Author: Rhys Gregory

Green Belt land remains one of the most tightly controlled planning designations in England, and that reality shapes how, where, and whether development can happen at all. For developers, it introduces risk early, often before land is even secured. Decisions hinge on policy detail, local interpretation, and timing, not just site potential or market demand. Pressure to deliver homes, infrastructure, and employment space continues to rise, even as Green Belt protections stay politically sensitive. Councils face competing expectations from central government, local residents, and investors. That tension means planning outcomes can shift quickly, especially when economic priorities collide with long-standing…

Former World Darts champion Gerwyn Price is more hopeful than most of a strong year ahead. If the Iceman continues on the downward trend that has dogged his career in recent times, he could slip out of the top 16 of the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) rankings. If he does, Price would lose out on automatic qualification privileges for some of the PDC’s most prestigious events. But, with a new sponsor in tow – his own fish and chip shop – the Welshman is hopeful of swapping plastic forks for silverware in 2026. London Calling The lengthy PDC season culminates…

These images show how Swansea’s former Debenhams building now looks inside as works to bring it back into use gather pace. Acting on behalf of Swansea Council, a team from Andrew Scott Ltd are now close to finishing stripping out works at the unit which include the removal of fixtures, fittings, internal walls and partitions. This means landlord fitout works can soon start at the building, helping enable tenants to move in more quickly once final agreements are in place. Plans include subdividing the ground floor into two units for nationally recognised retail tenants, while the upper floors will be…

American rock supergroup Hollywood Vampires will return to the UK and Europe this summer for a string of hugely anticipated shows including a date in Cardiff. Their first live shows in almost three years, Alice Cooper, Johnny Depp, Joe Perry and Tommy Henriksen will head to TK Maxx presents Depot Live at Cardiff Castle on Friday August 14 with special guests The Damned. Hollywood Vampires kick off their summer run at The O2 in London on August 12. They will then headline a further seven UK shows before heading out across Europe, wrapping up in Italy in early September. The…

The UK light commercial vehicle market is entering a new phase, shaped by caution, delayed investment and a growing reliance on the used van sector. While much of the attention has focused on falling new registrations, the bigger story is how businesses are adapting to uncertainty and reshaping their fleet strategies. Across the country, operators are extending vehicle lifecycles, sweating assets for longer and turning to the used market not as a compromise, but as a deliberate and strategic choice. Used vans are increasingly seen as a way to maintain operational resilience while managing cost and risk. Industry data from…

McKenzie Morgan, 18, of Cwmbran, has been sentenced to 14 months at the Young Offenders Institution today, 16th January 2026 at the Central Criminal Court for the offence of possessing information that could be useful to a person committing or preparing for an act of Terrorism, contrary to Section 58 of the Terrorism Act, 2000. McKenzie Morgan pleaded guilty to the offence at Westminster Magistrates Court on Saturday 21 June 2025, following an investigation led by Counter Terrorism Policing Wales and along with his 14-month sentence has been given a Criminal Behaviour Order for 3 years and a Terrorist Offender…

Cardiff locals are being encouraged to help shape the line up and menu for a brand new food festival coming to Cardiff this summer. Founded in Bristol in 2024, Feast On is an independent food festival celebrating the very best of food, drink and local culture across the South West. Now entering its third year, the festival continues to grow, bringing people together through a shared love of exceptional food, community spirit and independent talent. This summer, the launch of Feast On Cardiff marks an exciting new chapter as the festival expands into Wales for the first time. Heading to…

FOR Cardiff, the Business Improvement District (BID) for Wales’ capital city, has launched a public recruitment process to appoint up to three new Board Directors. The appointments are timed to coincide with the development of FOR Cardiff’s next five-year business plan, which will shape the organisation’s strategy from 2026 to 2031. This marks the first time that FOR Cardiff has opened Board appointments to public application, as part of its commitment to inclusive governance, and evolving city priorities around ESG, inclusion and place-based economic development. Carolyn Brownell, Executive Director at FOR Cardiff, said: “This is a valuable opportunity for individuals…

Former Wales Grand Slam winning rugby captain, Ryan Jones, has thanked Swansea Bay staff for helping him get over an injury… sustained 10 years ago. Although he retired in 2015, having won 75 caps for Wales, including three Grand Slam victories, the former number 8 had been carrying the legacy of a broken ankle from his playing days, in the form of a plate in his leg. The old injury had gradually become debilitating over the years, so he made the decision to have the plate removed in order to carry on with his post-rugby enjoyment of triathlons and being…

Costa Coffee is this week celebrating the re-opening of its Pwllheli store on New Street, following a full refurbishment that brings a fresh new look and feel to this much-loved local spot. Located in the heart of the Pwllheli community, the store now features a modernised interior, brand-new furniture, and a more comfortable layout – creating an inviting space for customers to sit back and enjoy their favourite Costa coffee made with the iconic Mocha Italia Signature taste. The store will now also serve a range of tempting fresh pastries, baked in-store first thing and throughout the day, making it the ideal destination for a morning coffee on-the-go, or a cosy place to relax in the afternoon. The Pwllheli refurbishment forms part…