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201 new homes approved for Castleford
Wakefield Councillors have voted to progress the development of 201 new homes in the Whitwood area of Castleford.
Members of Wakefield Council’s planning committee approved Persimmon’s plans for phase 2 of its Sycamore Gardens development. 201 new homes will be provided on the site located close to junction 31 of the M62. Homebuyers will be able to choose from a mix of properties ranging from bungalows and one-bedroom properties through to 2, 3 and 4 bedroom terraced, semi-detached and detached houses. The bungalows will be fully adaptable to meet the needs of wheelchair users. 60 of the 201 new homes will be transferred to a local housing association offering properties for social rent as well as intermediate or shared ownership. The development will boast two main areas of public open space including a children’s play area. Cycle and pedestrian links will also be created, linking the development to local amenities including a local play park as well as through to the local primary school. Every house will be completely gas free with properties powered by air source heat pumps. Each home will also benefit from having an electric vehicle charging point. A 10% diversity net gain will be delivered using nearby land, while nearly £400,000 will be paid to Wakefield Council via the Community Infrastructure Levy. Another £145,000 will go towards improving local bus stops and bus services in the area. James Parkin, land director at Persimmon West Yorkshire, said: “We’re pleased that committee members have voted to reaffirm the Council’s recommendation for approval. The scheme offers an exciting opportunity to provide much needed family housing in Castleford. “As well as providing a mix of house sizes for families and downsizers, home owners will enjoy significant areas of green space, cycle routes, play areas and new footpaths. “This proposed scheme will also provide over half a million pounds in funding for local transport and wider infrastructure improvements.”BCC predicts benefits for SMEs from UK membership of Asia-Pacific trading bloc
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Sophie joins Richardsons in interior design role
Bradford-based office design firm Richardsons has appointed Sophie Powell as a new graduate interior designer.
Thornton-based Sophie will be supporting the company on day-to-day activities including space planning, interior design, creating technical visuals and offering customers design solutions at varying budgets.
Sophie said: “I was looking for an interior design job and keen to stay local to Bradford, so I was thrilled to come across the opportunity at Richardsons.
“It’s such a positive workplace, I’ve already gained so much experience from the team around me and had the opportunity to visit client sites, create design plans and learn about all of the different pieces of the puzzle that come together when we’re creating a space that is entirely tailored to the client’s needs. I’m looking forward to getting stuck into more projects and supporting the team at all the different stages of design.
“Everyone here embodies going above and beyond whether that’s sourcing a niche fabric from a specific manufacturer or working historic or nostalgic artefacts into modern design spaces – it’s a really exciting company to have started my interior design career with.”
Richardsons has designed spaces for organisations including Bradford Grammar School, Professional Security, Slimming World and Emerald Group, working closely with clients to manage design, fit out and furniture supply, creating welcoming, practical areas.
MD Steven Richardson said: “Sophie has already proven to be a wonderful asset to the team, bringing with her impressive design skills and a real aptitude for creative design proposals and ideas.
“We’re always keen to hire local talent and having Sophie join the team at such a pivotal time in the industry has been an incredible asset, as we continue to grow and develop our offerings. The common workplace has changed in so many ways over the last few years that it’s imperative we innovate alongside it and growing the team is an integral part of that.”
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Incommunities appoints new executive director of finance
Bradford-based housing provider Incommunities has appointed John Wright as its new executive director of finance.
John joins from River Clyde Homes, where he is the executive director of group services overseeing finance, HR, communications, IT, governance, and procurement.
With more than 20 years of experience in the housing sector, John has extensive experience in finance, governance, and change management.
His previous positions include director of finance at landlord and developer Thirteen which manages 35,000 homes across Teesside and other parts of the North East and Yorkshire, and various other senior roles.
He is a board member and audit and risk committee member at Ongo Homes, and a fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.
Chief Executive of Incommunities, Rachael Dennis, said: “I am delighted John is joining us. He will bring extensive experience in finance and leadership, along with an unwavering dedication to social housing, which will be of immense value as we continue on our journey to grow, drive change and improve services for our customers.”
John Wright added: “It is an exciting time to be joining and I am thrilled to embrace this new challenge at Incommunities. I am looking forward to working with the team and I welcome the opportunity to contribute to Incommunities’ mission of building thriving communities and enhancing lives.”
John will begin his new role in August 2023.