**Welsh Supermarket Chain Owner Ordered to Halt Excavation Near his Residence**
In a recent development in Gower, a businessman, Christopher Kiley, the owner of CK’s Supermarket chain, has been instructed to cease digging work on an embankment near his property. The contentious work, intended to prevent falling stones from damaging vehicles parked below, has sparked a dispute with Swansea Council over accountability for potential damages.
According to Kiley, the excavation was crucial to avert stones causing harm to parked cars, citing £2,500 worth of damages caused by falling stones recently. He alleged that previous incidents had resulted in dents to cars and vans, necessitating immediate action to remove the stones atop the embankment overlooking a private parking area.
The embankment, located in Caswell, Gower, stands adjacent to a woodland area, prompting concerns among local residents that the digging activity might compromise the roots of trees. Subsequently, Swansea Council intervened and ordered Kiley to suspend the excavation to enable assessments on potential harm to protected areas.
A representative from the council stated that the landowner had been directed to halt the work for further investigations to determine any breaches of planning regulations. Additional site inspections are planned to evaluate possible infringements and safeguards for the surrounding environment.
In response, Kiley contended that his initiative was driven by safety concerns for both vehicles and human life, emphasising that no trees had fallen due to the ongoing work. He underscored that the council bore responsibility for any future damages resulting from falling stones, as indicated in a formal correspondence to the local authority.
Previously, Kiley had sought approval to construct a 98-metre track across the woodland he owns to access an upper smallholding. However, the council rejected his application, citing the absence of a legitimate need for the track and highlighting potential adverse effects on the site’s rural ambience, including the loss of 12 trees protected by preservation orders.
Despite Kiley’s appeal against the council’s decision, backed by the Welsh Government-appointed planning inspector, the refusal to permit the track construction was upheld in 2022. The inspector concurred with the council’s stance, reinforcing the importance of preserving the woodland’s character and environmental integrity.
**Conclusion**
The ongoing dispute between Christopher Kiley and Swansea Council underscores the complexities surrounding land management and conservation efforts in Gower. As the narrative unfolds, the contentious issue of accountability for potential damages and adherence to planning regulations continues to shape the interaction between private landowners and local authorities. Such instances raise broader questions about balancing development interests with environmental preservation, necessitating transparent dialogue and strategic collaboration to safeguard both residential and ecological landscapes.