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.

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.

Network Rail has launched a year-long, multimillion-pound renovation of Scarborough railway station’s Grade II-listed roof. The project aims to restore the roof while maintaining the station’s historical character. It will include upgrades to the drainage systems and stonework, enhancing safety and the overall passenger experience. Despite the scale of the work, the station will remain open during the day with efforts made to minimise disruption.

The restoration is expected to improve facilities, such as the ticket office and waiting areas, while preserving the building’s heritage. The project is set to be completed by early next year.

In addition, Network Rail is progressing with the restoration of a Grade II-listed water tower in York. Part of the York Station Frontage transformation, the tower will be refurbished to provide a rehearsal space for the York Railway Institute Band and a second unit for lease. Planning permission and listed building consent have been granted, and the project is now moving forward with funding and contractor selection.

Meanwhile, Network Rail has announced plans to complete essential repairs on the historic Ryde Pier on the Isle of Wight by May 2025, ensuring continued service on the Island Line.

Gateley Legal’s specialist residential development team has secured a trio of legal panel reappointments for Bellway Homes, McCarthy Stone and Taylor Wimpey. The legal business, which has offices in Leeds, has been advising Taylor Wimpey for more than 30 years and recently celebrated its 20-year anniversary of working with Bellway Homes. The team has been reappointed to the streamlined panels covering all regions for both housebuilders. It will provide support on a wide range of property, construction, disputes, commercial, regulatory and compliance matters. Following five years of service, Gateley Legal has also been reappointed by retirement living developer, McCarthy Stone, across all its regions to cover land acquisition, planning and plot sales matters, as well as construction, litigation and fire safety work. In addition to core legal advice, complementary support will be provided through the technical expertise of its property and construction consultancies within the wider Gateley group. This includes assisting with utility diversions and new connections, surveying matters, project management and capital allowances. Callum Nuttall, partner and national head of the residential development team at Gateley Legal, said: “We are delighted to be continuing our long-term relationships with Bellway Homes, McCarthy Stone and Taylor Wimpey. “These reappointments are a result of the hard work of our brilliant people, a series of strong lateral partner hires and our unrivalled multi-disciplinary offering which sees us providing both legal and consultancy services under one roof to meet the needs of both clients and the market.”

Helmsley Group, a York-based property investment firm, has reported increased demand for office space in the city centre. The firm has secured 42,000 sq ft in new lettings, including spaces for flexible workspace providers Patch and Wizu and NHS service provider Nimbuscare Ltd.

This growth comes as businesses adapt to hybrid and in-person working models. The lettings include the Grade II-listed Bonding Warehouse and East Coast House, which will cater to companies seeking modern, flexible office environments.

The company is also preparing to launch its Coney Street Riverside development, which will introduce a mix of retail, leisure, commercial, and residential spaces in the city centre, further enhancing the area’s business appeal.

The increasing demand for office space in York reflects the ongoing shift in how businesses approach office-based work, with many now seeking environments that foster collaboration and community.

A £3.3 million redevelopment of Skegness railway station has stalled after the appointed contractor, Taziker Ltd, withdrew from the project. East Midlands Railway (EMR), which is overseeing the scheme, is now in the process of sourcing a new delivery partner.

The revamp is part of a broader investment funded through the government’s Town Deal programme and aims to improve passenger flow by reconfiguring the station’s internal layout.

Originally scheduled for completion by 25 May, the timeline is now uncertain. EMR has reaffirmed its commitment to the project and is working to minimise disruption while securing a new contractor.

For businesses involved in infrastructure, transport, or town centre regeneration, the delay highlights the potential risks of contractor dependency in publicly funded development schemes.