Specialist senior living developer Charterpoint has submitted planning applications for two new care homes, marking the start of the year with an expansion of its portfolio. The proposed developments are located in Gedling, near Nottingham, and to the north of Peterborough. Both schemes are designed as modern, three-storey care homes
Pullans has received full planning approval for a major new student living development at Joseph’s Well in Leeds city centre and has appointed McLaren Construction Yorkshire and North East as the main contractor. The 14-storey building, known as The Tower, will deliver 256 student bedrooms comprising a mix of studios
Rolls-Royce SMR has signed a contract with Skanska UK to deliver an aseismic bearing pedestal demonstrator for its small modular reactor (SMR) programme. These structural isolation devices are central to the factory-built nuclear plant’s design, decoupling buildings and infrastructure from ground motion during seismic events to improve safety and resilience.
Story Homes has secured revised planning permission for Phases 6 and 7 of its Edgehill Park development in Whitehaven, paving the way for 158 new homes and the next stage of the long-running project. Phase 6 will see the introduction of a new collection of house types, a contemporary sub-brand
HBD, part of Henry Boot, has submitted a Reserved Matters planning application for phase one of its flagship Golden Valley development, located adjacent to GCHQ in Cheltenham. The landmark £1 billion innovation and technology project is being delivered in partnership with Cheltenham Borough Council, with construction on the first phase
Leeds United Football Club has confirmed that planning permission has been approved for the long-awaited expansion of Elland Road Stadium, marking a historic milestone for the club, its supporters, and the city of Leeds. The decision, made by Leeds City Council’s Plans Panel at The Civic Hall, allows the stadium’s
Bradford College is celebrating after its new Junction Mills building earned platinum certification from Morgan Sindall Construction for outstanding carbon savings, the only project in Yorkshire to achieve the status in 2025. The £19.3 million, four-storey development on Thornton Road has saved 473 tonnes of carbon over its design and
Persimmon Homes Wessex has received detailed planning approval to build 180 new homes in Midsomer Norton, following outline consent for the site in February 2025. The development, which will be known as Wellow Brook, is located in the south of the town, to the east of the Fosseway. Construction is
Sefton Council is accelerating delivery of its nature-led programme for the Ainsdale Gateway, with initial works planned to begin as early as the spring. Since the Vision was published in the autumn, the Council has moved forward with an agreement to redevelop The Sands, advanced proposals to demolish Toad Hall
Clegg Construction has secured Gateway 2 approval for a £46 million, 12-storey apartments in Sheffield, clearing the way for work to begin early next year. The contractor achieved the approval on behalf of its client, Liverpool-based developer Brickland, for the 267-apartment build-to-rent development on Nursery Street. Authorisation from the Building
Specialist senior living developer Charterpoint has submitted planning applications for two new care homes, marking the start of the year with an expansion of its portfolio. The proposed developments are located in Gedling, near Nottingham, and to the north of Peterborough. Both schemes are designed as modern, three-storey care homes with 80 en-suite bedrooms, lounges, dining rooms, activity areas, and additional resident facilities. Charterpoint CEO Adrian Goose said: “As a specialist in the senior living and care home sector, Charterpoint is very pleased to have applied for planning permission for two additional care homes to add to our portfolio. “We have a strong track record of developing best in class care homes—identifying areas where there is demand for such facilities, designing attractive buildings, and securing planning permission for the developments. We are delighted to have now submitted plans to Gedling Borough Council and to Peterborough City Council for two further care homes.” The Gedling care home is proposed for a site off Lambley Lane, which has been identified for residential use in Gedling Borough Council’s Local Plan. The design, by KWL Architects, includes 80 en-suite bedrooms, lounges, dining areas, activity and hobby rooms, a café, and a hairdresser, with access via an improved entrance off Lambley Lane. The Peterborough care home, designed by Anotherkind Architects, will feature en-suite bedrooms, residents’ lounges, dining areas, a cinema, a hairdresser, a café/bistro opening onto a terrace, and activity rooms. The site, to be accessed from Newborough Road, will also include spacious gardens, patios, communal terraces on the first and second floors, and 33 car parking spaces for staff and visitors. Charterpoint Managing Director Giles Nursey said: “Our proposed new care home is in an area of Peterborough which is experiencing significant and rapid local growth, where a care home would be a tremendous asset to the community. “This care home would offer yet another best in class asset in an easily accessible and visible site, responding to this locally recognised need.” Charterpoint worked with planning consultants P&DG on the Peterborough proposals. