DHL has launched an appeal after West Northamptonshire Council rejected its plan to build a large logistics hub on the outskirts of Towcester. A public inquiry, led by planning inspector Malcolm Rivett, is now underway to determine the project’s future.

DHL’s proposal includes a 24,572 sq m (264,494 sq ft) warehouse, offices, a gatehouse, and a new roundabout on the A5, with 273 parking spaces. The company also seeks outline planning approval for three additional development zones, potentially accommodating up to 14 buildings. The first phase is expected to create 1,300 full-time jobs.

The council cited the project’s scale, design, and location as reasons for refusal, stating it would significantly impact the local landscape and road network. Officials raised concerns about increased traffic congestion at the Tove Roundabout, despite council officers initially recommending approval.

Over 1,100 residents submitted objections, with campaigners from Save Towcester Now warning of “traffic chaos” and up to 400 vehicle movements during peak hours. Concerns include light and noise pollution, environmental impact, and disruption to nearby villages. National Highways initially objected due to traffic concerns but later withdrew its opposition.

A ground-breaking ceremony has taken place at a £5 million purpose-built children’s home being developed by Derbyshire County Council to provide essential short-break and long-term care for children and young people with significant disabilities and complex learning needs. County council officials joined project design and build partners at the ceremony at Spire Lodge in Chesterfield. The home, situated on the Ashgate Croft School campus, will offer tailored support and create a nurturing environment for children and their families, supporting the council’s commitment to improve services for children with special needs and disabilities (SEND). The Derbyshire County Council-funded project has been designed by the authority’s design consultant partner Concertus and is being built by construction partner Stepnell. Principal Architectural Designer from Concertus, Andrew Elliot said: “We are excited to be part of such a vital project for young people in Derbyshire, which will provide residential facilities in new flagship accommodation. We are pleased to further collaborate with our appointed contractor Stepnell and strengthen our positive working relationship with our client Derbyshire County Council.” Tom Sewell, Regional Director at Stepnell, said: “Our work at Spire Lodge shows how an effective construction process can have positive impacts not only on end users but also the wider community. The finished facility is set to provide such essential care for children and young people that need it the most, and we’re proud to have been involved. “The project is one example within a collection that we’ve had the opportunity to be part of alongside both Concertus and Derbyshire County Council, both of which are partnerships that we’re looking forward to continuing in our work across the region.” Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Support Member for Education, Councillor Robert Flatley said: “It was great to join with the council’s design and build partners to mark the start of construction on the new Spire Lodge children’s home. “Alongside the £7.5 million investment into new children’s homes recently approved by the council’s Cabinet, projects like these demonstrate our continued and long-term commitment to supporting some of the county’s most vulnerable children and young people. “The new children home features a bespoke design to support children in an individual but social environment in the heart of the community, with local shops, amenities, and parks nearby and is next to Ashgate School where some of the children will attend. “I was particularly pleased to hear about the provision the home gives to children in care with disabilities and how it builds a bridge to adult services, supporting families in managing transitions and helping to maintain education placements. l look forward to seeing the building’s completion offering an exciting new chapter of memories and experiences for the children and young people of Spire Lodge.” The site is due to open in November 2025.

High Oakham Primary School in Mansfield has been awarded a £2.5 million refurbishment contract as part of Nottinghamshire County Council’s School Building Improvement Programme. Scheduled to begin later this year, the project will involve critical upgrades, including a new roof, lighting, ceilings, and fire alarm systems. These improvements ensure the school meets modern safety standards and supports a productive learning environment.

Arc Partnership, a joint venture between Nottinghamshire County Council and SCAPE, will manage the project’s design and delivery. They will use their expertise in public sector construction to oversee cost management and project execution. This partnership highlights the growing trend of public-private collaborations in large-scale infrastructure projects.

The project is expected to create significant opportunities for local subcontractors in the construction, design, and materials sectors, potentially boosting the local economy. The refurbishment aligns with the council’s ongoing efforts to invest in public sector buildings, demonstrating a commitment to improving facilities while offering businesses the chance to engage in high-value public contracts.

Nottingham City Council has raised over £10 million through an auction of its properties, with some assets fetching up to 30% above their expected sale prices. The auction, hosted by Acuitus, attracted significant interest from local and national investors, with 79 registered bidders.

Among the sold assets was Mortimer House, a Grade II listed property located opposite Nottingham Castle. This building, which houses the Castle pub and the Fothergills restaurant, along with offices and residential flats, was sold for £1.55 million. Despite the sale, business continues as usual for the operators, who hold a secure lease. The identity of the new owner has not been disclosed.

A car park at a Morrisons supermarket in Clifton also saw intense bidding, ultimately selling for over £1 million—more than double its guide price. Other notable sales included three freehold investments on Salisbury Square Industrial Estate, which raised between £1.4 million and £1.7 million, and an industrial site with eight units at Gauntley Court, which sold for £1.8 million.

The sales come as Nottingham City Council seeks to address financial challenges following its declaration of bankruptcy in November 2023. The council has increasingly turned to asset sales to fund operational costs, with the liquidation of Robin Hood Energy, a venture set up by the council, leaving significant unpaid debts. The final liquidation report revealed claims totaling £67.1 million, with only £13.7 million of those debts paid out.

Plans for the completion of Dove Valley Park (DVP) have been unanimously approved by South Derbyshire District Council. The consented development will transform an area of land adjacent to Dove Valley Park into a centre of employment, creating local jobs and bringing economic benefits to Derbyshire. It will complete the overall development of the business park at Dove Valley Park, forming the eastern part of the major 200-acre employment site on the A50 in South Derbyshire that is home to occupiers including JCB, Top Hat, Futaba Ltd and GXO. The detailed planning consent will allow immediate development with the existing infrastructure of Dove Valley Park already in place to extend into the site. Once developed, the 35-acre site will create over 700,000 sq ft of employment space for B2, B8, with ancillary E(g) use. Four units of varying sizes will be created to meet market demand for quality industrial space, along with the necessary associated hard and soft landscaping, car parking and infrastructure. In addition, a new Innovation Centre will be developed that will serve as a central hub for all businesses in the local vicinity. The Innovation Centre is designed to draw people together and provide space for gatherings, informal meeting space and access to external areas. There will also be a cafe/restaurant and amenity space. The Innovation Centre will also serve as a place for start-up businesses and has been developed in consultation with The University of Derby. Commenting on the consent, Marc Freeman, Director at Clowes Developments, said: “On Tuesday 18^th February, our detailed planning application for the final phase of development at Dove Valley Park was unanimously approved at committee. “This will not only bring over 700,000 sq ft of employment space to Foston, but also provide an Innovation Centre with essential amenities, a central hub for businesses and an opportunity for startup businesses at the thriving business park. We are delighted to be able to press on with construction which will see Dove Valley Park fully developed. “We are aiming to start works onsite before the end of the year.” As part of the consent, a new bus route will be created to provide essential public transport links from Derby City Centre directly to Dove Valley Park. This will complement the existing bus route from Uttoxeter to the business park with timings amended to match employee shift patterns on site. Tom Morley, Senior Land and Planning Surveyor at Clowes Developments, said: “We have worked closely with both South Derbyshire District Council and Derbyshire County Council to research existing routes, this also included canvassing opinion of current occupiers on the existing service to DVP and how it could be improved to meet the needs of its users. “Through extensive consultation Dove Valley Park Limited have been able to identify the necessary requirements to help grow and develop the existing service. The service will see additional stops through Derby City meaning DVP will become even more accessible to current and future occupiers and their employees.”

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.