December 2016 leicestershire builder online by Michael Wilkinson

Royal Infirmary Children’s Ward Wins Craftsmanship Award THE LEICESTERSHIRE & Rutland Construction Dinner, recently held at College Court Conference Centre, Knighton Road, Leicester, brought together construction professionals to celebrate craftsmanship in a wide variety of projects. The Local Joint Consultative Committee, consisting of Architects, Surveyors, Builders and Structural Engineers presented 15 awards for projects representing the highest level of craftsmanship. B&A Construction Ltd, won an award for the refurbishment of Ward 19 within the Children’s Hospital at the Leicester Royal Infirmary. David Ellis, Project Manager for NHS Estates, gave particular praise to B & A for their ‘Community Spirit’ combined with their Left To Right: B&A’s Mike Coles & Tony Price with Leon Lloyd ‘complete approach to what was a challenging project’. Other craftsmanship awards, given for varied projects at the University of Leicester, De Montfort University, Uppingham School, private dwellings and Leicester Cathedral, were won by: Stepnell Ltd, Wilmott Dixon, G Harrison Buildrite, Sheffield & Ford, Bowmer & Kirkland, Steel & Bray, The English Limestone Company, Cawrey Ltd, Fox Projects, Landmark Homes & MSM. Awards were presented by former Tigers and England Rugby Star, Leon Lloyd. The evening was hosted by Andrew Oldershaw, President of The Leicestershire & Rutland National Federation of Builders and his wife, Carolyn. The event raised £1,000.00 for the local charity The Rik Basra Leukaemia Campaign.

Struck down with MS

Nick O’Meara needs your help AT THE AGE of 37, Nick O’Meara was diagnosed with MS, He was a partner in the local roofing business ‘Strong-O’Meara’ and loved his work. Nick is now 46 and only able to get around using a mobility scooter. His sight has been severely impaired. A brief description of MS: A chronic, typically progressive disease involving damage to the sheaths of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, whose symptoms may include numbness, impairment of speech and of muscular coordination, blurred vision, and severe fatigue. Friends, family and colleagues are starting to raise money for Nick’s stem cell treatment which takes place in Mexico next July, the target is £50,000 which would cover travel, cost of treatment and accommodation during his treatment and recovery. Feel free to research the treatment for yourselves, it is called Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transfusion or HSCT for short. With your help we can get the treatment required (although not guaranteed) to improve the quality of his life. If for what ever reason Nick is unable to receive this treatment all money donated will go to a Multiple Sclerosis Society. It would mean the world for you to donate as little or as much as you can! Visit: www.gofundme.com/nick-omearamultiple-sclerosis-2upmc5hy

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • DECEMBER 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069

Former cinema for sale in Coalville

Work set to begin on new starter and family homes in Melton Leicester-based developer Westleigh has announced that it hopes to begin work on a new development in Melton Mowbray by the end of this year, after a planning application was approved by Melton Borough Council. The development on Leicester Road will offer a mix of two, three and four bedroom homes, ideal as starter homes for first-time buyers and for growing families looking to upsize.

INNES ENGLAND are offering for sale a former cinema which has now been adapted to provide a substantial retail outlet with ancillary stores. The property – The Rex, Jackson Street, Off Marlborough Square, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 3LT – has an approximate gross internal floor area of 11,000 sq.feet and has planning consent for A1 retail purposes. The former rake of the theatre now provides ancillary storage, and the principle retail area lies beneath this, with suspended ceilings and recessed lighting. There are the normal arrangement for WCs and kitchen facilities. A right of way exists over the car park to the rear, facilitating access onto Owen Street. The asking price is £325,000. For more information, contact Peter Doleman at Innes England on 0116 255 5455 or email: pdoleman@innesengland.com

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An artist’s impression of how the development will look. Robert Orr, Sales and Marketing Manager at Westleigh, commented, “We are pleased to be able to bring high quality new homes to Melton Mowbray, and look forward to beginning work on this project. “The government-backed Help-to-Buy scheme will be available, and gives buyers the option of taking a 20% interest-free equity loan on their new property with just a 5% deposit, meaning that only a 75% mortgage is required. “We’d advise anyone in the area who is considering moving to a new home to look out for updates on this development.” The brand new development will be located within easy reach of the A607 on the west side of Melton, just a half-hour drive from the centre of Leicester. The facilities of Melton town centre, including schools, a hospital, shops, restaurants and the famous Melton Mowbray Market, are only a short drive away. Westleigh Homes builds contemporary new homes across the Midlands and designs homes and specifications with modern lifestyles in mind. It ensures its new homes embrace existing buildings, styles and materials, whilst also ensuring the build has minimal impact on its local environment. To keep up to date with the latest developments and availability from Westleigh visit the website at www.westleigh.co.uk you can also follow Westleigh on Twitter @ WestleighHomes or search Westleigh on Facebook.

New homes launched in Broughton Astley A BRAND new collection of homes in Broughton Astley has just been released by 5 star award-winning housebuilder, William Davis Homes. On Saturday 26th November, Mill Fields was officially opened for potential purchasers to view the new development and take advantage of early, off-plan reservations. Sales consultant, Louise Nicholls, said: “We’re really excited to launch Mill Fields as its set to be a great community,” said Louise. “Nestling on the edge of Broughton Astley, with excellent access to the village schools, shops and other amenities, we have plenty of different house types to choose from, whether you’re looking to buy your first home, or are seeking something bigger to suit a growing family. I’m confident many house hunters will want to make their next move to Mill Fields!”

Coleorton cottages TWO 19TH CENTURY semidetached beamed cottages for sale as one lot, situated in Stoney Lane, Coleorton, Leics, with large garden to the rear. In need of re-furbishment etc.

Newly appointed sales consultant, Louise Nicholls is ready to welcome house hunters to Mill Fields, Broughton Astley.

Also adjacent plot of land with outline planning permission for a four bedroom house with double garage. Only persons who have either lived in Coleorton for five years in the last twenty or similarly in the adjacent parishes need enquire, as a local needs 106 clause applies to the planning consent. Initial enquiries to Mr. Stewart on 07415062215

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • DECEMBER 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069

Melton office building with consent for residential conversion ANDREW & ASHWELL are offering for sale a Grade II Listed office building with planning permission (ref: 16/00116/ FUL) for conversion to 6 residential apartments. The property – Equity House, 47 Burton Street, Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE13 1AF – comprises part ground floor offices with a single storey lean-to extension to the rear providing kitchen and wc facilities. Above and over the adjacent retail premises are further offices with kitchen and wc facilities available on the second floor. Externally, four car park spaces are available to the rear. For sale by way of long leasehold for a term of 125 years from 5th October 2005 (unexpired term of 114 years). The long leasehold is subject to a ground rent of £100 per annum, subject to 25 yearly reviews. Further information is available upon request. Offers are invited in the region of £300,000. VAT is applicable to this transaction. For more information, contact Kelvin Wilson at Andrew & Ashwell on 0116 254 1220 or 07702 369 280 or email: kww@andash.co.uk

SDL Auctions silver lining at property Oscars

SDL Auctions, the fourth largest auction network in the UK which holds regular auctions at the King Power Stadium, took home a prestigious award, familiarly known as a ‘property Oscar’, at the 2016 Negotiator Awards. Lining up against four national competitors, SDL Auctions was presented with the silver award in the Auction House of the Year category, a trophy which will now line up alongside three other awards in the same category over the past three years. Andrew Parker, auctioneer and managing director, commented: “The whole team is thrilled to have been presented with the silver award and recognised – by our industry peers – as one of the leading auctioneers in the UK. To have been one of three finalists in the category is a great such an achievement and is a great way to start rounding off what’s been an excellent year for SDL Auctions.” SDL Auctions also sponsored the Rising Star of the Year category at this year’s Negotiator Awards, which took place at the London Park Lane Hilton on Tuesday 1st November and was hosted by comedian Ed Byrne. The awards identify, reward and celebrate industry excellence and promote best practice within the residential property market. Comprising SDL Graham Penny in the East Midlands, SDL Bigwood in the West Midlands and the recent addition of a new auction centre covering Cheshire and North Wales, headed up by well-known auctioneer Edward Feather, SDL Auctions is the fourth largest auction network in the UK and the biggest outside of London.

Developer announced for £80m Waterside regeneration scheme

A MAJOR drive to regenerate Leicester’s Waterside area has reached an important milestone. Leicester City Council – which is spearheading the transformation of a largely derelict industrial area on the banks of the River Soar – has named its development partner. Following a detailed process of competitive tendering, leading UK regeneration and construction specialist Keepmoat Homes Ltd has been awarded the contract to deliver the first phase of the Waterside regeneration project. Keepmoat’s winning bid will deliver over 300 new homes and 5,500sqm of office space, along with new parks and green space, and bring an anticipated £45milllion of private investment into the area. Leicester City Council has already earmarked £15milllion of capital funding for the Waterside scheme. The Leicester and Leicester Enterprise Partnership also successfully bid for £20milllion from the Government’s Local Growth Fund to support the major regeneration project. City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “Waterside is a tremendous opportunity for the city which will attract over £65milllion of inward investment into Leicester and, of course, bring jobs to the people of the city. “The appointment of our development partner is an important milestone that brings us another step closer to the regeneration of this key area of the city. “We want to transform this longneglected area of the city into a thriving neighbourhood with great places to live, space for businesses to flourish and excellent access to the city’s beautiful riverside.” Andrew Mason, Regional Director for Keepmoat Homes, said: ‘We are delighted to be selected as preferred developer to deliver Phase One of the Waterside development. “Keepmoat has an exemplary track record in working with public sector organisations to deliver their regeneration aspirations and we look forward to working in partnership with Leicester City Council to deliver our joint vision for Waterside. “We believe this scheme offers a unique opportunity to maximise the full potential of the waterside setting and transform the area, creating an exciting housing offer and providing a new high-quality office location in the city centre.” Homes planned for this first phase

of the Waterside development will be a mix of mainly two- and threestorey town houses in tree-lined streets, with an attractive new neighbourhood park. Keepmoat’s proposed scheme will also help create better access to the River Soar and space for wildlife to flourish. It includes the creation of new riverside footpaths, wooded nature-areas and more public green space, including a small park, with a pub or café/bar and pontoons for launching canoes, on Soar Island. The unique two-acre island itself will be redeveloped as a residential area, providing a stunning setting for around 30 new homes. New office development will help transform a stretch of the A50, from Frog Island to Sanvey Gate, providing space for new businesses and a much more attractive gateway to the city centre. Keepmoat will be obliged to complete at least 100 homes and over 1,850sqm of new office space, along with all required infrastructure, by 2020. The city council aims to have assembled all land earmarked for development in the 18-acre site over the next six to 12 months, with the developer due to begin work on site by the end of 2017. Over three-quarters of the land required has already been acquired. A case will now need to be submitted to Government for a compulsory purchase order (CPO) for the remaining plots. CPOs are used by local authorities to assemble land for complex regeneration projects which are in the public interest, particularly those which involve multiple land ownerships. City Mayor Peter Soulsby added: “Waterside has the potential to be one of the most exciting large-scale regeneration opportunities in the East Midlands. It is vital that we maintain the momentum created around this fantastic opportunity for the city’s growth.” In Leicester, CPOs of this nature have been instrumental in major regeneration schemes including the Highcross development ten years ago; City Challenge in the mid-1990s; and the original Shires Shopping Centre development in the 1980s. The overall development of the first phase of the Waterside regeneration project could be complete by the end of 2023.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ DECEMBER 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ Tel: 01530 244069

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • DECEMBER 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • DECEMBER 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069

New construction pay index reveals earnings winners and losers across England & Wales THE NATION’S first ever construction pay trends index* has been launched to reveal that Wales has seen the biggest (5.3%) year-on-year increase in earnings amongst selfemployed tradesman – compared to just a 1.7% uplift felt by local workers in the East Midlands. The new ‘Construction Pay Trends’ index, which can be accessed at http:// www.hudsoncontract.co.uk/construction-pay-trends/, has been developed by construction’s leading professional workplace audit and contract solutions provider, Hudson Contract and harnesses payroll data from over 2,000 building firms across England and Wales. The interactive tool reveals weekly pay differences by region, age and sub sectors such as bricklaying and joinery through to roofing and surfacing contractors. Providing local tradesman, building apprentices and industry analysts with a unique insight into pay levels, it also reveals the impact weather, location and economic factors have on earning potential. The biggest nationwide drop in average weekly pay in the building industry was experienced in the North East which saw a 2.1% decrease in earnings year-to-date in 2016 compared to 2015. It was closely followed by a 0.4% decrease in London, with the regional trends illustrated in the following top 10: 1. Wales (+5.3%) 2. Yorkshire & The Humber (+4.2%) 3. East of England (+1.8%) 4. North West (+1.7%) 5. East Midlands (+1.7%) 6. West Midlands (+1.5%) 7. South East (+1.3%) 8. South West (+1.1%) 9. London (-0.4%) 10. North East (-2.1%) Across all construction trades in the East Midlands, the highest increase in earnings year-on-year for sub-contractors was within the Demolition industry which experienced an average 12.5% growth, followed by 9.3% in Equipment and Operator Hire and 8.9% in Plastering. Those working in the Electrical industry in the East Midlands witnessed the lowest average increase of just 0.3% in earnings year-to-date in 2016 compared to 2015. This was followed by a slight increase of 1.7% in earnings for both Civil Engineering and General Construction tradesmen. Ian Anfield, Managing Director at Hudson Contract, said: “We’ve developed the Construction Pay Trends index to provide the most comprehensive insight into pay levels across the industry. It has revealed some fascinating trends on both a national and regional level, with tradesman in Wales experiencing the sharpest annual growth in earnings. “The index will update monthly to reveal the latest pay trends - providing the perfect online career resource for building apprentices through to industry analysts assessing the ongoing health of the construction sector.” To access Hudson Contract’s Construction Pay Trends index, please visit: http://www.hudsoncontract.co.uk/construction-pay-trends/

Plot for a pair of dwellings: £90k CARLTON ESTATES are offering for sale a building plot with planning permission for the erection of a pair of two storey dwellings each with three bedrooms, parking and amenity space. The plot - at 23 Valley Drive, Leicester LE3 3EE - is being offered at an asking price of £90,000. For more information, contact Carlton Estates on 0116 284 9636.

