More low-energy homes proposed for York’s Ordnance Lane development

Tess Egginton
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More low-energy homes proposed for York’s Ordnance Lane development

A new planning application is proposing an extra 16 low-energy, 100% affordable homes at the City of York Council’s Ordnance Lane site, to be set in even more green space.

Following Executive’s decision in November 2023 to build 100% affordable homes off Fulford Road, these zero-carbon in use homes are proposed to increase in number from 85 to 101. To create these extra 16 homes, the number of larger properties for mixed generation households will be reduced. The space will instead be used to create more in-demand 1 and 2 bedroomed homes, which will all be offered in a variety of affordable tenures. The 90 new-build homes are all designed to meet Passivhaus standards. This will reduce residents’ heating and cooling requirements by 75% when compared with average new builds. The 11 new homes in the Victorian married quarters building will be refurbished and retrofitted to a high environmental standard. Renewable energy will be generated on site using, for example, photovoltaic roof panels. Low-energy heating measures in the homes will include air source heat pumps. All help to reduce carbon footprint and residents’ energy bills. Across the development, wildlife and urban garden plots will help drainage and reduce overheating risks expected from climate change. A minimum 145 new trees – including fruiting varieties – will be planted and 4 existing mature trees will be kept. Residents will also be given planters and growing spaces on balconies and in shared gardens where they can meet and help build a thriving community. Work to clear the site and prepare the land to build on will start this Spring. Cllr Michael Pavlovic, Executive Member for Housing, said: “These revised plans meet our commitment to give more residents access to high-quality, affordable housing which supports good health and our climate change ambitions across the city. “The original site proposals, co-designed with local residents, won the National Housing Design Award 2023. We hope you will continue your involvement and help us build a thriving new community by commenting on these plans before the end of March.” Cllr Jenny Kent, Executive Member for Environment, said: “All the homes on this exciting site will be zero-carbon in use. Residents’ low energy needs for heating, hot water and lighting will be met on site by renewable energy generation measures such as solar panels. “The new plans propose wide and car-free shared routes to connect with the neighbourhood. Increased cycle and cargo bike parking spaces will help promote healthier, cleaner and more affordable travel choices at this well-connected site. “Increased green space will support on-site drainage and create places to grow food, play outdoors and help build the community.”

Yorkshire linseed paint manufacturer expands

Tess Egginton
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Yorkshire linseed paint manufacturer expands

Environmentally sustainable linseed paint manufacturer Brouns and Co has relocated to new premises in Sherburn in Elmet to accommodate the firm’s growth, after reporting a 400% increase in export sales to the US in the last three years.

Brouns & Co, which moved production of its all-natural linseed paint to Yorkshire in 2022, has relocated from Garforth to a site at Bypass Park Industrial Estate in Sherburn in Elmet. The paint’s primary ingredient, flax seed, is harvested at nearby Collingham.

Designed for use on timber and metal as both a coating and a preservative, Brouns & Co linseed paint has seen a leap in sales both in the UK and the US, where it has taken off with owners and custodians of the historic and new timber-built properties that are a feature of the East Coast.

US sales have quadrupled to over £100,000 since 2021 and the business reported a record quarter at the end of 2023.

Brouns & Co CEO, property restoration expert Michiel Brouns, said: “Demand for linseed paint has really taken off, particularly in the US, where the problem of how best to preserve ageing timber buildings is a real headache for owners and conservation societies.

“Linseed paint was used for centuries before the advent of the modern plastics-based paints that we now see are having an environmentally devastating effect, polluting our waterways and oceans with microplastics.

“Linseed paint is vastly superior to plastic-based paints in its abilities to preserve wood, for centuries in many cases. It is absorbed by the timber and allows it to wick moisture out, ensuring it won’t rot, and we are really pleased to be bringing this product back to market.”

Brouns & Co’s relocation to its new Sherburn in Elmet unit will enable the business, which employs a team of seven, to manufacture the paint, and store raw ingredients as well as tins of the finished product, on one site.

“Now we have everything in one location which makes everything work better logistically and will enable us to grow as a business. We hope to be creating new jobs over the coming months,” said Mr Brouns.

