Plans submitted for £120m housing development in Hull

April Lara
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Plans submitted for £120m housing development in Hull

Beal Homes has submitted a planning application for a £120 million residential development in Hull, aiming to deliver over 400 new homes. The proposed site spans 38 acres in Sutton-on-Hull, an area earmarked for residential development in the Hull Local Plan.

The development aligns with the Government’s national housing targets, which include the construction of 1.5 million new homes during the current Parliament. In response, Hull City Council has outlined its own Housing Growth Strategy, aiming to add nearly 6,000 new homes by 2031.

The Beal project, which includes up to 418 homes, is designed to blend urban living with natural surroundings. It includes green spaces and a green corridor, providing walking routes and creating a buffer between the development and existing homes. To improve access and ease local traffic congestion, the plans propose two new access points and an extension to the local bus route.

This development addresses the rising demand for high-quality homes in Hull, particularly in Sutton, which has seen limited new housing in recent years. Beal’s plans feature a variety of house types, from starter homes to larger properties, aiming to meet diverse housing needs in the area.

Howden relief road construction contract awarded

April Lara
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Howden relief road construction contract awarded

A major step in alleviating congestion in Howden, East Yorkshire, has been taken with the awarding of the construction contract for a new £45m relief road. East Riding of Yorkshire Council has selected Sheffield-based Aureos to lead the project, which is expected to improve traffic flow by diverting heavy vehicles away from the town centre.

The new road will connect the A614 Thorpe Road to Station Road (B1228) and will feature four roundabouts along the current farmland. Work is scheduled to begin in July, with the project expected to be completed within two years.

This relief road is a key part of a wider development plan by JG Hatcliffe Associates, which includes mixed residential and commercial development in the area north of Howden. The road’s funding will come from a combination of developer contributions and public funding, including £2m from the Devolution grant and a £1m Local Transport Grant.

This infrastructure project aims to enhance connectivity, reduce congestion, and support the broader economic growth of the Yorkshire and Humber region. With preparations already underway, the road is expected to improve transport links for both local residents and businesses significantly.

Yorkshire’s property industry raises £100,000 at Crypt Factor 2025

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Yorkshire’s property industry raises £100,000 at Crypt Factor 2025
This year’s Crypt Factor, the annual singing competition for those working in the North of England’s property and construction industries, was won by Chloe Conroy from Wykeland and early indications suggest the event raised a record breaking £100,000 for charity. Chloe brought Elland Road to life with a Premier League worthy performance of Lost Without You to see off fierce competition from nine other budding singers, who were all cheered on by a hugely supportive sell-out audience of almost 1,000 of their colleagues and peers. The judging panel, comprising of Garry Howes from GV&Co, Dawn Allen from Pinsent Masons and Craig Burrow from Town Centre Securities PLC, who all sponsor and organise the event, selected the finalists before the audience chose the overall winner. The event was compered by Ben Hall from NorthCap and Corinne Travis from Network Space. Additional support was provided by Candid PR and Anderson Advertising & Property Marketing, with the event’s hugely impressive stage set-up, lighting and sound provided by AYRE Event Solutions. All the money raised at this year’s event will be split between Leeds-based charities St George’s Crypt and Yorkshire Property Charitable Trust and it takes the total amount raised, since the first ever Crypt Factor in 2007, to approximately £1.125 million. This year’s total was boosted further by First Direct Arena donating a box for 16 people, including a meal and drinks, for a choice of acts, which was auctioned by James Pank from Auction House and sold for £7,500. Craig Burrow, from Town Centre Securities PLC, said: “Year after year we’re bowled over by the huge amount of support Crypt Factor enjoys from the region’s property community and this year was no exception. “We sold every table within weeks of announcing the date and had 10 brilliant solo acts and groups, comprising of 21 singers in total, who took to the stage in front of an enormous audience which is no mean feat, but Chloe put on a stunning performance and thoroughly deserved to win. “The planning for Crypt Factor 2026 has already started and we’re now looking for next year’s singers. This is a unique chance to sing with a professional production and lots of support and guidance, in front of the best audience. Everyone who takes part always says how much they enjoy the experience and anyone interested should contact us now.” Chloe said: “Winning Crypt Factor is unbelievable and I loved every minute of it, from the rehearsals right through to the actual event. The other singers, the judges and the crowd were all fantastic and to anyone else considering it, I’d say go for it, you won’t regret it!”