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Pullans has received full planning approval for a major new student living development at Joseph’s Well in Leeds city centre and has appointed McLaren Construction Yorkshire and North East as the main contractor. The 14-storey building, known as The Tower, will deliver 256 student bedrooms comprising a mix of studios and cluster apartments. The scheme also includes a range of communal and amenity spaces designed to support wellbeing, social connection, and everyday student life. The project represents the single largest investment in Pullans’ 140-year history and marks the most significant evolution of the Joseph’s Well estate in more than 45 years. Christophe Demoulin, Contracts Manager at Pullans, said: “This consent marks a truly exciting milestone for Pullans. The Tower reflects our long-term commitment to Joseph’s Well and to the future of Leeds.” Pullans is working with a multidisciplinary project team that includes Cunniff Design as architect, FutureServ as MEP consultant, Orion Fire as fire consultant, Roscoe as civil and structural engineer, and RBA as quantity surveyor and employer’s agent. Andrew Beaumont, Managing Director at McLaren Construction Yorkshire and North East, added: “We are delighted to be part of this landmark project in the heart of Leeds and look forward to delivering a building that will stand the test of time.” Located within walking distance of the University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett University, and the city centre, The Tower is intended to address rising demand for professionally managed student accommodation. The development places sustainability at the centre of its design, incorporating energy-efficient systems and a balanced mix of social, study, and relaxation spaces to enhance the student experience while contributing positively to the wider Joseph’s Well community. Patrick Evers, Director at Cunniff Design, said: “It is incredibly rewarding to see our vision for The Tower take such a major step forward. This building will be a fitting addition to the long and proud history of Joseph’s Well.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Rolls-Royce SMR has signed a contract with Skanska UK to deliver an aseismic bearing pedestal demonstrator for its small modular reactor (SMR) programme. These structural isolation devices are central to the factory-built nuclear plant’s design, decoupling buildings and infrastructure from ground motion during seismic events to improve safety and resilience. The work will be carried out at Skanska’s fabrications facility in Doncaster, England, and will include building a prototype of the aseismic bearing pedestal. The demonstrator is intended to enable standardisation of the Rolls-Royce SMR design across a wide range of geotechnical and seismic conditions. Ruth Todd CBE, Rolls-Royce SMR Operations and Supply Chain Director, said: “Working with Skanska is a significant step forward in proving the capability of our aseismic bearing technology and demonstrating our modular approach to construction. By working with a trusted delivery partner, we are de-risking our ‘fleet-based’ approach and creating opportunities for more British and Czech suppliers to play a key role the Rolls-Royce SMR mission.” Skanska, one of the world’s leading project development and construction companies, delivers complex building and infrastructure projects across sectors such as energy and transport. Headquartered in Sweden, it has a strong presence in the UK, North America and Europe, including the Czech Republic, and brings decades of civil engineering, project management and sustainable construction expertise. Adam McDonald, Executive Vice President at Skanska UK, said: “We’ll be bringing our civil engineering, design and fabrications expertise to build and test a first-of-its-kind pre-cast bearing pedestal – a critical component for Rolls-Royce SMR in building new nuclear power generation. Over the coming months, we’ll develop the prototype and run various technical trials at our Bentley Works facility in Doncaster. We are looking forward to playing our part in developing the next generation of nuclear energy.” Rolls-Royce SMR has been named preferred bidder in the Great British Energy – Nuclear (GBE-N) SMR competition and by European utility ČEZ to deliver up to three gigawatts of new nuclear power in the Czech Republic. GBE-N recently confirmed Wylfa on Ynys Môn (Anglesey) as the site for the UK’s first SMRs, aiming to provide up to 1.5GW of low-carbon energy to the grid, support the UK’s net zero goals and create an estimated 8,000 quality long-term British jobs. