Plans to develop 60-acre East Leeds site move step closer following allocation into local plan
Plans to develop a strategic 60-acre site in East Leeds have moved a step closer following its confirmed allocation into the Leeds Site Allocation Plan (SAP) for major employment use.
The site, known locally as Brown Moor, is situated adjacent to Scarborough Group International’s Thorpe Park Leeds business destination and The Springs retail and leisure centre.
Bounded by the M1 motorway and TransPennine railway line, the site already benefits from connectivity to key infrastructure such as the East Leeds Orbital Route (ELOR) and established bus routes through Thorpe Park Leeds.
Last year, Scarborough Group International (SGI) tabled proposals to develop the site for a major new employment park, submitting an outline planning application for up to 55,417 sq m (596,500 sq ft) of purpose-built accommodation.
‘Integral’, as the proposed development has been named, aims to deliver a range of high-quality buildings suitable for companies of different sizes within the advanced manufacturing, logistics and industrial sectors, with the potential to support around 1,700 new jobs.
The scheme will retain the vast majority of the established woodland and hedgerows across the site, while adding to these with new green spaces and landscaping corridors to seamlessly connect into the existing amenities and public rights of way within the adjacent Thorpe Park Leeds, The Springs, and local conurbations to the East and West of the site.
Adam Varley, Development Director at SGI, said: “We are delighted that Brown Moor has been allocated with the Local Plan following recommendations from the Planning Inspectorate.
“We see that site as a key strategic site to allow the expansion of Thorpe Park Leeds and our development proposals support the continued growth of the park and future diversifying the mix of employment opportunities generating major economic benefits for the region.
“The logistics sector is one of the fastest growing areas of employment in the UK and our plans and proposals for the scheme will deliver against a tight supply of prime space within West Yorkshire designed to cater for sustainable business practice as well as attracting exceptional talent.”
SGI hopes to be able to submit a detailed planning application for the first phase of development in the second half of the year upon the determination of the current outline application.
Vital Energi gets £22m to build Hull East District Heat Network
Vital Energi has been awarded more than £22m from the Green Heat Network Fund for the commercialisation and construction of the Hull East District Heat Network, which will use waste heat from industry, with Phase 1 utilising heat from the Saltend Chemicals Park.
The heat network will provide low carbon heating to 14 council buildings and a mixture of industrial customers, helping to decarbonise one of the UK’s industrial hotspots. As part of the network, Hull East is also hoping to secure green solar energy to help power the network whilst feeding energy into other customers across Yorkshire Energy Park, a next generation energy and technology business park currently in development. Construction of the heat network is expected to begin later this year, and could expand to supply further connections and use using other renewable heat sources across the energy park once completed. Vital Energi MD Mike Cooke said: “Taking waste heat from Saltend Chemicals Park situated on the Yorkshire Energy Park, we aim to decarbonise commercial and residential buildings across Hull, bringing them closer to a net zero future with low carbon heat and hot water.” Lots of waste energy is generated in various industrial processes as well as in our daily activities. Manufacturing and human waste disposal processes produce waste heat as a by-product which can be harnessed to produce low-cost, low carbon heating. Today, funding from the Green Heat Network Fund continues to enable innovative solutions like these to be deployed.Uniper reveals plans for Humber hydrogen project
Uniper has outlined its plans for the Humber H2ub® (Green) project, to produce electrolytic hydrogen which meets the UK Low Carbon Hydrogen Standard at its Killingholme site, in the Humber region.
The Humber H2ub® (Green) project includes plans for an initial electrolytic hydrogen production capacity of up to 120 MW, with the potential for future expansion. The green hydrogen production facility would be developed as part of Uniper’s wider aspirations for the Killingholme Energy Transformation Hub.
Uniper and Phillips 66 Limited have signed a collaboration agreement to work together towards a supply of green hydrogen from the Humber H2ub® (Green) project to Phillips 66 Limited’s Humber Refinery from 2029. The hydrogen would be used to replace refinery fuel gas in industrial-scale fired heaters, as part of Phillips 66 Limited’s plans to reduce the Humber Refinery’s scope 1 operational emissions.