Local Developer is a Considerate Constructor A LEICESTERSHIRE housing developer has moved into the top 10 construction companies nationwide for best site practice as part of the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS). Whetstone-based Westleigh has been recognised for its efforts in staff engagement, site safety, community work and charitable fundraising. Among the community events Westleigh has organised in recent months were a litter pick and clean-up along a canal near a construction site in Loughborough, and a school photography competition at another site in Lincoln. The company has attracted praise for the high standard of training afforded to its apprentices, and for installing mobile first aid stations on its sites. Westleigh also arranged a charity barbecue on one of its sites in the summer to raise money for Macmillan. These initiatives, among Westleigh staff were on hand for others, have seen Westleigh a canal clean-up near their Derby climb into the Top 10 of the Road site in Loughborough in CCS’ Company Contributors September. Photo: Toby Savage. leaderboard. The leaderboard charts and scores CCS members on their site-led, community-focused schemes, as described in a blog kept by each organisation on CCS’ online ‘Best Practice Hub’. Westleigh’s Mark Dixon, the company’s CCS Champion, said: “This is a wonderful achievement which vindicates all of the hard work and thoughtful consideration put into our developments by our site management teams. “The stated aim of the CCS is to improve the image of the construction industry and we’re delighted to be playing a part in that. It is important to highlight the positive work that construction companies do for the communities they build in.”

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • DECEMBER 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069

Construction output rises Housing delivery up 52% in past three years New figures show industry in October, driven by on track to deliver housing activity Government’s ‘one million homes’ pledge UK CONSTRUCTION companies recorded a sustained expansion of overall business activity in October, led by another solid increase in residential work.

New order volumes also picked up across the construction sector, but the rate of growth eased since September and remained weaker than seen prior to this summer. This contributed to a drop in business confidence regarding the year-ahead growth outlook, with the latest reading the secondlowest since May 2013. At the same time, input costs rose at one of the fastest rates seen over the past five years, which survey respondents widely linked to the weaker pound. At 52.6 in October, the seasonally adjusted Markit/CIPS UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index® (PMI®) edged up from 52.3 in September and remained above the 50.0 no change threshold for the second month running. The latest reading pointed to the fastest upturn in activity since March, although the rate of growth was only modest and still much softer than the average since the recovery began three-and-a-half years ago (57.3). Housing activity remained the key growth driver across the construction sector in October. Latest data signalled a solid increase in residential building work, and the pace of expansion was only slightly weaker than September’s eight-month peak. There was also a stabilisation in commercial construction activity during October, while civil engineering decreased slightly and was the weakest performing broad category of activity. New business growth was only moderate in October and still much weaker than seen during the first quarter of 2016. Some firms noted that Brexit-related uncertainty had continued to act as a brake on client confidence and resulted in delayed spending decisions. Nonetheless, construction companies reported a further upturn in their staffing levels and purchasing activity during the latest survey period. The rise in input buying was the fastest since March, which contributed to a sharper deterioration in supplier performance in October. Input prices increased at the second-fastest rate since July 2011 (exceeded only by the rise in costs reported this August). Anecdotal evidence suggested that suppliers had sought to pass on higher imported raw material prices following the sharp depreciation of sterling against the US dollar and euro. Some construction companies also pointed to greater transportation costs in October. Looking ahead, the number of construction firms expecting a rise in business activity over the next 12 months (43%) continued to exceed those that forecast a reduction (14%). However, the latest reading was down markedly since September and the second-lowest since May 2013. A number of survey respondents cited the impact of Brexit uncertainty on investor sentiment, alongside reduced confidence towards the general economic outlook. Tim Moore, Senior Economist at IHS Markit and author of the Markit/ CIPS Construction PMI®, said: “The UK construction sector has started the fourth quarter in a positive fashion, with the latest survey data revealing a moderate rebound from the downturn seen during the summer. “Construction growth was dependent on a solid recovery in residential work, as civil engineering and commercial building struggled for momentum in October. “While business activity has picked up since the third quarter, the recent phase of new order growth has been the weakest for three-and-a-half years. Survey respondents noted that Brexit-related uncertainty and concerns about the UK economic outlook had held back investment spending. “Subdued new order intakes contributed to a fall in construction sector business confidence for the first time since July. At the same time, a sharp pace of input price inflation added to construction firms’ anxieties about the year-ahead business outlook, with higher costs overwhelmingly linked to supplier price hikes in response to the weak pound.”

NEW Government figures just released show that nearly 200k homes were added to the housing stock in the last financial year – confirming that the Government’s plan to deliver one million homes in this parliament is on track. The numbers, generally accepted as the most accurate barometer of housing supply, clearly demonstrate that the house building industry is responding to Government policies aimed at stimulating supply. They show there has been a 52% increase in housing supply over the past three years.

The new figures show: • Overall housing supply April 15 - April 16 ( general election was May 15) was 200,070 up 10%; • Once demolitions are taken off there were 189,650 net additions to the housing stock, up 11% • 163,940 new build homes were built, up 6% (38% in past 3 years) • Due to planning reform housebuilders increased office to resi conversions to 12,824 To achieve the Government’s ‘one million homes in this parliament’ target output needs to average 200k homes a year. The new figures, that effectively cover the first year of the parliament, show that recent increases in housing delivery have been sustained and built on, with all indicators suggesting that further increases will occur. Whilst the time taken to get a planning permission to the stage where builders can actually build has lengthened, the fact that planning permissions are now running at circa 275k a year provides a strong forward indicator of future supply. Planning permissions are generally built out over the next three to five years (depending on size of site and advanced infrastructure requirements etc) and output now broadly matches the volume of permissions granted in 2012/13. The Government’s Help to Buy scheme has now delivered almost 100k sales; we are continuing to work with Government to speed up the rate at which the increased number of planning permissions being granted are processed to the point they can be built; HBF is working with Government on further policies aimed at assisting SME builders that will see more builders building and adding to the total supply. Over the past few years the industry has recruited and trained tens of thousands of new people required to build more new homes, whilst the supply chain has grown rapidly to provide more of the materials the industry needs. With output increasing as more desperately needed new homes are built, the industry is providing a huge economic boost to UKPLC. Stewart Baseley, executive chairman of the Home Builders Federation said; “These figures provide the best evidence to date as to how much house builders have ramped up housing supply. The Government’s ambitious target to build one million homes over the course of this parliament is now within reach. “In response to the positive measures introduced by Government in recent years, such as Help to Buy, huge increases in output have been delivered. Providing Government continues to create an environment within which the industry can operate and grow house builders will continue to increase delivery of new homes. “The industry is committed to delivering the high quality new homes the country needs to address our housing crisis. As we build desperately needed new homes the industry is creating hundreds of thousands of new jobs directly and in the supply chain boosting local economies across the country. “Moving forward, the house building industry will play a key role in building a new Britain and driving our post Brexit economy.”

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • DECEMBER 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • DECEMBER 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069

New headquarters for How changes to the M-EC in Hugglescote Apprenticeship Levy will af fect the construction sector Comment by Wayne Lysaght-Mason, managing director at IronmongeryDirect “The recent announcement regarding changes to the Apprentice Levy is welcome news for the construction sector, particularly as it struggles with its biggest skills crisis in almost 20 years.

ONE OF THE Midlands fastest growing engineering consultancies, M-EC, has recently acquired a disused chapel in Hugglescote, Leicestershire.

M-EC’s founders and directors, Alex Bennett and Eddie Mewies outside the newly acquired chapel in Hugglescote, Leicestershire – let the conversion commence!

Having gained planning permission to convert the distinctive building; the former chapel will become a state-of-theart headquarters for the company. Representing an investment in the region of £750,000, once works and fit-out have been completed, the plan to relocate M-EC’s headquarters from only a mile away has been brought forward because business growth has meant the existing team can no longer be comfortably accommodated in their current premises. “We’ve always had expansion and a new HQ on our agenda and realised earlier this year this would be required sooner rather than later,” explained M-EC managing director, Eddie Mewies. “We’re happy to bring this project forward, as the current expansion of the business coinciding with the opportunity to secure this unusual property seemed too good to miss.” The former Wesleyan chapel, originally built in 1851, is on Station Road in the North West Leicestershire village and provides approximately 3,900 sq ft of office space. Once converted it will provide an area of open plan

work stations for up to 50 people, together with private offices, staff rooms and facilities, a board room and meeting room plus print room and storage. On site car parking will also be provided for the M-EC team. Currently employing nearly 70 people, including highly qualified engineers, transport planners, environmental and sustainability specialists, land surveying professionals and 15 apprentices across all disciplines, M-EC has recently opened its latest office in the heart of Nottingham, adding further to regional offices in Birmingham and Milton Keynes alongside the business’s head office in Ibstock, Leicestershire. “This time last year, we took the decision to open Birmingham and Milton Keynes and both offices have since been thriving,” said director, Alex Bennett. “Encouraged by this we’ve now added Nottingham to better serve our North Midlands clients and with construction work now underway at our new HQ, we are hoping to be ready into move in in March 2017, providing us with a solid basis for the business going forward.”

“Following the recession, the sector lost around 324,000 skilled workers, and currently there are not enough people entering the profession to meet existing work requirements - or to replace the number of workers soon to hit retirement age. As a result, pressure is mounting on the industry to take immediate action to attract fresh, new talent to bridge the gap. “Creating more training and apprenticeship opportunities is an effective way of appealing to young people and upskilling them in the areas most in need of additional workers. Therefore, the amended Apprenticeship Levy is a huge step forward for the construction sector, as it will help to generate more opportunities for young people to learn a valuable new trade and progress their careers. “One of the main issues the sector had with the original levy was that smaller companies would miss out on government support towards meeting the costs of apprenticeship training, as they were not eligible to pay the levy. However, the announced changes mean that small companies will receive increased funding, which should encourage more firms to take on young apprentices, giving them the chance to receive hands-on, work-based experience. “Given the severity of the construction skills shortage, employers have a responsibility to train the next generation of workers to ensure they have the skills to drive forward growth in the future.”

Markfield site for 13 dwellings ASTON & CO Estate Agents are inviting offers in the region of £600,000 for a development site with planning consent for 13 dwellings. The property - at Shaw Lane, Markfield, Leicestershire - extends to approximately 0.91 of an acre and has the benefit of Outline Planning Permission (ref: 14/01241/OUT) for 6 four-bed detached house, 3 three-bed detached houses and 4 social housing. For more information, or to arrange a viewing appointment, contact Aston & Co on 0116 260 7788.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • DECEMBER 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069

Builders’ Problems SOLVED

Difficult customer! Problem: My eldest son recently set up on his own as a general builder. Sadly, he already has a customer who owes him in the region of £10,000 for the final invoice on a restoration that has been fraught with difficulties, and a customer who has changed the specification as she went along. She is now restricting access to the site so he cannot carry out any of the remaining small jobs and snagging, and she is proving difficult to contact too. I wonder if you may be able to provide some advice, like should he refer the matter to a local solicitor and go through the small claims court? Any idea on costs?

Malcolm, Lutterworth Response: Hello Malcolm. In litigation, there are 3 tracks that a claim may be allocated to. If the claim is below £10,000, then the matter will automatically be allocated to the Small Claims Track, unless a defendant has a counterclaim that exceeds £10,000. Where a claim is between £10,000 and £25,000, it will be allocated to the Fast Track, whilst anything in excess of £25,000 will be allocated to the Multi Track. There are big differences between a claim allocated to the Small Claims Track and the Fast and Multi Tracks, the main differences being in the time, formalities and cost. In small claims, the parties are severely restricted on their costs that they are able to claim, so there is little cost risk to either party (where legal costs are incurred the cap is £260). If the matter is allocated to the Fast Track, then costs are allowed (within parameters), although even

a successful party will usually only be awarded 60% – 70% of the costs incurred. That said, before any action is taken, your son must draft and issue a Letter of Claim in accordance with the Pre-Action Protocol for Construction and Engineering Disputes. Item 4 of the protocol sets out what must be included in the Letter of Claim, and you should give the defendant 28 days to respond. Failure to comply with the protocol will have cost consequences for the successful party, although with small claims these consequences are minor when compared with the Multi and Fast Tracks. If the claim is above £10,000 but your son does not wish to take the risk, then it may be wise to ensure the claim is capped at below £10,000. If

your son instructs a solicitor, he must be aware that he will not get back the costs (save for £260 and the issue fee). However, having a claim allocated to the Fast Track will concentrate the mind of the defendant. Even if your son decides that the Small Claims Track is the most appealing, I would still recommend that he employs the services of a solicitor to draft the Letter of Claim and if needed, the Claim Form and Particulars of Claim. Most solicitors will give fixed fees for each stage, and it is possible for your son to manage his own case with adhoc assistance from a solicitor. © Michael P. Gerard December 2016 The advice provided is intended to be of a general guide only and should not be viewed as providing a definitive legal analysis.

Bellway close to completing work in Lutterworth CONSTRUCTION work is almost complete at a development of new homes in Lutterworth which has provided land for a new cemetery and generated investment worth over £250,000 to the local community. Bellway is building 130 new homes at its Whittle Fields development at Leaders Farm on Coventry Road, and the final phases of construction are now being carried out. Work at the site started in December 2013, and a range of three, four and five-bedroom homes have now been completed, including 39 affordable rented and shared ownership homes. As part of the planning agreement for the development, Bellway has supplied 1.2ha of land off Brookfield Way to create a new cemetery for the town. Bellway has also committed to contributing £16,500 towards bus stop improvements, £17,800 for education and more than £8,000 for library services. The developer will also pay £86,000 to the county council to fund bus passes, £115,000 will go towards open space, and £6,000 will be spent on travel packs. Sales Director for Bellway’s East Midlands division, Ben Smith, said the housebuilder was proud of the work it had done at Whittle Fields. He said: “It’s fantastic to see the finishing line in sight at Whittle Fields and we’re delighted with how the development has progressed. We knew there was a shortage of new homes in Lutterworth and strong demand, and this has proven true at this development. “One of our key aims as a housebuilder is to support and improve the existing communities in which we build. With the new cemetery and funding as part of the planning agreement, we certainly feel that Whittle Fields has played its part in enhancing the facilities of the town. “

Michael P. Gerard

Author background Michael is a Solicitor, Chartered Builder, Registered Construction Adjudicator & Accredited Expert in quantum and planning matters. He is Managing Director of Michael Gerard & Co., and a Partner with Cato Solicitors.