Approval sought for Yorkshire affordable homes scheme

Tess Egginton
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Approval sought for Yorkshire affordable homes scheme
The development of dozens of affordable homes in a North Yorkshire town has been submitted for reserved matters approval following outline permission for the site received in January. The move would see North of England affordable house builder Adderstone Living  deliver a mix of 68 one, two, three and four bedroomed properties on a plot of land at East Cowton, near Hambleton in North Yorkshire. The 3.2ha site is being designed and developed by Adderstone Living for Karbon Homes, who will eventually manage the scheme. Close to existing residential housing, the project will see 40% of the overall site area retained as open space to retain the existing rural character of the area. Housing will also feature improved site access with a new road layout together with parking space for 139 vehicles, which include 14 visitor parking bays. A key element is the focus around a scheme designed to minimise the impact of the new homes on current residential amenities and the outlook of nearby housing, through the creation of buffer zones to the north and east of the site. North Yorkshire Council will review the reserved matters planning and on-site if approved construction work is expected to start in the Summer with the first phase complete the following year. The project comes as the Government continues to push for the delivery of new homes to meet the chronic housing shortage and arrest the decline in the affordability of home ownership. Adderstone Living Managing Director Stephen McCoy said: “This would be great news for local people keen to get on the housing ladder. We’re really excited about this project and very much look forward to bringing this much needed scheme, with its mix of property types and sizes to provide options for residents at varying stages of life, to fruition. “Indeed, the delivery of social housing has never been more important than at present and with the commercial pressures on the sector, to deliver high quality, added value schemes in places where people want to live and build communities.”

Sheffield company makes global leap in nuclear welding technology

Tess Egginton
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Sheffield company makes global leap in nuclear welding technology
Completion of the first full sized Small Modular Reactor (SMR) nuclear vessel demonstrator assembly at Sheffield Forgemasters has signalled a global leap in welding technology. Sheffield Forgemasters has pioneered the industrialisation of Local Electron-Beam Welding (LEBW), and complete weld-assembly of the vessel marks a pivotal moment in global welding development, taking less than 24 hours to complete four, thick, nuclear-grade welds, typically requiring a year of work to complete. With a diameter of three meters and a wall thickness of 200mm, construction of the vessel showcases the reliability and capabilities of LEBW, setting a dramatic new standard for weld-joining thick walled components, previously untrialled in a demonstrator model. Professor Jesus Talamantes-Silva, Research, Design and Technology Director at Sheffield Forgemasters, said: “We are delighted to have reached a significant milestone in assembling a nuclear vessel demonstrator, using electron beam welding for the first time at this scale, with 100 per cent success and no defects.” Sheffield Forgemasters deployed specially developed parameters, meticulously fine-tuned during the welding development stage, including innovative sloping-in and sloping-out techniques to start and finish the weld, ensuring a clean and complete weld-join. It is the only company in the UK with the capability to manufacture the large forgings required for SMRs, and it now has years of developmental lead on global competitors in welding thick-walled assemblies. Dr Michael Blackmore, Senior Development Engineer and Project lead, said: “The implication of this technology within the nuclear industry is monumental, potentially taking high cost welding processes out of the equation. “Not only does this reduce the need for weld-inspections, because the weld-join replicates the parent material, but it could also dramatically speed up the roll-out of SMR reactors across the UK and beyond, that’s how disruptive the LEBW breakthrough is.” The demonstration of LEBW technology’s potential opens new horizons for more efficient, low cost and less time-heavy nuclear assemblies and also has far reaching implications for other projects which require thick walled welded assemblies. Dr Jacob Pope, Development Engineer and LEBW machine tool installation lead, added: “We thank the Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero for enabling the project through its Nuclear Innovation Program. “We also thank our esteemed partner, Cambridge Vacuum Engineering, for their invaluable support throughout this endeavour. Their remote and on-site assistance played an instrumental role in the success of this milestone, highlighting the collaborative spirit that drives us forward.” Future company activities include an upcoming joint industrial project supported by key participants from the USA and UK. The objective is to initiate a code case or multiple cases to facilitate the deployment of this technology in accordance with the standards set by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).

Yorkshire leather merchant secures funding for expansion

Tess Egginton
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Yorkshire leather merchant secures funding for expansion
A Yorkshire leather merchant that is also a supplier of traditional Highland dress and menswear has secured a £265,000 loan for expansion from NPIF – Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund. J Wood Leathers is one of the top leather wholesalers in the UK, supplying a wide range of skins and hides to customers including high street retailers and clothing manufacturers. Following a request to supply kilt straps over 18 years ago, the company has built a thriving trade selling highland wear ranging from sporrans to kilt hose and ghillie brogues. It also runs an online shop supplying skins and craft products to hobbyists. Based in Keighley, J Wood was established 25 years ago by Julian Wood and his wife Margaret. Their son Jack, who joined as a school leaver 15 years ago, took over as managing director in January this year. The funding will help him pursue his growth plans which include expanding online sales and product ranges. Jack says: “I’m proud to take over the family business which my parents worked so hard to build. J Wood Leathers is well established in the UK leather industry, however the internet is opening up new opportunities for traditional businesses like ours. “We are keen to raise the profile of our J Wood Highland brand and develop new product lines. With increased interest in crafts and hobbies, there is also potential for us to offer a one-stop shop to supply this market and build online communities.” Gary Whitaker of Mercia Debt added: “Jack is bringing fresh ideas to this established and successful family business, and has already succeeded in boosting sales through initiatives such as the launch of the online store. This funding will enable him to open up new markets and increase stock levels to keep up with growing demand.” Nicola Hudson of Walkers Accountants in Keighley and Taryn Preen of ABL Business provided fundraising advice to the company.

