South Cambridgeshire District Council ordered the unapproved mobile homes at Southgate Caravan Park to be removed – but a government inspector sided with the site owner

An inspector has allowed the owner of a Cambridge Traveller site to keep extra mobile homes put up without permission after an appeal against the council.

Planning permission was granted in 2008 for 24 mobile homes and two chalets to be sited at Southgate Caravan Park off Fen Road for use solely by Travellers.

South Cambridgeshire District Council issued an enforcement notice in February alleging that more mobile homes had been added and others subdivided. Amos Webb appealed to the Planning Inspectorate with a hearing held on July 14.

The council also said that nine of the mobile homes were “used by persons of several ethnicities and did not identify as Gypsies or Travellers”.

Mr Webb disputed this and said he had made sure all residents were from the Gypsy or Traveller community by checking they “could speak Roma”.

Inspector M Madge said there was no “substantive evidence” to show that only Gypsies or Travellers have used the site.

Mr Webb also appealed on the grounds that the “time that action could be taken had passed”. This was accepted for two of the mobile buildings as they could be shown to have been there for 10 years or more “without significant interruption”.

A building alleged by the council to be an “additional unit of accommodation” was found by the inspector to instead be used as a garage. It can be seen in aerial photographs dating back as far as April 2015.

Another mobile unit was also in photographs from this period. Mr Webb said it was used to provide “additional sleeping and showering facilities”. The council argued this was used as a separate home as it was fenced off from the surrounding pitches.

Inspector Madge said it was “not clear what purpose this mobile home serves” but “it would not be unreasonable to conclude it contains all the required facilities for day-to-day domestic existence”.

There were multiple mobile homes “substantially larger” than the others which the council alleged were sub-divided. The inspector said Mr Webb did not provide any “substantive evidence” to disprove this.

The inspector said these larger units were only visible in aerial images as far back as May 2017, less than the 10-year cutoff. Three more mobile homes were seen to have been placed on the land somewhere between June 2023 and March 2025.

The inspector said that the extra units do not “significantly reduce” outside space and, “seen against a backdrop of mobile homes”, do not “have any adverse effect on the character and appearance of the countryside”.

Though planning permission was only given for 26 homes, they said each pitch “is of a sufficient size to accommodate a mobile home along with associated vehicles, touring caravans and outside amenity space for residents.”

Inspector Madge accepted Mr Webb’s argument that, “as families grow”, residents on the pitches needed extra accommodation or dayrooms and that these extra units “would make a positive contribution” to “facilitating the traditional lifestyle of the authorised users of the caravan site”.

They granted planning permission for the additional mobile home units – under the condition they cannot be used as independent homes “to prevent overcrowding”.

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — A court case opened Monday challenging South Africa’s controversial new law that allows the government to seize private land, which has been at the heart of strained relations with the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.

The Expropriation Act was signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa last year as part of the government’s efforts to address the effects of land dispossession and economic inequality through decades of white minority rule in South Africa that ended in 1994.

Trump has said the law will be used to target white farmers for land seizures and has cited it as a reason why the U.S. has withdrawn all financial aid to South Africa and imposed high trade tariffs on the country. The government denies this, and says the law will be aimed at making unused land productive.

The Democratic Alliance, a political party which is now part of the country’s unity government, has joined with lobby groups to challenge the law in the Western Cape High Court. Lawyers for the groups argued Monday that the law violates the South African Constitution’s protections of private property and prohibitions of expropriation of land without compensation.

Proceedings in the case are scheduled to run through the end of the week, but is unclear how long judges will take to deliver a ruling, which could take weeks or months.

The law allows the South African government to expropriate land from private parties if it’s in the public interest, and it allows for expropriation without compensation if negotiations for a reasonable settlement have failed. The government says the law does not allow land to be taken arbitrarily.

Others parties to the case include the Institute for Race Relations, which argues the law does not adequately protect land owners’ property rights and the Afrikaner lobby group AfriForum.

Afrikaner farmers are descended from Dutch and other European colonial settlers who first came to the country more than 300 years ago. The Trump administration has offered asylum to Afrikaners who claim persecution.

Opposition politician Boris Nadezhdin, who criticized Russia’s war in Ukraine and tried to challenge President Vladimir Putin in the 2024 election, said Monday he has left Russia, a move that follows a crackdown that barred him from a race for parliament this year.

Nadezhdin, 63, shared a video on Telegram, showing him standing in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

“Good news: I’m alive and free. Unfortunately, not in Russia for the time being,” he said, adding that he needs “to look around and figure out life going forward.”

In July, a Russian court fined Nadezhdin about $13 for displaying “extremist symbols,” charges that he rejected as absurd. The accusations stemmed from a 2023 online video that briefly showed a picture of the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny, convicted of extremism in a case widely seen as politically motivated.

Earlier that month, Nadezhdin also was designated a “foreign agent” — a label that brings additional government scrutiny as well as stigmatizing connotations in Russia.

