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Browne Jacobson appoints planning team partner

Tess Egginton
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Browne Jacobson appoints planning team partner

Browne Jacobson’s planning expertise has been strengthened by the appointment of Will Thomas as partner.

Based in Nottingham, he joins the law firm’s planning and environment law team from Shoosmiths, where he was principal associate.

Will specialises in planning and compulsory purchase law. He acts for public and private sector organisations, including land promoters, developers, investors, landowners, local planning authorities and government bodies.

He said: “At a time when the government wants to turbocharge new housing and infrastructure developments, while encouraging closer collaboration between the public and private sectors, Browne Jacobson is extremely well placed to advise clients across the planning ecosystem.

“There are a broad range of challenges for local authorities, developers and landowners to overcome, and I enjoy steering clients through what remains a complicated planning system with clear and commercial advice.”

Will returns to Browne Jacobson, where he trained and spent seven years previously.

Laura Hughes, partner and head of public, planning and environment law at Browne Jacobson, said: “Planning law is top of the agenda for our public and private sector clients as they grapple with the government’s sweeping planning reforms, so we’re excited to have the opportunity to strengthen our expertise with someone of Will’s calibre.

“Will is particularly adept at dealing with complex Section 106 agreements at the strategic land stage, as well as overseeing land assembly and compulsory purchase elements of brownfield regeneration schemes. Our clients will benefit from his calm confidence, intelligence and deep knowledge of challenging areas of law.”

Leicester council approves mosque conversion for disused pub despite local opposition

April Lara
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Leicester council approves mosque conversion for disused pub despite local opposition

Despite significant opposition, Leicester City Council has approved a proposal to convert a former pub in Eyres Monsell into a mosque and education centre.

The Eyres Monsell Community Foundation, which has already purchased the site, will redevelop The Glen on Hillsborough Road into a place of worship after councillors voted six to two in favour, with two abstentions. The pub has been closed since 2022.

The foundation had argued it had outgrown its current premises at the Eyres Monsell Community Centre and required a larger, dedicated facility.

Council planning officers supported the proposal, stating that parking availability was sufficient and noise impacts would be minimal. The council imposed several conditions on the approval, including restricted opening hours between 07:30 and 23:00, with some flexibility during Ramadan. Outdoor areas cannot be used for worship or events, and amplified sound is prohibited.

Public reaction was mixed: over 870 objections were submitted, and a petition opposing the project gathered 2,500 signatures. Concerns focused on noise, traffic, and parking. In contrast, 260 residents supported the scheme, with a petition in favour signed by 328 people. The facility is expected to attract 50–100 worshippers on typical weekdays, rising to about 200 on Fridays.

The decision allows the Eyres Monsell Community Foundation to proceed with restoring the vacant 1950s property to active use for religious and educational purposes.

DHP Family and Framework celebrate half a million pound festival fundraising milestone

