Plans for the Meridian Solar Farm near Spalding have expanded by around 200 hectares, bringing the total project size to approximately 1,100 hectares. Developer Downing Renewable Developments (DRD) is preparing to submit a planning application later this year and has launched a second public consultation, running until June 8.

Despite the expanded footprint, DRD states that only about 600 hectares would host solar panels, with the remaining land allocated for infrastructure such as cables and battery storage. The solar farm is expected to generate enough electricity to power over 200,000 homes and operate for up to 40 years, if approved. Operations could begin by 2029.

The project’s primary development areas are near Spalding and Crowland, with an additional site east of Sutton St Edmund. DRD is holding three public meetings in May to gather local feedback before finalising its designs. Meanwhile, the Meridian Action Group is opposing the development, arguing that it should be built on brownfield sites to protect agricultural land and food security.

Public consultation events are scheduled at Sutton St Edmund Village Hall (10 May), Crowland Snowden Pavilion (21 May), and Weston Village Hall (22 May).

Demolition has started at Grimsby’s former Top Town Market site, marking a significant step in the redevelopment of Freshney Place Shopping Centre.

The project, led by North East Lincolnshire Council and managed by Queensberry, aims to transform the site into a mixed-use retail and leisure destination. Plans include a new Parkway multi-screen cinema, a market hall, and a combined food and shopping space.

The redevelopment forms part of a broader investment strategy for Grimsby town centre and is one of the council’s largest investments to date. It is intended to drive additional investment, support existing tenants, and open up opportunities for new businesses.

Preliminary work, including asbestos removal and dismantling mechanical systems, has been completed. Main contractor GMI Construction Group has now commenced structural demolition, progressing the project to its next phase.

North Kesteven District Council has allocated £1.8m for a comprehensive refurbishment of the Carre Arms Hotel in Sleaford. The council, which acquired the hotel last year, aims to protect a key local asset while driving regeneration in the town.

Renovation work, set to begin shortly, will overhaul the hotel’s exterior, bedrooms, roofs, and reception area, with completion expected within up to two years. The project is funded by the council’s share of local business rates, part of which is reinvested in community initiatives.

Since its purchase for just under £1.5m, the council has focused on expanding the hotel’s business, particularly for weddings, conferences, and events, which have seen significant growth. While initial plans outlined a 10-year timeline for investment, urgent repairs have prompted an accelerated schedule for some work. The outdoor area will also be revamped, including new planting to enhance the venue’s suitability for special events.

North Lincolnshire Council has secured listed building consent for alterations to St John’s Church in Scunthorpe, moving forward with plans for a £2.5m children’s science and technology centre. The new facility, called Discover@20-21, will be located next to the 20-21 Visual Arts Centre and is set to open later this year, thanks to funding from the Government’s Towns Fund.

The centre will feature interactive digital displays and exhibits designed to engage young audiences with STEAM subjects (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics). Among the planned installations is a projector system that will create digital artwork based on these themes, which visitors will be able to control with the push of a button.

To accommodate large-scale exhibits and light-sensitive displays, such as Luke Jerram’s “Museum of The Moon,” the church will also undergo modifications including the installation of retractable lighting and blackout blinds. These improvements will reduce the need for costly external hires and high-level access equipment, making it easier to host significant exhibitions.

The project aims to boost local tourism by attracting more visitors to the area and support community regeneration. St John’s Church, a former place of worship, has served as an arts venue since the early 2000s. Renovations are ongoing, with repairs to the building expected to conclude in late 2024.

A proposal has been put forward to convert St Saviour’s Church Hall on Gladstone Road in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, into supported living accommodation for individuals with learning disabilities and autism.

The plan, submitted by Squirrel Wood Properties (SWP), includes transforming the church hall into 11 single-bedroom apartments, as well as staff facilities. The development would preserve much of the existing green space, which will be maintained as a communal garden for residents.

The local authority’s health and adult services department has expressed support for the project, with a final decision expected in the coming months. The building is recognised as a “non-designated heritage asset,” and the development will aim to preserve its key architectural features.

In addition to the living spaces, the proposal includes six parking spaces for residents and a designated area for bicycle storage. The application is currently open for public comments, with no set date for a final decision.

Vistry has submitted plans for a 229-home development on Waggons Way, Stainforth, Doncaster, located next to the Unity regeneration project. The site, part of the former Hatfield Colliery, forms part of a 600-acre mixed-use development, one of the largest regeneration projects in the UK.

The proposed development will focus on delivering new homes with access to green spaces, enhancing the area’s appeal for potential residents. The project is situated near the Unity site, which offers extensive community facilities and strong connectivity.

A planning decision on the development is expected from Doncaster Council in late 2025.

ravelodge has launched a new 130-room hotel in Bradford South, enhancing its UK network of over 600 properties. The new hotel, situated between Bradford and Leeds, provides convenient access to key business and leisure destinations.

The location benefits business travellers with close proximity to major transport links, including the M62 motorway, Low Moor, Bradford Interchange, and Forster Square Railway Stations. Leeds Bradford International Airport is also within an eight-mile radius.

The area offers a range of attractions for visitors, including the National Science and Media Museum, Saltaire, and the Brontë Parsonage Museum. Sports enthusiasts can also access Bartercard Odsal Stadium, home of the Bradford Bulls rugby league team.

Travelodge continues to expand its footprint across the UK, with 17 hotels already operating in North Yorkshire, contributing to local employment and economic development.