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Story Homes has secured revised planning permission for Phases 6 and 7 of its Edgehill Park development in Whitehaven, paving the way for 158 new homes and the next stage of the long-running project. Phase 6 will see the introduction of a new collection of house types, a contemporary sub-brand designed to meet modern lifestyles and evolving housing needs. The designs offer a modern take on Georgian-style terraces, with statement detailing, flexible layouts, and a fresh, progressive feel. The collection is aimed particularly at first-time buyers and downsizers seeking homes that are easy to manage, well-located, and thoughtfully designed for everyday living. “Today’s lifestyles are more dynamic, social and convenience-driven than ever before,” Story Homes said, noting that the new designs feature open-plan layouts, manageable private gardens, and carefully considered public green spaces to support community life. Philip Fell, Land Manager for Story Homes Cumbria & Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to have secured planning consent for the next phases at Edgehill Park. Whitehaven has been an important location for Story Homes for many years, and Phase 6 represents an exciting step forward with the introduction of our new collection of house types. It’s been rewarding to see how our developments have evolved to reflect changing lifestyles while continuing to deliver high-quality, well-designed homes.” The new homes will incorporate energy-efficient features and innovative heating systems, helping to reduce household energy bills while meeting Future Homes standards and supporting the UK’s sustainability goals. By focusing on well-connected locations close to amenities and public transport, the development also encourages walking and cycling, reduces parking requirements and makes efficient use of land. Story Homes has had a long-standing presence in Whitehaven for over 15 years, delivering homes that contribute to the local economy, provide employment opportunities, and raise expectations for design quality and specification. The approval of Phases 6 and 7 marks the next chapter in Edgehill Park’s growth, combining innovative design, sustainable living, and community-focused planning for residents of Whitehaven. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HBD, part of Henry Boot, has submitted a Reserved Matters planning application for phase one of its flagship Golden Valley development, located adjacent to GCHQ in Cheltenham. The landmark £1 billion innovation and technology project is being delivered in partnership with Cheltenham Borough Council, with construction on the first phase scheduled to begin next year. Bowmer + Kirkland has been appointed as contractor. Phase one of Golden Valley will include IDEA, a 160,000 sq ft building highlighted in the UK Government’s Modern Industrial Strategy. IDEA is designed as a sustainable hub for community, collaboration, and innovation, clustering expertise in sectors such as AI, quantum technologies, defence tech, and communications. Also part of the first phase is ROUTER, a building aimed at promoting sustainable, smart movement across Golden Valley and the wider area. Facilities include advanced cycle infrastructure, e-bike charging, showers, lockers, real-time transport information, and 453 car parking spaces to address long-term traffic challenges. Golden Valley is already supporting regional initiatives, including The Skills Hub, created to tackle skills gaps and provide career guidance for young adults and career changers. This programme, delivered by HBD in partnership with Cheltenham Borough Council, Gloucestershire College, the University of Gloucestershire, and Amazon Web Services, is a precursor to the physical skills hub that will launch at IDEA. Additionally, the project is funding digital workshops in local primary schools, teaching coding, robotics, game design, and animation through Jam Coding. Hamer Boot, Executive Director at HBD, said: “The submission of Reserved Matters planning is a key milestone for Golden Valley; the first phase will set the tone for a dynamic new district that underpins the UK’s leadership in cyber, AI and emerging technologies. We look forward to moving into delivery this year, creating a scheme that combines new ideas, cutting-edge research and world-class talent with space to drive growth and innovation. “We’re pleased to be working alongside Cheltenham Borough Council to deliver a landmark project that will have a transformational impact on the region for decades to come.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leeds United Football Club has confirmed that planning permission has been approved for the long-awaited expansion of Elland Road Stadium, marking a historic milestone for the club, its supporters, and the city of Leeds. The decision, made by Leeds City Council’s Plans Panel at The Civic Hall, allows the stadium’s capacity to increase to up to 53,000 through the enlargement of the West and North Stands, along with targeted alterations to the South Stand. The approved plans will elevate Elland Road to a UEFA Category 4 stadium, positioning it among Europe’s elite venues. The expansion also opens opportunities for Leeds United and civic partners to host major international tournaments and showcase events, generating cultural and economic benefits for the Leeds City Region. The development has been designed to enhance the matchday experience while preserving the stadium’s historic character. Fans can expect: For players, the upgraded stadium will provide a world-class platform, supporting the club’s ambitions to compete at the highest level and attract top talent. Leeds United Chairman Paraag Marathe said: “We are delighted