February 2019 Leicestershire Builder Magazine

REACHING OVER 3,500 BUILDING-BASED COMPANIES IN LEICESTERSHIRE & RUTLAND EVERY MONTH

New residential development land for trinity park sale in Whetstone CAMBRIDGE ROAD ■ WHETSTONE ■ LEICESTER ■ LE8 6LH

97 HOMES

CHURCH

CA

TRINITY PARK LEICESTER CITY CENTRE 5 MILES

AD GE RO MBRID

73 HOMES

TWO redevelopment NewIMPORTANT Residential Development sites in Whetstone are being offered for Land For Sale - 3.6 acres (1.45 ha) sale jointly by Andrew & Ashwell and Innes England.

■ 5 Miles to the south of Leicester City Centre ■ Local shopping facilities

Trinity Park at Cambridge Road, Whetstone, Leicester LE8 6LH comprises two sites of 1.94 acres and 1.66 acres respectively.

The two sites adjoin the new Trinity Brook www.whittleestate.co.uk residential scheme built by Linden Homes comprising 73 dwellings.

Both plots are the subject of outline planning applications which are due to be determined imminently. A freehold disposal of the sites, either collectively or individually is sought.

Price on application – viewing strictly through the joint sole agents.

Contact Malcolm Grayson at Andrew & Ashwell on 0116 254 1220 (email: mdg@andash. co.uk) or Peter Doleman at Innes England on 0115 255 5455 (email: pdoleman@innesengland.com).

■ Excellent access into Leicester via Lutterworth Road ■ Variety of housing types

LEICESTER

William Davis Homes celebrates apprentice achievements in style AWARD-WINNING Loughborough housebuilder, William Davis Homes, has been providing apprenticeship training since the company’s inception over 80 years ago and recently held its biggest celebration of the longstanding scheme when over 100 people gathered for the company’s annual Apprentice of the Year Award.

Apprentices celebrate in style at William Davis Homes!

(Front) Runner-up and recipient of the Endeavour Award, Isaac Harper and Apprentice of the Year, Ashley Rudd.

The company’s apprentices plus mentors, college lecturers and work colleagues joined with friends, partners, parents and other family members to congratulate not only the well-deserved Apprentice of the Year, electrician Ashley Rudd and close runner-up plumber Isaac Harper but to acknowledge the huge achievement of all those who had secured a place on the apprentice scheme and were working towards a successful career in construction.

William Davis Homes managing director, Guy Higgins who hosted the event, said: “This is a very exciting time to be in construction, the country needs new housing and it has to be built by highlyskilled people. We’re proud of our legacy of providing quality apprenticeships for young people coming into the industry and delighted over ninety per cent stay with the company after completing their training, going on to have long and fulfilling careers.”

Special guests at the event included local MP Nicky Morgan and Keith Binns, leader of the bricklaying course at Leicester College – one of the company’s training partners - was also pleased to recognise the achievements of the apprentices and William Davis Homes as a stalwart advocate of apprenticeships for many years.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • FEBRUARY 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Farm buildings with consent for conversion to 5 Village Farm dwellings

north street, titchmarsh, kettering, northamptonshire, nn14 3dh

SAVILLS are offering for sale a collection of farm buildings with planning consent (ref: 17/00692/ FUL) for conversion to 5 dwellings.

The property – Village Farm, North Street, Titchmarsh, Kettering, Northants. NN14 3DH – allows for a mix of single and two –storey dwellings. The proposed buildings are designed to retain their traditional barn-like appearance, and all have defined gardens and parking within the plans.

Guide Price: £825,000.

For more information, or to arrange a viewing, contact James Abbott at Savills on 01780 484696 or email: Stamford@savills.com

New Associate Director brought on at leading Midlands surveyor AN EXPERT in land acquisitions who has held responsibility for leading on the investment of over £100m worth of development and investment deals across the Midlands and the North of England has been taken on by chartered surveyors Mather Jamie, as the firm continues to expand.

Gary Owens MRICS, from Nottinghamshire, has started in the newly created role, which will see him identifying and securing new land opportunities for the firm’s clients across the Midlands and North of England, while leading on the sale of residential and commercial land with planning permission.

Previously Director of Acquisitions for Harworth Group plc, where he sat on the Executive Board since 2014, Gary has been responsible for leading on the acquisition of more than 2,000 acres of land, with the potential to deliver over 3,000 new homes and 8,000,000ft2 of commercial space, in addition to commercial investments with an

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annual rent roll in excess of £5m.

Gary, 35, said; “After more than 14 years involved in successful land acquisition and development management for various private and publicly listed companies, including seven years at Harworth Group, I wanted to make the move to a small, private practice. From working closely with Mather Jamie, I got to know their team and how they worked and was impressed by the quality of their clients and the variety of work they do for them.”

Mather Jamie Director Robert Coles welcomes new Associate Director Gary Owens to Mather Jamie’s Head Office.

Robert Cole, Director of Mather Jamie, said; “After working with Gary on some high profile projects, I was struck by his professionalism and knowledge of the acquisitions process. I thought he’d make an excellent addition to our team of experts and approached him with this new role, which we hope will help us to expand into areas we had not previously covered.”

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • FEBRUARY 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Lafarge Cement calls on housebuilders to respond to weak mortar reports LAFARGE CEMENT, part of the Aggregate Industries business, is calling on housebuilders to insist on tighter controls around the use of mortar, following claims that the use of substandard product is causing damage to hundreds of new homes.

The report by the BBC focused on the use of weak mortar - not meeting required industry standards - leading to crumbling found in properties across 13 estates in the UK. The news has caused widespread concern amongst residents and across the construction industry.

Jeremy Lee, Commercial Director at Lafarge Cement, comments: “This latest report is concerning, especially as it has been identified as a potential industry-wide problem affecting hundreds of homes. As acknowledged by the BBC, mortar performance is a complex issue, with a myriad of factors including weather and correct specification and application having a potential detrimental impact.

