Clarion Housing Group increased its home completions by 12% over the past year, delivering 1,727 homes compared with 1,538 the previous year. However, it fell short of its revised target of 1,828 completions for 2024/25.

The group’s future development pipeline now stands at 20,173 homes, up slightly from 19,694 a year earlier. Clarion, which manages around 125,000 homes, had previously scaled back its ambitions amid cost pressures, lowering its target from 2,161 to 1,828 completions for the year. Despite this moderation, it maintains a longer-term goal of building 3,000 homes annually.

Spending on new homes dropped from £501m to £439m, mainly due to delays starting larger projects. Investment in existing properties also declined slightly, from £129m to £123m.

Turnover rose 9%, reaching £1.1bn, while the operating surplus, excluding one-off items, grew from £171m to £195m. Clarion attributed the revenue increase partly to the return of inflation-linked rent rises, following the lifting of the previous year’s 7% cap.

The group also cited early benefits from its Connect transformation programme, aimed at tightening cost control and enhancing customer service. However, Clarion flagged a forthcoming £20m building safety provision in its final accounts, which will weigh on its overall surplus. It is seeking to recover some of these costs from third parties. Audited financial statements are expected to be published this summer.

Work has now started on site at Vivly Living’s residential development at Shepley, near Huddersfield. 52 new homes are now being built at Knowle Grange, which forms Phase 2 at Vivly’s development in the village. Phase 1, comprising 31 homes, has completely sold out. Oliver Bottomley, associate director – land and development at Vivly Living, said: “We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve now started on site at Shepley Phase 2. This means we are now building fantastic range of new and much-needed homes to the community. These homes will be energy-efficient and offer additional garden space, providing comfortable and sustainable living for our customers. “I’d like to say a personal thank you to Coun John Taylor, the Shepley ward member and deputy leader of the Conservatives on Kirklees Council, who has helped to ensure that we can build much-needed affordable housing for Shepley and allowed us to introduce the First Home Scheme, helping first-time buyers get a foot on the property ladder.” Coun Taylor explained: “I’m really pleased to see this second phase of the development getting underway. The first phase proved popular and in both phases I am pleased to see properties for first-time buyers. It is important that the younger generations get the same opportunities to get their foot on the housing ladder as I did. “Shepley is a wonderful and active village and a great place to start and bring up your family. This plan includes some two-bed houses under the First Homes scheme which will be ideal for young people wanting to buy their first home. Being able to buy a home in the village you grew up in is an aspiration for many young people locally. “As a Shepley resident, I am delighted to see such quality houses, with attractive stone, being built in our village. I have supported this sensitive development, which is perfectly in tune with the character and ambience of the rest of Shepley, since the early planning stages and it is very satisfying to see the original vision become reality and be so successful.”

Planning and development consultancy Lichfields has relocated its Leeds office to a new, larger space in the heart of the city centre as the team continues to expand. The move marks a significant milestone for the Leeds team, which has grown from just three people when it was established in 2011 to what is soon to be a 20-strong team. Chris Darley, head of Lichfields’ Leeds office, said: “We’re proud of how far the Leeds office has come since we opened our doors with just three members of staff. “The move to larger premises reflects not only our growth in headcount and the expanding range of specialisms and sectors we support, but also the strong and lasting relationships we have built with our clients. “The new space puts us right at the centre of the action, close to many of our clients, partners and key transport links and offers the right environment to take the next step in our development.” The move follows the recent promotion of Emma Gomersal and James Cox to planning directors. James and Emma bring extensive expertise across sectors including strategic land, residential, retail, tourism and infrastructure. Chris added: “We’ve built a fantastic team in Leeds and our success is down to the people we’ve brought on board and developed over time. As we look ahead, the new office gives us the space and setting we need to continue that journey – growing sustainably, delivering for clients and supporting the region’s development priorities.”

Towngate PLC, the commercial and industrial property specialist, has secured a 12-year tenancy for Artisan Bakes Ltd, a wholesale craft bakery based in Wakefield, to support the company’s ongoing expansion. Previously located at Sovereign House, Trinity Business Park, Artisan Bakes now occupies Unit 1, Flanshaw Industrial Estate, Flanshaw Way. The 6,366 sq ft modern warehouse/industrial property provides close proximity to Wakefield City Centre and junction 40 of the M1 motorway, making it an ideal base for the business’s growing logistics. It also features a shared secure yard, ancillary offices, parking, and an eaves height of 6.18 metres. The relocation enables Artisan Bakes to scale production and better serve its customer base. Tom Lamb, property director at Towngate PLC, said: “It’s been a pleasure to assist Artisan with its expansion plans in the region. Flanshaw Industrial Estate is a highly sought-after business hub, and its proximity to key motorway networks will be an invaluable asset for the bakery as it continues to expand. I look forward to visiting and sampling a cake or two!” Jonathan Jacob, senior surveyor at GV Property Consultants, added: “This unit provides a rare food manufacturing facility in a strategic location, and we are pleased to have acted on behalf of Towngate to accommodate Artisan Bakes’ bespoke requirements.” David Hardwick, managing director of Artisan Bakes, said: “We’re excited to start this new chapter as we celebrate a decade of baking excellence. The relocation represents a significant step in our expansion and will help us truly enhance our production capabilities. Towngate’s support has been invaluable in finding the perfect space, accommodating our needs as we continue to innovate and grow.”

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).