Workshop will ‘demystify’ care and maintenance of historic buildings PEOPLE who live or work in historic buildings can find out more about the routine care and maintenance of their properties at a workshop. Leicester City Council has teamed up with the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings to offer the introductory course. A workshop, which will explore the routine care of old buildings, will run on Saturday, 18 March, 2017. The course costs £40 per person, and may be offered free of charge to people living or working in the Greyfriars area. It takes place at the King Richard III Visitor Centre, and runs from 9.30am until 4.30pm. The scheme is subsidised through the Greyfriars Townscape Heritage Initiative. Backed by £1.1milllion from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the five-year programme will support the restoration and improvement of buildings in the Greyfriars conservation area. Sophie Noon, city council project officer for the Townscape Heritage Initiative, said: “People who live or work in historic buildings can often be daunted by the prospect of carrying work on their properties. For more information visit www.leicester.gov.uk/thi or email greyfriarsthi@leicester.gov.uk

I’m still carrying a torch for you, and if I ever see you again, I’m using it to set you on fire.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • DECEMBER 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069

Gender Pay Gap At 16.3 Per Cent For Construction Sector THE MINISTER for Women and Equalities, Justine Greening has welcomed figures showing the gender pay gap is now the lowest on record. The Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, published by the Office for National Statistics, provide the most accurate data on the median average difference between men and women’s earnings. These statistics show that the construction sector has a gender pay gap of 16.3 per cent – that’s 1.8 per cent below the national average. From next April the Government will be taking action to tackle the gender pay gap by requiring all employers with more than 250 employees to publish their gender pay and gender bonus gaps. This will help shine a light on the barriers preventing women from reaching the top. The benefits of helping women to unlock their talents are huge – tackling the UK gender gap could add £150 billion to our annual GDP in 2025. That’s an opportunity that neither Government nor businesses can afford to ignore. Minister for Women and Equalities, Justine Greening said: “It is fantastic to see we now have the lowest gender pay gap on record. No woman should be held back just because of her gender. “The changes we’ve made so that men and women can share their parental leave, the support we’re giving to get more women into the top jobs at our biggest companies and our drive to get more girls taking STEM subjects at school are all helping to reduce this gap. “We’ve achieved amazing things but there’s more to do – that’s why we are pushing ahead with plans to require businesses to publish their gender pay and gender bonus gap for the first time ever from April next year.” To help drive further progress and help eliminate the gender pay gap in a generation the Government is: Introducing requirements for all employers with more than 250 members of staff to publish their gender pay and gender bonus pay gaps for the first time ever from April next year; Working with business to have 33 per cent of women on boards by 2020 and eliminate all-male boards in the FTSE 350; and Doubling the amount of free childcare available to working parents of three and four year olds, helping to remove the barriers that can prevent women from returning to the workplace. This builds on the changes Government has already introduced to support women in the workplace, including: • Extending the right to request flexible working to all employees; • Introducing a new system of flexible parental leave; • Supporting women’s enterprise by helping female entrepreneurs start up and grow their own business; and • Increasing the National Living Wage, of which two-thirds of recipients are women.

Single building plot in Quorn Offers around £260,000 MOORE & YORK are offering for sale a single building plot with planning permission for a substantial threestorey detached property, subject to the demolition of an existing house. The proposed property - at Nursery Lane, Quorn, Leics. - will offer four good sized bedrooms and three ensuites with dressing room to the master bedroom, plus two/three reception rooms. Offers in the region of £260,000 are invited. For more information, contact Moore & York on 01509 214546 or email: loughborough@ mooreandyork.co.uk

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Blaby Office

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Post-Referendum new home registrations in line with 2015, reports NHBC ALMOST 36,000 new homes were registered in the UK by NHBC in the third quarter of 2016, according to NHBC’s latest new home registration statistics. The affordable sector was up 18% with 9,191 new homes registered compared to 7,764 in Q3 2015, while 26,762 new homes were registered in the private sector, a 5% decrease on the 28,190 a year ago. The overall number of new home registrations is virtually identical to the same period last year when 35,954 new homes were registered in the UK. The figures portray a mixed picture across the UK with half of the 12 regions showing an increase in registrations during Q3, including the South East (+56%), North West (+48%) and Yorkshire & Humberside (+42%) with the others reporting a dip in numbers, such as Scotland (-38%) and London (-45%), compared to a year ago. The number of new home completions for the Q3 period increased by 5% (33,341 versus 31,759 last year) when compared to the same period 12 months ago, mirroring the strong growth seen in registrations in previous quarters. As the leading warranty and insurance provider for new homes in the UK, NHBC’s registration statistics are a lead indicator of UK housebuilding activity. For 80 years, NHBC has been committed to driving up quality and raising standards in house building and has approximately 80% market share. Commenting on the Q3 figures, NHBC Chief Executive Mike Quinton said: “Our latest statistics show that the industry continues to consolidate on the strong growth in registrations seen in recent years.”

♦ Land Purchase ♦ Joint Venture Agreements ♦ Planning Agreements ♦ Contract Disputes ♦ Access / Drainage Rights ♦ Options ♦ Plot Sales ♦ Leases For further information and advice, contact either Andrew Eagle at our Leicester Office or Russell Dowling at our Blaby office

I always give 110%. Oops. Left out the decimal point. I always give 1.10%.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • DECEMBER 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069

British Property Federation And Planning Officers Society

Developers and planning officers join forces to recommend improvements to planning conditions THE PROPERTY industry and planning officers have joined forces to urge government to enshrine best practice for planning conditions in national planning guidance, including a clear route for appealing conditions. In their joint response to the government’s consultation on improving the use of planning conditions, the British Property Federation (BPF) and the Planning Officers Society (POS) have recommended that the proportionate and appropriate use of planning conditions is best achieved by setting out a clear route of appeal in the NPPF and PPG, with associated costs being attributed to the losing party. They have warned that current proposals to prohibit certain conditions outright does not allow enough flexibility to account for local circumstances, and could in fact delay the planning process further by pushing contentious decisions into the time-consuming negotiation of section 106 requirements. Melanie Leech, Chief Executive of the British Property Federation, said: “Streamlining the use of planning conditions could herald a welcome acceleration for development, and we support government efforts to ensure that their abuse doesn’t pose an unnecessary barrier to delivering the new homes and real estate that are essential to people’s everyday A NEW £18 million fund to speed up housebuilding on large lives. sites, providing thousands of new homes, was announced However, clear and appropriate conditions are an essential part on Friday 11th November by the Housing Minister Gavin of achieving good place making, Barwell. and developers and planning Councils can now bid for a share of the “capacity fund” to tackle planning officers are in agreement that a issues that can cause delays and prevent builders from getting on site and more flexible approach, with best starting work quickly. practice guidance and a clear The money will help accelerate delivery of up to 800,000 homes and appeals route, would better serve infrastructure across large sites in England and is part of a wider package of this objective. With local authority measures to increase the number of much needed homes in local areas. resources already stretched, now Barwell said: “We want to turbo-charge house building on large sites to get is not the time to risk making a the homes built in the places people want to live, so that this country works time-consuming process even more for everyone, not just the privileged few. onerous.” “These sites offer enormous potential to transform brownfield land into new Mike Kiely, Chair of the Planning homes and our £18m funding will help get them built much sooner”. Officers Society, said “The value Capacity funding offers crucial investment to prevent large-scale, long-term and benefits of using concisely developments from stalling. It provides local authorities with the capacity to worded and proportionate take projects forward and obtain additional resources and expertise. conditions to achieve good placeIt will primarily be aimed at large sites of 1,500 units or more, and Housing making should be articulated and Zones, which support the development of brownfield land. Developers will communicated more widely too.” also be able to apply for funding from the Home Building Fund, which is Government is proposing to limit making £3 billion available to housebuilders. the use of conditions via primary Housing Zones’ are areas of brownfield land where councils work in legislation, by setting out a list partnership with private developers to deliver thousands of new homes. of prohibited conditions in the Neighbourhood Planning Bill, In addition, a further £1.5million is being provided to support existing which is currently going through Garden Towns and communities across the country, including in North Parliament. Northamptonshire.

Minister announces £18m housebuilding fund

Market Bosworth plot in prime location COUNTRY PROPERTIES are offering for sale a single building plot in an absolutely prime location. The plot, which has detailed planning consent for a stunning 5-bedroom house, is located at 48a Barton Road, within the gardens of one of the most exclusive houses in Market Bosworth. Detailed planning permission (ref: 16/00281/4) was granted on 2nd June 2016 for the erection of one dwelling, extending to approximately 2,411 sq.feet. The plot extends to approximately 0.27 acres and is relatively flat. The Guide Price for the plot is £420,000. For more information, contact Country Properties on 01455 890898 or visit the website at: www.countryproperties.org.uk.

Plot soon for sale in Leicester’s West End LEICESTER City Council is looking to sell a plot of land in the West End area of the City. Situated in an established residential area just off the Narborough Road with its extensive range of local shops, it is also very convenient for the City Centre. Subject to planning consent being available it is potentially suitable for the development of a single dwelling house. Interested parties are invited to initially email: Andrew.nielsen@ leicester.gov.uk

Auctions Send details of your local auctions and we’ll include them in our auction diary free - Tremendous!

December 2016 Thursday 1 December 2016 COTTONS - at Aston Villa FC, Villa Park, Birmingham, B6 6HE - 11am start - tel: 0121 247 2233 or email: auctions@cottons.co.uk Wednesday 7 December 2016 GRAHAM PENNY - iPro Stadium, Derby, DE24 8XL - 11.30am start www.grahampennyauctions.com Thursday 8 December 2016 CPBIGWOOD - at Aston Villa FC, Birmingham B6 6HE - 11am start - tel: 0121 233 5046 - www. cpbigwood.com Thursday 8 December 2016 AUCTION HOUSE READINGS - at 48 Granby Street, Leicester LE1 1DH - 6pm start - tel: 0116 222 7575 - www. readingspropertygroup.com Tuesday 13th December 2016 AUCTION ESTATES - at Nottingham Racecourse, Colwick Road, Nottingham NG2 4BE 2.30pm start - tel: 0115 7844 600 - info@auctionestates.co.uk

Wednesday 14 December 2016 GRAHAM PENNY - Nottingham Racecourse, Colwick Park, Nottingham NG2 4BE - 11.30am start www.grahampennyauctions.com Thursday 15 December 2016 SAVILLS - at Nottingham Racecourse, Colwick Park, Nottingham NG2 4BE - 2.30pm start - tel: 0115 934 8080 - www. savills.co.uk/auctions

The worst part about getting kidnapped would be when the news told everyone your real height and weight.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • DECEMBER 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069

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If I had it all to do over again, I would have added cheese to more things.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • DECEMBER 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069

plot: Construction Ignoring Coalville £80k+ Billions In Tax Rebates  A LACK OF AWARENESS about what counts as Research & Development in construction means companies are missing out on millions of pounds in tax rebates. The R&D Tax Credit Scheme is a Government incentive designed to encourage innovation in UK industries, with claims via the scheme totalling nearly £2.5 billion last year. However, out of an industry of 290,000 businesses, only 480 construction companies made a claim via the scheme in 2014-15.    Despite contributing 7% of UK GDP, construction accounts for just 0.9% of total R&D Tax Credit claims, with the industry averaging just £23 million per year over the past three years.

Perception problem The recent Farmer Review of construction asserts that the low level of claims made via the R&D Tax Credit Scheme is evidence of construction’s lack of innovation. But after nearly three years of 100% success in making R&D Tax Credit claims for construction clients - including one mediumsized engineering company claiming £664,000 over the past three years - Invennt director Tim Fitch argues that construction is innovative, and the problem is actually one of perception of what R&D means. “Unfortunately, most people think that “real R&D” is carried out in laboratories by people in white coats,” says Tim Fitch. “But whether you’re overcoming specific ground conditions, adapting equipment, creating new processes or developing better, safer, or greener methods of construction, you are almost certainly undertaking R&D.”

Unlocking innovation Even if innovation accounted for just 1% of UK construction’s turnover – and Invennt’s work with clients has shown it is typically several times this – then for an industry worth more than £145 billion per year, that is potentially over £1 billion in R&D Tax Credit claims that could be made by the construction industry every year. Invennt director Tim Fitch says that calls in the Farmer Review

for the industry – especially the housing sector - to invest more in innovative products and processes such as pre-manufactured and volumetric construction could be instantly realised if companies started claiming R&D Tax Credits for the work they are already doing. “Invennt’s work has shown that every day on projects up and down the country, innovative solutions are devised to overcome technical challenges,” says Tim Fitch. “If companies were to actually claim R&D Tax credits for the work they are already doing, this could unlock a huge wall of cash to further invest in the innovation that the Farmer Review calls for.”

SMEs opportunity Construction companies wishing to make R&D Tax Credit claims can do so via one of two schemes, depending on their size: • The Research and Development Expenditure Credits (RDEC) • The Small or Mediumsized Enterprise (SME) Scheme Under the RDEC scheme, larger construction companies can claim up to 8.8% of their expenditure classified as R&D back from the HMRC. While this may not sound like much, when all innovative activity in major engineering and construction is properly recorded as R&D, this can still amount to millions of pounds. Companies claiming via the SME

scheme, meanwhile, can receive up to a third of all their R&D expenditure as money back from HMRC. To qualify as an SME, companies must have fewer than 500 employees and must either: • Have an annual turnover of less than £100 million, or • A balance sheet not exceeding £86 million “There are 289,000 construction companies in the UK and of these only 260 are classed as large for the purposes of R&D tax credits,” says Tim Fitch. “These large businesses are less than 20% of the turnover of the whole sector (£145 billion in 2015). SMEs therefore make up 99.99% of the construction industry by number and 80% by turnover. If SMEs properly claimed for the R&D Tax Credits they are owed, it could revolutionise the way the industry thinks about innovation.”

Deadline approaching Companies can only claim for R&D activity that has taken place in the previous two tax years. This means that for those construction businesses working to a January-December financial year, the deadline for claiming work done in 2014 is fast approaching. Invennt has produced a Free R&D Tax Credits guide to help construction businesses make their claim. You can download it by going to: invennt.com/rd-guide

SINCLAIR Estate Agents are inviting offers in excess of £80,000 for a single building plot at the rear of 67 Bardon Road, Coalville, Leics. LE67 4BE. The plot has a minimum width (at the rear) of 59’10” and minimum length of 85’8” plus parking and turning areas and a long driveway approach. Full planning permission for a single storey detached twobedroom dwelling was granted on 3rd December 2015 by NW Leics. District Council under reference 15/00939/FUL. For more information, or to arrange a viewing appointment, contact Sinclairs on 01530 838338.

Lutterworth plot: £55k WALTON BANNUS Estates are asking £55,000 for a building plot at Sherrier Way, Lutterworth, Leics. The plot has planning consent for a three-bed detached house with kitchen/diner, lounge, wc, bathroom, garage and parking. For more information, contact Walton Bannus on 01455 550533 or email: enquiries@ waltonbannusestates.co.uk

Selling building plots or development properties? Send details to us and we’ll mention them FREE in the next issue. Email particulars to: info@ buildermagazines.co.uk and we’ll do the rest!