“However, this is why it’s critical that all building products, including mortar, meet required industry standards – which according to the NHBC should be one part cement to 5.5 parts sand for most of the UK but for areas that experience extreme weather conditions such as Scotland, it’s recommended that a higher proportion of cement is used to increase durability.

“Building standards are in place for a reason and tighter controls are needed to ensure that the correct products are specified, as well as being mixed and applied properly on-site. From housebuilders to the wider industry, it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that adequate and suitable products are used, through a robust specification process and due diligence during all stages of the construction process.”

As part of Aggregate Industries, Lafarge Cement offers a solutions-based packed cement portfolio, underpinned by robust technical knowledge and the latest product innovation. Through continual research and development with builders and builders’ merchants deployed by a highly skilled team, Lafarge Cement has an unrivalled track record for customerfocused innovation in cement products.

The range includes the premixed and ready to use Mortar Mixed product, which is made up of a selected blend of cement, lime and aggregates and is suitable for laying all types of brick and block.

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School rebuilt under DfE Component Primary Block Framework opens its doors CONSTRUCTION has completed at Highcliffe School in Birstall, Leicester, one of the first schools to be built under the Department for Education’s modular primary school building framework, which is supporting delivery of its £4.4 billion Priority School Building Programme.

The £3.3 million project saw Spatial Initiative – the joint venture of Styles & Wood and Extraspace Solutions – completely rebuild the 13,200 sq ft primary block using 38 modular units. Initiative also delivered an internal fit-out, furniture and external works, including the installation of new interactive smartboards and modernised IT infrastructure.

Highcliffe was one of the first projects to be allocated under the school building framework, which is rebuilding and refurbishing school buildings across the UK deemed to be most in need of renovation. Design began in September 2017, with onsite construction commencing in April 2018.

Olivia Noonan, operations manager at Initiative, said: “This is a landmark project as one of the first school buildings in the UK to be built entirely using modern, innovative construction methods. It is great to see the success of the Priority School Building Programme so early on in its lifecycle, marking the first step in delivering the highest quality learning environments to children up and down the country.

“Modular construction is the ideal choice for school builds, reducing the amount of time spent on site to avoid interfering with term time activity.

Our expertise in this area means we are equipped to deliver these projects efficiently with minimal risk, waste and disruption, allowing teachers and their pupils to access their new facilities as quickly as possible.”

Turn one home into three in Glenfield A BUNGALOW with land in a popular Leicestershire village provides the ideal investment opportunity for property developers.

Set to go under the hammer at SDL Auctions Graham Penny’s Leicester auction at the King Power Stadium on Tuesday 12 February, 146 Dominion Road, Glenfield, Leicester, has planning permission for the redevelopment of the existing property and the construction of two additional homes to the rear. The development site has a guide price of £300,000+ and the final value is estimated at around £1m.

After redevelopment to provide side access to the land behind the property, the bungalow will comprise an entrance hall, cloakroom, lounge, dining kitchen, utility room, three bedrooms and bathroom, retaining enclosed gardens and ample parking space.

The two additional new builds will each comprise an entrance hall, cloakroom, lounge, family room, breakfast kitchen, utility room, three bedrooms – one with en suite – and a family bathroom. Each will have an integral garage, parking and gardens.

Carl Finch, senior valuer at SDL Auctions Graham Penny, said: “This site offers an exciting development opportunity; the chance to turn one property into three. With planning permission already in place, the successful bidder can start work straight away, creating three high quality homes in a popular Leicestershire village. We’re expecting this lot to attract a great deal of attention.”

Plans for the properties can be viewed at Blaby District Council’s website, application no. 17/1570/FUL. To find out more, call 0116 254 9654 to speak to the auctions team.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • FEBRUARY 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Immigration White Paper shows Government isn’t listening, says FMB THE IMMIGRATION White Paper shows the Government isn’t listening to the business community as it sets out a post-Brexit immigration system that would devastate the construction industry, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

Commenting on the Immigration White Paper, published this afternoon, Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “The Government seems hell-bent on ignoring the business community when it comes to its immigration policy, as demonstrated by this disastrous White Paper.

Despite more than two years of constructive engagement, what has been proposed by Ministers takes on none of our feedback. If the Government wants to jeopardise the UK economy for the sake of meeting an arbitrary immigration target, it’s going the right way about it.”

Berry continued: “What’s particularly worrying is the Government’s obsession with salary thresholds for migrant workers entering the UK. The figure of £30,000 was floated in the Migration Advisory Committee report and was met by fierce opposition from almost all sectors.

It makes no sense to draw meaningless lines in the sand when we should base our immigration policy on what will make our economy strong and productive. The White Paper also states categorically that it will make no allowances for so-called low skilled workers. This is wrong on two levels – firstly, the definition of low skilled will cover most construction tradespeople and secondly, genuinely low skilled workers, such as labourers, are essential to the safe and smooth running of any construction site.”

Berry concluded: “12-month work visas for occupations in short supply during the transition period simply won’t cut it. Small and medium-sized construction firms, which make up 99 percent of the industry, do not advertise for roles internationally. Also, from a migrant worker’s perspective, why go to the UK for just 12 months when they can settle in other countries for much longer and put down roots if they wish. If the 12-month work visa idea was supposed to be an olive branch to the business community, it leaves much to be desired. The Government describes the construction and house building sectors as strategic and central to delivering its own aims. However, the plans set out today would make it impossible to meet the Government’s house building targets and the world-class infrastructure projects we have in the pipeline will be nothing but a pipedream.”

Markit/CIPS UK Construction purchasing managers’ index (PMI)

Construction growth slows as Brexit delays building projects •

• • •

Output in Britain’s construction sector grew at the slowest pace for three months in December as Brexit worries continue to hold the industry back.

The Markit/CIPS UK Construction purchasing managers’ index (PMI) fell to 52.8 in December, down from 53.4 the previous month.

