West Yorkshire pension fund expands into natural capital with £27 million investment

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The West Yorkshire Pension Fund (WYPF) is expanding its natural capital investments with a £27 million equity stake in Foresight Natural Capital. This move follows the growing trend of pension funds investing in forestry as a stable, inflation-resistant asset but extends to broader natural capital opportunities, including biodiversity projects, peatland restoration, and sustainable agriculture.

WYPF, which manages £19 billion in assets, sees natural capital as a key part of its alternatives strategy, which now makes up nearly 20% of its portfolio. Sustainable agriculture has gained attention due to its ability to support ecosystem health, enhance soil quality, and reduce carbon emissions, all of which contribute to long-term resilience and economic sustainability. However, Ward notes that transitioning to regenerative agriculture involves risks such as yield uncertainty, which can deter some investors.

In addition, WYPF’s investment in Rebalance Earth, which focuses on nature-based infrastructure solutions for climate change, highlights a new approach to climate resilience. This sector, traditionally funded by public and philanthropic sources, is now attracting institutional capital. Rebalance Earth uses innovative revenue models, such as Nature-as-a-Service (NaaS) contracts, to offer predictable cash flows while addressing sustainability challenges.

Both investments reflect WYPF’s strategy to target emerging natural capital markets and align with global sustainability goals, despite challenges in quantifying returns and impact in these evolving sectors.

Unity Yorkshire development drives business growth in Doncaster

Doncaster’s Unity Yorkshire development is moving forward, bringing new business opportunities and job growth to the region. Covering more than 250 hectares near Junction 5 of the M18, the project is expected to generate over 6,000 jobs and deliver around 2 million square feet of commercial space alongside 3,000 new homes.

The development is supported by City of Doncaster Council, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, and Homes England. A key infrastructure upgrade, the 1.8-mile Unity Way link road, has been completed to improve access between the site and nearby communities. The project is part of the South Yorkshire Investment Zone, designed to attract companies looking to expand in a central UK location.

Recent progress includes selling an 800,000-square-foot distribution centre to TJ Morris, owner of Home Bargains, with construction set to begin in spring 2025. Additional retail projects, including McDonald’s and Starbucks, have secured planning approval and are expected to open later this year. The site will also feature a new town centre, retail and leisure facilities, a transport hub, and a school, with 80 hectares dedicated to green space.

City of Doncaster Council and Business Doncaster are working to attract further investment, citing the region’s strong transport links, skilled workforce, and pro-business environment.

Council’s £105M airport plan triggers auditor warnings

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City of Doncaster Council’s plan to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport has drawn scrutiny from auditors over financial risks tied to the £105 million investment. A report from Grant Thornton, the council’s external auditor, raised concerns about the scale of public funding allocated to the project and its financial viability.

The council has established a publicly owned company, FlyDoncaster, to manage the reopening after failing to secure a private operator. The proposed funding, drawn from South Yorkshire devolution money, includes low-interest loans amounting to an effective subsidy of nearly £90 million.

In November, Grant Thornton sent a letter to the council’s chief executive warning of increased financial exposure, which has risen from an initial estimate of £16 million to over £100 million. The auditors described this escalation as a “major concern” and cautioned against the risk of “escalation of commitment” should the project fail to meet financial expectations.

A separate report revealed that the estimated cost of lease payments on the airport site has jumped from £14.8 million to £56.6 million. The audit firm advised the council to conduct further financial assessments and establish contingency plans if risks exceed acceptable levels.

The UK government has since expressed support for the airport’s reopening, though it has not committed national funding. Meanwhile, Munich Airport International has been brought in to provide operational and management services.

South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard has delayed a final decision on the investment until the summer, citing the need for independent financial assurance. Internal reports have flagged risks to public funds, prompting further review before committing devolution money to the project.

