Senedd backing for major infrastructure approval changes

Published

1 month ago

April 18, 2024

THE SENEDD agreed reforms aimed at streamlining the consenting process for significant infrastructure projects in Wales.

MSs passed the infrastructure bill, which will establish a unified process, known as infrastructure consent, for major on and offshore projects.

Infrastructure consent will replace existing procedures for energy, transport, waste, water and gas projects above a certain size or capacity threshold.

Julie James, Wales’ housing, local government and planning secretary, argued the bill will introduce a modern and simplified process.

She said the bill will play an important part in moving towards net-zero emissions by 2050 by enabling consent for renewable energy projects in a timely but robust manner.

She told MSs: “Not only will it improve the competitiveness of Wales as an attractive place for investment and jobs, it will also empower local communities and other key stakeholders.”

Ms James said it is a “process bill” with much of the detail to follow in secondary legislation and a significant amount of work ahead to ensure a smooth implementation process.

She told the chamber that secondary legislation will ensure the infrastructure consenting process operates effectively, efficiently and with maximum engagement.

She explained that two consultation papers will be issued by late May, with the first focused on pre-application consultation processes and the second centred on fees.

A third and final consultation paper will follow this year outlining the whole new process.

Janet Finch-Saunders, the Conservatives’ shadow secretary, described the reforms as hollow and lacking in fundamental details.

She argued this is in complete conflict with the bill’s core aims of delivering a streamlined process and empowering communities to engage.

Ms Finch-Saunders warned that the bill is missing a vast amount of details, including on how open-floor hearings will be triggered and time limits for making decisions.

She said: “It is apparent to any reasonable person that this bill does not represent anywhere near what it promises to do, and that is a streamlined and unified process.

“The reality is that so much information is omitted that we do not know how these processes are going to work in reality.”

The Aberconwy MS added: “Clearly, the legislation is not as I believe it should be. We do not believe that it delivers a robust process for Wales.”

Delyth Jewell stressed the importance of striking the right balance between tackling the climate emergency and safeguarding the natural world.

Plaid Cymru’s deputy leader said planning processes must be more accessible to the public.

“Too often communities are left feeling disenfranchised and marginalised when decisions about infrastructure are made without their say,” she warned.

Calling for a coal-free future for Wales, Ms Jewell reiterated her party’s calls for coal to be removed from the list of significant infrastructure projects in the bill.

The South Wales East MS said: “We will keep pushing for a number of changes in regulations. But passing the buck and allowing this bill to fail would be a retrograde step.

“Let this be the first step in a journey towards democratising our planning process. There’s an awful lot more that we need to do, but it can at least start here.”

Ms James reiterated that many details were deliberately not included “on the face of the bill”.

She said: “If you were to put that into primary legislation, it would become out of date so fast that it wouldn’t make the end of the year.

“So, it is very important that we put those things in secondary legislation.”

Before the debate could be held, the King’s consent had to be sought because the bill could impact the Royal Family’s interests, such as the Crown Estate.

MSs agreed the stage-four vote on the final text of the bill, with 36 in favour and 15 against.

The infrastructure bill now enters “post stage four”, a four-week period during which it could be challenged by the UK Government but it is expected to move on to Royal Assent.

Man accused of making Category A images of a child in caravan park

Published

11 seconds ago

May 21, 2024

Court Reporter

A HAVERFORDWEST man has appeared before magistrates charged with making six category A images of a child at a caravan site in Pembrokeshire.

John Bates 57, is further accused of making 41 category B images of a child and 103 category C images of a child.

The offences are alleged to have been committed between October 2016 and March 2022 at the Park Hall Caravan Site, Pen y Cwm, Haverfordwest.

No pleas were entered by Bates when he appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates court on Tuesday and the Bench declined jurisdiction in the matter. The case will now resume at Swansea Crown Court on June 21. Bates, who is currently of no fixed abode, was released on conditional bail.

Crime

Milford man sentenced for racial attack on neighbour

Published

2 mins ago

May 21, 2024

Court Reporter

A MILFORD HAVEN man who hurled racist abuse at his black neighbour on repeated occasions has appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates for sentence.

Body-worn footage captured by police officers following Ian Thomas’s arrest showed him asking the question, “Am I being done for beating up a black c***?”

Thomas, of Hamilton Terrace was brought before Haverfordwest magistrates on Tuesday via a video link from Swansea prison after being remanded in custody following a spate of offences committed on May 4 and May 5.

“The victim and the defendant are neighbours who reside in the same block of flats,” said Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson.

“Initially, when the victim first moved in, there were no issues between them, but then he started coming home drunk, shouting, swearing, and banging on her door.”

On May 4 the victim heard Thomas, who is employed as an excavation driver. returning home.