Hydrogen production is a key pillar of Uniper’s strategy, and the aim is to build more than 1 GW of electrolyser capacity across the business by 2030.
The Humber H2ub® (Green) project development and the supply agreement with Phillips 66 Limited are subject to financial investment approval from Uniper’s and Phillips 66 Limited’s management, and several pre-conditions that would have to be satisfied; including securing the necessary planning consents and environmental permit, agreement on terms for the hydrogen offtake and a Low Carbon Hydrogen Agreement with the UK Government.
Guy Phillips, Team Lead, Business Development Hydrogen, UK for Uniper, said: “The Humber H2ub® (Green) project is a key part of Uniper’s hydrogen ambitions in the UK and we’re pleased to be collaborating on it with Phillips 66 Limited.
“The Humber region is recognised as the UK’s most carbon intensive industrial region and hydrogen will be vital in decarbonising and securing the region’s economy. The Humber H2ub® (Green) project could make an important contribution to kick starting the hydrogen economy in the Humber region.
“Our Killingholme site is ideally placed with excellent utilities infrastructure. It has the potential to support the UK’s hydrogen and decarbonisation ambitions, creating new high-skilled employment opportunities and ensuring the site continues to make a valuable contribution to the regional economy.”
Duncan Hammond, Humber’s Decarbonisation Projects Manager at Phillips 66 Limited, said: “We are excited to collaborate with Uniper on their low carbon hydrogen project. Hydrogen refuelling will be a big step in lowering the refinery’s emissions as we evolve with the energy transition. Energy security is vital for the UK.
“Utilising technologies such as low carbon hydrogen produced by electrolysis and also carbon capture will enable us to continue to produce essential products for the transport sector and supply chain, some of which are used in the production of electric vehicle batteries, wind turbine blades, pharmaceuticals and much more. We believe hydrogen will attract new industry, protect jobs, and develop the local economy.”
Equans cuts home energy bills by half in £25m Leeds scheme
Two years of work by contractor Equans in a £25m energy efficiency improvements scheme in Leeds means hundreds of council flats will see heating costs halved.
The company began work in late 2022 to transform seven tower blocks as part of Leeds City Council’s drive to deliver high-quality homes while also tackling fuel poverty and the climate emergency.
Improvements have been completed at six of the blocks – Parkway Court, Parkway Grange and Parkway Towers in Seacroft and Lovell Park Grange, Lovell Park Heights and Lovell Park Towers in Little London.
The work has included the reroofing of buildings and the installation of new external wall insulation and ventilation systems. – will reduce the amount of energy needed to heat individual flats.
Sean Corcoran, regional director at Equans, said: “The transformation of these flats will have a long-lasting positive impact on residents’ lives by making their homes more comfortable and reducing energy bills at a time when living costs are so high.
“Housing is one of the biggest contributors to the UK’s carbon emissions, so projects like this play a crucial role in improving the environment. We’re proud to be supporting the council in its ambitions to make Leeds a more sustainable place to live.”
Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said: “Reducing Leeds’s carbon footprint is a priority for the council, but it’s important that this is done in a fair way that also helps improve standards of living in all our local communities.
“The benefits of such an approach are perfectly demonstrated by the changes at these flats in Seacroft, Little London and West Park, where emissions and energy bills are both set to be significantly reduced.
“The scheme is also testament to the power of partnership working, with Equans playing a vital role alongside the council in bringing about a bright new era for the properties and everyone living there.”
Planning permission granted for Louth residential development
Planning permission has been granted to developer Charterpoint and housebuilder Snape Properties for a 90-home residential development in Louth.
It marks the sixth and final phase of the popular Westfield Park scheme masterminded by Charterpoint.