Man convicted of defrauding Leeds City Council out of small businesses grants during pandemic

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A man has been found guilty of defrauding Leeds City Council out of more than £710,000 which was meant to support small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Aftab Baig, from Glasgow, made fraudulent grant claims against thirty-two properties, which were branches of Greggs, arranging for the money to go into his business account. He did this at the height of the pandemic while the country was locked down and small businesses struggled to stay afloat. The money came from the Small Business Grant Fund, one of several schemes set up by the Government to help small businesses with business rates relief. In May 2020, Baig contacted Leeds Council pretending to be a Group Property Manager at Greggs Head Office asking for business rates numbers for Leeds branches, details which he claimed he could not access himself due to lockdown. Baig, who had no links to Greggs and was not employed by them, used the details to apply for rates relief to the tune of £710,000, which was paid into a bank account associated with his catering business. In May 2020, with the council having realised the claims were fraudulent, action was taken which resulted in the account being frozen. While most of the money was later returned to the council, more than £90,000 was left outstanding. The investigation was led by the National Investigation Service (NATIS) and Baig was arrested in Glasgow in July 2020 by Police Scotland officers. At Baig’s house, £16,000 in cash was found, as well as forged remittance slips which officers believed that he was planning to use to try and persuade the bank to return the frozen money. Baig was found guilty of three counts of fraud on 12 February at Leeds Crown Court. Kelly Ward from the Crown Prosecution Service said: “Baig took advantage of the difficult circumstances of the pandemic in 2020 to defraud the council out of taxpayers money. “Those who cheat the public purse are stealing funds which should rightly go towards services and the community, or in this case towards supporting small businesses through an extremely challenging time. “We will not hesitate to work together with investigators such as NATIS to bring offenders like Baig to justice. “We will also be starting proceedings to recover any assets resulting from this criminality.”

Leeds welcomes £15m government funding for two major cultural projects

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Leeds City Council has welcomed confirmation of £15m in central government funding for two major cultural projects.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has committed £10m to help breathe fresh life into Holbeck’s historic Temple Works building, paving the way for it to become the home of a new British Library North. A further £5m in funding has been confirmed in support of plans to create a National Poetry Centre at the landmark Trinity St David’s Church on Woodhouse Lane. Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “The British Library North project aims to create a world-class space for learning, research, exhibitions and events that would unlock the huge potential of Temple Works and boost the ongoing regeneration of the wider Holbeck and South Bank areas. “It is therefore really welcome news that the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has confirmed that, following a consultation, this £10m of funding is now in place to support the process of bringing the Temple Works building into public ownership and back into use. “We have worked hard in recent months with partners, including the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Homes England and the British Library itself, to make the case for this funding. “Together we were able to emphasise the importance of the scheme and the economic and social benefits it would bring to Leeds, West Yorkshire and the North, not least through engagement and connections with local communities. “We were very pleased to welcome the Deputy Prime Minister to Temple Works last week so she could see first-hand what this remarkable heritage asset is all about. “We will now continue to work alongside partners on detailed plans for the full funding, design and development of a project that remains a complex and challenging undertaking, but one that offers a major regeneration opportunity for both Temple Works and the surrounding area. “The council also welcomes today’s confirmation that £5m in funding for Leeds’s proposed National Poetry Centre is now in place. “We were pleased to have the opportunity, during the MHCLG consultation, to add our voice to the widespread support for this project, which is being led by the National Poetry Centre Charitable Trust with the University of Leeds and poet laureate Simon Armitage.”

Hull-based developer wins contracts for two sheltered housing schemes

East Riding of Yorkshire Council has been awarded a £7.8m grant from Homes England to develop new sheltered housing schemes at Moat Hill in Anlaby and Deira Court in Driffield, with the East Riding of Yorkshire Council committing £25.7n to demolish and rebuild the accommodation, to meet modern standards and aspirations. Demolition and construction contracts have been awarded to Hull-based developers Hobson and Porter. The new sheltered schemes will feature a mixture of one-and-two-bedroom flats with generous open-plan layouts. The homes will be adaptable to meet residents’ needs as they age, thereby helping them to live independently for longer. Additionally, there will be a communal resident lounge for social activities, and each scheme will be equipped with the latest digital telecare equipment connected to the Council’s ‘Lifeline’ support service. This funding is part of the Affordable Homes Programme (2021-26), which received an additional £400m in the Autumn budget. To qualify for this funding, projects must commence by the end of the financial year, with priority given to regeneration developments and those offering social rent. Councillor Anne Handley East Riding of Yorkshire Council leader said “These grants will play a key role in ensuring that the council can continue to invest in its sheltered housing stock. It’s great to see the work in progress, and I look forward to seeing the first new residents move into the accommodation, when the project is completed. “ Shahi Islam, Homes England Director of Affordable Housing Grant said “As the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, increasing the supply of quality affordable homes remains one of our key objectives and we are committed to supporting East Riding of Yorkshire Council to achieve their ambitions. “Projects like Moat Hill and Deira Court are key examples of how the agency works collaboratively with partners through the Affordable Homes Programme to achieve our mission to build much needed new communities that people can be proud of.” Mark Smee, Director at Hobson & Porter, added: “We are delighted to be starting on site with this project in Anlaby. Our business was established back in 1971 principally to provide construction services to local authority housing projects, so its great to be working with one of our longest-served clients in this sector to deliver a flagship, local project like this. We can’t wait to see it develop.”