Tess Egginton
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DHP Family and Framework celebrate half a million pound festival fundraising milestone
Beat The Streets – the music festival staged by DHP Family in support of Framework, the charity working to end homelessness across the East Midlands – has seen the fundraising total break through the £500,000 milestone. The grand total of £554,155 raised since the festival began in 2018 was revealed at a special celebratory presentation on the steps of Rock City. DHP Family MD George Akins was presented a commemorative gold disc by the charity in thanks for the live music company’s continued support. The annual music festival sees a host of artists from across the region playing the multiple stages with all proceeds from ticket sales, bar and merchandise contributing to the funds raised. Over the years, DHP staff have gone the extra mile running the Robin Hood marathon for the charity too. The contribution from this year’s festival is going to support Framework’s vital Street Outreach teams who go out 365 days a year to provide lifesaving support to rough sleepers. Framework chief executive Andrew Redfern said: “Beat The Streets is an award-winning event that has quickly become a much-loved musical institution. Everyone at Framework is immensely grateful for the generous support of George Akins and his ever-enthusiastic colleagues at DHP Family. “A measure of their achievement is the fundraising total since Beat The Streets began in 2018. It is now well past the £500,000 mark. This is by some distance the greatest corporate fundraising support that Framework has ever received, and the impact on our service users is enormous. “The funds raised have complemented the investment by Nottingham City Council, central Government, Homes England and others to tackle the growing challenge of rough sleeping.  Regrettably we continue to see this rising across the country – with all the negative consequences it has for individuals and the community. Here in Nottingham we are working with DHP Family and other partners to mitigate these impacts. “The contributions made possible through Beat The Streets have been many and varied.  They include paying for specialist members of our street outreach team; keeping emergency accommodation open throughout the year and providing crucial funds to complete the construction of Akins House – which is now home for eight former rough sleepers. None of this would have been possible without this wonderful annual event. “So we say a huge ‘Thank You’ to everyone involved – organisers, musicians, stage crew and volunteers of all sorts – for your commitment since 2018 and once again this year. A big shout out too for the enthusiastic audiences who keep coming back, year after year.  Beat The Streets is a highlight and landmark of the year. Long may it continue.” DHP Family MD George Akins said: “Hitting this milestone is a huge testament to the work we put into Beat The Streets every year and the great turnout we always see from the music community in Nottingham. Everyone at DHP is really proud of this achievement but we’re already thinking about next year and raising these vital funds once again.” Beat The Streets 2025 saw 65 artists play across nine stages at Rock City, Rescue Rooms, Stealth, Bodega and Rough Trade. Bored Marsh, Pet Needs, JayaHadaDream, Do Nothing, Evil Scarecrow and Riding The Low were just a few that performed on the day.

Nottingham church secures approval for rooftop solar panels

April Lara
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Nottingham church secures approval for rooftop solar panels

A Grade II-listed church in central Nottingham has received planning approval to install solar panels as part of a wider sustainability initiative.

St Andrews With Castle Gate United Reformed Church, located on Goldsmith Street near Nottingham Trent University, will add four banks of photovoltaic panels to its south- and west-facing roofs.

The project is designed to enhance the energy efficiency of the historic building and lower long-term operational costs.

Nottingham City Council granted approval, with the condition that the panels visually match the existing roof tiles and be approved by planning officials prior to installation.

The development reflects a broader trend of heritage sites incorporating green energy solutions to meet environmental targets and manage energy expenses.

Nottingham hospital invests £12m to expand endoscopy services

April Lara
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Nottingham hospital invests £12m to expand endoscopy services

A £12 million upgrade is underway at Queen’s Medical Centre, part of Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, to expand and modernise its endoscopy unit. The project, funded by the Trust and NHS England, aims to increase clinical capacity and improve service delivery.

The new development will add a third procedure room to the unit, enabling a higher volume of more complex endoscopic procedures. Benefits are expected to include shorter waiting times, especially for urgent inpatient diagnostics, enhanced patient privacy, and compliance with national clinical standards for ventilation and space.

Henry Brothers Construction is handling the construction, which is scheduled for completion in early 2026. The project is part of a broader three-year regional investment programme through which NHS England has allocated over £57 million to endoscopy services across the East Midlands.

The upgrade is being delivered through the Pagabo Major Construction Works Framework, with architectural and engineering support from CPMG Architects, Keith Simpson Associates, EP Consulting, and Meller.

This infrastructure investment is designed to help the Trust meet the growing demand for endoscopy services and improve clinical team operational efficiency.

Ban on single-use vapes takes effect in Nottinghamshire from 1 June

April Lara
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Ban on single-use vapes takes effect in Nottinghamshire from 1 June

From 1 June, the sale and supply of single-use vapes will be banned across Nottinghamshire as part of a nationwide crackdown affecting all physical and online retailers. The law applies to all disposable vapes, regardless of whether they contain nicotine.

Retailers have been advised to clear existing stock before the deadline and are required to arrange proper recycling for any remaining unsold single-use vapes by 1 June 2025 through a licensed vape recycling provider.

Businesses found breaching the ban face enforcement action from Nottinghamshire County Council Trading Standards, including unlimited fines, prison terms of up to two years, or both. Any single-use vapes found on sale will be seized.

The regulation aims to reduce underage vaping and tackle the growing environmental burden of disposable vapes, which contribute significantly to plastic and battery waste. Around 8.2 million vapes are discarded weekly in the UK, posing risks such as soil and water contamination and fire hazards in waste systems.

