Public to have say on plans for development in North Yorkshire
Detailed proposals on how local people will be able to help influence future housing and industrial developments in North Yorkshire are being drawn up.
The Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) will set out how residents, businesses and organisations can have a say in the preparation of the county’s Local Plan, neighbourhood plans and planning applications.
The statutory document will cover all areas of planning where there is engagement with the local community.
Members of North Yorkshire Council’s executive yesterday (Tuesday, 18 July) approved a draft Statement of Community Involvement for the county. This will undergo six weeks of consultation, starting towards the end of the summer. The document will then come back for further consideration before being adopted by the authority.
The council must prepare a Local Plan, excluding the National Parks for the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales, and a minerals and waste plan for the county, with the Statement of Community Involvement one of the first stages in that process.
Executive member for open for business, including planning, Cllr Derek Bastiman, said: “We must prepare and adopt a Local Plan and the first stage in achieving this is setting out our strategy for engagement. We want this process to be inclusive and engaging.
“The long-term ambition of adopting a Local Plan can affect all services, as it will set the tone for development across the county by allocating sites and policies – the statement of community involvement will give local people a chance to have their say.”
Study reveals value of Drax to regional economy
Drax Power Station contributes £358m to regional GDP in Yorkshire and the Humber according to new research.
A study by Oxford Economics consultants is said to demonstrate the key role the power station plays in the economies of Selby and Ainsty, Yorkshire and the Humber and the UK. The report, using data from 2021, shows that the North Yorkshire site and its supply chain, contributed £735m to UK GDP. It also supported 7,130 jobs across the country and delivered a total contribution of £154m in taxes to the UK. The research also found that in the constituency of Selby and Ainsty, 901 people were directly employed by the power station, a further 290 jobs were supported and it contributed £278m to local GDP. Across Yorkshire and the Humber, the combined impact of Drax Power Station was £358m with 2,580 jobs supported. The power station is the largest dispatchable renewable power station in the UK and across its four biomass units it can supply enough power for the equivalent of five million homes. In March this year, almost 50 years of coal generation ended at Drax Power Station. Between October 2021 and 2022, Drax Group generated 11% of the UK’s renewable electricity. In addition, the business produced on average 19% of the UK’s renewables at times of peak demand and up to 70% on certain days. Richard Gwilliam, UK BECCS Programme Director at Drax Group, said: “This research underscores the critical role that Drax Power Station plays regionally and nationally. In Yorkshire and the Humber, our power station has created thousands of jobs and contributed hundreds of millions of pounds to the area’s GDP while helping maintain energy security. “We have been generating power at our North Yorkshire site for nearly 50 years and we hope to do so long into the future through the development of our bioenergy with carbon capture and storage plans.”South Yorkshire auction house makes senior appointment
Mark Jenkinson, the Sheffield property auctioneer that was acquired by Eddisons this year, has appointed a new associate director.
James Vandenbrook joins Mark Jenkinson from chartered surveyor Barnsdales, where he was a director and headed the Doncaster-based firm’s auctions team for more than 10 years.
Adrian Little, senior partner at Mark Jenkinson, said: “James’ auctions expertise and extensive knowledge of the commercial and residential property markets across Yorkshire will be invaluable to our team as we continue to grow. We’re really pleased to welcome him to the Mark Jenkinson and Pugh family, and to the wider Eddisons group.”
Since combining their online monthly auction property listings last month, Mark Jenkinson and Pugh have created one of the largest property auctions in the north. Between them, the two firms have sold commercial, residential and land assets worth over £94m at auction in the last year.
James Vandenbrook said: “Mark Jenkinson has a long-standing reputation in South Yorkshire for its excellence and expertise in property auctions. This is a really exciting time to be joining the firm as its strategic partnership with Pugh expands its geographic reach and network exponentially.”
He added: “I’m looking forward to playing a key role in the firm’s future success, bringing over a decade’s experience of the South Yorkshire property auctions market and the extensive contacts I have built up in my role as head of auctions at Barnsdales.”
British Steel sections used in major airport development
British Steel’s sections are being used in a £200million development at Teesside International Airport’s Business Park South.
When fully operational it will create up to 4,400 jobs in its 1.9 million square feet of logistics, distribution, and industrial buildings.
Key progress has now been made on the first unit of the development with more than 40 tonnes of steel brought onto the site. Work on the new link road to connect the business park is also now nearing completion after beginning earlier this year.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “The first steel on the business park and the construction of the link road are further visible evidence of the excellent progress we are making to transform Teesside Airport from not just a great place for passengers but also as a superb location for business.
“The involvement of local companies and the use of British Steel shows we are ensuring that major projects such as this directly benefit firms and workers in our area.”
Ben Cunliffe, British Steel’s Commercial Director, Construction, said: “We are proud to be supplying our steel into this prestigious development on Teesside.
“British Steel has a vital role to play in supporting the economic growth of the region, and the wider UK, and projects like this demonstrate our commitment to manufacturing the high quality products our customers require.”