Chamber of Commerce leads Yorkshire firms on UAE trade mission

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Businesses from West and North Yorkshire have strengthened trade ties with the United Arab Emirates through a recent trade mission led by the region’s Chamber of Commerce. The delegation, which included companies from various sectors, visited Dubai and Abu Dhabi to explore commercial opportunities and build partnerships.

As part of the visit, delegates attended a networking event at the British Embassy in Dubai, hosted by Sarah Mooney, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for the Middle East and Pakistan. The group also received an economic briefing at HSBC Tower and met with members of the Abu Dhabi Chamber. A site visit to a Free Zone in central Dubai provided insights into regional trade and investment incentives.

Law firm Schofield Sweeney, the University of Bradford, and Data Stream sponsored the trade mission. More than 70 UK and UAE-based businesses participated in networking events coordinated with the British Chamber of Commerce in Dubai.

Participating companies included Schofield Sweeney Solicitors, RJJ Software, Platinum Partnership Solicitors, LOVE IN CARE, Madison May, Tudor International Freight, University of Bradford, Sound Leisure, F. B Parrish and Son Ltd, Data Stream UK, Wodar, Aqua Interpreting Group, ITC, and Marske Hall Country Estate.

Record growth in business registrations across South Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire

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The number of registered companies in South Yorkshire has reached a record high, rising to 75,130 from 73,897 at the end of 2023. Over the past year, 11,673 new businesses were established, with Sheffield leading the way (4,792), followed by Doncaster (3,415) and Rotherham (2,064), according to data from Companies House and the Office for National Statistics.

Nottinghamshire has also seen strong business growth, reflecting a wider trend across the East Midlands. The increase comes despite economic uncertainty linked to regulatory changes, the upcoming General Election, and external factors such as global instability.

Nationally, business formations reached a record 5,637,210, up from 5,476,772 in 2023. While 848,192 new businesses were registered across the UK, 690,501 were dissolved. The data highlights ongoing resilience among UK businesses, even in a challenging economic climate.

Bradford Literature Festival CEO appointed to creative industries taskforce

CEO and Artistic Director of the Bradford Literature Festival Syima Aslam has been appointed two a new Taskforce charged with growing creative industries in the UK. Leaders of organisations including Creative UK, the British Fashion Council and the Royal Shakespeare Company, plus academics, investors and tech entrepreneurs, have joined a new taskforce to help inform the Government’s strategy to unlock growth in the UK’s highly valued creative industries, one of the eight growth-driving sectors of the Industrial Strategy. Bradford Literature Festival is one of the three largest literature festivals in the UK and ‘Europe’s Most Diverse & Inclusive Arts Festival’. Renowned globally as an innovator within the culture sector, BLF forges international partnerships, curating diverse, innovative, and inclusive programmes. The taskforce, announced November 2024, will work towards the development of an ambitious and targeted Creative Industries Sector Plan, helping to provide growth as part of the Government’s Plan for Change and deliver on our decade of national renewal. The plan will be published in the spring, alongside the Industrial Strategy, and will set out new policies and government interventions that will help to deliver a further boost to the creative industries’ potential for spreading growth and opportunity for all. The creative industries have been identified as a key growth-driving sector in the Government’s Industrial Strategy, and will form a central part of the government’s mission to grow the economy. The taskforce will help to ensure that the Creative Industries Sector Plan is designed in partnership with business, devolved governments, regions, experts and other stakeholders.