to have secured planning permission for the expansion of Elland Road Stadium. This is a historic day for Leeds United Football Club. As custodians of this great club, we are committed to its long-term success, and today’s decision supports our ambition to establish Leeds in the Premier League and continue progressing over the years to come. I would like to thank everyone involved in the project to date, for helping us reach this point.” Leeds United Chief Business Officer Morrie Eisenberg added: “From setting out our initial ambitions for Elland Road in late September 2024 to receiving planning approval today, the progress we have made is something we are immensely proud of. This has been a truly collective effort, with Leeds City Council, our local communities in Holbeck and Beeston, National Highways, our expert advisers and, most importantly, our supporters all pulling together to reach this milestone. “The overwhelming level of support, with 98% of respondents backing the proposals, demonstrates how deeply this club and stadium matter to the city. Without our fans, this moment would not be possible. The expansion will allow us to welcome thousands more supporters through the gates, reduce the 26,000-strong Season Ticket Waiting List, and create a better matchday experience for everyone. “The stadium expansion project is also the first step towards the wider regeneration of the Elland Road neighbourhood. Alongside our partners, we are committed to ensuring this development delivers lasting social and economic benefits, from job creation to increased investment, while continuing to grow our community impact through the Leeds United Foundation and organisations such as Holbeck Together.” Enabling works will begin immediately, with major construction set to start after the current season. Elland Road will remain open throughout the project, allowing Leeds United to continue playing at its historic home. Further updates will be shared with supporters as the development progresses. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bradford College is celebrating after its new Junction Mills building earned platinum certification from Morgan Sindall Construction for outstanding carbon savings, the only project in Yorkshire to achieve the status in 2025. The £19.3 million, four-storey development on Thornton Road has saved 473 tonnes of carbon over its design and construction phases—equivalent to the annual heating of 175 UK homes. The building is scheduled to open later this year and will provide students with skills in modern automotive and digital engineering, electric and hybrid vehicles, and advanced manufacturing, supporting low-carbon and technology-focused skills in West Yorkshire. Morgan Sindall achieved the milestone through its Intelligent Solutions approach, which included the use of CarboniCa, a tool that measures whole-life carbon emissions across a building’s design, construction and lifecycle. Pamela Sheldon, Head of Projects at Bradford College, said: “Sustainability has been embedded into every stage of this project. For example, precast elements such as lift shafts and stairs have been manufactured off-site using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) to improve efficiency, quality, and sustainability in the building’s construction. “This new facility represents a significant leap in how we equip young people with the skills needed for a low-carbon economy, so it is fitting that a building dedicated to low-carbon skills should be constructed with sustainability at its core.” Design and material optimisations contributed significantly to carbon reductions, including: Morgan Sindall awarded the project platinum certification in recognition of both the volume of carbon saved and the number of case studies documenting the work. Bradford College also received £5,000 from Morgan Sindall to support a sustainability initiative. Junction Mills additionally achieved a full score in the Considerate Constructors Scheme’s Care for the Environment category, highlighting efforts to minimise environmental impact and enhance natural surroundings. Ben Hall, Morgan Sindall’s Yorkshire area director, said: “Achieving platinum certification on the Junction Mills development demonstrates what is possible when sustainability is embedded from the outset of a project. By applying our Intelligent Solutions approach and working collaboratively with Bradford College, we’ve delivered significant whole-life carbon savings while creating a highly functional, future-focused learning environment. “Junction Mills will leave a lasting legacy for students, the College, and the wider West Yorkshire region and it’s a project we’re immensely proud to be part of.