The developer has now sold the 12-acre site off Daisy Way to Snape Properties – paving the way for work to get under way on the final 90 homes.
Once these have been delivered, the 47-acre site will be complete – featuring a total of 330 homes, plus Meadows Park Care Home.
Adrian Goose, CEO of Charterpoint, said: “Westfield Park has developed into a flourishing community and this additional piece of land will facilitate the natural extension of it. It is the sixth and final phase of a residential scheme that we are very proud to have masterminded.
“The site off Daisy Way will provide 90 much-needed homes for the Louth area, and we are delighted that East Lindsey District Council has granted full planning permission for the scheme, which allows building work to start.”
The 90 properties include a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom homes, plus a children’s play area, surface water attenuation ponds, wildflower meadows, sustainable drainage and an amenity lawn for communal informal recreation.
The site, which is bounded by the A16 Louth bypass to the north west and by Westfield Park to the south and east, will include green infrastructure to provide an attractive quality environment for residents and visitors with consideration given to access for pedestrians and cyclists, enhancement of wildlife biodiversity, sustainable drainage solutions and promotion of use of outdoor spaces for improved mental and physical health and well-being.
Open water, swales and ditches are also included as part of the sustainable drainage strategy to contribute to local biodiversity.
Increased GDP? Too early to celebrate yet, says FSB Policy Chair
Responding to Office for National Statistics figures showing that GDP rose by 0.2% in January 2024 compared with the previous month, the organiser’s Policy Chair Tina McKenzie said: “An increase in GDP is an encouraging start to the year, and one small firms will be relieved to see, as it raises hopes that we may be pulling out of the shallow recession declared following low levels of negative growth through the second half of 2023.
“It’s too early to celebrate with any great level of vigour, however, as small firms are certainly finding the going tough at the moment.
“The recent Budget contained some help for small firms, notably the raising of the VAT threshold from £85,000 to £90,000 and the cut to National Insurance contributions, but small firms hoped for more help with day-to-day costs.
“This isn’t just about existing businesses starting to turn to growth in 2024; this is about creating the conditions for people to set up in business for the very first time, the next generation of start-ups who will make up the ground we lost during the Covid years when the UK small business population contracted by 500,000, losing one in 10 of them.
“Our Small Business Index research has found particular cause for concern among hospitality and retail firms, which are trailing far behind the overall average in terms of confidence levels. Indeed, one in eight firms in the hospitality sector expect to close entirely in the next 12 months, nearly four times the rate for all businesses, which should be a huge wake-up call to the Government about the dangers facing many thousands of small businesses.
“Small businesses contribute an enormous amount to the economy, and a sustainable recovery will be built on their success and growth. Today’s news must be built on if it is not to turn into another false dawn for small firms.”
Onto takes ownership of almost 850 homes from The Guinness Partnership
Social housing provider Ongo has taken ownership of almost 850 homes in North Lincolnshire, North East Lincolnshire, and East Midlands after bidding to buy them from The Guinness Partnership.
The move supports Ongo’s aims of increasing its stock size through development and acquisition so it can continue to grow and offer more services to more people in the region.
Four colleagues from The Guinness Partnership will join Ongo, with the impact on services being closely monitored and potential further growth being considered.
Steve Hepworth, Chief Executive at Ongo said: “Once we knew that Guinness were selling these homes, we felt it was an exciting opportunity for us and aligned well with our future aims as a business.
“As one of the largest landlords in the region we already have the people and resources needed in the area and can also offer the additional services that we provide such as training, skills development and support services.
“This is truly exciting for Ongo and I’m very proud of all of the work colleagues have put in to make it happen and to our tenants, new and old, for embracing the decision.
“It’s the largest amount of homes we’ve ever acquired and it demonstrates our commitment to not only growth, but making sure we’re a strong and stable organisation that our tenants can rely on.”
Catriona Simons, Chief Executive at The Guinness Partnership said: “We chose to work with Ongo as they have a good reputation for customer service and investing in their homes. Thank you to Ongo and to Guinness colleagues for making this transfer possible.”