DWF promotes almost 30 people at its Leeds office

Legal and business service provider DWF has announced 29 promotions in its Leeds office, with professional indemnity partner Matthew Reynolds moving to a more senior level in the partnership, and Ian Cooper promoted to partner and UK head of adjusting. Ian Drew has been promoted to director within the claims management and adjusting business, while insurance lawyer Sarah Baker has also been promoted to the position of director. Abigail Jennings and Geraldine Bacon, also insurance lawyers, have been promoted to senior associate, alongside finance and restructuring lawyer Eleanor Steele and real estate lawyer Satinder Kainth. Working across the company’s Newcastle and Leeds offices, Julie Francis has been promoted to senior associate, while Emma McCullen and Amrita Grewal have been promoted to associates. The firm, which recently reported that revenue has increased by 8% in the first half of its financial year, made 238 promotions globally. This includes 13 new promotions to partner or partner-equivalent roles. In addition, 13 existing DWF partners have been promoted to a higher career level within the partnership structure Managing partner of DWF in Leeds, Andrew Batterton, said: “I’m proud to see so many well-deserved promotions within our Leeds office again this year. These individuals have demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication, and their achievements reflect the strength of our team. Congratulations to all those promoted – I look forward to supporting your continued success.”

Work starts on one of Grimsby’s biggest single investments

Work has started on site on one of the biggest single investments in Grimsby town centre’s history, the Freshney Place leisure scheme and associated new food hall and complementary market. National construction company GMI Construction Group will lead the build of the leisure scheme, having worked on similar projects in other towns and cities across the UK. Ed Weston, GMI’s Commercial Director, said: “We are proud to be part of this transformative project that will breathe new life into the town centre. Our expertise in delivering both urban regeneration projects and high-quality mixed-use developments will ensure that Freshney Place becomes a vibrant destination for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.” Amanda Austin, Centre Director, Freshney Place, said: “This is a major milestone for Freshney Place and the wider Grimsby town centre. The start of construction marks the beginning of an exciting transformation as we develop a fantastic new offering. “Freshney Place has served the community for nearly 50 years, and as work gets underway we can be confident it will remain a popular destination for the people of Grimsby into the future. “We look forward to sharing progress as the works continue, and want to reassure our customers that it will be business as usual throughout the development phase.” North East Lincolnshire Council leader Philip Jackson said: “We promised to get the main work started early in 2025, and that’s what’s happening. We’re on a hugely ambitious journey, with significant investment of public funds across our towns and borough. We’re investing in one of the largest schemes this council has ever invested in. We believe this is right for the town. “Our Freshney Place regeneration scheme is, in my firm belief, the most important regeneration project we have seen in North East Lincolnshire. It is key to the future of our town centre – underpinning the other regeneration taking place as well as securing the future of Freshney Place and the 1,700 local jobs it supports” Following initial works within Top Town Market last week as soon as it closed, the focus now is to complete an internal strip out of the building, including mechanical and electrical fittings as well as asbestos removal. This will be followed with the demolition of the market building in the summer. The external demolition of the former BHS building will start in early March. The hoardings are up to make sure that there’s a safe working environment for all those on site. Hoardings will be put up in Victoria Street, from Devonshire House to the former House of Fraser building, signalling the start of the main works. Flottergate Mall entrance to Freshney Place has also been closed off. The main entrances to Freshney Place at Riverhead Square and Brewery Street remain open as normal. Additionally, the market roof car park is due to be closed off from Monday 17 February.

Sheffield firm sells clean energy equipment to project in Norway

Sheffield-based ITM Power has signed a contract to supply four of its green energy NEPTUNE V units, totalling 20MW, to independent multi-energy producer La Française de l’Energie SA (FDE).
The units will be part of the first phase of Norway’s Hydrogen Hub Agder project, 100% owned by Greenstat, a subsidiary of FDE, developing green energy production projects in Norway. The 20MW green hydrogen hub facility will be dedicated to supplying the maritime industry, and production is expected to start late next year, with a second phase involving an additional 40MW, planned for launch in 2027.
Dennis Schulz, CEO of ITM, said: “The Nordic countries present an exciting opportunity for green hydrogen, and it is a privilege that FDE has selected us for the Agder Hydrogen Hub in Norway.”
Antoine Forcinal, CEO of FDE, said: “We are delighted to work with ITM as a partner for the supply of an integrated electrolyser solution for our Agder Hydrogen Hub project, one of the largest green hydrogen projects in Norway.”
 

