Latest news with #LocalPlan
ITV News
17 hours ago
- General
- ITV News
Nature emergency declared by Havant Borough Council amid net zero ambitions
A nature emergency has been declared by Havant Borough Council following a full council meeting. Councillors passed a motion to declare a nature emergency and said it recognised "the local, national and international pressures placed on flora, fauna and habitats". The motion was raised by the Cabinet Lead for Climate Emergency, Environment & Water Quality, Councillor Grainne Rason. It follows the launch of the borough council's biodiversity strategy earlier this year, to create opportunities for nature recovery, enhancement and protection. The council has pledged to support nature recovery, support habitat restoration and improve river health. Councillor Grainne Rason said: "I'm delighted to see Councillors recognise the importance of our natural landscape and the role we must play to protect and improve it. "The council is already working hard in a number of ways to support, manage and enhance the borough's natural assets – be it through the implementation of our Biodiversity strategy, or through best practices for planning reflected in our emerging Local Plan. "Cherishing the natural assets we have and ensuring their value is recognised throughout future decisions, policies and strategies made by the council is a further – and most welcome - sign of commitment." The council says it's striving to become net zero by 2035 and is working towards becoming a net zero borough by 2045.
Malaysian Reserve
11-06-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
DBKL gazettes KL Local Plan 2040 to improve transparency, urban renewal
by Nurul Najmin Abu Bakar THE Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has officially gazetted the KL Local Plan 2040, effective on June 11, to enhance transparency and guide sustainable urban development. Mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif said the plan reflects a collective social contract to shape the city's future through balanced growth, inclusivity and sustainability. 'The Local Plan is not just a planning document, it is your plan, my plan and our plan,' she said during her keynote address at the Real Estate and Housing Developers' Association (REHDA) Institute forum titled 'Resilient Cities, Sustainable Futures: Transforming Urban Landscapes through Sustainable Renewal' on June 10. She said the plan incorporated 4,000 public feedback submissions out of a total of 28,000 received. Maimunah credited Prime Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for urging that the plan be gazetted earlier, describing it as a rare intervention by the federal leadership in local urban planning. Anwar is scheduled to officially launch the plan on June 24. The plan identifies 139 sites across KL targeted for urban renewal. 'Urban renewal is like a medical check-up for a city every 15 to 30 years. It is not just about replacing old buildings, but about improving livability and infrastructure,' she said. She acknowledged that implementation will face challenges, particularly regarding strata management and the city's current maintenance practices. 'Our maintenance culture is still lacking, but we need scheduled and consistent upkeep of city assets,' she added. DBKL is also planning to make the Local Plan more accessible to the public, drawing inspiration from Singapore's Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) model. Maimunah stressed the critical role of cities in addressing both economic and climate challenges. 'Cities occupy only 2% of the Earth's surface, but generate 70% of waste and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and contribute 80% of global GDP,' she said. She said urbanisation should no longer be seen solely as a challenge, but also as an opportunity to drive innovation, economic growth and resilience. 'Our job is not only to make KL functional and efficient, but also to build a city that people are proud to call home,' she added.
