClwydAlyn-led redevelopment scheme at Penrhos Polish Village will see the construction of 44 new homes. All new homes on the site will feature air source heat pumps, solar panels and will be built using 'modern methods of construction', incorporating as many natural and sustainable materials as possible. Once complete, these new properties will be prioritised to current residents who already live at Penrhos Polish Village and people with low to medium care and support needs. With scheduled pre-commencement works now complete, emphasis at the site is on the first phase of construction. This development is separate, but closely connected, to plans by Cyngor Gwynedd and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to develop a new nursing and residential home at Penrhos. The aim is for the new Penyberth home to be able to accommodate 32 residential dementia beds as well as 24 nursing beds, of which a large proportion would be prioritised for nursing dementia care. The Polish and Welsh heritage at the site will be preserved, meanwhile. CADW has carried out an assessment of the site; making the decision that the Freedom Cross will be listed as a structure of historical and cultural interest, so that it can be protected for future generations. The church and walled gardens will also be safeguarded. Cllr Paul Rowlinson, Gwynedd's cabinet member for housing and property, said: "I'm pleased to welcome the significant progress being made as this Pen Llŷn housing development enters its next phase. 'Addressing the housing crisis remains a key priority for Cyngor Gwynedd - especially in areas like this, where a very large percentage of local people are priced out of the market. 'Through strong partnerships with housing associations such as ClwydAlyn, we are working together to deliver more high-quality, affordable homes for communities across the county." Dylan Davies, senior development project manager at ClwydAlyn, said: 'As part of our commitment to delivering high-quality homes, we believe it's essential that all our partners play an active role in supporting our communities. 'This shared responsibility can take many forms and is guided by our ambition to end poverty in Wales. 'Whether that is by creating opportunities for employment, tackling loneliness, supporting residents with fuel costs or improving access to nutritious foods; all these efforts can help our communities to thrive.' Owain Williams, joint managing director of Williams Homes (Bala), said: 'Williams Homes is pleased to be working with ClwydAlyn and Welsh Government to deliver this exciting project. 'Developing new energy efficient homes to replace the existing outdated housing stock whilst being sensitive to the history of the former Polish Village and the current residents. 'The development will create over 20 jobs for local people and contribute to the local economy for the duration of the construction period.'
North Wales Live
a day ago
- Business
- North Wales Live
Plan for market hall where ex-prime minister launched political career refused
Plans to build 14 flats at market hall where Welsh Prime Minister David Lloyd George gave his first political speech have been rejected. The application to convert the Market Hall on Church Street, Blaenau Ffestiniog, was turned down by Cyngor Gwynedd's planning committee, on Monday, June 16. The plans were submitted by Paul McCready of Mossley Hill Investments Gwynedd Ltd to develop eight one-bedroom, and six two-bedroom flats. Get all the latest Gwynedd news by signing up to our newsletter - sent every Tuesday Plans had first been submitted in February 2019, and deferred in July 2019, after more information was requested by the council's language unit, with some amended details supplied in 2020. However, in June 2021, the building was given Grade-II listing by Cadw. Due to elapsed time, planners had sought updated information, to assess the application against recent planning policy, but no response had been received, planning officer Keira Ann Sweenie said. "Despite officers' efforts there's been no progress," she told the meeting. It was felt the developers had "had enough time" and the recommendation was to refuse, based on lack of recent information and being unable to assess the application against recent policy. Developers had initially wanted to provide supported living accommodation, in partnership with MySpace Housing Association, but had acknowledged in a report this had "raised community concerns". Those concerns had mainly been about the "supported living" aspect attracting "outsiders", which it was feared could "worsen existing anti-social behaviour issues within the community". Having "taken regard to the concerns" the developers had hoped amended plans for 14 self-contained, "open market" apartments, in lieu of managed rentals, would be "received favourably" by the community. "The provision of one and two-bedroom apartments increases choice for smaller families, young couples or households of older people," they had stated, adding they could help meet "an identified demand" for smaller housing units. It would also ensure the empty building would avoid falling into disrepair, "and prevent it from becoming a draw for anti-social behaviour" they had argued. The application had prompted Ffestiniog Town Council objections, with members concerned t it was "not a development for local needs". "If there is no local demand for one-bedroom flats, then this may be a threat to the area's language and community," it said. It was "not in support" due to "no consideration" of the Welsh language and parking issues, including the needs of the Church. It also raised concerns about bats, but had received no response. The report noted the Housing Strategic Unit felt there was "some demand" for one- and two-bedroom affordable flats, but no formal valuation was submitted. The Language Unit said there was a "lack of clarity" in the plans, and could not support the view there was "no likely language impact". A member of the public had objected, saying the site should not be used due to its history, parking, and "pressure on the community and the Welsh language" based on a "danger that more people would move in". The Gwynedd Archaeological Planning Service felt the building was of "historic interest" having been constructed between 1861-1864, by Owen Roberts, of Dolgareddu and designed by Owen Morris, of Porthmadog. Although of "no exceptional architectural value" it had "historical importance" due to links to the 19th century when the town was flourishing, and as the place where David Lloyd George had spoken. A diary, held by the National Library of Wales, describes how the building was where he gave his first political speech, on February 12, 1886. Local member Cllr Elfed Wyn Ap Elwyn had "concerns," based on local views, and those of the community council, particularly over parking and worries over the impact on the Welsh language. Local people also had "strong feelings" to protect the historic building. Due to a lack of current information, planning officers felt there was "no option" but to recommend refusal.