Frasers chooses Barnsdales to manage Frenchgate Centre

Frasers Group has selected Barnsdales to undertake the property and asset management of Doncaster’s Frenchgate Shopping Centre. Barnsdales MD Jason Barnsdale said: “With its own transport hub, the Doncaster Interchange, and adjoining railway station, it’s certain that when people come to Doncaster, they come to the Frenchgate Shopping Centre. It’s an honour to be entrusted with the everyday management of the centre and to act as asset managers and joint leasing agents with Rawstron Johnson on behalf of the Frasers Group; we’re determined to help it thrive as a bustling shopping and dining destination. “I’m genuinely delighted that Barnsdales has been chosen to manage this iconic Doncaster shopping centre. Barnsdales is headquartered in the city, working nationally from offices throughout the UK. This is a significant instruction for the Barnsdales property management team.” Barnsdales, established in Doncaster almost 120 years ago and with its HQ less than two miles away from the Frenchgate centre, has offices in Sheffield, Derby, Nottingham, Bristol, Cirencester, Manchester, Lincoln, and London. Corinne Mycock, General Manager at Frenchgate, said:“The Frenchgate Shopping Centre is delighted to bring on Barnsdales as property and asset managers and joint letting agents. As they are based in the city, we feel they have a close connection to – and an innate feel for – the place, which is essential. “We’re hopeful that having professionals from a company based in and operating from Doncaster will give us a more hands-on, proactive approach.” Barnsdales’ instruction follows several high-profile wins for the company, including the recent appointment to the property and facilities management of Newton Aycliffe Town Centre, a privately owned 200,000 sq ft shopping outlet consisting of 64 retail units in County Durham.

Government pledges up to £2.5bn support for steel industry

British steelmakers are being backed this evening with a pledge of £2.5bn by the Government as it looks at the long-term issues facing the industry like high electricity costs, unfair trading practices, and scrap metal recycling – to protect jobs and living standards in the UK’s industrial heartlands. This could benefit Scunthorpe, Rotherham, Redcar, Yorkshire, and Scotland since it will be spent on initiatives that will give the industry a long future – such as electric arc furnaces, or other improvements to UK capabilities. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, said: “The UK steel industry has a long-term future under this Government. We said that during the election, and we are delivering on it now. He said the deal announced by Heathrow this week, which has already been reported by BLM Forum, would secure a strong industry pipeline for years to come, and the full weight of Whitehall was being put behind the industry.

He added: “Britain is open for business, and this Government has committed up to £2.5 billion to the future of steel to protect our industrial heartlands, maintain jobs, and drive growth as part of our Plan for Change.”

Promotion for Brittany at Harrogate law firm

Brittany Dyer has qualified as a family lawyer at the Harrogate practice of Jones Myers.

Said Brittany: “I’m thrilled to be a qualified family lawyer. The last two years have given me the opportunity to learn from some of the best children’s family law solicitors and I’m looking forward to  building on my advocacy skills and helping more families.

“Jones Myers’ commitment to consistently deliver excellence in client care is outstanding. Every client, whether they are private or receiving legal aid, is given the same gold star service.”

Government confirms £30m investment to support Bradford City Village

Plans to transform Bradford’s former retail heart into a new sustainable ‘City Village’ have taken a major step forward with the Government confirming nearly £30m of funding for the scheme from the Brownfield Infrastructure and Land Fund. Homes England, the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, has confirmed £29.5m to support Bradford City Village, which is a major development project to transform key brownfield sites into vibrant residential areas within the city centre. Bradford City Village is set to deliver up to 1,000 new homes (including affordable homes), three new community parks and public spaces, along with shops, cafes, restaurants, and offices. The funding will be used to make improvements to the road network and public spaces, as well as support the demolition of the Oastler and Kirkgate Shopping Centres. The Oastler demolition is set to commence in autumn 2025 and will enable the future regeneration opportunity to come forward. It is anticipated the initial Brownfield Infrastructure and Land funding will also help attract further investment to unlock future phases of the masterplan, which aims to completely transform Bradford city centre. Bradford Council has appointed ECF (formerly The English Cities Fund), the partnership between Homes England, Legal & General and Muse, as its preferred development partner to deliver the scheme. Over the last 18 months, ECF has been working with Bradford Council to develop the masterplan, including extensive public consultation and engagement. ECF will now work in partnership with the Council to progress a planning application. A third phase of public consultation will take place later this year, with an application expected to be submitted in late spring 2025. The regeneration opportunity is one of fifteen places identified in the Strategic Place Partnership between the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) and Homes England – announced last year – which aims to unlock ambitious, complex residential regeneration schemes and boost the delivery of thousands more homes. Bradford Council’s Lead Member for Regeneration, Transport and Planning Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw said: “This confirmation of £30m in funding for our City Village vision is brilliant news for Bradford. City Village is a central part of our ambition to deliver a modern city centre residential offer. “This announcement demonstrates the confidence Government has in Bradford to deliver and shows we’re building real momentum for our regeneration programme, which will drive economic growth across the district. “The funding will allow the scheme to continue moving forwards to deliver high-quality affordable homes on brownfield sites, providing the next generation of Bradfordians with the chance to live in a modern city offering a host of amenities including Darley St Market, Bradford Live and One City Park.” Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “This investment is a major vote of confidence in Bradford. Government backing for these council-led plans will mean we can build the vibrant, well-connected communities the city deserves, with more high quality affordable homes. “Bradford’s inspiring rise to become one of the UK’s most important economic centres demonstrates the power of strong local and national leadership, working in partnership with local communities and local businesses to create jobs and growth. Together, we’ll build a stronger Bradford and a stronger, brighter Britain.”