That and a fine on an extremism-related charge barred him from running in September’s parliamentary vote, which is expected to be tightly controlled by the Kremlin.

The ruling United Russia party is seeking to preserve its dominance in the lower house of parliament in a race against the Communist Party and a couple of other parties that vote in sync with the Kremlin on key issues. The campaign comes amid signs of growing public fatigue with the war in Ukraine as fuel shortages and economic pain increase, an environment that reduces the authorities’ tolerance for even token opposition.

In January 2024, Nadezhdin collected thousands of signatures in his run for president as he openly called for an end to the war in Ukraine. But he was kept off the March 2024 ballot after Russia’s Supreme Court ruled that more than 9,000 signatures submitted by his campaign were invalid — enough to disqualify him. Putin faced only token opposition in the election and easily gained a fifth term.

A veteran politician, Nadezhdin worked in the government in the 1990s when he was an adviser to Sergei Kiriyenko, now a top Putin aide. He also served as a lawmaker and more recently became a member of a municipal council. He was one of the few high-profile Putin critics still living in Russia.

Earlier this year, Nadezhdin declared his bid to run for the lower house of parliament, the State Duma, and vowed to continue his symbolic campaign even after the Justice Ministry branded him with the “foreign agent” designation.

Emergency services were called to the A172, between Thirsk Road and Little Busby, earlier today (August 3) following a crash. 

North Yorkshire Police said the road is expected to be closed for some time – with AA Traffic News now showing slow traffic on either side of the closure. 

It is not yet known whether anyone has been injured in the incident or taken to hospital.

A force spokesperson said: “We are currently dealing with a two-vehicle road traffic collision between Thirsk Road and Little Busby.

“The road is expected to be closed for some time. Motorists are advised to find alternative routes in the meantime. Reference: NYP-03082026-0290.” 

The Yorkshire Ambulance Service has been contacted for more information.

Fans claim it is one of the best crime dramas on TV right now

High Potential fans have discovered an ideal binge-watch while waiting for the hit crime drama to return.

R.J. Decker has been described as the ‘best detective show‘ by some, as they eagerly anticipate the return of the Kaitlin Olson-starring series.

High Potential is expected to make a comeback with its third season sometime in early 2027. That was after it caused a stir following a double cliffhanger in its final episode.

Production is underway, with new showrunners at the helm promising to deliver more of the crime-solving adventures fans have grown to love. In the meantime, though, the US network has produced another crime drama with a similar vibe, and so far, audiences have given it their mark of approval.

R.J. Decker is aired on the same channel as High Potential, that means that it is also available in the same place for UK based viewers. All episodes of R.J. Decker are accessible via Disney+.

According to its synopsis, the series follows Decker, a former newspaper photographer who is trying to start a new life as a private investigator in South Florida after spending some time behind bars.

Episodes across the first season see him tackling cases that range from slightly odd to outright bizarre, with the help of his journalist ex, her police detective wife, his former cellmate-turned confidant, and a shadowy woman from his past.

The story is based on Carl Hiaasen’s novel Double Whammy and was created for the screen by Rob Doherty. Doherty previously made the Sherlock Holmes-inspired series Elementary.

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Fans of High Potential have been sharing their thoughts on R.J. Decker. One person shared on Reddit: “Has anyone here seen RJ Decker yet. It’s only got one season out so far but has the same feel as High Potential. I don’t want to share too much if you haven’t seen it, but I recommend checking it out.”

One replied with a confession as they said: “I really liked it!! I honestly liked it better than High Potential season 2”

While R.J. Decker has not managed to score as highly on Rotten Tomatoes as High Potential, fans are full of praise for it. One posted: “Best detective show on TV in a long time! I like that there is a mystery that wraps up each week with the underlying story about his conviction. They capture the Florida ambiance well and RJ is believable and you find yourself rooting for him and his family.”

Another added: “There’s nothing to NOT like about RJ Decker. It’s just a fantastic series. Very rewatchable as well. Excellent cast led by Scott Speedman and very well-written. The soundtrack nails it in every episode.”

While someone else commented: “Riveting crime drama that exceeds expectations. RJ Decker is a gripping, brilliantly crafted series that delivers everything you could want in a crime drama, sharp writing, compelling characters, and nonstop intrigue.”

They continued: “The show masterfully blends suspense, mystery, and emotional depth, with RJ Decker standing out as a complex, charismatic lead whose intelligence and determination keep you invested from start to finish.”

R.J. Decker is streaming on Disney+.

The Met Office has forecast highs of 28C for York on Tuesday (August 4).

It comes as the heat health warning has been issued for York by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) from Monday until Wednesday.

UKHSA has warned the latest high temperatures could put extra pressure on the NHS, with more vulnerable people likely to require medical treatment.

Forecasters expect temperatures in York to peak on Tuesday then sit between 19C and 22C throughout the week and into the weekend.

The Met Office has forecast sunny intervals throughout the week with the chance of showers overnight.

It comes after Met Office statistics revealed England and Wales have recorded their driest July on record.