“He was clearly intoxicated and appeared to have wet himself,” continued Ms Jackson.

“He started banging on her door and then she heard him shouting ‘Black bastards’. She knew it was him because she recognised his voice.”

The following day, the victim returned to her home after attending a church service. Once again Thomas subjected her to racial abuse.

“She had placed a black bin bag outside her flat and the defendant kicked it, causing it to split, with rubbish being strewn all over the hallway,” said Ms Jackson.

A victim impact statement was read out the court

“This has left me feeling very scared,” said the victim.

“I really don’t know what he would do if he had the chance, and since this happened, I haven’t left my flat.

“The racist comments really hurt me and I’m really upset by it.”

Ms Jackson said that when police arrived at Thomas’ flat for questioning, he answered the door holding a knife which he was pointing downwards.

Police body-worn video footage was shown to magistrates during which the officers could be heard shouting at Thomas to lie down.

When they asked him why he was in possession of a knife he could be heard saying, ‘It’s because I have black c**** living here.’

“When he was taken into custody he told the officers that he had ‘black c****’ as neighbours and asked why he was being arrested for beating up a black c***,” added Abigail Jackson.

“This is a hate crime.”

Ms Jackson informed magistrates that Thomas has 26 previous convictions for violence issues, public order offences and weapon offences. She stated that Thomas is also alcohol dependent.

At a previous court appearance, Thomas pleaded guilty to causing his victim to fear violence; using threatening and racially aggravated words and behaviour and racially aggravated words, affray and causing criminal damage to the bin bag.

Thomas was represented in court by Mr Michael Kelleher.

“He’s found it very difficult to come to terms with the fact that these words were said,” he said. “He doesn’t consider himself to be racist but he can’t deny that those words were said. “But they were said in alcohol, and he has no recollection of what happened.”

Thomas was sentenced to an 18-month community order during which he must carry out 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

A restraining order was imposed preventing him from approaching or from having any other form of contact with the victim.

He was fined £120 and ordered to pay £200 compensation to the victim. He must also pay a £114 surcharge and £85 costs.

News

United Airlines unveils limited-edition Wrexham AFC amenity kits and pyjamas

Published

3 hours ago

May 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

UNITED AIRLINES has introduced new, limited-edition Wrexham AFC amenity kits and pyjamas to commemorate the Welsh football team’s recent promotion to League One. The launch coincides with the rising global popularity of the Emmy award-winning series “Welcome to Wrexham”, which is currently streaming on Hulu.

Starting from 1st June, passengers flying in United’s premium cabins on long-haul international routes will receive these exclusive Wrexham AFC-inspired kits. These kits will include essential travel items such as an eye mask, toothbrush, and toothpaste, along with exclusive Therabody skincare products. Additionally, United Polaris® customers on flights of 14 hours or longer will be provided with pyjamas designed to resemble the team’s uniforms, featuring a long-sleeve Wrexham red shirt and grey pants.

Co-chairmen of Wrexham AFC, Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, revealed these new onboard amenities in a recently released video. The kits and pyjamas, designed in collaboration with United Airlines, draw inspiration from Wrexham AFC’s crest, jerseys, and overall aesthetic.

Amenity Kit Details:

United x Wrexham AFC Amenity Case: For United Polaris business class travellers, this reusable toiletry case features the Wrexham crest and is available in red, black, or white. It includes a top handle, wrap-around zipper, and a loop for hanging.
United x Wrexham AFC Amenity Pouch: For United Premium Plus® travellers, this slim, zippered pouch also features the Wrexham crest and is available in the same colour options. It is designed to fit easily into a carry-on bag.
United x Wrexham AFC Pyjamas: Available to United Polaris business class passengers on flights of 14 hours or more, this lightweight pyjama set includes a red, long-sleeve shirt with the Wrexham AFC and United logos on the front and grey pants with the United logo on the hip.

Each amenity kit contains a United-exclusive Therabody hand cream, lip balm, cleansing towelette, bamboo toothbrush, toothpaste, eye mask, ear plugs, and socks. The Polaris kit also includes Therabody eye serum, face spray, tissues, and a United pen.

Peter Wolkowski, Director of Onboard Product Design at United, commented, “With our amenity kits, we always aim to provide customers with products that make their travel journey more comfortable as well as create one-of-a-kind keepsakes for them to enjoy well beyond their flight. Wrexham’s story is one that has been documented and celebrated these last few years, so we’re thrilled to now give United customers team-branded gear they won’t be able to find anywhere else.”

United Airlines, a prominent sponsor of Wrexham AFC, will continue to support the club throughout the 2024-2025 season. The airline is the front-of-jersey sponsor for both the men’s and women’s teams, and it will also sponsor the club’s North American summer tour, providing exclusive offerings to MileagePlus members.