Retailers are encouraged to review their supply chains, ensure compliance, and seek guidance from Trading Standards to avoid penalties. Full details are available on the government website.

Work starts on digital skills hub in Loughborough

Tess Egginton
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Work starts on digital skills hub in Loughborough

Work has started on a hub in Loughborough that will help equip local people with digital skills for the future.

Loughborough Town Deal is providing £2.6 million for the project to create a Digital Skills Hub at Loughborough College to improve the digital skills of residents to increase their employability. The project will also work with local employers to deliver work placement opportunities.

It is one of 11 projects Loughborough Town Deal is backing after securing £16.9 million of Government funding. In total, the projects are worth over £40 million of investment for the town.

Martin Traynor OBE, Loughborough Town Deal chair, said: “It is great news that work has begun to build the Digital Skills Hub at Loughborough College.

“The hub has the potential to be vital to many residents in Loughborough as we are living in an ever-increasing digital world where these skills are so important to have.

“The Town Deal is supporting the project as it is not just about creating a world-class facility here in Loughborough but it will also make a huge difference to the employment opportunities of local residents whilst working with local businesses.

“We are already seeing the positive impact that the Loughborough Town Deal is making through the projects that are being supported and I look forward to seeing the Digital Skills Hub progress at the college.”

Corrie Harris, principal and CEO at Loughborough College, said: “Breaking ground on our Digital Skills Hub marks an exciting milestone in the continued growth of our campus.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Loughborough Town Deal for backing this transformative project. Their support is helping us create an innovative, student-first facility that not only strengthens digital skills, but also opens doors to new opportunities for people across our region.

“By placing students at the heart of everything we do, we’re shaping a stronger, more connected community – one that’s equipped to meet the demands of local employers and thrive in an increasingly digital world.”

The Loughborough Town Deal investment will support the construction of the new Digital Skills Hub building located on the College campus on Radmoor Road as well as classroom furniture and IT equipment.

The hub will contain six classrooms, equipped with state-of-the-art IT equipment. It is expected to be open in November 2025.

The Digital Skills Hub will support the delivery of T Levels, apprenticeships, industry placements and higher technical qualifications to skill-up local people as Loughborough moves into a more digitally-focussed future.

It will also target unemployed and semi-skilled adults to support them into employment.

Rolls-Royce awarded support contract for engine powering RAF’s Typhoon fleet

Tess Egginton
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Rolls-Royce awarded support contract for engine powering RAF’s Typhoon fleet
Rolls-Royce has secured a five-year support contract with the UK Ministry of Defence for the maintenance and service of the EJ200 engine that powers the Royal Air Force’s Typhoon aircraft. The Typhoon Engine Support Solution (TESS) will see Rolls-Royce continue to provide maintenance and repair to 130 EJ200 engines, supporting approximately 200 direct jobs in the process. The TESS contract will build resilience through the UK-based supply chain supporting up to 2,400 jobs across the UK that are essential to harnessing the UK’s combat air expertise. TESS will sustain vital skills to enable the Royal Air Force to deliver air capabilities today and bridge to future capabilities like the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: “Not only will this contract help to maintain our world-class jets, it also delivers on our Plan for Change by securing around 200 jobs in the UK and boosting the skills base our world-leading defence industry relies upon.
“Together with our upgrade programme, this contract will ensure our Typhoon fleet remains the backbone of UK air defence for the next decade.”
Adam Riddle, president – defence at Rolls-Royce, said: “This contract builds on more than a century of Rolls-Royce partnership and trust with the Ministry of Defence. The Typhoon Engine Support Solution represents a continuation of our support of the EJ200 engine and we’re glad for the ongoing confidence in our team and capabilities.
“This investment enables us and our supply chain to ensure the Royal Air Force can execute their missions effectively, wherever and whenever they’re needed, in an increasingly complex global environment.”