Tilton building land for sale by Informal Tender BENTONS are offering for sale BY INFORMAL TENDER a development site with planning permission for 4 units. The property – at Oakham Road, Tilton on the Hill, Leicester – comprises a detached period cottage in just under half an acre. The property has planning consent for extension and redevelopment of the xisting cottage and 3 detached houses. Offers are invited in writing in a sealed envelope clearly marked ‘Tender – Parsons Close, Tilton on the Hill’ to be received at the agents’ offices in a sealed envelope by 12 noon on Wednesday 14th December 2016. Offers in the region of £550,000 are invited. For more information, contact Bentons on 01664 563892 or email: sales@bentons.co.uk

I like older men because they’ve gotten used to life’s disappointments. Which means they’re ready for me.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • DECEMBER 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069

£1.6M New Construction Technology Centre Unveiled At Leicester College CONSTRUCTION FIRM Stepnell has put the finishing touches to a £1.6 million project which has created a state-ofthe-art teaching facility for construction learners at Leicester College. The newly unveiled Construction Technology Centre – at the Freemen’s Park campus in Aylestone Road, Leicester – has seen existing facilities significantly extended and refurbished to provide students with a modern workspace where they can develop their skills using the latest Learners and staff at Leicester equipment and technology. College using the new Construction Technology Centre. Left to right, The four-month building students Malachai Campbell programme by Stepnell’s and Steven Peacock; trainer Nottingham construction team and assessor Sham Jaffar; student has created a 900 sq m open-plan Michael Noon; programme lead for zoned joinery and bench joinery bench joinery Rod Kettle; students teaching space. It includes a power Dean Jelley and Josh Langton. tool pod; 19 individual working spaces; an extended wood machine room and a computer-aided design area. New windows and curtain walling have been installed to maximise natural light coming into the building. Dated metal cladding has also been replaced with seared torch timber cladding and new lighting and heating systems have been installed to provide better ventilation and energy efficiency. CASTLE ACRES, The extension and refurbishment the exciting project was designed by Leicesterbased Moss Architecture . retail and leisure Interiors Ltd. development Leicester College principal Verity located next to Hancock comments: “The opening Fosse Park, has of the new Construction Centre been approved is vital to the College’s plans to after a meeting invigorate this important industry of Blaby District in Leicester and Leicestershire; Council’s enabling us to better support Planning existing and future learners while Committee. meeting the growing demand for At the meeting on 8 November, members of the committee approved the construction-based training and application after Officer’s recommendation, following a thorough 18-month education.” process. The £150 million project will include approximately 288,000 square Stepnell operations and foot of floorspace for a range of new shops, restaurants and cafes. commercial manager Thomas Developed by locally-based Next, site owners Everards and Crown Estate, Sewell says: “As a company which owners of Fosse Park, two major confirmed occupiers at this early stage will is committed to skills development include a 90,000 square foot Next store and a 34,000 square foot space for and bringing more young people TK Maxx. into the industry, it’s particularly It is hoped that Castle Acres will offer up to 1,000 full-time jobs for local rewarding to have completed work people in addition to the economic benefits for the District of Blaby. on these advanced new facilities Jane Toman, Chief Executive of Blaby District Council, said: “The and to see everyone benefiting approval of Castle Acres is excellent news for the district. Fosse Park is one from the transformed workshop of the biggest shopping areas in Britain and we are proud to have it in space.” our area. This expansion will not only create more jobs, but will also see As part of its ongoing partnership Everards relocate to their exciting new development, Everards Meadows. with the College, Stepnell also “I want to thank the officers in our Planning team who have worked so provided work placements enabling incredibly hard to ensure the application was one which was acceptable to construction students at the the local area.” College to gain experience on the Castle Acres will join the Junction 21 area of Blaby District; an unrivalled Construction Technology Centre area of retail, leisure and business in Leicestershire including Grove Park, scheme, under the supervision of Meridian Industrial Estate and Meridian Leisure. the Stepnell team. Supermarket chains ASDA and Sainsbury’s each have one of their biggest Stepnell also supported the stores in the UK located in the area, whilst Fosse Park is one of the largest College’s Employability Week out-of-town retails parks, reiterating the District of Blaby as one the most event earlier this year, organising popular places to shop in the country. visits by Leicester College learners More details on the application can be accessed through the Blaby District to a construction site and giving Council Planning Portal via www.blaby.gov.uk and searching application presentations on construction number 15/0577/FUL. careers.

Castle Acres Development Approved

Buyer sought for former Bede Island Centre THE FORMER Bede Island Centre, on Upperton Road in Leicester, is being sold through commercial property specialists Mather Jamie. The prominent property, which is brick-built in and was originally the residence of the Headmaster of Westcotes School, has been converted and substantially extended, and would suit a wide variety of users or alternatively subject to planning the site offers significant development potential. With multiple classrooms, including offices and store rooms across its two floors, the total net internal area of the building is 4,555ft 2, and the site also features car parking for approximately 18 cars, with access from Bruce Street. This landmark site is proving very popular, having attracted a large number of viewings and expression of interest in its first week on the market. Alex Reid, Director of Mather Jamie, said; “We expect a great deal of interest in this large site, which is well situated for alternative uses or redevelopment.” For details of commercial property and rural land opportunities in Leicestershire, and elsewhere in the East Midlands, please call Alex Reid at Mather Jamie on 01509 233433.

Laziness Level : I get jealous when it’s bedtime in other countries.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • DECEMBER 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • DECEMBER 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • DECEMBER 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069

Large Span Trusses Provide Home for Ethnic Fare

Leicester City Mr Hamid Abbasi (c/o Agent: R Kahn, Master Plan Design Solutions, 23 Vulcan House, Vulcan Road, Leicester LE5 3EF) - Construction of dormer ex tension at rear and change of use of first, second & third floors from 2 flats to 6 flats - at 108 London Road, Leicester. Mr Roger Perkins (c/o Agent: Dinesh Tailor, DT Designs Ltd, 74A Wy vern Avenue, Leicester LE4 7HH) - Demolition of existing dwellings and construction of 2 detached dwellings at 80-82 St Ives Road, Leicester. Chancery House Development Ltd (c/o Agent: Malcolm Goodall, Chartered Architects, The Drawing Room (Architects) Ltd, 130 Moat Street, Wigston, Leicester LE18 2GE) - Change of use from of fices to 8 flats - at 7 Millstone Lane, Leicester. Imap Student Ltd (c/o Agent: Jon Wright, Iceni Projects, Flitcrof t House, 114-116 Charing Cross Road, London WC2h 0JR) - Change of use of basement and ground floor from Post Of fice to 19 self-contained student flats plus creation of internal mezzanine floor and ex ternal alterations - at 4 Bishop Street, Leicester. G P Properties (c/o Agent: Dinesh Tailor, DT Designs Ltd, 74A Wy vern Avenue, Leicester LE4 7HH) - Construction of single storey ex tension and raised patio area at rear of shop, first floor ex tension at side, alterations and ex tension to roof, creation of 4 self-contained flats at first and second floor level - at 571 Saf fron Lane, Leicester. Mr Bob Kullar (c/o Agent: Dinesh Tailor, DT Designs Ltd, 74A Wy vern Avenue, Leicester LE4 7HH) – Change of use from storage to 8 selfcontained flats – at 12 Briton Street, Leicester. Mr H Singh (c/o Agent: Dinesh Tailor, DT Designs Ltd, 74A Wy vern Avenue, Leicester LE4 7HH) – Change of use from one house to 4 self-contained flats, single storey rear ex tension, front & rear dormer ex tensions – at 250 Western Road, Leicester. Mr Clint Jones (c/o Agent: Bernard Taruvinga, Kunstler Designs Architect, 31 Rutland Street, Leicester LE1 1RE) – Construction of single storey ex tension at rear of flats to form 2 self-contained flats to block of 5 flats – at 175 Avenue Road Ex tension, Leicester.

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New Trade Park Scheme In Leicester City Centre APB are delighted to announce a new Trade Park scheme in the heart of Leicester City Centre, which they have been instructed to market on a ‘To Let’ basis. The Trade Park consists of 10 new industrial properties, totalling 24,897 sq.ft. The properties are able to be combined or can be let as individual units, with the smallest unit being 2,183 sq.ft. The units can be combined to provide larger units subject to tenant requirements. All units benefit from 7 metres to underside of haunch, roller shutter access, mains 3 phase power, water and gas. The units are will be completed to shell condition ready for tenants fit out. The Park is located just off the inner ring road on Ulverscroft Road, and is the first new scheme in the City Centre within recent years. Reg Pollock of APB said: ‘There has been a pent-up demand for new build industrial units and the Ulverscroft Road scheme could not have been delivered at a better time. APB sold the site to the current owner. They then created a fully furbished cash & carry premises and the new Trade Park that we are offering. ‘We are already in discussions with national occupiers to take space on the Park, and the initial feedback on marketing has been excellent. ‘The units will be completed by December 2016 and ready for immediate occupation. Should you have any enquires, please do not hesitate to contact Reg Pollock or Will Shattock at APB on 0116 254 0382’.

LEICESTERSHIRE-based steel fabrication specialists, ADEY Steel Ltd, have recently completed works on a new food retail outlet in Dresden, Stoke-onTrent for contractor Shah Builders. Supplying the full steelwork package the structure was relatively lightweight but complex, with the most notable challenge being the roof structure supported by heavily loaded, one piece bespoke manufactured trusses of twenty-one metres in length and almost three metres in depth, to accommodate the clear opening retail areas at ground floor level. With the addition of a below ground culvert running through the site, compromising both the weight of the crane and where on the site it could be placed, the designers, fabricators and installers can be deemed justifiably proud of their endeavours. The project was erected in just 12 days over 5 phases using the BIM model on site to assist with some of the technical connections.

Former Co-op building for sale in Heanor: £75k+ guide SDL GRAHAM PENNY are offering for sale BY AUCTION a freehold investment opportunity to acquire a former Co-op two-storey building on a prominent corner plot position. The substantial two-storey property – at 53 Wilmot Street, Heanor, Derby DE75 7EF – is currently used by a building contractor and is selling due to relocation. The selling agents feel that the property would be suitable for a number of different uses, including conversion to apartments, a mini-supermarket or a small factory, subject to the usual planning consents. For sale BY AUCTION on Wednesday 7th December 2016 at Derby County Football Club, iPro Stadium, Derby - 11.30am start. The Guide Price is £75,000+. For more information or to arrange a viewing, contact SDL Graham Penny on 01332 242880 or visit www.sdlgrahampenny.co.uk

Just took a power nap on a park bench. Made £6.70 in change.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • DECEMBER 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069

Jelsons to purchase disused unit Tom Graham Homes Ltd (c/o Agent: Richard Pigot t, Planning Design Practice Ltd, Suite 3, Woburn House, Vernon Gate, Derby DE1 1UL) – Demolition of 21 garages and construction of 2 bungalows – at Garage Court, Rear of 14-16 St Annes Drive, Leicester. The Heathcotes Group (c/o Agent: Dean Gregory, JDS Design Ltd, 37 Station Road, Chesterfield S41 7BF) – Construction of two-storey 8-bed residential care home – at 86-88 Lut terworth Road, Leicester. Park Portfolio Ltd (c/o Agent: Ian Palmer, Staniforth Architects, The Warehouse, 1A Stamford Street, Leicester LE1 6NL) – Change of use of ground and basement floors from nightclub, retail unit and snooker club to retail, financial and professional services, of fices, café/restaurant; change of use of first to fourth floors from snooker club to 14 flats – at 3743 Rutland Street, Leicester. Mrs K Paget (c/o Agent: Kurosh Morad, KMC Consultancy, 60 St Annes Drive, Leicester LE2 8HT) – Notification of proposed change of use from of fices to 16 flats – at 104 Regent Road, Leicester. Gill News & Of f Licence Ltd (c/o Agent: Ms Amina Osman, Thirteen Architectural Consultants, 8 Coplow Avenue, Leicester LE5 5WA) – Construction of single and two storey ex tension at rear of ground floor shop and first floor flats – at 105-107 Southfields Drive, Leicester. JA Recruitment Solutions (c/o Agent: Alfie Simons, Corporate Architecture, 1 Trimbush Way, Rockingham Road, Market Harborough, Leics. LE16 7XY) – Change of use of ground floor from Police Station to 3 flats, of fice on first floor and alterations – at Welford Road Police Station, 2 Houlditch Road, Leicester. Mr Bharat Odedra (c/o Agent: Dinesh Tailor, DT Designs Ltd, 74A Wy vern Avenue, Leicester LE4 7HH) – Construction of two storey ex tension at side and dormer ex tension at rear to form 3 self-contained flats; construction of single storey detached building at rear to form 2 self-contained flats – at 97 Keightley Road, Leicester. Unnamed Applicant (c/o Agent: Yusuf Girach, YG Architectural Design Consultants, 35 Rowsley Avenue, Leicester LE5 5BS) – Construction of mixed use five-storey building with retail and of fice on ground floor, and of fices above – at 157 Humberstone Road, Leicester.

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Building sale will support city’s basketball champions A DISUSED industrial unit owned by the city council is to be sold to support the expansion of a community sports arena and home of Leicester Riders basketball team. Leicester City Council will sell its freehold interest in property and land at 10 Charter Street to Jelson Homes Ltd, a major sponsor of the Leicester Riders. A provisional sale price of £320,000 has been agreed. The East Midlands-based house builder will carry out necessary repairs and improvements to the property before offering it on a ten-year subsidised lease to the Leicester Riders Foundation, which operates the adjacent Leicester Community Sports Arena. The £4.8milllion community sports arena has been home to Leicester Riders basketball team, and Leicester Cobras wheelchair basketball team, since it opened in January 2016. It was developed in partnership between Leicester Riders, Leicester College and Leicester City Council, with support from Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership and Sport England. The property at 10 Charter Street will be developed for use as office space and as a new base for the Leicester Riders shop.

Print works for sale in Rushden

Detached Methodist Church for sale in Bretby

BERRYS are offering for sale a detached factory building with potential for residential conversion, subject to planning.

SDL GRAHAM PENNY are offering for sale BY AUCTION an attractive detached Methodist Church with potential for conversion.