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Persimmon Homes Wessex has received detailed planning approval to build 180 new homes in Midsomer Norton, following outline consent for the site in February 2025. The development, which will be known as Wellow Brook, is located in the south of the town, to the east of the Fosseway. Construction is expected to begin in the coming months, with first residents anticipated to move in by the end of 2026. The scheme has been carefully designed to include substantial areas of green space, including a Central Square with a children’s play area and a Southern Spur featuring a community orchard, walking routes and extensive new tree planting, creating a strong sense of place on site. A total of 54 homes will be allocated to a local housing association to help address Somerset’s significant housing waiting list. The development will also feature new pedestrian and cycle links throughout the site. Commenting on the approval, Persimmon Homes Wessex Managing Director Seb Spiller said: “We at Persimmon are very pleased to have been granted detailed planning as we seek to bring high-quality housing solutions for local people in the Somer Valley area. “Having secured detailed planning approval, we are very excited to deliver on our vision and making our plans a reality, leaving a positive and lasting legacy in the process. “Wellow Brook will have a strong sense of place at the heart of its design, with new green open spaces, ecological enhancements and carefully designed new homes that incorporate local character features. “Persimmon looks forward to continuing our work with local stakeholders as we seek to deliver quality new homes, jobs, and infrastructure for the local community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sefton Council is accelerating delivery of its nature-led programme for the Ainsdale Gateway, with initial works planned to begin as early as the spring. Since the Vision was published in the autumn, the Council has moved forward with an agreement to redevelop The Sands, advanced proposals to demolish Toad Hall to allow temporary surface parking, and set out how the Pontins site will be addressed in a way that supports its EcoVision and the investment required to create a world-class, nature-aligned destination. Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Skills and Employment, said: “We know how important it is to the local communities to do something with these sites, which is why we are looking to make progress at pace now the vision is in place. “Ainsdale Gateway has enormous potential, and we are determined to move forward in a way that supports the local economy and experience for visitors but also protects and enhances its unique natural character. “These early steps show real momentum while laying the groundwork for long-term, nature-led investment.” Over the coming months, activity will include an ecology survey ahead of Toad Hall’s demolition — expected to start in the spring while planning permission is sought for the car park — completion of a lease with a new purchaser for The Sands pub site, anticipated early this year, and market engagement on the former Pontins site as part of a wider transformation of the Ainsdale Gateway, alongside ongoing discussions with the current leaseholder about their intentions. “It’s really exciting to see work starting to happen,” said Cllr Lappin. “We’re all fed up of looking at the derelict, fenced-off sites, and while we get on with what we can we’ll continue to put pressure on Britannia to tell the local community what they would propose for the future of the site. “In the interim we’ll do some market testing to see what ideas potential investors may have for the site alongside the wider coastal gateway if the current leaseholders aren’t interested in doing something of benefit for the local community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Clegg Construction has secured Gateway 2 approval for a £46 million, 12-storey apartments in Sheffield, clearing the way for work to begin early next year. The contractor achieved the approval on behalf of its client, Liverpool-based developer Brickland, for the 267-apartment build-to-rent development on Nursery Street. Authorisation from the Building Safety Regulator means enabling works can start on site in January 2026. Gateway 2 was introduced under the Building Safety Act 2022 to improve standards and oversight, particularly for high-rise residential buildings. Michael Sims, managing director at Clegg Construction, said: “Securing Gateway 2 approval from the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) confirms that this development in Sheffield meets the most stringent of safety requirements. “This approval means that we can now proceed to the next stage, with enabling work starting on site to deliver this 12-storey concrete-frame apartment project.” Clegg Construction has been appointed by Brickland Ltd to deliver the scheme, with the wider project team including architect Hadfield Cawkwell Davidson, built environment consultancy Ridge, MEP services consultant Futurserv, project manager and quantity surveyor Egan Lucocq Ltd, and Design Fire Services. The Sheffield development follows a series of recent residential projects completed by Clegg Construction, such as The Ironworks in Sheffield, a 12-storey block comprising 229 apartments, 185 apartments at Spinners Yard in Leeds, and Gilders Yard in Birmingham, which delivered 158 new homes. The contractor is also currently on site in Sheffield working on a new Faculty of Health building at the University of Sheffield. Based in The Lace Market in Nottingham, Clegg Construction operates across the Midlands, East Anglia and Yorkshire, specialising in the delivery of public and private sector construction projects. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals