Planning consent secured for completion of Dove Valley Park
Towcester warehousing development rejected by Council, now set for appeal
A proposal to develop an 11-hectare business site in Towcester, Northamptonshire, is set to go to appeal after being rejected by West Northamptonshire Council. The plan, which includes warehousing and other commercial buildings, aims to create 500 jobs and contribute approximately £15 million annually to the local economy.
The site is next to the Bell Plantation garden centre, with close access to major roads like the A43 and A5. However, highways authorities have opposed the development due to concerns over potential traffic impacts. Over 70 objections were raised by the public, prompting council members to reject the plan despite a recommendation from council officers for approval.
The decision now rests with the government’s Planning Inspectorate. The developer, Alban Mann LLP, defended the proposal, stating that the site was aligned with the area’s intended purpose and could provide essential employment opportunities. They also expressed concerns that the project was unfairly being compared to another warehousing development rejected earlier due to public objections.
The site would feature several small to medium-sized buildings if approved, marking a significant addition to the local business landscape.
Rykneld Homes adds director to newly-formed executive team
East Midlands unemployment falls but concerns over higher hiring costs remain
Labour MP Lilian Greenwood visits Nottingham Venues to discuss hospitality industry challenges
Plans paddle ahead for Peak UK’s new kayaking HQ
UK inflation jumps
Government confirms £110 Billion gas field in Gainsborough will remain untapped
The UK government has confirmed that a newly discovered gas field beneath Gainsborough, estimated to be worth £110 billion, will remain untapped. Despite its potential to create thousands of jobs and contribute to the nation’s energy supply, the government has announced it will not issue new licenses for onshore gas extraction. The ban will remain in place due to concerns about seismic activity caused by the drilling process.
The gas field in the Gainsborough Trough beneath West Lindsey is expected to be formally announced by energy company Egdon later this month. However, the government remains committed to its renewable energy strategy, focusing on reducing dependency on fossil fuels. A spokesperson emphasised the shift towards clean energy by 2030, underscoring the potential economic benefits of this transition, particularly in industrial regions.
While local politicians have expressed concerns, with some calling for a reevaluation of the fracking ban, the government has reiterated its stance on protecting the economy and the environment. There is also no guarantee that private companies extracting the gas would prioritize domestic use over exports.
Despite the local support for the field, the government’s strategy continues to prioritise renewable energy investment, particularly in wind and solar power, as part of its long-term energy security plan.
Temporary banking hub to open in Bakewell following NatWest closure
A new temporary banking hub will open in Bakewell, Derbyshire, at the Agricultural Business Centre (ABC) by the end of February 2025. This comes after NatWest, the last bank in the Peak District National Park, closed in February 2024. Despite strong opposition from local residents and politicians, including Derbyshire Dales District Council (DDDC) leader Steve Flitter, the closure proceeded, leaving the area without any banking facilities.
In response, the DDDC worked with LINK, the UK’s cash access network, and secured the temporary hub. Cash Access UK, a not-for-profit organisation funded by major high street banks, will manage the hub. This facility will provide essential banking services, including cash deposits, withdrawals, cheque payments, bill payments, and utility top-ups, from Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. A community banker will also be available one day a week to address more complex inquiries.
The new hub is part of a broader initiative to improve access to banking services across Derbyshire. The Bakewell hub will be the fifth facility in the county, joining those in Belper, Clay Cross, and Shirebrook, with another planned for Ashbourne. This development aims to fill the gap left by the closure of high street branches, ensuring residents and businesses can continue to access essential banking services.
Alan Simpson named EMCCA’s sustainable travel ambassador
Alan Simpson has been appointed as the sustainable travel ambassador for the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA). A former MP with a background in sustainability and environmental policy, Simpson has advised on climate and energy issues for both the Welsh Assembly and the UK Parliament.
His appointment comes as EMCCA prepares to develop its first Local Transport Plan, aiming to improve regional connectivity and promote low-carbon travel options. Mayor Claire Ward has emphasised sustainable travel as a priority, with a focus on making walking, cycling, and other eco-friendly transport options more accessible.
Businesses and local authorities will be watching how EMCCA allocates resources to infrastructure and policy changes that could impact regional transport and logistics.