A ground breaking ceremony has been held for SMB College Group’s £18 million campus development at Brooksby, which will bring some of the best agricultural equipment and facilities to Leicestershire. In attendance at the ceremony were representatives from Tilbury Douglas and Gleeds, in addition to SMB College Group delegates including Dawn Whitemore (principal and CEO), Jason Spencer (assistant principal for estates), James Fryer (director of land-based and farm) and Andy Graham (director of campus). Also present were four Level 3 Animal Management students, Amelia, Amelia, Noah and Leah, who were in attendance to represent the college’s Brooksby Campus students. The Department for Education funded project will bring a brand new state-of-the-art agri-tech centre to Brooksby, featuring equipment such as GIS software for field and yield mapping, virtual learning environments, purpose-built labs, drones, and robotics – all of which will benefit students and apprentices studying a range of qualifications at the specialist land-based campus. There are also additional buildings, including a new refectory and student services area. Dawn Whitemore, principal and CEO of SMB College Group, said: “I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to watch this project come to fruition. This is a truly transformational project for our Brooksby Campus, and we are incredibly pleased to have the opportunity to remain at the forefront of the Land-based sector with this welcomed investment. “It was an honour to officially ‘break the ground’ and I look forward to watching the developments as the building work progresses.” James Fryer, director of farm and grounds, added: “This is such an exciting new chapter for our Brooksby Campus. This investment will put us on the Land-based map and will allow us to use state-of-the-art precision farming techniques to educate many future generations of Agriculture and Land-based students. “With September 2025 seeing the re-introduction of Level 2 Horticulture and the launch of our brand new T-Level in Agriculture, Land Management and Production, it is a very exciting time to become an SMB College Group land-based student!”

Magnavale has launched the UK’s largest cold storage facility in Grantham, Lincolnshire. With a capacity of 101,000 frozen pallet spaces, the site is designed to support the growing demands of the UK food supply chain while focusing on sustainability.

This cutting-edge facility operates entirely on renewable energy and incorporates advanced automation and high-bay, rack-clad storage. It also offers additional services such as blast freezing and contract packing, streamlining operations for businesses in the sector.

The opening of Magnavale Easton will strengthen the UK’s food security and is expected to bring long-term economic benefits to the local area. It will also help companies reduce costs and improve supply chain efficiency.

Starlight Energy has unveiled plans for a new solar farm in Lincolnshire, which will generate enough energy to power 23,000 homes. The proposed site, located near Burton Pedwardine on the outskirts of existing solar farms, spans 76 hectares (188 acres) off White Cross Lane, Sleaford.

Following consultations with the Burton Pedwardine Parish Council, the developer scaled down the project’s initial size. The proposal includes the installation of 3m-tall solar panels, a substation, fencing, CCTV cameras, and access tracks, with a 40-year operational timeline.

If approved by North Kesteven District Council, the project is expected to generate £50,000 annually in business rates and establish a community fund. Until the consultation period ends, the public has until the end of the period to submit feedback through the NKDC website.

LNT Care Developments has secured planning approval from South Kesteven District Council for the construction of a 66-bed residential care home in Bourne. The development will replace an existing house on Tarragon Way, with a two-storey H-shaped building designed to include parking for 30 vehicles.

The project is expected to create between 50 and 60 local jobs and represent a significant investment in the area. Beyond construction, it will generate ongoing opportunities for local contractors, suppliers, and community engagement, including potential partnerships with schools and community groups.

While most local residents supported the location, concerns were raised over the site’s accessibility and parking capacity. Ward councillor Helen Crawford noted issues with the proposed entrance on Coriander Drive, potential congestion from HGV traffic, and insufficient parking for visitors and staff.

The planning committee approved the project with the condition that a travel plan and construction plan be submitted. No timeline for the project’s completion has been provided.