A reading above 50 indicates growth but economists had been expecting a reading of 52.9.

December’s modest rate of expansion was the slowest seen since September 2018.

TIM MOORE, of IHS Markit, which compiles the survey, said: “UK construction firms signalled a slowdown in housing and commercial activity growth during December, which more than offset a strong performance for civil engineering at the end of 2018.

“Subdued domestic economic conditions and an intense headwind from political uncertainty resulted in the weakest upturn in commercial work for seven months.”

Commercial building was the worst performing category, while work on civil engineering projects was the strongest area of construction activity.

Construction companies cited “heightened political uncertainty” resulting in delays to spending decisions among clients, especially in relation to commercial development projects.

Duncan Brock, group director at the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply, added: “With a slight rise in new orders and a softening in overall activity growth, firms continued to be impacted by Brexit-related uncertainty and reluctance by clients to place orders especially for commercial projects.”

However, business confidence was the highest since last April and well above the near sixyear low seen in October.

Survey respondents were buoyed by a boost to growth from work on big-ticket transport and energy infrastructure projects in 2019.

Burton Overy development opportunity JAMES SELLICKS are offering a rare opportunity to acquire a development site in Burton Overy.

The property comprises a two bedroom house with planning consent for demolition and the erection of a 4,445 sq.ft. sixbedroom dwelling on a plot of approximately 1.3 acres with gardens and paddock land.

The Guide Price is £700,000.

For more information, or to arrange a viewing, contact James Sellicks on 01858 410008 or email: mh@jamessellicks.com

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Is your septic tank 2020 compliant?

Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2014 came into force on 1 January 2015 and created General Binding Rules (GBRs) for septic tanks or small sewage treatment plants for domestic use. These rules are designed to reduce the level of pollution from sewage in the nation’s watercourses. under the new General Binding rules, if you have a septic tank that discharges directly to surface water, ie, a water ditch, stream, river, etc, you must upgrade or replace your septic tank to a full sewage treatment plant system by 1st January 2020, or sooner if you plan to sell your property before this date.

Current methods of discharging wastewater from septic tanks Previous to the General Binding rules, wastewater from septic tanks was typically discharged in the following two ways:

Drainage field Wastewater is released through a network of pipes in surrounding sub-soils, providing an additional form of treatment for the waste from the septic tank. this helps to ensure that the wastewater being dispersed does not cause pollution.

Septic tanks discharging into a drainage field are not affected by the 2020 septic tank regulations.

Directly to surface water Wastewater flows through a pipe directly into a stream, river or lake.

Binding rules state that direct discharge from a septic tank into a watercourse is not permitted.

So, what are your options?

If you have a septic tank and it is currently discharging to surface water, you have four options:

Connect to the main sewer this may not be possible in remote locations, although pump chambers can be used to direct wastewater to the mains sewer.

Install a drainage field (Designed in accordance with BS6297)

this allows the septic tank to discharge wastewater into the ground instead of surface water. In many cases, the installation of a drainage field is not possible due to site constraints such as space and/or the soil not having sufficient drainage potential (ie, rock, clay, high water table).

Install a Uni:Gem septic conversion unit a Marsh uni:Gem can be installed and connected to a pre-existing septic tank. this treats the wastewater to a sufficient quality allowing it to be discharged to surface water.

Upgrade your septic tank to a Marsh sewage treatment plant Source: “General binding rules: small sewage discharge to a surface water - gov.uk” For more details and further guidance, visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/general-bindingrules-small-sewage-discharge-to-a-surface-water

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www.marshindustries.co.uk

this eliminates the need for a drainage field and ensures that the wastewater is fully treated before being discharged.

Marsh INdustrIes

Off-mains sewage treatment solutions EnsignTM The Marsh Ensign is widely regarded as one of the most efficient, reliable and economical sewage treatment plants on the market. tested and approved to BseN12566-3/a1:2009 all ensign units provide treatment well within national consent requirements. Published test results of 11.5:19.2:8.4mg/ltr (BOd:suspended solids:ammonia), with influent concentrations on test higher than those chosen by most competitor plants, effectively equates to 97% pollutant removal. ranging in size from 4 to 50Pe in ultra, standard and shallow versions of each, and with a wide range of ancillaries, almost all site, consent and budget requirements can be met by units from the range.

Ultra:Polylok L Introducing the latest innovation in domestic sewage treatment technology, the Marsh Ultra:Polylok L (UPL). the uPL draws upon Marsh Industries’ extensive experience in the industrial and commercial sewage treatment sectors bringing its outstanding performance and value engineering to the domestic sector. the Marsh uPL is available in 6Pe and 12Pe models, is approved to Bs eN12566-3 and carries an impressive effluent quality of 20:30:20, within national consent standards.

Both models are compact and easy to install, meeting the needs of installers and specifiers alike.

Uni:Gem septic conversion unit The Uni:Gem is an efficient, economical solution for sites where a new or replacement sewage treatment plant is unfeasible. available for sites up to 40+ persons, the uni:Gem is a septic conversion unit which uses aerobic extended aeration, combined with biomass actuation to treat effluent from existing septic tanks or sewage treatment plants. uni:Gem units are suitable for domestic, commercial and agricultural applications. hundreds of units have been successfully installed on sites throughout the uK.

Other products from the Marsh range: ¢ Commercial sewage treatment plants

¢ Degrilleur trash/debris barrier

¢ WellWater Pump stations

¢ Agri-silage tanks

¢ Septic tanks and cesspools

¢ Storm Dammer water attenuation

¢ Uni:Gem septic conversion units

¢ Rainwater harvesting systems

¢ Marsh GMS grease traps

¢ Hydroil oil separators

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For full details and specifications, contact Michael Harrison michael.harrison@marshindustries.co.uk | 07384 464517

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • FEBRUARY 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Site for 10 dwellings in Long Clawson Leicester City Abode Wharf Street Ltd (c/o Agent: Andy Ward, RG+P Ltd, Waterloo House, 71 Princess Road West, Leicester LE1 6TR) - Variation of condition 18 (submitted plans) attached to planning permission 20160361 (variation of plans for 20071365 for a ten storey block of flats) to change the internal configuration (including a reduction in the number of flats to 63 flats - 32 x studio, 31 x 1 bed) and the external appearance - at 27 Wharf Street South, Leicester.