Council warns of renewable energy job losses without government support

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Council warns of renewable energy job losses without government support
The leader of Hull City Council, Cllr Mike Ross, has warned that thousands of jobs in the renewable energy sector could be at risk, including hundreds locally, without urgent government backing. In a joint letter with Cllr Anne Handley, leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, addressed to secretary of state for business and trade, Jonathan Reynolds MP, as well as Heidi Alexander MP, secretary of state for transport, Cllr Ross stressed the need for strong central government support for Vivergo Fuels ahead of the national Industrial Strategy. He stated that the future of the Vivergo plant, based at Saltend Chemicals Park, is at imminent risk as a result of the recent UK-US trade deal and poor regulation. Cllr Ross outlined the wider impact closure of Vivergo Fuels could have on the region and how it also raises questions about the government’s commitment to green energy and its policies to support it. In the letter, Cllr Ross said: “Not only is Vivergo Fuels the UK’s largest bioethanol producer, with a crucial role to play in UK transport decarbonisation, but it’s also a strategically important anchor employer in the region. “It supports over 160 skilled jobs directly and around 4,000 more in the supply chain, the majority of which are based in our Hull and East Riding region. “The Humber has gained a deserved reputation as a beacon for renewable energy development and production and we are working extremely hard to attract further investment to the region in emerging technologies, such as hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuel. “This would be immeasurably harder to do if regulatory and financial support are not forthcoming for this business, which has already seen over £700m of private sector investment since 2012. “The Government’s new UK-USA trade deal has deliberately moved the commercial goalposts, damaging a UK business, which invests in the UK and employs UK workers, whilst advantaging American businesses who produce their product overseas. “Allowing closure of the Vivergo Fuels plant would send a hugely damaging signal to clean energy investors and to any businesses who are considering investing in this region and across the UK. “The government has identified clean energy as one of its priority industries and states that its number one focus is encouraging growth, so we now need to see that rhetoric matched with concrete actions and support. “On behalf of Hull City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council, I urge you to act swiftly to secure the necessary support for this business which is of great significance to the residents of our authority and many across our wider region.” Ben Hackett, managing director of Vivergo Fuels, added: “Vivergo Fuels is a fantastic asset to Hull and East Yorkshire. Not only do we employ a highly skilled workforce and support thousands more jobs in the supply chain, we are a catalyst for further green industrial development and investment which would allow the fuels of the future to be pioneered right here on the Humber. “We are simply asking the government for measures that will allow UK ethanol producers to remain competitive in the face of US imports, which benefit from a range of advantages from genetically modified crops to cheaper energy costs. “We now need to see concrete commitments from ministers in the coming days to safeguard jobs, and protect against the loss of significant investment in the people of this region.”

£13.5m partnerships deal to deliver 68 homes in Witham St Hughs

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£13.5m partnerships deal to deliver 68 homes in Witham St Hughs
Housebuilder Honey is partnering with Platform Housing Group to deliver 68 homes for the housing association at its Nova development in Witham St Hughs. The £13.5m deal is the first between the two businesses and will comprise 40 partnerships plots and 28 section 106 properties. These will include two-, three- and four-bedroom semi-detached, end terrace and terraced homes. Work on the properties commenced in May, and the first residents are expected to move in this December. Honey is using timber frame construction on the homes and all properties will benefit from air source heat pumps as part of the housebuilder’s sustainability strategy. Commenting on the partnerships deal, Honey chief executive, Mark Mitchell, said: “Partnering with Platform Housing Group will see us deliver homes in Witham St Hughs with sustainability designed into them for those who need them most. “We believe it is our social purpose to help make more affordable homes available by addressing the lack of housing supply, and this first partnership with Platform meets that objective. “We now look forward to exploring future opportunities with Platform as we expand our partnerships division throughout the Midlands and Yorkshire.” Platform Housing Group head of new business, David Boyes-Watson, said: “We are delighted to have secured land and agreed contracts to get started on site in Witham St Hughs. “The homes we deliver will be gas-free and give crucial opportunities for people to have a place they can call home in the area. “Our thanks go to the team at Honey who are a fantastic regional builder and a great example of the potential for partnerships with various sized contractors across the places we operate.”

Starmer unveils industrial strategy to reduce energy costs for UK businesses

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Starmer unveils industrial strategy to reduce energy costs for UK businesses

The UK government has outlined a plan to significantly reduce energy costs for thousands of businesses, aiming to level the playing field with foreign competitors. Under the new British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme, over 7,000 manufacturing firms will benefit from reduced electricity costs, with savings of up to £40 per megawatt hour starting in 2027. This scheme will exempt businesses from green levies, such as the renewables obligation and feed-in tariffs.

The initiative focuses on addressing the high electricity costs that UK manufacturers face compared to their international counterparts. The steel, chemicals, and glass industries, known for their energy-intensive operations, will receive additional support, with network charges set to drop by 90% by 2026.

Alongside energy cost reductions, the strategy includes measures to expedite connections to the energy grid for new factories, offering businesses greater stability and growth potential. The plan is part of Sir Keir Starmer’s ten-year strategy aimed at reviving the UK’s economic growth and ensuring long-term investment security for key industries.

Other aspects of the strategy include a £25.6 billion increase in financial support through the British Business Bank, additional funding for research and development, and efforts to address the skills gap by investing £1.2 billion annually in training. There are also plans to reduce regulatory red tape, expedite planning approvals, and increase the availability of strategic sites nationwide.

However, concerns remain over the potential costs of the Employment Rights Bill, which could add financial burdens on businesses, and the challenge of maintaining the UK’s competitiveness in a global market. Industry leaders have welcomed the energy cost reductions but emphasised the importance of continued focus on competitiveness.