The property – Print Works, Midland Road, Rushden, Northants. NN10 9UJ – extends to 14,476 sq.feet in area. The asking price is £400,000. For mre information, or to arrange a viewing appointment, contact Berrys on 01536 517777 or email: ketteringcommercial@berrys. uk.com

Long Lawford plot for 3 houses EDWARD KNIGHT ESTATE AGENTS are offering for sale a building plot with full planning permission (ref: R15/1411) for 3 four-bed detached houses. The plot – at Ashmoor, Coventry Road, Long Lawford, Rugby – has an asking price of £475,000. For more information, contact Edward Knight on 01788 543222 or email: sales@edwardknight.co.uk

The property – Stanhope Bretby Methodist Church, Ashby Road East, Bretby, Derbyshire DE15 0PS – has a rendered appearance beneath a pitched tiled roof and in brief comprises: entrance porch with pitched tiled roof, chapel measuring 29’11” by 19’9”, plus side lobby/kitchenette, store room and wc. There is access out on to a small rear garden where there is an attached outside wc. The property would suit a variety of different uses including gymnasium, office, clinic, music studio, etc. – all subject to change of use. Prospective buyers are advised to make their own enquiries to South Derbyshire District Council. For sale BY AUCTION on Wednesday 7th December 2016 at Derby County Football Club, iPro Stadium, Derby - 11.30am start. The Guide Price is £40,000+ For more information or to arrange a viewing, contact SDL Graham Penny on 01332 242880 or visit www.sdlgrahampenny.co.uk

Building on the green belt ... ACCORDING to a report by IPPR North, mayors should be granted the power to decide if homes can be built on the green belt. Here is a comment below by Paul Grant, associate solicitor at law firm Coffin Mew: “The housing industry has struggled with undersupply for several years now, so it makes sense that local plans reconsider the land which is available to increase the housing supply. “Given the thirty years or so that has passed since green belts were designated, it is sensible to reconsider these, not least if they enable the development of enlarged settlements near to existing infrastructure such as schools, transport links etc. “No doubt there will be opposition from local interest groups and national pressure groups concerned with the preservation of certain green spaces. However, a balance must be struck in providing homes and preserving the environment, both of which are important for future generations. “It is important to note that there are several additional protections, such as National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Sites of Special Scientific Interest, so the erosion of ‘green belt’ land within planning policy does not mean that the countryside will be concreted over.”

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I start every conversation with my employees by saying, “I shouldn’t be telling you this” just so I know they will listen.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • DECEMBER 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069

When the chips are down, you can always count on me. I love chips.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • DECEMBER 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069

Tel: 0116 2853 777 Leema Technologies Limited. The Warehouse, 1a Stamford Street, Leicester LE1 6NL I’ve agreed so much with my wife that my head just starts nodding at the sound of her voice.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • DECEMBER 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069

Mr B Hill (c/o Agent: Jon Cooke, The Art of Building Ltd, 45 Maplewell Road, Woodhouse Eaves, Loughborough, Leics. LE12 8RG) – Change of use of ground floor from retail shop to 2 dwellings, construction of front ex tension plus ex ternal alterations – at 228-230 Melton Road, Leicester. Park Portfolio (c/o Agent: Ian Palmer, Staniforth Architects, The Warehouse, 1A Stamford Street, Leicester LE1 6NL) – Construction of single storey workspace unit to front, upper storey display hoarding to front, construction of five-storey stacked packed parking system to rear – at Car Park, 88-90 Rutland Street, Leicester. Mr Sarjit Kooner (c/o Agent: David Warner, Astill Planning Consultants Ltd, 13 University Road, Leicester LE1 7RA) – Demolition of retail unit, erection of three-storey block with retail unit on ground floor with student flats above )13 bedrooms) – at 188 Welford Road, Leicester. Sanctuary Group (c/o Agent: Stuart Prenty, Convery Prenty Architects, 20 High Craighall Road, Craighall Business Park, Glasgow G4 9UD) – Construction of single storey ex tensions at side and rear of residential institution – at Sycamore Court, 33 Robert Hall Street, Leicester. Mrs Sukhvinder Panesar (c/o Agent: Ravi Panesar, 33 Launde Road, Oadby, Leicester LE2 4HH) – Change of use of ground floor from one flat to 2 flats – at 57 Wigston Lane, Leicester. Mr Ashok Bhavsar (c/o Agent: Faizal Osman, Thirteen Architectural Consultants, 8 Coplow Avenue, Leicester LE5 5WA) – Change of use from house to 2 flats – at 24 Brandon Street, Leicester. Charnwood Bakery (c/o Agent: Martin Osborne Design Services, Unit C, Holdingham Barns, Lincoln Road, Sleaford, NG34 8NP) – Construction of single storey ex tension to factory – at Charnwood Bakery, 200 Madeline Road, Leicester. Domus Borden Limited (c/o Agent: Shane Anderson, Staniforth Architects, The Warehouse, 1A Stamford Street, Leicester LE1 6NL) – Change of use from workshop to 4 studio flats, part demolition of ground floor and construction of single storey building – at 15A Fleetwood Road, Leicester.

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Loughborough housebuilder wins award for mixed housing development in Nottinghamshire village LOUGHBOROUGH-BASED William Davis Ltd, the five star HBF housebuilder, has just received the coveted Harry Johnson Award 2016 for its beautifully built, mixed housing development in the heart of the popular Nottinghamshire village of Keyworth. Designed by award-winning architect Stephen George & Partners, the scheme on Selby Lane, which has been fully occupied since it was completed in 2014, features 14 homes ranging from two to five bedrooms and was created utilising details such as a rustic brick, rendered walls, slate roofs, dormers and porches to blend with and enhance the existing environment. The development, which was created on the site of a disused garage and petrol station, has provided much needed new homes for a mixture of first time buyers, William Davis sales consultant, Claire Bryers and growing families and those of retirement age. Production Manager, Malcolm Clark pictured at the The award was introduced in 1987 to commemorate award-winning development at Keyworth the late Harry Johnson who, as a member of both the Nottinghamshire Building Preservation Trust and the Campaign to Protect Rural England, sought to protect and enhance the built heritage and the local environment. The judges believe he would wish to encourage better design and building quality wherever it is found. “We are honoured to receive this acknowledgement for our work,” said Guy Higgins, managing director, William Davis Ltd. “This development is a fine example of the quality and attention to detail for which William Davis is known. It’s pleasing that this has been recognised for enhancing one of our local villages.” John Morfey from architect Stephen George & Partners said; “It is so rewarding and a great honour when attention to detail like this is acknowledged locally, where it really counts.”

“Force speculators to use land and support planning departments to get more affordable homes built” - RICS THE ROYAL Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has called on the government to take urgent action to ensure the delivery of affordable homes. The latest data from RICS shows that 86 per cent of respondents to the residential survey are not expecting to market starter homes within the next 12 months. This suggests that respondents do not see any evidence of a pipeline on the horizon. Ahead of the Housing White Paper and Autumn Statement, RICS also says the government should do more to free up brownfield and unused land, as well as investing more in local council planning departments to speed up approval of applications. The calls come in response to the findings of October’s RICS UK Residential Market Survey, which showed that 59 per cent of those questioned said that planning constraints was the main factor standing in the way of new housing development schemes.

It also showed that 59 per cent said freeing up brownfield sites would be the main thing government could do to encourage more affordable housing, and 33 per cent said the government should force developers to use land that is currently being land-banked. However, the proposed RICS policy would make a clear distinction between bone fide developers who need a certain amount of land in their development pipeline, and the far fewer number of speculators who are sitting on land only to sell on at a profit. To make this difference clear in policy terms RICS is recommending owners should develop the land within two to three years of receiving permission to build, or sell to those willing and capable to build on it. On getting more brownfield and unused land into the system, RICS recommends that the government should use direct commissioning and positive intervention, as outlined by the Prime Minister, to drive release of public land, as well as taking a stake in the development partnership described

in the ‘accelerated construction’ announcement. The RICS also says that the national brownfield map must include private not just public sites, and that to free up the sites that are hardest to remediate local authorities should produce developer packs and look at how to better integrate match funding. Finally, the Homes & Communities Agency, the co-ordinating body for divesting public land, should issue a clear, long term, nationwide plan for the release of permissible land, addressing the problems identified in the NAO’s assessment, and giving developers of all sizes certainty of sites likely to come to market. “These are things the government could do quickly that could boost the number of starter homes being built in the near future. However, we must be clear that not all starter homes will be affordable homes. Building more starter homes is a help, but it is only one way to tackle the huge social problem of the lack of affordable housing,” said Jeremy Blackburn, Head of Policy at RICS.

When I asked if you’d like to go out on a date sometime, I meant with me.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • DECEMBER 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069

Iceni Projects (c/o Agent: Danielle St Pierre, Iceni Projects, 114-116 Charing Cross, London WC2H 0JR) – Two storey roof ex tension to existing four-storey building to provide 8 selfcontained flats – at 15/23 Hotel Street & 6 Millstone Lane, Leicester. Mr M R Karim (c/o Agent: Dinesh Tailor, DT Designs Ltd, 74A Wy vern Avenue, Leicester LE4 7HH) – Change of use from house to 4 self-contained flats and construction of dormer ex tension at rear – at 25 Cedar Road, Leicester. Mr Butler (c/o Agent: Design Studio Architects Ltd, 1B Salisbury Road, Upper New Walk, Leicester LE1 7QR) – Change of use from storage to 2 studio flats – at rear of 24 St Peters Road, Leicester.

NW Leics. District Mr Adam Routley (c/o: St Jude’s House, High Street, Chasetown WS7 3XQ) – Removal of existing buildings and erection of 26 dwellings, a new Village Hall, new Commercial/Retail units, new agricultural building – at Breedon Priory Nurseries, Ashby Road, Breedon on the Hill, Derby DE73 8AZ. Mr Glyn Jones (c/o Agent: Design Studio Architects, 1B Salisbury Road, Upper New Walk, Leicester LE1 7QR) – Erection of 4 bungalows and associated infrastructure – at Site at Staley Avenue, Ashby de la Zouch, Leics. LE65 2PP. Mr Graham Barney (c/o Agent: Thomas Redfern, 36 pennine Way, Ashby de la Zouch, Leics. LE65 1EW) – Demolition of agricultural buildings and erection of up to 3 dwellings and associated infrastructure – at New field Farm, New fields, Moira, Swadlincote, Derby DE12 6EG. Not tinghamshire County Council (c/o: Development.management@ not tscc.gov.uk) – The proposed construction of an inland leisure marina; associated ancillary building, infrastructure, car parking and landscaping with incidental mineral excavation (Consultation by Neighbouring Authority) - at Redhill Marina, Redhill Lock, Ratclif fe of Soar, Not ts. NG11 0EB.

Oadby & Wigston Mr Mansukh Jivraj (c/o Agent: Donald Shearer, Focus PM Ltd, Unit 4 Scholars House, Shot tery Brook Of fice Park, Timothy’s Bridge Road, Strat ford upon Avon CV37 9NR) – Change of use of storage and two-bed flat to 3 studio flats – at 2 Clif ford Street, Wigston, Leicester LE18 4SH.

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Housebuilders optimistic despite market uncertainty and skills shortage DESPITE CHALLENGES including the current planning system, a skills shortage and uncertainty following the EU Referendum, housebuilders are forecasting increased growth and investment in the sector. The second annual Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking report on the UK housebuilding sector analyses the state of the industry today, and the opportunities and challenges it faces in the future. The report is the first in-depth study of the sector following the decision to leave the European Union in June 2016. Although over a third of firms (36 per cent) said that the uncertainty following the EU referendum result is the biggest challenge to their business, the industry is relatively optimistic; planning to grow, invest and create jobs.

Confidence to invest The research found that, in the face of ongoing uncertainty, optimism about the future of the housebuilding industry has picked up slightly from 7.1 last year to 7.2 in 2016, with 10 representing the highest level of expectation. It seems that this outlook has given the industry the confidence to invest, with average five-year investment plans up 17 per cent year on year. Housebuilders are also confident about growth, with 42 per cent of respondents saying that their growth forecasts had improved since the EU vote, compared with 27 per cent who said they had declined. They are now predicting

an average growth of 28 per cent over the next five years, up from 25 per cent last year.

Wider Sector Challenges The remaining challenges that the sector highlighted, after the EU referendum result, include the rising cost of materials (35 per cent) and the current planning system (29 per cent). While the UK continues to face the housing shortage head-on, more than one-fifth (22 per cent) of housebuilders do not believe the sector has the resources it needs to help the Government achieve its targets for new housing, and 14 per cent are unsure. Firms also said that the availability of government support (32 per cent) and suitable land (29 per cent) are factors that impact the industry’s ability to meet targets for new housing.

Addressing the skills gap Almost a third (30 per cent) of firms said there are not enough skilled workers in the industry, with bricklayers, electricians, plumbers and joiners being the hardest to recruit. This shows a slight improvement from the 2015 survey from 35 per cent. Recruitment and skills therefore remain a focus, with three of the top priorities for firms over the next five years being recruiting additional staff (52 per cent), and investing in training (49 per cent) and apprenticeships (32 per cent). A quarter (25 per cent) of firms are still planning to create jobs to support growth, but this is down from 31 per cent last year. And the scale of planned workforce growth has also fallen back to 22 per cent,

from an average of 31 per cent of the current workforce over five years in 2015. Despite the fall in plans to recruit, the sector still looks set to create more than 70,000 jobs over the next five years. Pete Flockhart, Head of Housebuilders, Commercial Banking, Lloyds Bank, said: “Given the challenges that housebuilders face, the sector is painting a relatively optimistic picture, with improved growth and investment forecasts compared with last year’s survey. “The wider uncertainty, coupled with the rising cost of materials, presents some challenges but the industry is taking steps to tackle these issues head on, and still plans to grow. “Businesses are confronting the much-mooted skills shortage and it is encouraging to see that almost half of the industry is making staff training a key focus and nearly a third is prioritising apprenticeships. “Housebuilding is a key sector for the UK, driving economic growth but also delivering much needed homes which are critical to our communities. We are therefore fully committed to the sector, not just through our continued financial support to our clients to support their growth ambitions, but also by providing solutions such as our Housing Growth Partnership. This is a £100m dedicated joint venture with the Government to invest between £500,000 and £5 million to increase the supply of new homes by supporting small and medium sized housebuilders.”