Mr & Mrs Dhillon (c/o Agent: Dennis Dziko, Volta Designs, 7175 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9JQ) - Change of use of ground floor from shop to 2 studio flats - at 104 Jarrom Street, Leicester.

Mr Abdul Abdula (c/o Agent: Andrew Lennard, Perfect Planning Architectural, Jade House, Cotes Road, Burbage, Leics. LE10 2HJ) Change of use from house to 6 flats and construction of two dormers at rear - at 20 Daneshill Road, Leicester.

Mr Ashok Thakhrar (c/o Agent: Kunstler Designs Architect, 31 Rutland Street, Leicester LE1 1RE) – Change of use of upper floors from an office to 2 self-contained flats – at 55A London Road, Leicester.

Lotan Limited (c/o Agent: Kenny Leadbeater, JSP Architecture, 170 London Road, Leicester LE2 1ND) – Two-storey industrial unit with associated parking and landscaping – at Ashton Close, Off Hoods Close, Leicester.

Mr Salim Arif (c/o Agent: Ryan Astil, The Warehouse, 1A Stamford Street, Leicester LE1 6NL) – Extension of time limit for implementation of planning permission 20100564 for 4 twostorey houses at rear of property – at 82 Lutterworth Road, Leicester.

Mr Sangar (c/o Agent: Building Plan Services, 87 Lothair Road, Aylestone Park, Leicester LE2 7QE) – Change of use of first floor flat from 1 three-bed flat to 2 one-bed flats – at 483-485 Saffron Lane, Leicester.

QPI Pension Fund (c/o Agent: The Art of Building Ltd, The Outbuildings, 221 Forest Road, Woodhouse, Loughborough, Leics.

LE12 8TZ) – Change of use from shop with flat above to 13 flats, plus first floor extension to side facing Hazel Street – at 87 Aylestone Road, Leicester.

SHOULERS are offering for sale a residential development site with outline planning permission (ref: 15/00547/ OUT) for 10 dwellings.

The site – at Melton Road, Long Clawson, Leicestershire LE14 4NR – has a total area ofLONG 8.68 acres of which approximately 3 Guide acresPrice: has CLAWSON DEVELOPMENT LAND, MELTON ROAD £800,000 been granted permissionRESIDENTIAL for development.

The remaining land offers LEICESTERSHIRE, LE14 4NR the potential for further future development (subject to obtaining further planning permission) and would be subject to an overage.

RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT SITE WITH OUTLINE PLANNING PERMISSION FOR A Section 106 Agreement is in place and copies can be supplied to 10 DWELLINGS SET ON THE VERY EDGE OF THIS SOUGHT AFTER VILLAGE WITH OPEN COUNTRYSIDE VIEWS. prospective purchasers upon request.

The total area being sold is 8.68 acres of which approx. 3 acres has been granted Guide Price: £800,000. permission for development. Planning Permission granted for a mix of 2, 3 & 4 bedroom homes including town houses, semi’s, detached houses and bungalows. Well serviced villageto within easy reach a of Nottingham, Leicester, Loughborough, Grantham & Melton For more information, or arrange viewing appointment, contact Mowbray.

Shoulers on 01664 410166 or email: housesales@shoulers.co.uk Viewing is strictly by appointment with the sole agents.

Tel: 01664 410166

Got a Local Trade News Story? www.shoulers.co.uk

Email the details to us and we’ll include it in a future issue of the magazine.

Our email address is info@buildermagazines.co.uk

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Strong housing growth in November, reports NHBC as new home levels top 15,000 NEW HOME growth is continuing with more than 15,000 new homes registered to be built in November, according to the latest figures from NHBC – the second highest monthly total of 2018.

A total of 15,155 new homes were registered (11,135 private sector; 4,020 affordable sector), a 2% increase on the 14,802 a year ago (11,017 private sector; 3,785 affordable sector).

For the rolling quarter, between September and November, 43,745 new homes were registered compared to 40,858 in 2017 – an increase of 7%. During this period there were 33,104 new homes registered in the private sector (31,146 in 2017: +6%) and 10,641 in the affordable sector (9,712 in 2017: +10%).

Yorkshire & Humberside (+43%), Wales (+34%) and the South West (+21%) all experienced significant growth compared to the same period 12 months ago, with London down 16% and West Midlands down 11%. Overall, nine of the 12 UK regions saw an increase in new home registrations in the rolling quarter.

NHBC is the leading warranty and insurance provider for new homes in the UK and its registration statistics are a lead indicator for the new homes market.

Commenting on the November figures, NHBC Chief Executive Steve Wood said: “As we reach the end of the year it is reassuring to see continued strong new home registration numbers, with growth across the majority of the UK.”

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • FEBRUARY 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Major plans approved for development in Swadlincote

Development site for 5 plots 

West London Properties (c/o Agent: RG+P, 130 New Walk, Leicester LE1 7JA) – Three and four-storey building comprising 55 student flats plus basement car park – at 147 Queens Road, Leicester.

Mr T Shergill (c/o Agent: DT Design Ltd, 74 Wyvern Avenue, Leicester LE4 7HH) – Change of use of first, second and third floors to 3 self-contained flats plus dormer extension to rear – at 46 Welford Road, Leicester.

Ms Julia Keeling (c/o Agent: Leicster City Council, 10th Floor, A Block, New Walk centre, Welford Place, Leicester LE1 6ZQ) – Extension of time limit for the implementation of planning permission 20091413 for 9 houses – at Former Depot Site, The Fairway, Leicester.