Just Yorkshire and the North East remain in normal status, with all of Wales and half of England officially in drought.

Met Office experts have warned weather conditions in August are not looking favourable for delivering the kind of sustained rain needed to reverse the dry conditions.

The extreme summer has hit Europe-wide, with wildfires raging across France and Spain, in blazes that analysis shows are made more likely by climate change.

The UK is facing the impacts of increasingly extreme weather such as droughts and heatwaves fuelled by human-caused climate change, which is caused mostly by burning fossil fuels.

Polly Ashmore, of the UKHSA, said: “Periods of hot weather can result in serious health outcomes, especially for older adults, and it is therefore important that everyone takes sensible precautions while enjoying the sun.

“We are urging health and social care services in affected regions to ensure they are prepared, and reminding people to look out for elderly relatives, neighbours and those with underlying health conditions, making sure they are aware of the forecast and following the necessary advice.

“Simple steps such as staying hydrated, avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day, and keeping your home cool are some of the key ways to help keep yourself and others safe during periods of hot weather.”

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The prime minister’s official spokesman has defended Andy Burnham over questions from journalists that the drought was not a priority for him.

He said Mr Burnham had spoken and made announcements on a number of different issues including the cost of living, devolution, social care, migration and defence “but clearly he’s only been in post briefly”.

He said the government took climate change seriously, and was working with farmers, the Environment Agency and the water sector to manage the impacts of the exceptionally dry weather.

And amid rumours Mr Burnham may relax Labour’s stance against new North Sea drilling, the spokesman added that the prime minister had been clear the government will take “pragmatic approach”, with oil and gas a part of the mix.

But the only way to bring bills down for good is by taking control with “clean homegrown power to deliver energy security”, he said.

By CONNIE RUSK, ASSOCIATE SHOWBUSINESS EDITOR

Published: 14:53 BST, 3 August 2026 | Updated: 15:14 BST, 3 August 2026

Ariana Grande has promised fans ‘I’ll see you tonight’ at her Chicago gig after announcing plans to step back from the spotlight.

On Sunday, the singer, 33, said that after her tour, The Eternal Sunshine, wraps in London on September 1, she will take a break following concern over her alarmingly thin appearance. 

Sharing a clip from a previous show, Ariana said: ‘see you tonight Chicago.’ 

Fans wrote in the comments: ‘We love you Ariana !!!! Go slay like you always do queen.’

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‘so proud of you!! keep your head up honey.’

‘So relieved to hear from you Ari @arianagrande I truly truly hope you’re doing ok I hope everyone who goes to your tours for the rest of the shows pours love endlessly for you and that you feel every bit of it.’ 

Ariana Grande has promised fans ‘I’ll see you tonight’ at her Chicago gig after announcing plans to step back from the spotlight

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Sharing a clip from a previous show, Ariana said: ‘see you tonight Chicago’

‘you create so much love for us let us give some of it back this time @arianagrande we love you. always.’

Ariana will perform three nights in Chicago before heading to the UK, where she has a 10-night residency at The O2 from August 15 to September 1. 

The singer has quit her upcoming West End role Sunday In The Park with George in which she was set to star opposite her Wicked co-star Jonathan Bailey.

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Ariana’s spokesman told PEOPLE: ‘Ariana will be taking a step back from visibility after she completes the Eternal Sunshine Tour. 

‘She looks forward to finishing the tour and ending it on a high note, both healthily and happily, and then taking a much-deserved break from public-facing work and appearances, which has led to endless, ongoing public scrutiny.’ 

‘This tour has been a beautiful experience for her. She loves her fans and has loved every minute of this tour so much.’

A source close to the singer explained that Ariana’s tour involves a very physical and athletic performance which she performs at a healthy and high level.

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A statement from the producers of Sunday in the Park with George, Empire Street Productions, read: ‘Following this evening’s announcement from Ariana Grande’s team, we can confirm that she has decided to step back from Sunday in the Park with George. 

On Sunday, the singer, 33, said that after her tour, The Eternal Sunshine, wraps in London on September 1, she will take a break and not go on to star in the play, Sunday In The Park

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Fans wrote in the comments: ‘We love you Ariana !!!! Go slay like you always do queen’

‘We know this cannot have been an easy decision, and she makes it with our complete understanding and support. 

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‘We wish her nothing but the best. The production will open at the Barbican in summer 2027 as planned, and casting will be announced in due course.’ 

Ariana’s appearance has come under scrutiny in recent months, especially following the release of her new music video, Petal.

She has publicly insisted that she’s healthy but that didn’t stop fans from airing concern about her alarmingly thin frame. 

Jameela Jamil wrote online: ‘This poor woman is possibly dying right in front of us. This outfit is designed to accentuate the thinness for discourse. 

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‘Her team are thoroughly irresponsible for not guiding her away from this deeply damaging image for her young fans to see so glamorized.’ 

After some were upset with Jameela’s comments she then in a later post defended herself saying she ‘prays that Ariana recovers’.