Range of redundant farm buildings for residential conversion in Kilby MATHER JAMIE are offering for sale a development opportunity comprising a range of redundant farm buildings and a Farmhouse. The 2.58 acre site - at Limes Farmyard, Main Street, Kilby, Leics. LE18 3TD - has Full Planning Consent (ref: 16/0439/FUL) for the conversion of two of the barns into residential dwellings and the construction of one new detached dwelling. The sale also includes an existing Farmhouse requiring renovation, and 1.56 acres of paddock land. The site is free of any Section 106 obligations and Affordable Housing requirement. For sale by Private Treaty, with vacant possession available upon completion. Offers are invited for the site as a whole. For more information, or to arrange a viewing appointment, contact Gary Kirk at Mather Jamie on 01509 233433 or email: gary.kirk@matherjamie.co.uk

My dad finally left me a voicemail where he didn’t introduce himself. I think we’re getting closer.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • DECEMBER 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069

Mr Roger Swif t (c/o Agent: Malcolm Goodall, Chartered Architects, 130 Moat Street, Wigston, Leicester LE18 2GE) – Partial demolition of existing house and erection of 4 detached dwellings with amended access to Harborough Road – at 107 Harborough Road, Oadby, Leicester LE2 4LG.

INNES ENGLAND SURVEYOR’S FIRST RICS MATRICS EVENT HAILED A SUCCESS

Mr M I Kassam (c/o Agent: Kurosh Morad, KMC Consultancy, 60 St Annes Drive, Leicester LE2 8HT) – Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of replacement 8-bedroom house in multiple occupation for student accommodation – at 27 Stoughton Drive South, Oadby, Leicester LE2 2RJ.

Charnwood Borough

Mr W Glennon (c/o Agent: AJS Architectural Services, 41 Braunstone Avenue, Leicester LE3 0JH) – Erection of 8 dwellings with associated access, vehicle parking and amenity space, includes demolition of existing commercial buildings (Revised scheme) – 2-4 Westover Road, Braunstone Town, Leicester LE3 3DT.

Westleigh Partnerships Ltd (c/o Agent: Corporate Architecture Ltd, 1 Trimbush Way, Market Harborough, Leics. LE16 7XY) – Residential development of 60 dwellings (Reserved mat ters) – at land of f Denman Lane, Huncote, Leics. Mr P Dunn (c/o Agent: Alan Brown, ABDS Ltd, 90 Treza Road, Porthleven, Cornwall TR13 9UQ) – Erection of 14 dwellings with associated garages and parking served by new access to Broughton Road – at land at Broughton Road, Crof t, Leics. Mrs Monica Taylor (c/o Agent: Roger Emery, Quick On The Draw, 7 Lut terworth Road, Walcote, Lut terworth, Leics. LE17 4JW) – Erection of 2 detached dwellings and 1 detached garage block for two cars – at 57 West View Avenue, Glen Parva, Leicester LE2 9JU. Mr David Weafer (c/o Agent: The Art of Building Ltd, The Outbuildings, 221 Forest Road, Woodhouse, Loughborough, Leics. LE12 8TZ) – Erection of 3 dwellings with parking and amenity space (Reserved matters) – at land adjacent to 8 Dovecote Road, Crof t, Leics. LE9 3EF.

Leics. & Rutland County FA (c/o Agent: Architects LE1, 38 Nelson Street, Leicester LE1 7BA) – Provision of 3 new spectator stands and relocation of existing stands, retention of replacement spectator fencing and new net ting and posts – at Holmes Park, Dog & Gun Lane, Whetstone, Leicester LE8 6LJ. Mr R Patel (c/o Agent: Bernard Taruvinga, Kunstler Designs Architect, 31 Rutland Street, Leicester LE1 1RE) – Two storey ex tension to existing bungalow to create a threestorey apartment building to provide residential accommodation for 3 flats, including the erection of a triple garage – at Bungalow 1, Stokes C of E Primary School, Queens Road, Blaby, Leicester LE8 4EG.

Blaby District

Mrs J Finley (c/o Agent: Create. iF (DMP) Ltd, 321 Bradford Street, Birmingham B5 6ET) – Erection of 5 detached dwellings, conversion of existing dwelling into 2 units, including first floor ex tension, associated parking and vehicular access – at land at The Barn, Cooks Lane, Sapcote, Leics. LE9 4FE.

Mr Ian Spencer & Mrs Yvonne Leeson (c/o Agent: DPAS Ltd) – Proposed residential development of site – at S pencers Bakery, Loughborough Road, Hathern, Leics. LE12 5JB.

MORE THAN 40 young property professionals gathered in Nottingham for a Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Matrics surveyor network event. Laura Hibbs, assistant surveyor at Innes England’s Leicester office, was recently elected as chair of the Nottingham division and this was the first event she has organised since taking the reins. The event took place at The Laguna Tandoori, Nottingham and gave the attendees the opportunity to network and sample the menu. RICS Matrics is a networking and support group within the wider institution, designed especially for students, trainees and newly qualified surveyors. Laura said: “I planned the event with the aim of bringing together people starting out in the profession and giving them a chance to network with others working in similar roles and I think it went really well. “I am a strong advocate of the benefits of networking as a means of support, particularly having benefitted from it myself. I hope for my events to attract individuals from a wide range of property backgrounds as I value diversity in networking.” Laura joined Innes England, which has offices in Leicester, Derby and Nottingham, during her final two years at university. Laura is currently working her way through the APC process to become a chartered surveyor. Tim Garratt, managing director at Innes England, said: “We are immensely proud of Laura and her achievement in being elected chair of RICS Matrics. Her first event was a resounding success and I have every faith they will continue to be a social highlight for the rest of the year. “We are thrilled to sponsor events such as this, which help give trainees and new staff a place to meet likeminded people and help boost the beginning of their careers.”

BUILDERS: Receive Leicestershire Builder through your letterbox!

Mrs S Seals (c/o Agent: Architectural & Surveying Services Ltd) – Proposed development for 2 semidetached chalet bungalows to “The Garages” near to Frederick Street, Loughborough LE11 3AY – at 12 Arthur Street, Loughborough, Leics. LE11 3AY. DB Symmetry (c/o Agent: Harborough District Council) – Consultation from Harborough District Council. Outline Planning Application for the erection of up to 278,709 sq.metres of storage, distribution buildings with ancillary of fices, creation of access onto A4303 and emergency services only access onto A5, formation of a lorry park, creation of a SuDS facilities and other associated infrastructure and the demolition of Glebe Farmhouse – at land adjacent to Glebe Farm, Coventry Road, Lut terworth, Leics. LE17 4JE. Castelnau Properties Ltd – Conversion of of fice building to 4 apartments, erection of 2 apartments and erection of carport with one apartment over – at Charnwood House, 251 Loughborough Road, Mountsorrel, Leics. LE12 7AS. Barrowclif fe Properties (c/o Agent: C A Underwood) – Erection of 2 bungalows and associated garages (Revised scheme) – at land adjacent to 24 Cossington Road, Sileby, Leics. LE12 7RS.

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I can’t decide which room not to clean first.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • DECEMBER 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069

Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Leicestershire County Council (c/o Agent: Jason Prosser, Leicestershire County Council, County Hall, Championship Way, Glenfield, Leicester LE3 8RE) – New single storey 4-classroom block, access road widening to accommodate parking, ex tension to play area – at Townlands C of E Primary School, Meadow Court Road, Earl Shilton, Leics. LE9 7FF. Horiba Mira Ltd (c/o Agent: Ms Marie Dos, Turley, 17 Gresse Street, London W1T 1QL) – New laboratory workshop, with associated service yard, car parking and landscaping – at Horiba Mira Ltd, Watling Street, Caldecote, Nuneaton, Warks. CV10 0TT. Mr Arginda Singh (c/o Agent: Design Studio Architects Ltd, 1B Salisbury Road, Upper New Walk, Leicester LE1 7QR) – Change of use of ground floor from a bet ting shop to a drinking establishment and 8 apartments at first and second floor level – at 10 The Borough, Hinckley, Leics. LE10 1NL. Mr G Hibbit t (c/o Agent: Simon Cheshire Planning, 34 Stanley Road, Market Bosworth, Nuneaton, Warks. CV13 0NB) – Residential development of up to 9 dwellings (renewal of 14/00124/OUT) – at land at St Mary’s Court, Barwell, Leics. LE9 8DF. Mr & Mrs R Raynor (c/o Agent: David Granger Design Ltd, The Old Dairy, Mill Street, Packington, Ashby de la Zouch, Leics. LE65 1WN) – Erection of 2 new dwellings – at land adjacent to Hill Rise, Station Road, Desford, Leicester LE9 9FP. Mr Hurst (c/o Agent: Andrew Granger & Co, Phoenix House, 52 High Street, Market Harborough, Leics. LE16 7AF) – Residential development of 5 dwellings – at 43 Park Road, Ratby, Leicester LE6 0JL.

Melton Borough Mr David Bland (c/o Agent: Steve Plat t, Tenacity Planning Consultants, The Rectory, 19 Main Street, South Crox ton, Leics. LE7 3RJ) – Outline application for 3 new dwellings – at land south of St Michael’s Church, Church Walk, Thorpe Satchville, Leics.

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Bruton Knowles reacts to the government’s planning reform to deal with the housing deficit THE shortage of homes in the UK has been a political hot-potato for many years now – but changes are now afoot to tackle the issue. Partner at leading national property consultancy Bruton Knowles, James Bailey, dissects the proposals put forward by government to tackle the lack of new homes being built. The government is seeking to help more people own their home and increase the number of new homes built each year through proposed changes to the planning process, which have been set out in the new Housing and Planning Act 2016 and Neighbourhood Planning Bill 2016. The Act seeks to simplify and speed up the planning process to support those communities that are seeking to meet local housing and wider development needs through increased neighbourhood planning. So what is proposed and more importantly how will it work in practice? A broadening to the definition of affordable housing will see starter homes for first time buyers become part of the group, together with a commitment to release more land for starter homes, including brownfield land within the green belt. This seeks to deliver on the government’s manifesto commitment of 200,000 starter

homes a year with a minimum 20% being at below market value price. The introduction of permission in principle is a new way of securing planning permission granted on land allocated as suitable within the local and neighbourhood plans and on brownfield registers, with specific site detail being agreed through technical details consent. As part of the evaluation process the brownfield register principal has been piloted with 73 local authorities, with consultation also taking place on the technical details, with an anticipated roll out in early 2017. The reforms include an aspiration to improve both local plan making and neighbourhood planning as well as speeding up the decision making process. This is likely to include set time periods within which local authorities must take decisions and a simpler, more automatic process for designating an area together with increased rights for forums. The aspiration is clear: to make the plan making process more effective in identifying suitable housing and development sites through neighbourhood planning and brownfield registers, with the actual planning permission process being speeded up. In reality, the government funded Homes & Communities Agency together with housing associations will be able to deliver housing stock through the new mechanisms,

Large development site with lapsed planning for 7 houses

while private developers and house builders will have a greater regard to the location of sites and the potential market reaction to them. For example, the barrier to entry may be at its lowest for a brownfield site that can be selected as part of the plan making process and also be applicable for a permission in principal but not in a location best able to deliver a broad range of housing stock, including starter homes. A more complex and difficult site in terms of obtaining planning permission can provide both greater returns to the developer and a better quality scheme if located in an area with excellent local amenities, such as good quality schools, communication routes and recreational areas. It has to be recognised that local planning authorities already have time limits and guidance in respect of planning applications, with a lack of resource often being cited as the issue around adherence. So, unless there is a plan alongside these reforms to increase the number of planning officers it seems likely that the aspiration will fail to match up to the reality, much like the government’s housing targets. Finally, the changes are likely to be introduced at a time when UK plc is going through a period of financial remodelling to deal with the serving of Article 50 after Brexit, which presents another challenge for the housing building industry.

Site for 14 dwellings in Ryton-on-Dunsmore

SDL GRAHAM PENNY are offering for sale BY AUCTION a development site with lapsed planning permission for 7 twobed town houses. The site is situated at 102 Mayfield Road, Chaddesden, Derby DE21 6FW. Planning consent was granted by Derby City Council under reference DER/02/05/00244 for 7 two-bed twon houses, but has now lapsed. The erection of the town houses would be subject to the demolition of the existing detached bungalow. For sale BY AUCTION on Wednesday 7th December 2016 at Derby County Football Club, iPro Stadium, Derby - 11.30am start. The Guide Price is £140,000+ For more information or to arrange a viewing, contact SDL Graham Penny on 01332 242880 or visit www.sdlgrahampenny.co.uk

EHB RESIDENTIAL are offering for sale a development site with outline planning permission (ref: R15/0565) for 14 dwelling houses. The site – at Leamington Road, Ryton-on-Dunsmore, Near Rugby, Warks. – has an area of around 1.56 acres. The Guide Price is £1.8 million. For further details, contact ehB Residential on 01926 881144 or email: info@ehbresidential.com

I’m sure there’s a supplement I could take or another easy solution to cure my laziness. Someone look into it for me.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • DECEMBER 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069

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It’s not love until you don’t want them to have a good time without you.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • DECEMBER 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069

RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES HALLFIELD FARM, HALL GATE, DISEWORTH, DERBYSHIRE DE74 2QL

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Residential development site extending to 0.35 Acres (0.14 Ha) with Full Planning Consent for the conversion and extension of one existing barn along with the erection of three additional dwellings North West Leicestershire DC Planning Ref: 15/00949/FUL Sought-after village location situated minutes from M1 J24, Ashby-de-la-Zouch and Loughborough Layout includes a mix of 3, 4 & 5 bed detached dwellings Comprehensive Developer’s Information Pack available including Ground Investigation Report & Utilities Records Viewing by appointment only

VILLAGE FARM, HALL GATE, DISEWORTH, DERBYSHIRE DE74 2QJ

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Residential development site extending to 1.08 Acres (0.44 Ha) with Full Planning Consent for two barn conversions and six further new build dwellings North West Leicestershire DC Planning Ref: 15/00948/FUL Sought-after village location situated minutes from M1 J24, Ashby-de-la-Zouch and Loughborough Layout includes a mix of 3 & 4 bed detached dwellings Site is accessed from both Hall Gate & Shakespeare Drive Comprehensive Developer’s Information Pack available including Ground Investigation Report & Utilities Records Viewing by appointment only

Online Information Pack www.matherjamie.co.uk/hallfieldfarm

Online Information Pack www.matherjamie.co.uk/villagefarm

For Sale by Informal Tender Deadline for offers – 12 noon on Friday 13th January 2017

For Sale by Informal Tender Deadline for offers - 12 noon on Friday 13th January 2017

LIMES FARMYARD, KILBY, LEICESTERSHIRE LE18 3TD

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Residential development site with Full Planning Consent for the conversion of two existing barns into separate dwellings and the construction of one detached dwelling Sale also includes an existing Farmhouse (Grade II Listed) requiring renovation and modernisation along with 1.56 Acres of Paddock Land Attractive village location with excellent connectivity to Leicester/M1 J21/Fosse Park/Grove Park Blaby District Council Planning Ref: 16/0439/FUL Comprehensive Developer’s Information Pack available including Ground Investigation Report & Utilities Records Viewing by appointment only

Online Information Pack www.matherjamie.co.uk/limesfarmyard

For Sale by Private Treaty

Tel: 01509 233433 www.matherjamie.co.uk For further details please contact Gary Kirk - Email: gary.kirk@matherjamie.co.uk

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • DECEMBER 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069

Mr Gary Smith (c/o Agent: HSSP Architects Ltd, Pera Business Park, Not tingham Road, Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE13 0PB) – Full application for the development of 4 private dwellings – at land adjacent to 2 Queensway, Old Dalby, Leics.