Energy firm says Gainsborough gas resources could generate GDP contribution of over £100bn

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A huge gas field has been discovered under Lincolnshire with the ability to fuel the country for a decade, it has been reported. Reaching out to Egdon Resources, the energy firm behind the discovery in Gainsborough told Business Link that the Telegraph’s description of a “gas field” is premature “as the political and regulatory conditions for its development do not exist in the UK today.” At present there is a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing (fracking) for shale-gas, a practice with strong opposition, with fracking having been met with protests, critiqued for creating earth tremors, and clashing with the government’s environmental course, plans to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and Net Zero aims. Commissioning Deloitte to undertake an assessment of the potential economic, social and environmental impact that developing this gas resource could have, Egdon Resources said the gas resource is capable of supplying over 16 trillion cubic feet of gas, amounting to around six to seven years of current gas consumption. Deloitte’s modelling estimates that the development would generate a GDP contribution of over £100 billion, up to 250,000 direct and indirect jobs, and offset 202 million tons of CO2 equivalent when compared to the emissions associated with imported gas. Egdon Resources said: “The Telegraph article relates to the potential gas resources in the Gainsborough Trough geological basin which extends across parts of Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire. “The presence of these gas resources in shales and sandstones at a depth of around 2 kilometres, was proven by the drilling of the Springs Road-1 well back in 2019 and compare favourably with some of the best producing shale basins in the USA. “At present they cannot be developed due to the moratorium on hydraulic fracturing (fracking) for shale-gas. It’s description in the article as a “gas field” is premature as the political and regulatory conditions for its development do not exist in the UK today. “Egdon commissioned Deloitte to undertake an assessment of the potential economic, social and environmental impact that developing this gas resource could have. This has highlighted a gas resource capable of supplying over 16 trillion cubic feet of gas or around 6-7 years of current gas consumption thus offsetting significant amounts of imported gas. “Deloitte’s modelling estimates that if this was developed it would generate a GDP contribution of £140 billion, £34 billion of direct taxes, up to 250,000 direct and indirect jobs and offset 202 million tons of CO2 equivalent when compared to the emissions associated with imported gas. To put that in context that is equivalent to the annual emissions of over 40 million cars. “As accepted by the Government and shown by the Climate Change Committee’s figures, whilst its use will reduce, gas will continue to be an important part of the UK energy mix out to 2050 and beyond. The UK will become increasingly reliant on imports as North Sea production declines. “The UK government is looking for ways to grow GDP and is increasingly reliant on overseas energy imports such as LNG, much sourced from US shale. It would therefore seem sensible for politicians to consider in a pragmatic and fact based way, the potential security of supply, fiscal, environmental and employment benefits of developing the UK’s own resources such as those present in the Gainsborough Trough. “The proposed development of Carbon Capture and Storage projects at nearby Humberside further enhance the environmental credentials of this opportunity.” The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband, is among those opposed to fracking, needed to extract the gas. A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) spokesperson said: “We intend to ban fracking for good and make Britain a clean energy superpower to protect current and future generations. “The biggest risk to our energy security is staying dependent on fossil fuel markets and only by sprinting to clean power by 2030 can the UK take back control of its energy and protect both family and national finances from price spikes. “Through our Plan for Change, we will reignite our industrial heartlands as we seize the opportunities of the clean energy transition, and will continue to drive investment for businesses and communities in the UK.” A moratorium on fracking in England is in place because of an inability to predict the size, timing or location of any seismic events that take place after fracking operations. The government has also highlighted that there is no guarantee that oil and gas produced in the UK will be used here, with private companies selling to an international market. The government has a commitment not to issue new oil and gas licences to explore new fields, which it is to consult on in due course.