Mr Frank Travers (c/o Agent: John E Revis, 27 Linden Drive, Evington, Leicester LE5 6AJ) – Demolition of existing clubhouse and erection of new single-storey clubhouse with associated parking – at Brookfield Bowling Club, Kimberley Road, Leicester.

Sales ● Lettings ● Surveys ● Mortgages  

PEGASUS GROUP is managing a major project in South Derbyshire which is being developed for residential, retail and leisure use through the Local Plan.

Planning for the initial phase of the strategic site was approved recently, with permission granted for infrastructure works which will pave the way for hundreds of new homes.

South Derbyshire District Council approved plans that will enable works including roundabout access, to the spine road, and all associated earthworks, drainage and landscaping at Cadley Park, Swadlincote.

Pegasus Group is managing the application on behalf of the Harworth Group, who will develop the site to facilitate the sale of residential parcels.

Pegasus Group has subsequently submitted a reserved matters application to construct 400 dwellings on this site, on behalf of Avant Homes.

JAMES SELLICKS are offering for sale a development site at Pastures Farm, Uppingham Road, Blaston, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 8DF. The 2.5 acre property comprises a group of farm buildings and a farmhouse with planning consent for five separate plots, situated within rolling countryside located between Stockerston and Blaston.

The planning references are 17/01094/FUL and 18/01509/FUL www. harborough.gov.uk.

The Guide price is £1.1 million.

For more information, contact James Sellicks Estate Agents on 01858 410008 or email: mh@jamessellicks.com

Last week I helped my friend stay put. It’s a lot easier than helping someone move.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • FEBRUARY 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Factory with conversion potential

Construction output rises despite Brexit uncertainty, says FMB THE GOVERNMENT must not be complacent about the damage a ‘no deal’ Brexit would cause amid positive signs of growth in the UK construction industry, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

Commenting on the construction output figures for November 2018, published by the Office for National Statistics, Sarah McMonagle, Director of External Affairs at the FMB, said: “The UK construction sector grew by 2.1 per cent during September to November 2018 compared with the previous three months.

This is despite unparalleled levels of political uncertainty around the very real prospect of a ‘no deal’ scenario. However, we are urging the Government not to allow these results to create a false sense of security. Since November, political uncertainty has cranked up and is increasing every day. A growing and prosperous construction sector will be a distant memory if the Government allows the UK to crash out of the EU without a deal in place.”

McMonagle concluded: “The construction industry is also extremely concerned about the Government’s proposed postBrexit immigration system. In the Immigration White Paper, published at the end of last year, the Government revealed that they will make few allowances for low skilled workers to enter the UK post-Brexit. Most tradespeople will be defined as low skilled and therefore will not be permitted to enter the UK, regardless of whether they are from the EU or further afield. It is crucial that the Government introduces a post-Brexit immigration system that continues to allow us to draw on essential migrant workers or else their house building and infrastructure targets will be totally unachievable.”

Henshaw Street

Factory with potential LEICESTERconversion + LE2 7EL ANDREW & ASHWELL are inviting offers based on a guide price of £600,000 for a factory with development Henshaw Street potential LEICESTER + LE2 7EL near De Montfort University 0116 254 1220 l andash.co.uk •l 53May London Leicester 0PD occupier suitRoad, developer orLE2 owner 13,053 Sq Ft and Leicester Royal • Open plan with solid floors (1,212.62 Sq M) Infirmary.

• Potential to add additional floor(s) • Ideal for residential / student occupation (STP) The property – at • Next to De Montfort Uni., Royal Infirmary & City Henshaw Street, Freehold guide £600,000 centre Leicester LE2 7EL – is arranged over a basement 0116 254 1220 l andash.co.uk l 53 London Road, Leicester LE2 0PD and three upper floors.

0116 254 1220 l andash.co.uk l 53 London Road, Leicester LE2 0PD It is constructed around a sold brick façade with cast iron supports and concrete floor structures which provide open plan space on each floor. There is potential to add an additional floor or floors, THE PROPERTY subject to any necessary approvals.

Location The selling agents consider it suitable for conversion Henshaw Street is situated on the edge of Leicesters inner ring to residential/student road close to the city centre. ie within an easy walking distance to accommodation, subject totheplanning. prime retail and leisure areas.

The immediate surrounding is dominated by appointment, De Montfort For more information, or to arrange aarea viewing contact Kevin University city campus to the north and Leicester Royal Infirmary to the south.

Wilson at Andrew & Ashwell on 0116 254 1220 or email: kww@andash.co.uk This area of the city has transformed over recent years and the subject premises are ideally situated to benefit from this highly sought after location.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • FEBRUARY 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Country’s best brickies to battle it out for new prize from Forterra

LEADING building product manufacturer Forterra has launched a new competition for professional bricklayers in the UK aged between 25 and 35, to find the most talented bricklayer in the UK.

Experienced bricklayers from across the UK are being offered the chance to take part in this first inaugural competition, organised by Forterra.

Best In London Brick, which has been designed and led by industry professionals, will take place on March 29th 2019 at Havering College in London. Places are available for a dozen qualified British bricklayers, and are restricted to one applicant per company.

Competitors will use Forterra’s London Brick, one of the most popular building products in the country, with a pedigree dating back more than 140 years, to test their skills. The winner will be named Best In London Brick and receive a trophy. Local construction students will be invited to attend, to watch the experienced bricklayers in action and gain inspiration.

Mr S S Kullar (c/o Agent: DT Design Ltd, 74 Wyvern Avenue, Leicester LE4 7HH) – Change of use from dwellinghouse to 4 studio flats plus dormer extension to front and rear, and single storey rear extension – at 17 Celt Street, Leicester.

Bob Noseda, Sector Skills Advisor at Havering College, said, “Best in London Brick will be a great opportunity for the top bricklayers in the UK to compete against each other and inspire an audience of trainees and apprentices, and we look forward to welcoming bricklayers from across the country to take part in the contest in March.”