Innocent postmasters get £600,000 and have convictions quashed
Hundreds of innocent sub-postmasters wrongly convicted as a result of the Horizon scandal will have their convictions quashed following landmark legislation that’s just been introduced.
This blanket exoneration, delivered through the Post Office (Horizon System) Offences Bill, will quash convictions brought about by erroneous Horizon evidence, clearing the names of many people who have had their lives ruined.
Affected sub-postmasters will receive an interim payment with the option of immediately taking a fixed and final offer of £600,000, so that they can finally begin to rebuild their lives.
Under the proposed Bill, convictions will be automatically quashed if they meet the following criteria:
- Were prosecuted by the Post Office or Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
- Were for offences carried out in connection with Post Office business between 1996 and 2018.
- Were for relevant offences such as theft, fraud and false accounting.
- Were against sub-postmasters, their employees, officers, family members or direct employees of the Post Office working in a Post Office that used the Horizon system software.
Sheffield to share in upskilling funding of more than £1billion
Sheffield is to get 150 training places for people to qualify in future tech like artificial intelligence, and others that could transform areas like medicine, 6G and quantum computing, thanks to a package of more than £1.1 billion to skill-up the country.
The city shares with Glasgow, Edinburgh, Bristol and Manchester to benefit from the UK’s biggest-ever investment in engineering and physical science doctoral skills – the highest university degrees. Over £1 billion from government, business, charities and academia will train over 4,000 talented students across the UK, from Edinburgh to Bristol, in 65 Centres for Doctoral Training – ensuring the UK’s brightest minds have exciting opportunities to fulfil their ambitions closer to home.
Science and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan said: “Building on our reforms to the skills system will require work from each and every one of us – universities, schools, and businesses.
“By doubling down on our investments in skills and backing British business, we can lay the foundations for an economy fit for the future – an economy that creates jobs and improves lives for communities up and down the country.”
FirstGroup completes takeover of York Pullman bus company
The sale of long-established family business York Pullman Bus Company to FirstGroup plc has been completed.
MD Tom James will remain with York Pullman and continue to run the business under the same name with support from his existing team and First Bus, which is FirstGroup’s bus division. The deal has been competed with advisory services fromaccountancy firm Azets and regional law firm Andrew Jackson.
Nick Barker, Corporate Finance Partner from Azets Yorkshire acted for York Pullman, with Karen Sadler, Senior Manager in Tax Advisory, providing the tax support. They worked closely with Mr James as well as a legal team led by Susie Mortonson, Corporate Partner at regional law firm Andrew Jackson. The deal had been announced in January before being completed following standard regulatory reviews. Mr Barker said: “It has been a privilege to assist Tom with the sale of York Pullman, which is such a well-known and well-regarded York name. Through his expert guidance it has grown to hold a dominant position as the leading independent bus and coach operator in the local market. “It was particularly important that we found a partner that shared that same integrity and values that have made the business such a success and I am delighted that in FirstGroup we have found a new owner that is committed to continuing the name and good work of York Pullman.” Susie Mortonson added: “It has been a pleasure to support and guide Tom and his team on this significant transaction. York Pullman is a fantastic business and I wish them every success as the business enters a new chapter as part of FirstGroup.” Tom James said: “I am extremely grateful for the exceptional professional advice and guidance provided by Azets and Andrew Jackson Solicitors throughout the entire process. “Their support will enable York Pullman to build and grow on its successes as it looks towards an exciting future with FirstGroup.” York Pullman has more than 130 vehicles and is made up of five well-established brands in regional and business-to-business operations in York and North Yorkshire. These include home-to-school and college contracted services, private hire and local bus routes run on behalf of local councils. The York Pullman name can be traced back to the 1920s before it was resurrected by Tom James in 2007. Vehicles were painted in the original Pullman livery colours as the company’s brand once again appeared on York’s city streets.