Chancellor urged to use budget to create climate in which businesses can grow

Stuart Pearcey
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Chancellor urged to use budget to create climate in which businesses can grow
The British Chambers of Commerce is calling for the Chancellor to use next month’s Budget to work in partnership with business to develop a sustainable growth plan. The organisation is calling for:
  • Government to match industry-led funding of £3m for planning qualifications to help plug the lack of local resource
  • Ministers should commit to fund business led Local Skills Improvement Plans beyond the current 2025 cut off point to at least 2028
  • The VAT registration review should be restarted with a view to removing the existing cliff edge
  • Government should reform business rates to make it a tax that incentivises growth
  • The Chancellor should introduce a new internationally competitive tax-free shopping scheme
Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC said businesses wanted to work in partnership with Government to get the UK economy growing again. “The Chancellor has shown he is in listening mode. At the Autumn Statement we were pleased to see full expensing made permanent and business rate relief. The Budget is an opportunity to build on that good work and further accelerate help for business. “Our recommendations are solution focused. We’re actively working with industry to develop a UK-wide, private sector funded programme to train more planners to work in local planning authorities, to boost their planning skills and capacity. Alongside our fund, we’re calling for the Chancellor to provide more funding to LPA’s in greatest need of skills. That will support the authorities, to employ the additional graduates and upskilled professionals we are training. Unlocking our planning system is crucial to economic growth. “Our latest research shows that many SMEs are struggling because of business rates, and are limiting their expansion plans because of the VAT threshold.  The Chancellor should use his statement next month to announce plans to make rates fairer and restart the VAT registration review. “Attracting, retaining and developing people with the right skills is crucial for business. But far too many employers are struggling to do that. Business-led Local Skills Improvement  Plans (LSIPs) are key to resolving skills shortages. They are  already making a huge difference in communities across England. LSIPs need long-term commitment and funding, to ensure people can access the training they need for great jobs. “A new internationally competitive tax-free shopping scheme would help turbocharge the UK’s retail and hospitality sectors, bringing benefit to all corners of the UK through economic growth and tax revenue.  The Government must signal that the UK is open for business. “With the clock ticking before the General Election, next month’s Budget must outline the sustainable growth plan businesses are crying out for.”

Rasen repairs restore frontage of flagship building

Stuart Pearcey
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Rasen repairs restore frontage of flagship building
Specialist contractors have carried out repairs to the exterior 9-10 Market Place in Market Rasen town centre, the second major building to benefit from funding from the town’s Historic Building Grant Scheme. West Lindsey District Council is funding a partnership with a local steering group made up of businesses, councils, and conservationists on the pilot project, which aims to unlock the potential of the town’s heritage assets by supporting the regeneration of significant buildings in the centre of Market Rasen. The former bank at 9- 10 Market Place, has had a number of repairs made to it including repairing and decoration to the windows, installation of new doors and fan lights and repairs and redecoration of the render. Now completed, the building makes a significant contribution to the historic diversity of the marketplace. Cllr Stephen Bunney, ward member for Market Rasen, has welcomed the completion of the work. He said: “We have been eagerly watching the work take place on the building and I am delighted to see the scaffolding has now been removed to highlight this historic building, refurbished and back to its former glory. “These works not only give a visual boost to the area in terms of visual appeal, they also help conserve part of the town’s rich heritage and ensure they are an attractive proposition to be used in our wonderful town centre.” The grant helps to fund work to improve and conserve historic buildings, using traditional materials and techniques in keeping with the heritage of the area. This includes work such as the repairing timber windows and shopfronts, removing unsightly paintwork, or repairing or renewing damaged render. It also can include new, traditional hand painted signage, which is more in-keeping with the properties. Local heritage representative Neil Taylor said it was great to see the completion of the second building being developed as part of this scheme. He said: “Local people will be happy to see this, and other buildings being transformed, vastly improving the visual appearance and improving the heritage of our much-loved town.” The project will now turn its attention the former bank at 7 Market Place in the spring, followed by 5-6 Market Place.
 