Experienced bricklayers at the top of their game are invited to apply for a place on the competition by completing the online application form at www.forterra.co.uk/best.

The deadline for entry is 22nd February 2019.

ARE YOU THE BEST? Forterra is also setting up Construction Hubs at a number of UK colleges in 2019, and will be organising the first ever all-female bricklaying competition in the UK during National Apprenticeship Week (March 4th). See page 47.

Stephen Harrison, Chief Executive of Forterra, said, “As a leading manufacturer of building products, we want to help drive quality in construction while also inspiring the next generation of bricklayers, and we think Best In London Brick is a great way to help do this.

MHA Aylesbury Ltd (c/o Agent: Peter Wilkinson, Landmark Planning Ltd, 10 Salisbury Road, Leicester LE1 7QR) – Change of use of first floor from amusement arcade to either business, non-residential institution or assembly and leisure – at 24-26 Market Place, Leicester.

Mr Nazir Isat (c/o Agent: Mr Faizal Osman, 13 Architectural Consultants Ltd, c/o 8 Coplow Avenue, Evington, Leicester LE5 5WA) – at 98-100A Wood Hill, Leicester.

A & S Properties (c/o Agent: Ravi Panesar, RP Design Limited, 33 Launde Road, Oadby, Leicester LE2 4HH) – Change of use from day nursery to 8 studio flats plus single storey extension to front – at 1 Daneshill Road, Leicester.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • FEBRUARY 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

The Construction Industry: 2018 In Review & What’s Next For 2019?

Mr Rahil (c/o Agent: Mr Kahn, Ubuild Designs Ltd, Unit 26 Vulcan House, Vulcan Road, Leicester LE5 3EF) – Change of use from house to 5 self-contained flats plus construction of two-storey side extension – at 120 Berners Street, Leicester.

Bernard Taruvinga (c/o Agent: Kunstler Designs Architect, 31 Rutland Street, Leicester LE1 1RE) – Change of use from retail to community education centre – at 11 Abbotsford Road, Leicester.

Aimrok Holdings Limited (c/o Agent: Miss Claire Day, Hybrid Planning & Development Ltd, PO Box, 61294, London N17 1EN) - Change of use of retail shop to: (basement) retail, financial & professional services, restaurant/ cafe, office, serviced apartments including ancillary gym; (ground floor) classes A1, A2, A3, B1, C1 including ancillary reception/bar; (first, second, third floors class c1.

Fourth and fifth floor extensions to provide roof top bar and C1, plus alterations – at Former Fenwick Building, 36 Market Street, Leicester.

Mr Thanki (c/o Agent: Design Studio Architects Limited, 1B Salisbury Road, Upper New Walk, Leicester LE1 7QR) – Demolition of building and construction of twostorey building to form 8 flats – at 43A Bernards Street, Leicester.

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust (c/o Agent: Craig Ince, AFL Architects Ltd, Unit 12, 133 Newhall Street, Birmingham B3 1SF) – Three-storey extension to the Kensington Building (facing Jarrom Street) plus internal alterations to existing building – at Leicester Royal Infirmary, Infirmary Square, Leicester LE1 5WW. Kenworth Development Ltd (c/o Agent: Mrs Danielle St Pierre, Hybrid Planning & Development, PO Box 61294, 53 Moorefield Road, London N17 1EN) – Change of use of fourth floor to provide 11 units of student accommodation – at 2-4 Colton Street, Leicester.

UK Land Ltd (c/o Agent: David Prichard, Marrons Planning, 2 Colton Square, Leicester LE1 1QH) - Demolition of building for the retail, repair & storage of antiques, construction of three four storey blocks to provide 56 student studio apartments, vehicle access, parking & landscaping – at 186 Welford Road, Leicester.

THE CONSTRUCTION industry faced its fair share of challenges last year – from the collapse of Carillion to the uncertainty that came along with Brexit.

However, Duncan Green, managing partner at property, construction and infrastructure consultancy Pick Everard, has high hopes for 2019 and is confident that the industry will thrive, as more national projects are given the green light and productivity increases.

The UK construction industry AS AN INDUSTRY, we certainly experienced some unexpected challenges last year. We started 2018 with the collapse of Carillion and, as a result, there have been lessons learnt in the construction sector. Its liquidation cast an unstable shadow over the industry.

Firms are now a lot more cautious in terms of prompt payments and only taking on secure contracts, with a strategic focus on balancing the interests of its staff, stakeholders and clients.

However, there were also positive announcements last year. On a national scale, Heathrow’s expansion was approved, the development around HS2 continued and a considerable amount of new funding was allocated to new housing across the UK. We also saw Sellafield’s nuclear industry developing further and a new prison for the Ministry of Justice announced for Wellingborough.

I was also pleased to see that the government has recognised the need to encourage more apprentices – with a new, £695 million initiative announced in the Autumn Budget last year – and I think that 2019 will be the year that we really see the skills gap start to close.

Of course, Brexit dominated the agenda last year and, in just a few months, we will be exiting the European Union - although exactly how this will happen is still somewhat unclear. We are planning to respond positively to the challenge and change it will bring.

The Government and the Department of Business, Enterprise and Skills in particular will be strongly promoting UK-based skills and services, and we will want to make the best of that opportunity. Right across the firm we have a diverse workforce and we rely on skills from staff who have moved to the UK, so we are working hard to ensure they feel they will always have a future career here, whether we are in the EU or not.

Pick Everard’s 2018 2018 HAS BEEN a successful year at Pick Everard and has seen the business continue to grow nationally.

We’ve completed some fantastic projects across the UK. We are currently working in collaboration with clients, consultants and constructors engaged in delivering projects as part of the huge investment being made in the HS2 rail network, in the nuclear industry at Sellafield, on improving the prisons estate, and right across the country on schools and hospitals.