Commissioners highlight positive progress at Nottingham City Council

Tess Egginton
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Commissioners highlight positive progress at Nottingham City Council
Commissioners working with Nottingham City Council have highlighted positive progress in developing plans for improvement and “a clear direction on instituting reforms.” The comments came in the commissioner’s second report since being appointed by the government to oversee improvements at the authority in February 2024. In a letter about the report to the council’s leader, cllr Neghat Khan, the government’s parliamentary under-secretary of state for housing and local government, baroness Taylor of Stevenage, said: “I am pleased that the leadership team at Nottingham, while still relatively new, are working closely with the Commissioner team to move the Council towards a more sustainable position and improve its service delivery and financial stability.” In their report, lead commissioner, Tony McArdle; commissioner for finance, Margaret Lee and transformation commissioner, Sharon Kemp say that “over the past year, there has been much positive progress on developing plans, strategies, and programmes for improvement such as the Council Plan, Medium Term Financial Plan, and Improvement Plan along with securing and organising the necessary capacity to deliver.” The report says that over the coming year, the authority will need to move into the implementation phase for these plans to have the required impact. Commissioners also commented that although the council continues to operate beyond its means and is dependent upon Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) from the government, “it has adopted clear direction in instituting a wide range of reforms, some of which are bearing fruit but all of which will need to become embedded in order to deliver full benefit.” They say that the council’s new leadership cohort is “facing up to the challenges that the Council must tackle in full acceptance of the reality of the Council’s difficulties and with a declared resolve to overcome them.” Cllr Neghat Khan and the council’s chief executive, Sajeeda Rose, said: “We welcome the Commissioner’s second report and the accompanying ministerial statement. The progress made over the past year marks an important step forward in improving how we work and how we serve the people of Nottingham. “While the report rightly highlights that challenges remain, we are fully committed to continued improvement. Working together, we are laying the foundations for a renewed and accountable Council—one that delivers real results for local people and leads Nottingham with confidence and integrity.”

Contractor starts work on £12m endoscopy unit at Queen’s Medical Centre

Tess Egginton
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Contractor starts work on £12m endoscopy unit at Queen’s Medical Centre
Construction has started on a refurbished and expanded state-of-the-art endoscopy unit at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust’s (NUH) Queen’s Medical Centre (QMC). Backed by a £12 million investment from NUH and NHS England, the project involves the reconfiguration and expansion of the existing unit, creating a significantly larger and more modern facility. It is being delivered by contractor Henry Brothers Construction and will increase clinical capacity, adding a third procedure room. This will enable a higher volume of complex endoscopic procedures to be performed each year. Other patient benefits include increased capacity and reduced waiting times, particularly for urgent inpatient diagnostics, enhanced patient experience, with improved privacy, dignity, and safety, and compliance with national standards for ventilation and room size in endoscopy services. Ian Taylor, MD of Henry Brothers Construction, said: “We are very proud to have been appointed to develop a new state-of-the-art endoscopy unit for Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. “Henry Brothers Construction is based in Beeston, just a short distance from the Queen’s Medical Centre, and it gives us great pleasure to be helping to improve the infrastructure and patient care at our local hospital. “We have significant experience in the healthcare sector, so we are extremely pleased to be supporting the Trust and NHS England with its investment in capital projects in Nottingham.” The contract was awarded to Henry Brothers through the Pagabo Major Construction Works Framework and the new QMC endoscopy unit is scheduled to open in early 2026. Dr Andrew Baxter, deputy head of service for endoscopy, said: “This investment marks a transformational step for endoscopy at QMC. Expanding from two to three procedure rooms, means we’re significantly boosting our capacity – not just in volume, but in the complexity of what we can offer. “The new unit will allow us to deliver more advanced procedures in a purpose-built, modern environment. With more space and equipment, we’re not only improving patient care but we’re also strengthening our position as a centre of excellence for high-quality, complex endoscopic care.” He added: “Current and future staff will see some significant benefits though an enhanced training environment.” Other members of the construction team include CPMG Architects, structural and civil engineers Keith Simpson Associates, EP Consulting for mechanical and electrical engineering, and Meller for quantity surveying services. A spokesperson for NHSE Midlands said: “This is a significant milestone for East Midlands patients. NHS England in the Midlands has been investing in improving and expanding endoscopy services across the region to ensure we have sufficient capacity for the population’s needs. “The expansion at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust has been part of a three-year programme to increase capacity which has seen over £57M invested in Endoscopy services.”
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