Planning permission granted for new Corby apartments
National property consultancy Lanpro has secured a resolution to grant planning permission on behalf of Glenrowan Homes for the development of 150 apartments on Alexandra Road in Corby, Northamptonshire.
The 0.89 ha site, the location of a former Co-op retail unit in Corby town centre, will provide 150 new apartments: 74 one bedroom flats, 75 two beds and one three bed. The scheme will also include 2,165 sq ft of commercial space on the ground floor.
The scheme itself does not provide affordable housing, but £360,000 in financial contributions will be made by Glenrowan Homes towards local affordable housing, education and/or health funding.
The development value is circa £20m.
Sav Patel, Associate Director in Lanpro’s Cambridge office, said: “We are delighted to have won this planning consent on behalf of Glenrowan Homes.
“After a planning long journey, and a near refusal at the first planning committee due to a technical issue, it was very pleasing to get a positive resolution on this major regeneration project which will help to build on the regeneration work of Corby town centre.
“Once complete, the building will be a focal point for the town centre which we hope will lead to other nearby regeneration sites coming forward.”
Chris Carty, Managing Director of Glenrowan Homes, said: “We are delighted that North Northamptonshire Council has recognised the value of the development proposal, which will make a real difference to Corby town centre.
“Corby is undergoing a transformation and growing quicky thanks to demand for new homes. This development will not only help meet need but will help enliven the town centre and support its ongoing regeneration.”
Construction work is due to begin on site in late 2025 and the scheme is targeted to complete in late 2027.
In achieving planning success, Lanpro worked alongside architecture practice McBains and project manager Developer Connections.
Bakewell company secures £250k loan to support regeneration projects
Bakewell-based Digital Urban has secured a £250,000 debt finance package from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II.
The money has come from Maven Capital, Fund Manager for East and South East Midlands, Maven Capital Partners, and will support Digital Urban’s use of cutting edge technology to support urban regeneration projects by creating detailed digital twins and immersive planning solutions. The company’s key services include model development, platform services, and consultation services.
Digital Urban intends to invest in its sales and technical teams, develop scalable products to align with its services, and expand its client base nationally, including planning authorities across the UK.
Digital Urban’s ability to integrate comprehensive data, ranging from public transport usage to environmental impact metrics is used to create highly accurate 3D interactive models, enabling local authorities and stakeholders to visualise complex projects in detail. These models have proven to significantly boost community engagement, with participation from younger demographics rising from 6% to more than 40% in consultation processes.
Simon Mabey, Founder of Digital Urban, said:“Our growth so far has been driven by client referrals and repeat business, which is a testament to the value we deliver. The funding from Maven and the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II allows us to actively promote our product suite to a wider audience and reach new markets.
“Local authorities value how we help them engage more effectively with their citizens and stakeholders, and we’re passionate about the work we do. Expanding our reach is an exciting step forward for the team, and we look forward to supporting more communities across the UK.”
AG Corporate Law strengthens team
Boutique law firm AG Corporate Law (AGCL) has reinforced its growing team with the appointments of Corporate Law Executives Oreva Ojuh and Jamie Carrick.
Oreva brings five years of experience in corporate and commercial law. Originally from Nigeria, she qualified as a Barrister and Solicitor before moving to the UK two years ago. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Law from Ambrose Alli University, Nigeria, and a Master’s Degree in International Commercial Law from Nottingham Trent University.
Currently, she is working towards qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales. In her role, Oreva will assist with corporate transactions, including reviewing key transaction documents, facilitating communication between parties, and ensuring clients receive timely updates on their legal matters.
Commenting on her appointment, Oreva said: “AGCL is a fantastic place to work. As a fast-growing organisation, with just over two years of practice, AGCL has expanded exponentially, providing top-tier legal services to businesses across the Midlands.
“I am eager to be a part of and contribute to this growth and very excited as I get to carry out work that I love with people that have quickly become my family.”
Joining Oreva at AGCL is Jamie Carrick, who has an impressive academic background, holding an LLB in Law, an LLM (Master of Laws), and having completed the Legal Practice Course (LPC).
Specialising in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), Jamie will support transactions from start to finish, including negotiating terms, conducting due diligence, and drafting key legal documents such as share purchase agreements and shareholder agreements.
Jamie was drawn to AGCL by its dynamic workload, strong workplace culture, and hands-on learning opportunities: “Every day presents a new challenge, and I appreciate the chance to engage directly with directors and gain invaluable insights. The training experience here is practical, and the team provides the perfect balance of independence and support.”
Adam Gilbert, Managing Director of AG Corporate Law, expressed his enthusiasm for the new hires: “It’s been an exceptional couple of years trading for all of us at AGCL.
“We have surpassed our expectations, but we are now reaching a stage where we require additional internal support. With Oreva’s extensive experience and Jamie’s enthusiasm and sharp legal mind, they are both ideal additions to our team as we enter this next phase of growth.”