Support for communities and doing the right thing is something we are enthusiastic about, particularly when it comes to equal opportunities and encouraging more women into the profession. In the property, construction and infrastructure sector, just 11 per cent of the workforce is female. The industry is already held back by a skills shortage and would benefit substantially from more females developing a career in the sector.

This has been a particular focus for us, from providing STEM ambassadors at schools to promoting nationally

the role of women in engineering and construction.

We have made great progress with an increase in women applying for positions with us. Last year we were delighted to be bucking the national trend with over 27 per cent of our workforce being women. We’re proactively working to readdress the balance, taking actions to showcase the industry as an inclusive place to work, full of diverse opportunities and roles that some may never have even considered.

Leicester LEICESTER HAS remained an efficient home for our firm, with its excellent access to transport networks and high calibre local professional firms to support us. In the 152 years Pick Everard has been in the city, Leicester has evolved considerably and we’re proud to have grown along with this change. Being based in the city centre provides us with a fantastic base which allows us to work on projects across the country – providing significant inward investment for the city.

We are proud to be involved in creating significant schemes in Leicester, including the new £22 million hotel development for Leicester Tigers at Granby Halls adjacent to the Welford Road stadium, and the refurbishment and re-opening of the Haymarket Theatre. These projects will add to the city’s growing tourist economy and provide residents and businesses with more opportunities to grow and prosper.

Perfect Circle – a pivotal year OUR JOINT ownership of Perfect Circle has been massively successful for us. The company delivers schemes via the Scape BECS (Built Environment Consultancy Framework) and, during the last two years, has secured 750 schemes and has worked with more than 220 clients.

We started the New Year with the appointment of a new managing director for Perfect Circle. Victoria Brambini has taken up her new role and brings with her an impressive amount of experience. Having previously worked as managing director of Scape Procure, Victoria fully understands the industry and how Perfect Circle can best serve its clients.

Working with local SMEs and having a strong regional presence is key to the success of Perfect Circle and we will continue that focus into 2019, driving exemplar behaviours in quality and performance.

2019 – what’s next?

LOOKING AHEAD, helping to meet the housing demand will be a top priority. It’s estimated that 340,000 extra homes are needed next year to keep up with demand and the infrastructure needed to support this programme will need to be in place.

I am sure we are all looking forward to seeing HS2 and Crossrail take shape but also how the Northern Powerhouse will further develop. The region still needs to be better connected, so I hope we will see more infrastructure projects announced in the area.

This year, we also really need to encourage further use of technology in the construction industry. Virtual reality, augmented reality, automated construction tools and developments in BIM’s capabilities have proven that technology can really answer the industry’s productivity problem. Keeping up with technological advances also makes the industry more appealing to graduates and apprentices and helps to address the skills shortage.

Brexit is fast approaching and we still have uncertainty as to the arrangements that will be in place. However, I am confident the construction industry will continue to thrive and support the country’s ambitious output and productivity targets.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • FEBRUARY 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

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Five key employment law changes organisations need to plan for in 2019 “Pay will dominate the 2019 employment law agenda”

Ms Walker (c/o Agent: Design Studio Architects Limited, 1B Salisbury Road, Upper New Walk, Leicester LE1 7QR) – Construction of three-storey building to accommodate 6 flats – at Eastleigh Road Play Area, Eastleigh Road, Leicester LE3 0DB. Park Portfolio Limited (c/o Agent: Charles Kennett, Staniforth Architects, The Warehouse, 1A Stamford Street, Leicester LE1 6NL) - change of use from offices and construction of first, second & third floor extensions to create space for retail, financial & professional services, restaurant, public house/ bar & offices on the ground floor, and financial & professional services & office uses on the upper floors, plus alterations – at Assurance House, 24 Rutland Street, Leicester.

Charnwood Borough Mark & Liam Schofield (c/o Agent: Brian Dearlove Partnership) Erection of building to accommodate purpose-built managed student accommodation together with associated parking provision comprising: one 6-bedroom unit and one 9-bedroom unit - at Westfields, 192 Ashby Road, Loughborough, Leics. LE11 3AG. Mr N Humphreys (c/o Agent: David Granger Design Ltd) Conversion of existing outbuilding to form 2 studio apartments with landscaping, cycle & bin storage - at 29 Fearon Street, Loughborough, Leics. LE11 5DG.

2019 is set to be another busy year for those working in HR, with pay likely to be a recurring feature. Leading regional law firm Howes Percival have highlighted five key issues for organisations including the introduction of the first of the Government’s recently announced ‘Good Work Plan’ reforms.

Paula Bailey, Partner and employment law expert explains, “Pay will dominate the 2019 employment law agenda. In addition to producing a gender pay gap report, companies with more than 250 employees will be required to report on the difference in pay between their chief executive and their average worker. While, in April, employers will see the National Minimum Wage increasing and we are also likely to see more national minimum wage developments, due to HMRC taking a robust approach to enforcement of the minimum wage as can be seen from the Iceland case.

“We will also see further developments in relation to employment status in response to the Taylor Review of modern employment practices. The Government recently published its proposed reforms to strengthen the rights for workers on zero-hour contracts, agency employees and those working in the gig economy.

The first of the proposed reforms, scheduled to come into force in April, will see a substantial increase in the maximum tribunal fines for serious breaches of employment rights.”

Pay gap reporting On 1 January, new laws came into force requiring UK listed companies with more than 250 UK employees to report annually on the pay gap between their chief executive and their average UK worker, with the first reports to be published in 2020. This is on top of the gender pay gap reporting for employers with 250 or more employees.

Last year saw the first “gender pay gap reports”.

Employers will need to do it all again in 2019 with reports being published by 4 April (30 March for public sector employers). For employers who identified a pay gap last year and set out an action plan to tackle it, their employees will be keen to see if the plan has been implemented and if it’s worked.

If they identified a large pay gap last year and took no action, now is the time to start thinking about it.