Scottish Sun
10-06-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Britain's ‘trendiest' beach town is set for biggest transformation in a DECADE as fresh plans unveiled
Luxury beachfront properties have already been built at the site FIRST GLIMPSE Britain's 'trendiest' beach town is set for biggest transformation in a DECADE as fresh plans unveiled Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) NEW plans have been revealed for a seaside development project - months after the council blocked proposals. The seaside town was named Time Out's top place to visit in the UK in 2025, as stats suggest it is one of the world's most 'up and coming' beach destinations. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 The plans were narrowly rejected by the local council in January of this year Credit: Folkestone Harbour & Seafront Development Company 3 A total of 84 luxury beachfront properties have already been built at the site Credit: Folkestone Harbour & Seafront Development Company 3 The revised proposals could bring significant change the seaside town Credit: Folkestone Harbour & Seafront Development Company Folkestone harbour and seafront could undergo a significant transformation if development plans are approved. While Sir Roger De Haan's Folkestone Harbour and Seafront Development Company has already made significant changes to the area - they are still awaiting approval for the eastern section of the seafront. The company previously submitted development plans in January which were narrowly refused. Councillors voted 5-4 to reject the application, expressing concerns about the design, heritage impacts and housing affordability. Read more News MADDIE RIDDLE Maddie suspect mystery as 'huge sum he spent after she disappeared' revealed Public response was less favourable, with 96% of comments on the council's planning portal objecting to the proposals. After making revisions to the plans that address the councillors' concerns, FHSDC is hoping the new proposal will be approved at a planning committee meeting on June 17. One of the most drastic changes between the proposals is a 50 per cent increase in public parking provisions. The increase correlates to 323 proposed public spaces, up from 215 in the original proposal - as well as a car club that should reduce pressure on residential parking. They have also made alterations for the proposed plan to build 410 homes and 54 commercial units. This will include 53 affordable homes, intended for shared ownership in order to meet affordability needs - as the original proposal faced backlash for failing to address local social issues. The up-and-coming English seaside town with cheap booze and huge beaches The new proposal includes more three-bedroom homes, as well as moving one of the proposed buildings away from the harbour station to "better respect" its historic setting. 84 beachfront properties have already been built, with prices ranging from £430,000 to £2.1 million. FHSDC released a statement clarifying the restrictions they faced under the council's Local Plan. The statement from FHSDC reads: 'The original permission dictated, for example, the maximum and minimum height of the buildings, and a maximum and minimum number of homes we can build, and these cannot be changed through a Reserved Matters Application. 'Any revised plans must remain within these, and other, parameters.' Local residents had previously expressed concern about the project's design, as well as the lack of affordable housing. One particularly outspoken resident, Georgina Baker, campaigned against the development as she believed it was "not the right development for the harbour" and that the "community deserves more." However, FHSDC consultants believe the development would do more good for the area, with an emphasis on social benefit. The proposal includes a new Section 106 agreement to contribute £5.19 million to local services including children's play areas, GPs, schools, social care, libraries and youth services. This is in addition to the amount promised in the original proposal, bringing the total contribution to £8.72 million. It is estimated that the development could generate 760 long-term jobs, boost the local economy by £21 million each year, and generate £148 million during construction. With the luxury accommodation expected to attract wealthy residents, it is estimated to bring £9.4 million in annual spending, with almost £1 million in further tax revenue. FHSDC told Kent Online that they hoped to correct the misinformation about the historic buildings on the development site. A spokesperson said: "Ten years ago, the original outline planning permission provided for the demolition of the station, Customs House and Signal Box. "At the time, these buildings were dangerous and inaccessible to the public. "Sir Roger De Haan decided to restore and retain the station rather than demolish it and to prioritise its place in the development." In addition to the residential properties, the development would create 7,489 square metres of commercial space used for leisure facilities, restaurants, bars and retail outlets. The upcoming planning meeting will decide the fate of the remaining section of the project. It comes as other areas of Folkestone are undergoing their own redevelopment. A £20 million revamp is set to turn the bus station into a central park - complete with a plaza area, fountains and surrounding gardens. The town's Lower Leas funicular is also undergoing a £6.6 million restoration - with the hopes it will be reopened by early 2026 after it closed nearly 10 years ago.