Outside of work, Oreva enjoys reading crime fiction novels and television series, imagining herself in the courtroom tackling defence and prosecution strategies. Jamie, on the other hand, is an avid sports enthusiast with a passion for hockey, rugby, bouldering, and hiking. He is also actively involved in charity work, having participated in several fundraising events, including the Derby 10K, and is set to take on the Trek26 challenge in support of the Alzheimer’s Society.
WBR Group acquires Standard Life’s SSAS book
WBR Group (WBR), the independent provider of SSAS administration and tax advisory services, has acquired Standard Life’s small self administered scheme (SSAS) book of business.
This acquisition marks a significant milestone in WBR’s long standing relationship with Standard Life, having administered this SSAS book for over 20 years.
The Standard Life SSAS book of business consists of 270 schemes with 246 properties and £403m in assets under administration.
Clients will continue to be managed by the same dedicated team, ensuring no disruption in service. The only change they may notice will be a slight branding change, reflecting WBR Group’s identity.
There will be a change of trustee from Standard Life Trustee Company Limited (SLTC) to WBR Trustees Limited.
This acquisition will allow clients to benefit from WBR’s specialised expertise and clients will gain access to additional investment options and services.
Martin Tilley, Director of WBR Group, said: “We are really pleased to have the opportunity to acquire the Standard Life SSAS book of business that we have administered under an outsourcing agreement for over 20 years.
“This is an unusual acquisition of a book we obviously know well. The clients will notice very little difference in the service other than having access to a wider range of investment options and potentially enhanced bank interest rates obtainable through our collective buying power.”
Jenny Holt, Product Director at Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, said: “The SSAS market is specialist and these clients can have complex business and retirement planning needs.
“Transferring schemes will benefit from the services and solutions of a provider focused on meeting these needs while also allowing us to focus on our core Workplace and Retail propositions.”
Key milestone achieved at Redmoor Academy
Works are progressing for Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, on the recently commenced Redmoor Academy project. The completion of the steel frame structure, along with associated groundworks mark an important milestone for the scheme’s ongoing progress.
Funded by Leicestershire County Council, the enhancement works for the academy on Wykin Road will include delivering brand new educational spaces to enrich the lives of pupils and cater to the academy’s increasing capacity.
Works will comprise the construction of a 696 sq m sports hall for indoor sports including cricket, basketball, netball, badminton and handball. The building will include changing rooms, a reception area, offices, four classrooms and a fitness room, creating a first-class learning environment for students.
The new sports hall will be the latest addition to the campus undertaken by G F Tomlinson, following the completion of the new teacher car park last year.
Works are progressing well on site with the Vibro stone piling, drainage, and concrete foundations now complete, alongside the steel frame. Current works taking place include the pre-cast floor planks and sub structure masonry.
Adrian Grocock, Group Managing Director at G F Tomlinson, said: “The team are making great progress at Redmoor Academy and we are pleased to be delivering enhanced educational facilities for current and future pupils at the school.
“The new dedicated spaces will allow the academy to expand and improve its current curriculum catering to the growing pupil capacity of Redmoor for the coming years.”
Redmoor Academy Principal Matt Nicolle said: “As the school has grown, our infrastructure has struggled to keep pace with sports facilities being the worst affected. This fantastic, cutting-edge new sports facility will not only inspire our students to greater achievements but also provide the local community with better facilities.”
UK economy grows, beating expectations
Easing the risk of a recession, the UK’s economy saw fractional growth in the final quarter of 2024.
According to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), GDP (gross domestic product), a key measure of economy growth, is estimated to have risen by 0.1% in the October to December period, following no growth in the previous quarter. It beats expectations of a contraction of -0.1%.
Across key sectors, growth in services (0.2%) and construction (0.5%) output led the way, while production fell by 0.8%.
Monthly data, meanwhile, shows GDP expanded 0.4% in December, above expectations of 0.1%, largely because of growth in the service sector.
Responding to the figures, Martin McTague, National Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said: “News that there was a modest up-tick in growth in the weeks running up to Christmas is far preferable to the alternative but flat growth registered across the final quarter will not come as a surprise to many small firms.
“The fall in production in the last quarter shows that evidence of a feel-good factor from the end of last year is sadly lacking, with members telling us they are finding trading conditions difficult, to say the least.
“With tax changes coming up in April, and the looming Employment Rights Bill which is set to put a big dampener on small businesses’ willingness to take on staff, any economic uplift that has been carried over from last year will be a help, but more must be done to offset turbulence.
“The recent cut in the base rate is a good sign, but will not by itself be enough to give small businesses the confidence they need to choose to invest in their operations, which is what is needed for long-term, substantial and sustainable growth in GDP.
“The Government has loudly stated its commitment to growth, which we agree with, but we need to see words turned into actions in the shortest possible timeframe, so that this positive momentum can snowball into a virtuous circle of investment, productivity gains, and greater prosperity in every part of the UK.”