Leics Businesses Join Partnership For Pioneering Rehab Centre

Mrs A Harvey & Mrs D Towler (c/o Agent: Maurice Fairhurst, Fairhurst Consultancy, 41 Wartnaby Road, Ab Ket tleby, Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE14 3JJ) – Construction of 5 dwellings – at Field OS 7952, Church Lane, Hoby, Leics. Davidsons Developments & The Bicker Family (c/o Agent: George Machin, GraceMachin Planning & Property, 5 Malin Hill, Plumptre Square, lace market, Not tingham NG1 1JK) – Outline planning application for up to 45 dwellings – at Field OS 1100, Bescaby Lane, Waltham on the Wolds, Leics. Mr T Hazelton (c/o Agent: Adam Murray, Andrew Granger & Co, Phoenix House, 52 High Street, Market Harborough, Leics. LE16 7AF) – Outline application for the erection of up to 31 dwellings (Resubmission of 15/00833/OUT) – at land rear of 1-3 Hickling Lane, Long Clawson, Leics. Richborough Estates (c/o Agent: GVA, 3 Brindley Place, Birmingham B1 2JB) – Residential development – at Fields Number 3016, 3300, 4800, 5427, 7000, 8681 and 9100, Of f Not tingham Road, Melton Mowbray, Leics. Leicestershire County Council (c/o Agent: GVA, 3 Brindley Place, Birmingham B1 2JB) – Residential development comprising up to 400 dwellings – at Fields OS 0824, 7419 and 9216, Scalford Road, Melton Mowbray, Leics. Mr Monty Watchorn (c/o Agent: Mrs Michelle Galloway, Pegasus Group, 4 The Courtyard, Church Street, Lockington, Derby DE74 2SL) – Residential development of up to 60 new dwellings, new areas of open space, landscaping, access and drainage infrastructure – at Fair Farm, 33 Melton Road, Waltham on the Wolds, Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE14 4AJ.

Harborough District Mrs P Roberts (c/o Agent: Berrys, 42 Headlands, Ket tering, Northants. NN15 7HR) – Outline application for the erection of up to 20 dwellings – at land east of Pincet Lane & Station Road junction, North Kilworth, Leics.

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Mrs & Mrs Nigel & Karen Boycot t (c/o Agent: Corporate Architecture Ltd, 1 Trimbush Way, Market Harborough, Leics. LE16 7XY) – Erection of 2 dwellings (Revised scheme of 15/00523/OUT) – at land at rear of The Grey Goose, Lut terworth Road, Gilmorton, Leics. Andrew Granger & Co (c/o: Phoenix House, 52 High Street, Market Harborough, Leics. LE16 7AF) – Outline application for the erection of 9 dwellings – at Hanbury Centre, Stonton Road, Church Langton, Leics. LE16 7SZ.

HIGH-PROFILE Leicestershire businesses have joined a unique national partnership to see the realisation of the Get Busy Living centre, a brand-new £1 million rehabilitation facility for those who have suffered catastrophic injury through sport. Professional services firm MDA Consulting, architects Corporate Architecture and engineering consultants Couch Perry Wilkes and Salus, have joined a consortium of other organisations from across the Midlands and East of England to deliver the project, many of whom are providing their time, services, materials or expertise for free. The Get Busy Living centre, the brainchild of Leicestershire-based charity, the Matt Hampson Foundation, will see a derelict aircraft hangar on the Burrough Court Estate near Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, transformed into a state-of-the-art facility where beneficiaries of the foundation’s services will be able to receive physical rehabilitation, spend time with their families and share experiences with those in a similar situation to themselves. Matt Hampson, a former England Under-21 rugby player who suffered a life-changing accident during a training session in 2005, set up the foundation to help those who have had a similar injury by offering support and assistance. The project is being delivered by a number of local partners from across the UK including: construction company Willmott Dixon, professional services firm MDA Consulting, architects Corporate Architecture, engineering consultants; Couch Perry Wilkes, Salus and BSP Consulting, PR and marketing agency Cartwright Communications, earthmoving, ground engineering and restoration contractor, Barton Plant, and supplier, Peter Bennie, both part of The Bennie Group, and supplier GRS Roadstone Limited.

Detached farmhouse in need of renovation SDL GRAHAM PENNY are offering for sale BY AUCTION a large detached farmhouse in need of renovation, set in 1.3 acres approx. The property – Windley Hill Farm, Wirksworth Road, Duffield, Derbyshire DE56 4DH – comprises a detached farmhouse in need of renovation, in an elevated rural location. The farmhouse, if converted, would provide spacious accommodation with 4-5 bedrooms and substantial living accommodation, all of which would enjoy fine views. For sale BY AUCTION on Wednesday 7th December 2016 at Derby County Football Club, iPro Stadium, Derby - 11.30am start. The Guide Price is £390,000+ For more information or to arrange a viewing, contact SDL Graham Penny on 01332 242880 or visit www.sdlgrahampenny.co.uk

Mr & Mrs N Hall (c/o Agent: Aaron Smith, Fowler Architecture & Planning Ltd, 19 High Street, Pewsey SN9 5AF) – Erection of 2 livestock buildings and straw barn, formation of concrete silage clamps, installation of 6 ef fluent tanks, formation of private way and landscaped bund – at Knaptof t Hall Farm, Welford Road, Knaptof t, Leics. LE17 6PA. Houghton Village Hall (c/o Agent: Dr Ian Hill, Chair of Trustees, Houghton Village Hall, 34 Home Close Road, Houghton of the Hill, Leics. LE7 9GT) – Ex tension to village hall for storage area, incorporating an additional accessible entrance and disabled parking spaces, plus ex tension to bowling green – at Village Hall, Main Street, Houghton on the Hill, Leics. LE7 9GE. AT Plant & Contracting Ltd (c/o Agent: MEWP Ltd, Morwick Hall, Mortec Of fice Park, York Road, Leeds LS15 4TA) – Proposed erection of a building measuring 54m x 33m to house an in-vessel composting and aerobic digestion facility, erection of ancillary waste reception area, feedstock store, green store, finished product storage area, bio-filter, percolation tank, finished product drainage tank and CHP plant enclosures, importation of up to 15,000 tonnes per annum of waste and the export of compost and up to 2MW/HE of electricity – at Slip Inn Quarry, Leicester Road, Lut terworth, Leics. LE17 4LT. Mr & Mrs Messenger (c/o Agent: JMI Planning, 62 Carter Street, Ut toxeter, Staf fs. ST14 8EU) – Outline application for the erection of up to 5 dwellings – at land adjacent to 54 Sut ton Lane, Sut ton in the Elms, Broughton Astley, Leics. Mrs Sophia New ton (c/o: Cotesbach Hall, Main Street, Cotesbach, Leics. LE17 4HX) – Outline application for the erection of 5 dwellings – at land of f Main Street, Cotesbach, Leics.

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Music makes every day better, especially if you turn it up just loud enough to drown out all the people around you.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • DECEMBER 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069

Mr O Tebbs (c/o Agent: Hutchinsons, 15 Castle Gardens, Kimbolton, Huntingdon PE28 0JE) – Outline application for the erection of 24 dwellings – at land south west of Playing Field, Ashby Road, Ullesthorpe, Leics. Hazelton Homes (Midlands) Ltd (c/o Agent: KRT Associates Ltd, Rushall House, School Road, Brewood ST19 9DS) – Erection of 35 dwellings – at land at Uppingham Road, Billesdon, Leics. Mr K Walker (c/o Agent: Fox Bennet t, 6 Lewis Court, Thorpe Way, Grove Park, Enderby, Leicester LE19 1SD) – Erection of 2 livestock buildings – at Home Farm, Ashby Road, Gilmorton, Leics. LE17 5LY. Mr Darran Evans (c/o Agent: Barrand Associates Architects, 78 Hammond Way, Market Harborough, Leics. LE16 7JP) – Erection of one pair of semi-detached dwellings – at land adjacent to 36 Main Street, Dunton Basset t, Leics. Hazelton Homes Ltd (c/o Agent: Staniforth Architects, The Warehouse, 1A Stamford Street, Leicester LE1 6NL) – Erection of 45 dwelling houses and apartments over four storeys; change of vacant flour mill to of fices on vacant land adjacent to St Mary’s Road, Ket tering Road and the River Welland; the erection of 28 dwelling houses & apartments over seven storeys with associated car parking on vacant land adjacent to Rockingham Road and the River Welland – at The Welland Quarter, St Mary’s Road, Market Harborough, Leics.

Rutland County Acorn Care & Education (c/o Agent: Aidan Walker, Walker Associates, 61 Bridge Street, Walsall WS1 1JQ) – Erection of 2 prefabricated buildings to increase the capacity of the school to 10 pupils – at The Grange Therapeutic School, The Hayne, Uppingham Road, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6JB. Mr J Regis (c/o Agent: Lee Sowerby, BSA Design, Bridge Farm, Besthorpe Road, North Scarle LN6 9EZ) – Erection of 3 B1/B8 units with ancillary trade counter use – at Former Rose of England Hotel, Old Great North Road, Lit tle Casterton, Rutland. Mr Peter Hawkes (c/o Agent: Peter Wilmot, PW Architects, Firdale Stables, High Street, Morcot t, Oakham, Rutland LE15 9DN) – Erection of 3 new dwellings – at Hawkes Rest, Cold Overton Road, Barley thorpe, Oakham, Rutland LE15 8DA.

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Appeal Court gives green light to build new homes in Oadby THE COURT of Appeal has allowed a Planning Application to build 150 new houses on greenfield land in Oadby. Oadby and Wigston Borough Council had originally refused the planning application of Bloor Homes Ltd, which related to land at Cottage Farm, to the west of the A6 Glen Road in Oadby, because this land had not been earmarked for new housing in the Council’s Local Plan to 2026. Furthermore, the Council had demonstrated that there was sufficient land available to build the required number of new houses in the Borough – 90 homes per year - for the next five years, without the need to build on this land. However, a Government appointed Planning Inspector determined, in considering this proposal, that the number of new homes to be built in the Borough should be increased by a further 57 houses per year – to 147 homes per year - because he considered that this would help to increase the number of affordable homes available in the Borough. As a result, he determined it necessary to build on the Cottage Farm site. The Court of Appeal has subsequently agreed with this decision. Councillor John Boyce, Leader of Oadby and Wigston Borough Council said: “This is a very disappointing decision. We have consistently worked to plan and protect the Borough. We had listened to residents who told us that they wanted us to protect the countryside and plan for sufficient new services and facilities to support an increase in residents in the Borough. We had planned to focus new development on a single site in Wigston because this proved to be the most sustainable option available.” He added: “The Government requires councils to regularly update their Local Plans and to determine how many houses need to be built in the future. We are currently carrying out this work in the Borough up to 2036 and we will ensure that all residents have an opportunity to get involved because clearly this decision will have an effect on our new Local Plan.”

Lubbesthorpe sales centre opens BARRATT HOMES North Midlands has now opened the doors of its New Lubbesthorpe Sales Centre onsite to answer the queries of potential homebuyers. The new development offers a wide range of uniquely designed two, three, four and five-bedroom homes set in the beautiful and scenic countryside town of Lubbesthorpe in West Leicestershire. Located on Beggars Lane, the development is also only a 15 minute drive from Leicester city centre and is close by to both the M1 and the M69, making it the perfect place for those looking to commute to work. Jan Ruston, Sales Director at Barratt Homes North Midlands, said: “New Lubbesthorpe is a brilliant new development that we’re very excited to be able to launch the Sales Centre to our customers so they can find out more about it.” The homes are available to buy with just a 5% deposit using the government’s Help to Buy scheme.

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You haven’t texted me since you went to bed. Are we ok??

Casterton College (c/o Agent: Richard Steedman, A A projects Ltd, Dean Court, 22 Dean Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1PG) – Demolition of existing dilapidated single-storey modular building and construction of new two-storey modular building to be used as teaching facilities – at Casterton College Rutland, Ryhall Road, Great Casterton, Stamford PE9 4AT.

Corby Borough Corby Town centres S.A.R.L. (c/o Agent: Claire Wilkinson, G L Hearn Ltd, 280 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EE) – Demolition of existing buildings, creation of new surface level car park and retail ex tension to Market Walk East – at Market Walk and adjoining land, Elizabeth Street, Corby, Northants. Euro Garages Ltd (c/o Agent: Mike Hopkins, JLL, One Piccadilly gardens, Manchester M1 1RG) – Demolition and redevelopment of former Audiotel International site to provide a petrol filling station with ancillary forecourt retail store – at Audiotel International Ltd, Corby Road, Weldon, Corby, Northants. NN17 3AR.