Bradford to receive £30M as government identifies over 100 potential new town sites

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The UK government has unveiled plans for more than 100 potential new towns, each designed to accommodate at least 10,000 homes, as part of a large-scale effort to tackle the housing crisis.

As part of the initiative, Bradford will receive £30 million to support housing expansion, making it one of the key beneficiaries of the government’s housing strategy. Additional funding includes £1.5 million for the Manchester Victoria North project and £20 million for redeveloping small council-owned sites nationwide. Other priority locations include Frome Gateway in Bristol, land south of Cayton in North Yorkshire, and Beam Park in Dagenham.

The government has pledged to deliver 1.5 million new homes before the next general election and has introduced the “new homes accelerator” programme to remove planning obstacles and speed up construction. Officials say the scheme has already unlocked 20,000 stalled homes, with further efforts underway.

The initiative follows Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner’s visit to the Nansledan development, a project influenced by King Charles’ planning vision. The visit underscored the government’s commitment to large-scale, well-planned housing developments that aim to increase homeownership and address demand.

Bradford’s funding boost is part of a broader strategy to revitalise housing projects across England, with large-scale developments and smaller urban regeneration efforts playing a role in the government’s long-term housing plan.

Latimer appoints GRAHAM to deliver first phase of Dyecoats development in Leeds

Latimer, the development arm of Clarion Housing Group, has appointed GRAHAM to deliver the first phase of its Dyecoats development in Leeds. The mixed-use project will provide over 400 homes, more than 50% of which will be affordable. GRAHAM’s appointment follows approval of Building Safety Regulator Stage 2 sign off, marking a key milestone in the scheme. GRAHAM will deliver the first three buildings of the Dyecoats development on Kirkstall Road, a major regeneration project transforming a 13-acre brownfield site along the River Aire. Phase 1 of the project will include new residential buildings providing 434 mixed-tenure homes, with 100 homes for affordable rent, 138 for shared ownership, and 196 for private sale. It will include a food hall, new public realm with access to the River Aire and a new north south connection across the river. Ultimately, the wider scheme will deliver up to 1,799 homes. Jonathan Hall, Managing Director at GRAHAM, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with Latimer on the landmark Dyecoats scheme, reflecting our shared commitment to creating homes and neighbourhoods that prioritise sustainability and community. “This appointment also celebrates Dyecoats being one of the first new build developments to receive Building Safety Act Gateway 2 approval, showcasing our deep understanding of the gateway process to deliver the highest standards of safety and quality in construction. “This project will play a pivotal role in regenerating the area, and we look forward to bringing Latimer’s vision to life.” Richard Cook, Chief Development Officer at Clarion Housing Group, said: “Successfully securing Building Safety Regulator approval combined with the appointment of GRAHAM, are significant milestones for Latimer as we continue to build momentum across our affordable housing programme in the North of England. “Our flagship Dyecoats development in Leeds highlights our continued commitment to delivering sustainable communities and contributing to tackling the national housing crisis. We look forward to partnering with GRAHAM to ensure our vision of a high-quality, sustainable development becomes a reality.”

Doncaster house builder to invest £50m in Wiltshire housing development

Doncaster-based housebuider Keepmoat is to invest more than £50 million in creating a housing development in the Wiltshire town of Warminster following exchange of contracts on a 24-acre plot. Work is due to start later this year at the development – now named Cley Hill View – to deliver 227 homes, of which at least 30 per cent will be affordable homes. As part of the significant £50 million commitment to the Wiltshire area, Keepmoat will also create new green spaces, and play areas alongside pedestrian, road and cycle routes to and from surrounding communities. Expected to be completed in 2028, the development will offer a variety of much-needed multi-tenure one, two, three, and four-bedroomed homes, catering to first-time buyers, working professionals, and families. Ben Leather, Regional MD at Keepmoat West Midlands, said: “Keepmoat is excited to announce contracts have successfully been exchanged on Cley Hill View. Acquisition of this land highlights Keepmoat’s commitment to providing quality homes in the South West of England and aligns with our ambitious growth plans in the region. “With Wiltshire experiencing a population increase of 8.4 percent from 2011 to 2021 , the demand for housing has grown significantly. We’re pleased to be contributing towards addressing the region’s housing shortage. “Keepmoat’s Cley Hill View development will not only provide new homes, it will also create a thriving new community. In addition, we will be creating strong employment, apprentice and training opportunities for local contractors and labourers.”