East Coast Hydrogen secures £96 million to expand clean energy pipeline

April Lara
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East Coast Hydrogen secures £96 million to expand clean energy pipeline

A new funding milestone of £96 million from Ofgem is set to accelerate the development of the East Coast Hydrogen pipeline, a crucial part of the UK’s hydrogen infrastructure expansion. This initiative, which spans across Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, and the Humber region, is designed to create a hydrogen transport network that will support the decarbonisation of industries and power generation, paving the way for a future-ready, low-carbon economy.

Led by National Gas, Cadent, and Northern Gas Networks, the East Coast Hydrogen project aims to replace natural gas with hydrogen, significantly cutting emissions in sectors such as heavy industry and power generation. This infrastructure project is key to ensuring that the UK meets its climate goals while maintaining energy security and supporting economic growth. The £96 million will be directed towards critical stages of development, including engineering, planning, and public consultations, as the project moves closer to its goal of creating a hydrogen-ready pipeline network over the next decade.

This funding boost follows the government’s recent announcement of £500 million to support regional hydrogen transport and storage, demonstrating a strong commitment to building the hydrogen economy at scale. Industry stakeholders, such as Verallia UK, have welcomed the initiative, recognising the vital role it will play in helping businesses decarbonise and align with sustainable production practices.

North Yorkshire opens second phase of High Streets Fund for bids

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North Yorkshire opens second phase of High Streets Fund for bids

The Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, has announced the launch of phase two of the Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund, following the success of its first phase. This initiative is part of the £27 million Mayoral Challenge Fund, which aims to strengthen key business sectors, reduce emissions, and enhance adult skills.

The second phase invites proposals that revitalise high streets in York and North Yorkshire, with a focus on creating inclusive, vibrant spaces that reflect local character and address community needs. The goal is to transform these areas into thriving hubs that foster local pride and meet the evolving demands of residents and businesses.

Phase one saw 18 projects funded, including a pilot branding initiative in Scarborough that successfully engaged local communities through digital tools and a high street hub. Moving forward, the fund will prioritise innovative, long-term solutions that go beyond the initial funding period to ensure sustained impact.

Successful applications must demonstrate a clear plan for how their projects will continue to deliver value, ensuring that these improvements will contribute to the growth and success of local high streets for years to come.

Leeds 30-storey tower project blocked due to failed affordable housing agreement

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Leeds 30-storey tower project blocked due to failed affordable housing agreement

Plans for a new 30-storey residential tower in Leeds have been halted after the developer, CityLife, failed to finalise a crucial legal agreement with the local council. The project, approved in October 2023, aimed to construct 345 flats at Cartwright House in Holbeck. However, the final approval was contingent on the provision of 24 affordable homes and a financial contribution of £680,000 towards various infrastructure improvements.

Leeds City Council has now refused planning permission for the development due to the developer’s failure to meet these conditions. The council’s spokesperson clarified that the deal would have contributed to affordable housing, green space improvements, and transportation upgrades, but the lack of a completed agreement meant the project did not align with council planning policies.

The proposed tower was the second phase of CityLife’s Springwell Gardens development, following the completion of a 16-storey building on an adjacent site. This phase was designed to include primarily one and two-bedroom flats, with a rooftop garden offering city views. Despite multiple extensions, the developer did not secure the necessary section 106 agreement, which would have also funded a nearby bus shelter and green space enhancements.

CityLife could still appeal the refusal, with the council open to revisiting the agreement if the necessary terms are met.

Mayor proposes major new delivery fund for South Yorkshire

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Mayor proposes major new delivery fund for South Yorkshire
South Yorkshire’s mayor Oliver Coppard is proposing a new fund worth nearly £16m. It will target key delivery priorities to improve the lives of people who live, work, and visit South Yorkshire: enhancing transport choice, improving health and the environment, making roads safer, boosting children’s literacy, and promoting economic growth alongside championing the region. The Mayoral Delivery Fund, which will be discussed at next week’s Mayoral Combined Authority Board AGM, would channel capital investment and revenue spending over the next three years into a number of programmes supporting delivery of the mayor’s manifesto commitments. South Yorkshire’s mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: “I’m proud to be backing every part of South Yorkshire, making sure every community can stay near and go far through the new Delivery Fund. “My focus is clear: delivering real results that improve people’s lives across the region. That’s why the Fund – worth nearly £16 million, is dedicated to making a tangible difference. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about investing directly in projects that will help build a bigger, better economy, offering us all the opportunity to be wealthier, healthier, happier and safer. “I’m targeting what matters most – supporting our children to read better and live healthier, more active lives; tackling health inequalities so people live longer; safer roads by saving lives; and responding to climate breakdown including planting 1.4 million trees across South Yorkshire. “I’m also investing more to promote our region, attracting investment, creating good jobs, and boosting tourism, as well as telling the story of South Yorkshire through cultural and creative projects. “The Fund is a crucial step forward in restoring the pride, purpose and prosperity that South Yorkshire deserves.”
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