Rushcliffe Mr Jack Digva (c/o Agent: Ravi Matharu, Maber Architects, St Mary Hall, 17 Barker Gate, The Lace Market, Not tingham NG1 1JU) – Conversion of former nursing home into 4 dwellings – at Former Burkit t Nursing Home, 41-47 Melton Road, West Bridgford, Not tingham NG2 7NE. Mr & Mrs J Brocklesby (c/o Agent: Stephen Walker, SFW Property, 9 The Court, Ashfield Road, Nab Wood, Shipley BD18 4LF) – Construction of 4 new four-bed detached dwellings and associated garden areas – at 15 Wilford Crescent, Ruddington, Not tinghamshire NG11 6EZ. Mr Jerry Deacon (c/o Agent: Joel Jessup, Heaton Planning, 9 The Square, Keyworth, Not ts. NG12 5JT) – Erection of a 42.1 sq.metre single-storey structure which would be utilised for the purposes of providing basic welfare facilities for staf f and visitors – at Kilgraney Railway Sleepers, Kilgraney Farm, Ow thorpe Road, Cotgrave, Not ts. NG12 3PU. Shell (c/o Agent: Neil Jennings, Jennings Design Ltd, York House, Valley Court, Canal Road, Bradford BD1 4SP) – Single storey ex tension to existing sales building – at ATM Shell Service Station, Grantham Road, Saxondale, Not ts.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • DECEMBER 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069

So there i was just minding my own business when someone forced me to eavesdrop.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • DECEMBER 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069

Bellway East Midlands adds Steve to sales team BELLWAY East Midlands has added a new face to the team by appointing a sales manager at its regional office in Leicester. Steve Smith has joined the division after holding a number of senior sales roles at David Wilson Homes. As part of his new role, Steve will oversee a number of Bellway’s current developments in the East Midlands. He said: “I’m delighted to join Steve Smith, new Sales Manager Bellway as it has a real reputation in for Bellway East Midlands the industry as being a great place to work, and that’s certainly held true so far. I’ve settled in instantly as everybody has been really helpful and welcoming. “I’ve worked in the housebuilding industry for some time now and I felt that this was a great opportunity to expand my knowledge, and see how another housebuilder approaches its work. “We’ve got some fantastic sites across the East Midlands, and I’m looking forward to getting stuck into the role and playing my part in helping homebuyers find the property for them.” Sales Director for Bellway’s East Midlands division, Ben Smith, said he was sure Steve would become a key part of the division’s team. He said: “We are naturally delighted to be able to add somebody of Steve’s calibre to our sales team. He’s developed a great knowledge of the industry and also this region in his previous roles with other housebuilders, and his expertise will no doubt be a big help to all of us. Bellway’s East Midlands division is currently building at developments across Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Staffordshire, Lincolnshire and Warwickshire.

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I hate it when you run out of food while you’re still eating.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • DECEMBER 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069

Unnamed Applicant (c/o Agent: Steve Buckley, Peacock & Smith Ltd, Suite 9C, Josephs Well, Hanover Walk, Leeds LS3 1AB) – Erection of a 27 bedroom hotel with associated car parking and ancillary development – at The Gamston Lock, Radclif fe Road, Gamston, Not ts. NG2 6NP. Mr Simon Waterfield (c/o Agent: Jamie Lewis, Hunter Page Planning, 18 High Street, Cheltenham GL50 1DZ) – Amendment and removal of conditions to planning permission 15/00583/VAR to allow the replacement of 50 live work units with 50 residential units, removal of the “commercial only” internal road and reduction in level of af fordable housing – at land at Former RAF New ton, Wellington Avenue, New ton, Not ts.

Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Mr S Bates (c/o Agent: Charles Robinson, 18 Regent Place, Rugby, Warks. CV21 2PN) – Erection of 3 bungalows – on land at rear of 255 The Long Shoot, Nuneaton, Warks. CV11 6JH. Mrs Charlot te Henson (c/o: 2 Horizon Place, Mellors Way, Not tingham Business Park, Not tingham NG8 6PY) – Erection of 330 dwellings (Approval of reserved mat ters) – at Site 42C019, Land corner of Eastboro Way and The Long Shoot, Nuneaton, Warks. Mr Daniel Devall (c/o Agent: Alan Riley, The Studio, 30 Chartwell Close, Nuneaton, Warks. CV11 6SL) – Erection of new commercial building for A1 use – at 2 Wembrook House, The Green, Nuneaton, Warks. CV11 4FJ.

What Knot taking ladder safety to new heights

Development opportunity in Nether Langwith

Every year, nearly 50,000 people fall from ladders and end up at A&E. On average, 45* of these people are among the 6,000 who die every year from avoidable injuries sustained at home. At an estimated £50 billion, (based on 2003 figures) the annual cost to society is also staggering.**

RICHARD WATKINSON & Partners are offering for sale a development site comprising a farmhouse for restoration together with plots for three bungalows.

What Knot, the device that can tie and unfasten almost any rope with a thickness between 3 mm to 15 mm, can help reduce these figures by anchoring ladders securely in place. HSE (Health and Safety Executive) guidance on ladder use states: “Ladders have to be prevented from slipping during use.” The simplest, quickest and most cost effective way to achieve this is by using the What Knot in conjunction with rope and anchor bolts, available from stores such as Screwfix. What Knot can be placed at any point along the length of good quality rope, connecting and disconnecting in just six seconds. Users can place and adjust it to the nearest millimetre simply and quickly. It’s completely waterproof, so will never rust or rot. And it’s impervious to the sun’s rays. Demonstrating the What Knot on a video on the company’s Facebook page, builder Luke said his ladder felt a lot more secure: “It’s tied up at three points. You know the base isn’t going to kick out. It feels way more sturdy and it’s really quick and simple to put together. It makes me feel a lot more confident.” Steven Daniels, owner of Just Right Products UK & Europe, the exclusive importer of What Knot, said: “This is a quick, simple and really cost effective way to stay safe when using ladders, as opposed to scaffold towers, as appropriate. The accident statistics are truly shocking, yet the What Knot offers a genuine preventive measure for professional tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts alike.” If ladders are used a lot as part of a day-to-day job, the What Knot could also reduce employers Liability insurances. What Knot is stocked by Robert Dyas, Screwfix and a growing number of independent retailers across the UK at the recommended retail price of £7.95 for a single unit, reducing to £6.00 each if purchasing a pack of 6. In 2011, Steven won a Theo Paphitis Small Business Sunday award. These awards recognise innovative SMEs throughout the country. For more information or to purchase What Knot online, visit www. whatknot.co.uk.

Leicestershire Builder Magazine Published By: Builder Magazines PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT Tel: (01530) 244069 Fax: (01530) 249557 Email: info@buildermagazines.co.uk Web: www.buildermagazines.co.uk Over 3,500 copies distributed every month across Leicestershire & Rutland by a combination of: • By Post to SUBSCRIBERS and a rotating free mailing list (2,200 copies) • Through trade counters of local merchants (1,300 copies) SUBSCRIPTIONS: £20 PER YEAR (No VAT) TO SUBSCRIBE: CALL 01530 244069 and leave your details, or subscribe via our Website. We’ll invoice you later. Printed in Ellistown by: Norwood Press

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The site – Stone House Farm and Land to the rear, Main Road, Nether Langwith, Mansfield, Notts. NG20 9EN – extends to around 0.869 of an acre. Planning consent (ref: 15/01321/ FUL) was granted by Bassetlaw District Council on 23rd November 2015 for restoration of Stone House Farm and construction of 3 residential units. The asking price is £400,000. For more information, or to arrange a viewing appointment, contact Richard Watkinson & Partners on 01623 626990 or email: Mansfield@richardwatkinson.co.uk

Site for 8 dwellings in Bedworth LOVEITTS are offering for sale a residential development site with detailed planning consent (ref: 031698 dated 1st May 2013) for 8 dwellings. The site – at land adjoining 4 Hollyhurst, Off Alice Close, Bedworth CV12 0DY – is located on the fringe of a modern residential estate with proposed landscape buffer to the adjoining A444 by-pass. It comprises existing paddock land with direct vehicular access onto Hollyhurst extending to just over one acre in total. Offers are invited based on £400,000 for the freehold. There is no VAT payable on the purchase price. For more information, contact Loveitts on 024 7622 8111.

The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Editorial/Production Team. The inclusion of any group or organisation in this publication does not necessarily imply a recommendation of its aims, methods or policies. Builder Magazines cannot be held responsible for the information disclosed by advertisements, all of which are accepted in good faith. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine, but no liability can be accepted for loss or inconvenience caused as a result of error or omission. Builder Magazines reserves the right to amend, shorten or refuse to publish articles and/or advertisements submitted for publication. All property details contained within this magazine are to be regarded as being for outline guidance only. All potential interested parties are requested to check individual availability of premises for accuracy of details with the relevant selling agents before proceeding further.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • DECEMBER 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069

Restaurant Choice WIN A MEAL! IF YOU can find 12 FAMOUS PEOPLE WITH LEICESTERSHIRE CONNECTIONS in the Wordsearch grid on the right, you could win yourself a £20 Restaurant Choice Gift Card. All you have to do to go into the draw is find - and mark a line through - 12 FAMOUS LEICESTERSHIRE FOLK. These can run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!). Send your marked entry forms to: WOOLLYBACKS, Leicestershire Builder, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to arrive by FRIDAY 16TH DECEMBER 2016. Please remember to fill in your name and address. The sender of the first correct entry drawn out of the hat will win the £20 Gift Card. Good luck! Restaurant Choice Gift Cards can be used in over 1000 UK Restaurants. From hand-picked independent restaurants to a great selection of popular dining groups – Nando’s, Café Rouge, Jamie’s Italian, PizzaExpress, Zizzi, Ask Italian and Yo! Sushi. They can be used for food and drinks, set menus, indeed any dish on the menu. Visit the website at www.restaurantchoice.co.uk for more information.

Last Month’s Wordsearch Winner was:

MRS K RAVAL of Lutterworth Road, Blaby Congratulations! Your £20 Gift Card will be with you soon. GREMLINS! Last month’s grid was incomplete, with the top row of letters missing! Despite this, quite a few readers managed to find the answers. Well done - you all went into the draw - thanks for entering!

Aggregate Industries joins forces with Leicester Tigers to launch schools programme BARDON HILL-BASED Aggregate Industries has partnered with the Leicester Tigers to create “Concrete Rugby”, a community programme aimed at promoting healthy lifestyle, teamwork and self-confidence amongst young people across the Midlands. Concrete Rugby delivers a five week programme to Leicester city centre and Leicestershire high school children, teaching them how to play touch or contact rugby, allowing the game to be played on any surface. The programme will provide an opportunity for young people to adopt an active lifestyle, experience a new sport and learn new skills, spreading the ethos of teamwork, respect, discipline and sportsmanship. 2014 figures from the Health Survey for England found that 31.2% of children aged 2-15 were classed as either overweight or obese, and so the training will focus on the importance of staying active for your health, and how they can do that in a fun way – through rugby.

11/23/2016

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N H V Y A K N V S P K K A S C V J D T G A H E L A M J U N O C L V O B H L U V A W K P K N K G V F P N E T V A M N T S W K V N R S M H J L I I H C J O N V D R G O U E I G H R A O V D Y B L E S K R A M G U S P I X Q B M S R B S S F Y Z L S R R I C H A R D A T T E N B O R O U G H L H O X L P J L I H T P P S I D B O X E T F Z Z F E L L R W E M D H Q I S G O I V W E M P T A Y E J Y U C A M Y T V S S Y B C Q C E T N K L O H Z T V E V J S I C C J E O R Y D E I U T N J T I R J V A L L C X F S H A N H H R K O W L D R Q C B M X N B H T P I L F E M H T R Z I I Y A P I Y D I Z A L C Z B B G K R V I C C J T C W Z L K G Y C P L Z Y W C O E L K K P S E F T D E R D N E S N W O T E U S E S R O U O W W A D O G G F C E D F O Z A M W G S N E Y G Y F N Z R N I M X Y J B T H O M A S C O O K E K A F P B Q X G E Here are the 12 LOCAL FOLK you have to find:

DAVIDICKE DAVID ICKE • ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK • GARY LINEKER ENGELBERTHUMPERDINCK GARYLINEKER GOK WAN • JOE ORTON • JOSEPH MERRICK GOKWAN JOEORTON LYNDA PAGE • MARK SELBY • PETER SHILTON JOSEPHMERRICK RICHARD ATTENBOROUGH • SUE TOWNSEND • THOMAS COOK LYNDAPAGE MARKSELBY PETERSHILTON RICHARDATTENBOROUGH Name: .............................................................................................................. SUETOWNSEND THOMASCOOK

Address: .............................................................................................................

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Children get first peek of new school PUPILS have had a first glimpse of their brand new £10 million school. Birkett House pupils have visited the building site of their new £10 million state-of-the-art special school in Wigston for the very first time. Children and teachers were invited to grab their hard hats and hi-vis to join building developers, Willmott Dixon, on site for an exclusive tour of the brand new school. The group of 13 went on a tour of the work in progress, including the sites for the hydrotherapy pool and sensory interactive rooms, which left the students feeling uplifted and enthusiastic about their new surroundings. Leicestershire County Council is creating the brand-new building at the Wigston Academy Station Road campus. It will provide places for up to 125 children and young people aged four and 19. These new buildings will increase the places available at the main site from 91 to 125, extending the number of pupils who can benefit from this school which is rated by OFSTED as outstanding. The project is on schedule and the school is due to open its doors in September 2017. The new school is being built on land off Station Road, Wigston alongside the Wigston Academy (formerly Abington and Bushloe High Schools) and Wigston College (formerly Guthlaxton College). The scheme is part of a larger masterplan for the campus which is undergoing significant transformation as part of a £4 million redevelopment.

I wish the girls who rejected me in high school could see how many Pokémon I’ve caught.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • DECEMBER 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069

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ELEVATING HOUSE TO BEAT FLOOD RISK THE LARKFLEET Group of Companies (www.larkfleetgroup.co.uk) has applied for planning permission to build an experimental house that could rise on jacks above flood waters. If tests are successful the house could provide a model that would enable housebuilding on thousands of sites across the UK which at present cannot be developed because of the risk of flooding. If planning permission is granted by South Holland District Council, Larkfleet plans to build a three-bedroom detached house in Weston Hills, near Spalding, Lincolnshire that can be raised up to 1.5 metres above ground level by eight mechanical jacks. Work on constructing the house, from organisations such as the which will sit on a steel ring Environment Agency. However, beam in place of conventional the mechanical jacking system – foundations, could begin early in powered by a central motor, gear 2017. Experiments with raising and box and drive shafts – could lift the lowering the house – including 65 tonne house to the full 1.5 metre testing long-term maintenance and height above ground in less than operation of the jacking system – five minutes. will run for up to five years. Rooftop solar panels and a battery Because the house will be of would provide the house with modular steel-frame design it some continuing electricity supply can then be disassembled and when raised above the ground re-erected on another site on and the water and sewage would conventional foundations as a remain connected through flexible family residence. hoses. However, it is not envisaged It is anticipated that houses of that residents would remain in this design would be jacked up occupation during floods. Instead, well ahead of the arrival of flood the householders would pack up, waters, based on advance warnings lock up and jack up the home

before taking refuge in temporary accommodation on higher ground elsewhere. Karl Hick, CEO of The Larkfleet Group of Companies, said: “The elevating house effectively eliminates the risk of flood damage to homes so that more land across the country can be approved for future home building. This will help to tackle the ‘housing crisis’ that is being caused by the demand for new housing far exceeding the supply.” Larkfleet is a privately-owned house building and development organisation with a strong record in creating high quality homes

and communities. It specialises in building energy-efficient housing and continually invests in research and the development of innovative new sustainable building designs, materials and construction methods. UK and international patents for the ‘elevating house’ are pending.

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