The Irish Sun
10-06-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Britain's ‘trendiest' beach town is set for biggest transformation in a DECADE as fresh plans unveiled
NEW plans have been revealed for a seaside development project - months after the council blocked proposals. The seaside town was named Advertisement 3 The plans were narrowly rejected by the local council in January of this year Credit: Folkestone Harbour & Seafront Development Company 3 A total of 84 luxury beachfront properties have already been built at the site Credit: Folkestone Harbour & Seafront Development Company 3 The revised proposals could bring significant change the seaside town Credit: Folkestone Harbour & Seafront Development Company Folkestone harbour and seafront could undergo a significant transformation if development plans are approved. While Sir Roger De Haan's Folkestone Harbour and Seafront Development Company has already made significant changes to the area - they are still awaiting approval for the eastern section of the The company previously submitted development plans in January which were narrowly refused. Councillors voted 5-4 to reject the application, expressing concerns about the design, heritage impacts and housing affordability. Advertisement Read more News Public response was After making revisions to the plans that address the councillors' concerns, FHSDC is hoping the new proposal will be approved at a planning committee meeting on June 17. One of the most drastic changes between the proposals is a 50 per cent increase in public parking provisions. The increase correlates to 323 proposed public spaces, up from 215 in the original proposal - as well as a car club that should reduce pressure on residential parking. Advertisement Most read in The Sun They have also made alterations for the proposed plan to build 410 homes and 54 commercial units. This will include 53 affordable homes, intended for shared ownership in order to meet affordability needs - as the original proposal faced backlash for failing to address local social issues. The up-and-coming English seaside town with cheap booze and huge beaches The new proposal includes more three-bedroom homes, as well as moving one of the proposed buildings away from the harbour station to "better respect" its historic setting. 84 beachfront properties have already been built, with prices ranging from £430,000 to £2.1 million. Advertisement FHSDC released a statement clarifying the restrictions they faced under the council's Local Plan. The statement from FHSDC reads: 'The original permission dictated, for example, the maximum and minimum height of the buildings, and a maximum and minimum number of homes we can build, and these cannot be changed through a Reserved Matters Application. 'Any revised plans must remain within these, and other, parameters.' Local residents had previously Advertisement One particularly outspoken resident, Georgina Baker, campaigned against the development as she believed it was "not the right development for the harbour" and that the "community deserves more." However, FHSDC consultants believe the development would do more good for the area, with an emphasis on social benefit. The proposal includes a new Section 106 agreement to contribute £5.19 million to local services including children's play areas, GPs, schools, social care, libraries and youth services. This is in addition to the amount promised in the original proposal, bringing the total contribution to £8.72 million. Advertisement It is estimated that the development could generate 760 long-term jobs, boost the local economy by £21 million each year, and generate £148 million during construction. With the FHSDC told A spokesperson said: "Ten years ago, the original outline planning permission provided for the demolition of the station, Customs House and Signal Box. Advertisement "At the time, these buildings were dangerous and inaccessible to the public. "Sir Roger De Haan decided to restore and retain the station rather than demolish it and to prioritise its place in the development." In addition to the residential properties, the The upcoming planning meeting will decide the fate of the remaining section of the project. Advertisement It comes as other areas of Folkestone are undergoing their own redevelopment. A The town's
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Battery plant on farmland gets go-ahead
Proposals to build a battery energy storage system (BESS) on farmland in West Yorkshire have been approved. The application by Harmony Energy to install the facility at a six acre (2.5 hectare) site off Holmfield Lane, near Castleford, was given the go-ahead by Wakefield Council. The 36 energy storage unit BESS would take in power from renewable sources and release them to the National Grid when demand was high, the applicants said. A total of 49 residents objected to the scheme, citing concerns about traffic hazards along the lane, fire risks and the impact on local wildlife. The site was originally designated as greenbelt land under Wakefield Council's Local Plan, which was adopted in January 2024. However, it was later deemed to be "grey belt" land after the government published a revised national policy framework in December. A planning statement submitted by the energy company said the benefits brought by the scheme would outweigh any harm, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. It said the A1(M) and M62 motorways already dominated the openness of the greenbelt near Castleford. Harmony said this type of scheme was a "vital component in the drive towards zero carbon". "This type of technology has an important role to play across the National Grid, and at a local level in Wakefield's own target to achieve zero carbon by 2038," it stated. West Yorkshire Fire Service called for the scheme to be designed in accordance with National Fire Chiefs Council guidelines for BESS facilities. Proposals for a BESS facility less than half a mile away, off Stranglands Lane, next to the former Ferrybridge Power Station, were also approved last week. Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North Green light for battery energy storage system Is greenbelt at more risk from move to protect it? Wakefield Council
