Two proposed battery energy storage systems in North Yorkshire have received over 1,000 objections, as developers aim to expand grid flexibility in the region.

Energy firm NatPower has submitted applications for two one-gigawatt battery storage facilities — one at South Kilvington, near Thirsk, and the other at East Rounton, located between Northallerton and Yarm. These installations are designed to store surplus electricity during off-peak periods and release it during high demand, supporting the UK’s transition to a more resilient and balanced energy grid.

The Bellmoor and Mowbray battery storage schemes projects have drawn significant criticism from local communities, parish councils, and environmental groups. Primary concerns include fire risks, visual and environmental impact, increased construction traffic, and the permanent loss of agricultural land.

Public consultation figures show the Bellmoor site attracted more than 800 objections, while the Mowbray scheme saw over 260. Local planning authorities have also received formal objections from countryside advocates, citing the proximity to the North York Moors National Park and the visual disruption such large-scale developments could cause in a rural setting.

Despite public resistance, NatPower maintains the projects as critical to national energy security and cost stability. The company has indicated it continues to consult with local stakeholders and adapt its plans based on community feedback.

North Yorkshire Council is expected to review both applications later this year. For B2B energy stakeholders, the outcome will signal how rural opposition may shape future battery storage infrastructure rollout across the UK.

Hotel Victoria in Robin Hood’s Bay has expanded its room count to 30 as part of a wider refurbishment by new owners, the Loxley Collection. Seven new rooms—including dog-friendly and family-oriented options—have been added, along with an accessible suite completing in April.

The property, acquired in late 2023 by entrepreneur Andrew Long, has undergone significant upgrades, including the addition of Osborne’s Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge, a refurbished pub, and expanded event space. The hotel now offers full hire options for weddings and private functions.

This site joins the Loxley Collection’s growing UK portfolio, including Lincoln and Cornwall hotels. The group is targeting higher occupancy and increased event-driven revenue through its investment in location-based hospitality assets.

Esh Construction is expanding its land-led housing strategy with a £65 million pipeline of developments across the North East and Yorkshire, targeting the delivery of around 300 affordable homes.

The expansion includes four newly acquired sites. In Bridlington, the company plans a 68-unit extra care scheme. In Hull, it’s set to build 65 homes, a mix of two—to four-bedroom properties. The Yorkshire schemes account for £36 million of the total investment.

In the North East, Esh will develop a 55-home extra care facility valued at £20 million in Gateshead, replacing a disused library. A further £9 million has been allocated to a residential scheme in Jarrow, where the company will deliver a mix of houses and flats.

These projects are part of Esh’s ongoing strategy, first launched in 2019, to secure and develop land directly. The firm takes ownership of technical, planning, and construction processes to reduce delivery risk and improve project viability. The firm leverages its status as a Homes England Investment Partner to unlock funding for housing association clients, helping bridge financial gaps in affordable housing projects.

Since adopting this approach, Esh has delivered schemes in Leeds, Doncaster, and County Durham, and is preparing additional sites across both regions for planning submission.

North Yorkshire Council aims to secure £6.8 million in funding from Homes England to fast-track essential infrastructure for a major housing and employment scheme in Harrogate. The funding would enable the early delivery of two new schools and transport upgrades tied to the 2,000-home West Harrogate Project.

The funds would be used for highway improvements around the new developments and early-stage design and survey work for the school sites. The grant, sourced from the Brownfield, Infrastructure, and Land Fund, would be recoverable once developers’ contributions—secured through planning agreements—are received.

Council officers noted that the early infrastructure would support creating a sustainable community. Although there is some financial risk if the developer contributions fall short, external consultants have reviewed the cost estimates, and the local housing market remains strong.

Three of the four planning applications submitted for the project have received conditional approval. The latest application, approved in December, involves the construction of 480 homes off Otley Road.

Developers involved in the project are expected to contribute significant funds to local infrastructure, including nearly £1.9 million for a new primary school, £1.6 million for secondary education, over £1 million for sports facilities, and £390,000 towards healthcare services.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive committee will review the grant proposal this week.

Construction is underway on a £12 million industrial development in Barnsley. The development aims to meet the strong demand for business space and support local employment.

Kestrel Park, located near the A6195 Dearne Valley Parkway, will deliver 77,400 sq ft of industrial space across seven units. Completion is expected in early 2026.

Developer Carnell Management Services leads the speculative project, backed by £3 million from South Yorkshire’s Investment Zone Funding. The park is expected to support the creation of up to 185 jobs.

The new units, designed with sustainability in mind, will include features such as solar panels, EV charging stations, cycle parking, and LED lighting. An environmental impact assessment will also be carried out.

The development responds to ongoing interest from expanding local firms and inward investors looking for smaller, high-quality industrial space. Kestrel Park adds to Barnsley’s growing portfolio of business-ready sites aimed at stimulating regional economic growth.

Rotherham Council is progressing its regeneration strategy with further land acquisitions critical to delivering the planned Rotherham Gateway Station at Parkgate. The new integrated station—combining a mainline rail stop and tram-train connection—will be located on Forge Way and is central to the borough’s plans to improve connectivity and stimulate commercial development through a proposed Innovation Campus.

The council has recently agreed terms to acquire multiple properties essential to the scheme, including Calendar House on Mangham Way. This site has been identified as necessary for health and safety compliance, specifically providing emergency access to the northern platform. It also offers a key access point from the north side of town.

Calendar House is occupied by a local SME and will continue to operate under a leaseback arrangement. The council expects the property to generate rental income in the interim, regardless of whether the station opens as scheduled in 2030.

The acquisitions are being funded through a £10 million allocation from the government’s Town Deal, supporting land assembly while the full business case for the transport project is under development.