Plans to build a ‘stronger economy and stronger communities’ outlined in NE Lincs
The new Freshney Place Leisure, Foodhall and Market scheme and supporting other development is central to the council’s commitment to growing a stronger economy.
Members of North East Lincolnshire Council’s cabinet have unanimously supported the authority’s proposed Budget, Finance and Business Plan for the financial year starting on April 1, 2025.
This plan will now progress to next week’s Full Council meeting for discussion and vote.
A key detail recommended and approved at last night’s cabinet meeting was a core Council Tax increase of 1.98% and the application of a 2% Adult Social Care precept.
The overall proposed plan reflects the aims and objects set out in the new Council Plan, which will come into effect from April 1. This puts a ‘Stronger Economy’ and ‘Stronger Communities’ at the heart of the authority’s vision.
Priorities to achieving this vision are outlined and include:
- The continued transformation of Children’s Services. The plan details how current work is having a ‘positive impact on outcomes for our children and young people, as well as supporting financial sustainability’.
- Again, with a focus on transformation, attention will be put on Adult Social Care where innovative solutions will be explored. This will help to meet an increase in demand and complexity of care.
- Continuing with a ‘commercial approach’ to grow a strong and sustainable economy. It details how major investments, such as the redevelopment of Freshney Place, are progressing and will support the borough at a time of economic challenge.
- A pledge to ensure the capital programme is reviewed regularly to ensure schemes remain viable. This approach, adds the report, will help ensure plans remain ‘affordable, sustainable and prudent’.
Student housing portfolio relisted at £30M after price reduction
Beachrock has significantly lowered the asking price for a purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) portfolio, now seeking £30 million after initially marketing the properties at £90 million. The portfolio comprises over 1,000 student beds across Coventry, Nottingham, and Sheffield.
The assets are spread across Coventry, Nottingham, and Sheffield. Initially part of the offering, a Cambridge property is no longer included. The remaining properties, which vary in size and price per bed, are available for purchase individually or as a group, with offers due by March 20.
The portfolio is now priced at £26,300 per bedroom, aligning with previous market interest. Beachrock stated that the new price reflects previous interest in the portfolio, aligning with market valuations.
M54-M6 Link road upgrade could reduce congestion and improve freight movement
According to a new analysis from Midlands Connect, a proposed road link between the M54 and M6 in Staffordshire could significantly cut congestion and improve freight movement. The project, which would connect Junction 1 of the M54 to Junction 11 of the M6, is expected to divert thousands of vehicles off local roads and onto a more efficient motorway route.
The A460 carries around 20,000 vehicles daily, with freight accounting for 28% of the traffic. If the link road is completed, traffic on the A460 could drop to just 4,000 vehicles per day, reducing congestion and improving journey times. The most significant delays occur between the Laney Green Interchange and the A460/M6 Toll junction, where peak-hour speeds are well below the national average.
Supporters of the project highlight the environmental benefits of diverting freight from residential areas and the potential for improved transport efficiency. The government approved the link road in 2022, but with the Department for Transport currently reviewing its spending priorities, no timeline has been confirmed for its construction.
Staffordshire County Council has backed the project, citing its potential to enhance connectivity, reduce emissions, and support long-term regional investment.
Capital thinking – OTB Legal adds expertise
The Nottingham-headquartered UK immigration law firm, OTB Legal, has bolstered its personal immigration team with the addition of Natasha Mitter to the growing team at its new London office.
Fluent in English, Punjabi and Hindi, Natasha began her legal career by obtaining a Law Degree (LLB) from City, University of London, followed by completing the Legal Practice Course (LPC) at BPP Law School, London in 2019.
Now, with over 5 years of Immigration experience providing her clients with the support they need to navigate the complexities of the UK Immigration system, Natasha joins OTB Legal at an exciting time for the growing firm, which opened its London address in the summer of 2024.
Describing the London launch last year, Director Sally McEwen noted that: “…as a global hub, (London) presents an incredible opportunity to extend our expert legal services to a wider audience at a time when the demand for top-tier immigration and business law advice is soaring.”
Sally adds: “This move, along with the recruitment of high calibre experts like Natasha enables us to provide even more responsive, innovative, and client-focused solutions, meeting the needs of our clients in this dynamic and fast-paced environment.”
Offering expert legal advice and support from sponsor licences and skilled worker Visas to spouse Visas and citizenship, OTB Legal has grown consistently from its Chase Park headquarters just outside Nottingham.
The firm also opened offices in Manchester in 2024, and now has a team of 22 with the addition of Natasha.
Commenting on her new role, Natasha said: “I am excited to be joining OTB Legal’s growing team here in London. The firm is making waves in the sector and is a fresh voice and brand in the industry.
“I look forward to bringing my expertise to a wide range of Immigration applications and providing our clients with the support they need to navigate the complexities of the UK Immigration system.”