Both the link road and first unit are scheduled for completion by the end of the year.
Work completes on Leeds high school extension
The main phase of work on a contemporary two-storey extension at an outstanding Leeds high school completed this week, helping to increase student capacity by over 400.
The lead contractor on the project, Henry Boot Construction, started construction on the new 2,500m2 extension at Allerton High School on King Lane in June 2022.
In addition to the extension, which sees the school’s capacity grow from 1,400 to 1,840, the project added attractive new outdoor landscaping, modernisations to the car park – including new EV charging facilities, and minor refurbishment to an existing block.
In total, the development has added multiple new classrooms and offices, a bespoke suite of rooms to house provision for students with SEND, PE changing rooms, a staff room, a meeting room, a new cafeteria and a kitchen. Now that this primary stage of the development is complete, installation of a Sport England football pitch will begin, with completion set for late 2023.
In September 2022, Allerton welcomed an additional 60 Y7 pupils, aged 11, as part of a phased plan to add more than 400 pupils over the next few years. The new building extension enables the school to add to the overall capacity without greatly increasing individual class sizes – providing the best possible learning environment for their students.
Yorkshire-based Henry Boot has worked closely with Leeds Local Education Partnership, Leeds City Council and design partner NPS Group on this project.
Henry Boot Construction Managing Director, Tony Shaw, said: “We’re delighted to have successfully completed the extension work on Allerton High School. We’ve undertaken a truly collaborative approach alongside the design team, the Council, our local supply chain and, of course, the school itself.
“Consequently, the project ran smoothly and Allerton staff will now have the rest of the summer to get used to their new surroundings and plan for the next academic year.”
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Economy, Culture and Education, said: “We want to ensure that all children in Leeds continue to have access to the best possible education.
“The completed development at Allerton High School will ensure there are more school places available for local children which is a strong focus for the council. It also means that current and new pupils will enjoy and benefit from an enhanced learning environment.”
Andy Haigh, Deputy Headteacher at Allerton High School, added: “Allerton High School is delighted to move into this well-designed and well-constructed building.
“The new classrooms will provide an excellent learning environment for our growing school community and the new cafeteria will allow all our students to enjoy their breaks in comfort.”
Leeds United’s Elland Road ground named as an Asset of Community Value
Leeds United’s Elland Road ground has been named as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) by Leeds City Council.
The council placed Elland Road on its list of ACVs after considering a nomination from the Leeds United Supporters’ Trust (LUST) that was backed by the football club.
The award of ACV status to a building or piece of land means that, should an owner decide to sell, then the local community will normally be given an opportunity to bid for it on the open market.
Elland Road was originally named by the council as one of the city’s ACVs in late 2017, following a previous nomination from LUST.
Under the terms of the Localism Act 2011, sites remain on a local authority’s ACV list for five years at a time.
LUST’s newly-approved nomination was submitted after the recent expiry of Elland Road’s original listing period.
A spokesperson for Leeds City Council said: “The council can confirm that Elland Road has been included in its list of Assets of Community Value following a nomination by the Leeds United Supporters’ Trust.
“As is standard procedure, the nomination was carefully assessed by the council according to criteria set out in the Localism Act 2011.
“When those criteria are met, as they were in this case, then the building or piece of land in question becomes an Asset of Community Value.”
Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “Elland Road is part of the fabric of life in our city, so I’m delighted that it has once again been confirmed as an Asset of Community Value.
“As a season ticket holder, I know how much the ground means to all Leeds fans. It’s seen plenty of ups and downs over the years, but it is our home and long may it remain so.
“As a council, we are hugely proud of Leeds’s reputation as a top-class sporting city and the role that famous venues like Elland Road play in raising our national and international profile.”
49ers Enterprises takes ownership of Leeds United
The EFL has approved the sale of Leeds United Football Club to 49ers Enterprises – the strategic arm of the San Francisco 49ers focused on investments in teams, leagues and other sports properties – paving the way for the immediate transition of ownership.
Paraag Marathe, previously vice chairman and board member of the club, will take over as Leeds United chairman. In this role, Marathe will oversee all aspects of the club, including football and business operations, and drive the strategy to fight for promotion back to the Premier League in the 2023-2024 season.
Marathe takes over from Andrea Radrizzani, who has been majority owner of Leeds United since 2017.
Angus Kinnear, CEO of Leeds United and board member, will remain in his current position, and continue to direct the club’s day-to-day operations.
Rudy Cline-Thomas, founder and managing partner of MASTRY, will join the board as co-owner and vice chairman of the club.
“This is an important moment for Leeds United and we are already hard at work,” said Marathe. “This transition is a necessary reset to chart a new course for the club.
“We have already appointed a highly-respected first team manager with a track record of success, and we are confident Leeds will field a competitive squad to contend for promotion next season. It’s a privilege to carry this torch as I know we have a responsibility to ensure this club makes our staff, players, supporters, and the Leeds and Yorkshire communities proud.”
