Latest news with #SimonPritchard
BBC News
8 hours ago
- General
- BBC News
Pontypool homeowner uses Google Earth to win decking planning row
A homeowner has used Google Earth to keep decking he built in his garden after a planning permission dispute with a council. Gareth William Leek, from Pontypool, Torfaen, had been told a planning application was required for his decking years after it was built because it was about 50cm (20in) too far off the ground. Decking more than 30cm (12in) requires planning permission, but local authorities must take action within four years for most developments. A planning officer concluded there was no reason to doubt the decking had not been "substantially completed" for less than four years and Mr Leek's certificate of lawful development was granted. The application stated the decking had been completed in October 2017 and a statement from a neighbour supported Mr Leek's claim it had been built since at least 2019, when they moved to St Augustine Road in Griffithstown, Pontypool. As part of his evidence, Mr Leek also dug out old photographs dating back to August 2017, when the raised wooden platform was constructed. The council planning department said the 4.84m wide, and 3.82m long, light grey composite decking was 83cm from the ground level, meaning it is just over half a metre over the height that requires planning approval, which is 30cm. Planning officer Simon Pritchard said the council accepted the evidence put forward by Mr Leek which included a Google Earth aerial photograph from June Pritchard said the council did not have any evidence itself, or from anyone else, to contradict the information provided.
South Wales Argus
30-05-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Cwmbran 'In Shops' to close: Relocation promise by centre
The shopping centre's owners have confirmed the M Cwmbran Indoor Market will close in June. The ground floor market is part of a building known The Mall which also previously housed a cinema and bingo hall on the first and second floors. Planners have given permission for the change of use of the ground floor indoor market, in Monmouth Square, at the southern end of the town centre to allow it to be used as 'Flip Out' that could include trampolining, soft play, inflatables and ninja tag among other activities. Flip Out is expected to create up to 40 full and part-time jobs and there will also be a cafe on site and the whole building now has D2 planning permission that covers leisure uses. Torfaen Borough Council's planning department received eight objections to the change of use application and 18 supportive comments. It was claimed existing traders cannot afford to move to other parts of the centre 'due to extortionate rents and rates' and there was also complaints at a lack of consultation with market traders. An objection also said the centre, which is now officially known as M Cwmbran, would be left with 'only coffee shops and places to eat' if the market closed. Shopping centre owners L&C Investments, which made the application, said it intends permanently closing the loss making market, which is commonly known by its former name 'In Shops', regardless of the outcome of the planning application. A statement provided to the council said: 'Rising electricity costs, labour and services costs coupled with a steady decline in occupiers has led to sustained financial loss since the applicant attempted to rescue the market from closing previously in 2022. 'The outcome of this change of use application aside, the applicant has reached the decision that the indoor market can no longer be operated and must therefore close permanently.' A report by council planning officer Simon Pritchard, which approved the change of use application, said the fate of the market is out of the hands of the planning department. He stated: 'Whilst the comments received are fully appreciated, this is a commercial decision and the loss of the indoor space, can not be controlled by the local planning authority.' The report also stated how L&C Investments has said it will support traders and other new businesses. A statement from the firm said: 'We remain committed to providing high quality incubation space for our local start up business community and are working hard to deliver a series of new opportunities within Cwmbran. These will include additional exterior sheltered pitches from which traders can directly access the high levels of footfall around town. 'Future plans will also include the reprovision of a smaller higher quality indoor space offering flexible opportunities to local traders. LCP, part of M Core, will work closely with the remaining occupiers currently within the market space to provide relocation opportunities in more commercially viable areas of the town.'