Elsham firm gets £13,000 cash injection to boost productivity

Stuart Pearcey
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Elsham firm gets £13,000 cash injection to boost productivity
Elsham-based speciality chemicals and gas supplier Blended Products is the latest North Lincolnshire business to benefit from Government cash to accelerate growth. The company – which has a Europe-wide customer base – received a £13,000 cash injection to supercharge productivity. The team at Blended used the cash to invest in a new Enterprise Resource Planning, revolutionising internal operations, increasing efficiency, and slashing costs. Jayne Blenkin, the company’s financial director, said: “This grant has been a real game-changer for our business, enabling us to fast-track the implementation of the Enterprise Resource Planning software that is crucial to our continued growth. “We would like to thank everyone involved in the delivery of this UKSPF funding for their commitment to developing skills and empowering organisations and driving growth within communities and businesses.” The business is one of several dozen which have collectively invested more than £2.2m after being backed with £300,000 Government cash – creating and protecting more than 250 jobs locally. Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Blended Products is a North Lincolnshire success story – a family-run business which has grown year-on-year to become experts in the chemical gas industry, serving brands across the globe from their base at Elsham Industrial Park. “With the hard work of businesses like Blended, and millions of pounds of Government investment, we are powering North Lincolnshire’s economy, creating well-paid, sustainable jobs and building a prosperous future.” Other North Lincolnshire businesses which have benefitted from UKSPF funding include Trent Refractories, Sentex Hydraulix and Harlequin Office Furniture. They are just some of dozens which have invested the £2.2m after being backed with £300,000 Government cash from the £2.6bn UK Shared Prosperity Fund – which is part of the levelling up agenda and is designed to boost productivity and tackle inequality. More than 250 jobs were created and protected thanks to the scheme run by North Lincolnshire Council. The businesses invested in new machinery, IT equipment, software, marketing support to attract new clients and a raft of green technologies including solar panels, LED lights and new efficient heating systems.

County Council builds six new industrial units in Skegness

Stuart Pearcey
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County Council builds six new industrial units in Skegness

Six new industrial units have been built at Skegness Business Park, as part of the county council’s continued commitment to supporting businesses of all sizes.

In the last few years, Skegness Business Park has undergone a £2.4m revamp and expansion, funded by the Greater Lincolnshire LEP and Lincolnshire County Council. As part of this, local company Manorcrest have developed six new industrial units at the site. Up to nine acres of serviced land at the Holly Road site, is also now available for start-ups, growing businesses and business re-location to Skegness, supporting the year-round economy in the area. Cllr Colin Davie, executive councillor for economy and place, said: “The county council plays a really important role in providing the right environment for business success and growth. We’ve been forward-thinking in developing sites ready to attract new enterprises and allow our local companies to grow. The purchase of land, its development and then onward sales takes time, but particularly where there will be new housing, we need to ensure there are jobs and business infrastructure to go alongside it.” Ruth Carver, Chief Executive of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP stated, “These new industrial units will provide much needed business space for the area enabling new jobs and business expansion opportunities, but also supporting local ambitions for development of housing and community uses in the area.”

British Steel trials hybrid loco on Scunthorpe site

Stuart Pearcey
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0
British Steel trials hybrid loco on Scunthorpe site

An ‘environmentally friendly’ 90-tonne, hybrid locomotive is currently shunting around the rail tracks at British Sterl’s Scunthorpe site as part of a new trial.

The Class 18 CBD90 loco, hired by British Steel from rolling stock lease hire suppliers Beacon Rail Leasing Limited, has been brought to North Lincolnshire from the West Midlands.

The loco, according to its manufacturers Clayton Equipment Limited, has ‘zero emissions, low noise, low maintenance and ease of operation’, running primarily on a lead acid battery which is charged up using a diesel engine battery charging system or on-site electrical supply.

With a maximum speed of 20kmph and a fuel tank capacity of 800 litres, the loco’s axles each weigh 22.5 tonnes with the capability to pull 2,500 tonnes.

Testing the Class 18 loco’s performance is part of the company’s Decarbonisation Strategy, and the team analysing its operations will look at its efficiency, reliability, availability of spare parts and the potential reduction in maintenance costs.

Site Operations Manager – Internal Logistics, Trev Charlton, said: “This is one of a number of options we are considering to reduce our carbon footprint, and we are currently searching worldwide for a suitable powered shunting locomotive alternative. This is the first time British Steel has trialled a hybrid loco on site as an alternative form of loco power.

“We are particularly interested in the duty cycle of the hybrid battery. From the specifications, the loco has sufficient power for our operations, and we are keen to establish how long it can be operated without being plugged in. This will help us establish how many we will potentially need to purchase – if they are the correct solution for the business. We are also extremely interested in how it performs in colder weather.”

Beacon Director – Commercial, Viren Walia, said: “This is a battery-powered 90-tonne shunting locomotive capable of hauling loads of up to 2,500 tonnes. The loco can be charged through a three-phase supply and has remote control capability.”

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