Cline-Thomas added: “With my family hailing from Leeds, it’s an honour to be able to uplift this incredible community. This is more than just an opportunity, it’s a personal mission. The chance to reinvigorate the cherished Leeds culture, to create a platform that attracts the world’s finest players, and build a truly global brand that celebrates diversity, is a prospect that thrills me.”
49ers Enterprises, led by Marathe and 49ers CEO Jed York, has steadily supported and increased its investment in Leeds United over the past five years. Moving forward, the group will look to enhance all aspects of the club both on and off the pitch.
Marathe, Kinnear, and the club recently announced the appointment of Daniel Farke as first team manager. The club’s leadership has also been laying the groundwork to build a successful squad by retaining key players from last season’s team as well as bringing in new talent.
“49ers Enterprises is bringing fresh leadership, management, and a commitment to investment, which I’m confident will meet our ambition to compete for promotion and remain in the top flight as an established Premier League Club,” said Kinnear. “I know Paraag, Rudy and 49ers Enterprises will keep supporters central to their plans during their custodianship and I am excited to work in realising the true potential of this great club.”
Radrizzani said: “It has been an honour to guide Leeds United over the last six years and to spend so much time with the best fanbase in the world. 49ers Enterprises have been fantastic partners for years and I’m confident they will take Leeds to the next level.”
Yorkshire technology consultancy partner appoints new head of implementation
Technology consultancy partner true9 has appointed Jenna Bennett as the business’s new head of implementation.
Based in Halifax, West Yorkshire, true9 is an established technology consultancy partner that works with businesses seeking cutting-edge digital products and services.
The business has collaborated with organisations such as Channel 4, Lloyds Private Banking and the NHS across a diverse range of projects.
New head of implementation Jenna Bennett will be tasked with helping to lead further business growth as true9 approaches a milestone ninth birthday.
Jenna’s new role will see her engage with clients and colleagues to ensure the smooth and efficient delivery of projects, utilising her significant experience of delivering small, medium and large business solutions across a career in software in technology.
true9 managing partner Chris Richardson said: “Jenna’s appointment is a great milestone for our business and helps to level up our service to clients and overall efficiency.
“Jenna has proven herself to be a highly motivated, hardworking individual with significant experience and a passion for empowering organisations by providing client-focused service and support.
“These qualities make her the perfect fit for true9 as our new head of implementation.”
About her new role, Jenna said: “It’s a proud moment for me to join such a passionate and innovative group of people in such an important role. true9’s values and philosophies are very much in keeping with my own and I’m excited to drive efficiency and add value for our clients as part of this hardworking team.”
Drax commits £1.5m to help schools become more energy efficient
The Drax Foundation has committed £1.5 million this year to help schools install energy-efficient LED lights and solar panels, and deliver energy saving monitoring and education.
The firm, which owns Drax Power Station near Selby, established the Drax Foundation earlier this year to provide grant funding to non-profit organisations in the regions where it operates. The installation of energy-efficient LED lighting initiative is currently being piloted at the following five schools local to Drax’s operations in England:- Barwic Parade Community Primary School in Selby
- Kirk Sandall Junior School in Doncaster
- Selby Abbey Primary School
- Triangle Primary School in Sowerby Bridge
- Great Clacton Junior School in Clacton-on-Sea
Apex Group chosen to provide asset management services for Sheffield Forgemasters
Global asset management specialists Apex Group has been selected by Sheffield Forgemasters to provide long-term support for its major recapitalisation programme.
Sheffield Forgemasters is set to replace significant amounts of plant and equipment to deliver on its re-capitalisation plan, which will see whole new machining facilities created for defence-critical manufacture.
Apex will provide used equipment management services to generate the maximum business benefits for the heavy engineering specialist through the strategic and sympathetic disposal of its surplus industrial assets.
Steve Marshall, manufacturing transformation director at Sheffield Forgemasters, said: “As we progress with our recapitalisation programme, we have a requirement to dispose of numerous assets which will be replaced with state-of-the-art machining facilities.
“The appointment of a dedicated asset management group ensures that these machines are disposed of efficiently, securing maximum return on those assets and ensuring compliance with environmental best-practice.”
Five large machines are scheduled for disposal by the end of 2023, including large horizontal boring machines and lathes, with a further three ultra-large machines scheduled to go by the end of 2026. 2027 – 2028 will see seven more ultra-large machines decommissioned.
Steve added: “These assets are some of the largest machines of their kind in Europe, so decommissioning them is a key logistical project. Consideration of the circular economy through this disposal process will be a priority, ensuring that precious resources are re-utilised where possible.”
Apex Group aims to bridge the gap between buyer and seller, using a trading platform, a global buyer database, and targeted marketing and sales strategies in the disposal of Sheffield Forgemasters’ mature assets.
Apex Group’s Managing Director, Stephen Dugard, said: “Apex is proud to be involved with this iconic UK company at this time of major strategic investment and growth. It is great to add an organisation with the stature of Sheffield Forgemasters to our expanding list of corporate accounts working under long-term master services agreements.”