National Minimum Wage On 1 April, there will be increases to the National Minimum Wage rates including the National Living Wage which will rise from £7.83 to £8.21 for workers aged 25 and over. The standard rate will rise from £7.38 to £7.70.

Payslip information From 6 April, employers must include, in payslips, details of the total number of hours worked where pay is variable depending on hours worked (e.g. zero hours contracts). Payslips will also need to be provided to ‘workers’ as well as employees.

#MeToo The last year has seen the phenomenal march of the #MeToo campaign which has encouraged people to talk about sexual harassment. This has resulted in three independent reports which have all made consistent recommendations calling on the Government to place a legal duty on employers to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace and provide more support to victims of harassment in raising concerns and bringing tribunal claims. In view of this, changes to the law are likely.

Good Work Plan The Government’s Good Work Plan set out its proposals for achieving ‘fair and decent work with realistic scope for development and fulfilment’ for all UK workers.

As part of the first reforms proposed, parts of the Employment Rights (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2019 will come into force on 6 April 2019.

This will see the maximum tribunal fines that can be issued to employers for serious breaches of employment rights quadrupled from £5,000 to £20,000.

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY: Seven apartments in Leicester

SDL AUCTIONS are offering for sale BY AUCTION a ground floor investment comprising 7 self-contained apartments located within Leicester City Centre.

The property – Apartments 13-19 St George’s Mill, 13 Humberstone Road, Leicester LE1 3GW – generates a current rental income of £47,000 per annum.

For sale BY AUCTION on Thursday 14th February 2019 at Aston Villa Football Club, Holte Suite, Trinity Road, Birmingham B6 6HE – 11.30am start.

Guide Price: £575,000+ For more information, or to arrange a viewing, contact SDL Auctions on 0121 233 5046 or visit the website at www.sdlauctions.co.uk

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • FEBRUARY 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Contractor announced for new £3.6m leisure centre in Leicestershire

LEISURE centre provider Parkwood Leisure has appointed building contractor Speller Metcalfe to build a new £3.6million leisure centre in the village of Broughton Astley, Leicestershire.

Designed by Watson Batty Architects, facilities at the new Broughton Astley Leisure Centre will include a four-court sports hall, floodlit outdoor 3G pitch, 70-station gym and a 75-space car park. Users are also set to benefit from two dance and exercise studios, a café and an outdoor play area.

Parkwood Leisure Regional Director, Alex Godfrey said: “We are delighted to be working with the award-winning Speller Metcalfe on this fantastic project, providing the community of Broughton Astley with this much-needed and anticipated leisure centre.

Construction work is expected to start on the new Broughton Astley Leisure Centre in February 2019 and will complete in November 2019.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • FEBRUARY 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

What Next for Town Planning in 2019?

Mrs Catherine Voyce (c/o Agent: Cemetery Development Services Ltd, Capability House, Building 31, Wrest Park, Silsoe, Bedford MK45 4HR) – Erection of 101 dwellings with associated works and creation of cemetery – at land off Millstone Lane, Queniborough, Leics.

William Davis Limited (c/o Agent: Define Planning & Design Ltd, Unit 6, 133-137 Newhall Street, Birmingham B3 1SF) – Development of up to 70 dwellings with associated public open space, landscaping and infrastructure – at land off Melton Road, Burton on the Wolds, Leics. LE12 5AL. Mr Hall (c/o Agent: JWA Architects Ltd, Robert Tresham House, Naseby Road, Clipston, Leicestershire LE16 9RZ) – Conversion of dwelling and outbuildings to for 6 dwellings – at Seymour House, Seymour Road, Burton on the Wolds, Leics.

LE12 5AH.

2018 was a year of planning policy change, with many repercussions starting to influence the planning system during the course of 2019. Key changes expected over the next 12 months are outlined below: • New policy/guidance to augment and clarify the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) 2018 on numerous topics, including housing requirement figures at the neighbourhood level, increased density standards, retail sequential assessments and green belt policy.

• The need for any Local Plans being submitted after 24 January 2019 to comply with all aspects of the NPPF 2018. This imposes greater expectations on the emerging plans, especially housing delivery and numbers.

• Changes to the appeal system, including reducing the procedural timescales for Inquiries, and removal of the automatic right to appeal for planning applications. This could be a massive game changer where there is a Neighbourhood Plan adopted.

• Changes to the General Permitted Development Order (GPDO), including greater residential extension allowances, provision of upward extensions, demolition and rebuild of commercial units for residential use and greater change of use allowances (particularly for town centres).

• Reform to the Section 106 (S106), including removing the ‘pooling restriction’, removing restrictions on types of infrastructure that S106 contributions can be used, and the use of index tracking for CIL rates. This is likely to result in the ability to capture more contributions for Councils.

• Consideration to further increase application fees.

• Creation of replacement unitary authorities in Dorset and Buckinghamshire; reform is also being considered for Northamptonshire.

Clarification on these matters will emerge as these changes are implemented during 2019, but should you wish any elaboration upon the above information, please contact Jonathan Weekes, Director in Aitchison Raffety’s Planning Division on 01604 880163 or via email at Jonathan.Weekes@argroup.co.uk

Development opportunity in Packington

WHITEHEADS Estate Agents are offering for sale a development opportunity at High Street, Packington, Near Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire LE65 1WJ. The property comprises a 19th century single-storey red brick dwelling with planning consent (ref: 18/02002/FUL) for conversion and extension to form a one-bedroom dwelling on a site of 839 sq.metres, with two parking spaces and a turning area.

The asking price is £125,000.

For details, contact Whiteheads on 01530 353170 or email: info@whiteheadsestates.co.uk

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • FEBRUARY 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Bellway seeks land opportunities across the Eastern Counties

Charity Donations during 2018

by RJA Consultants

BELLWAY Eastern Counties, the housebuilder’s newest division, has appointed Jonathan Wells as its Land Manager as part of its commitment to housing growth in the region.

The division is hunting for land opportunities throughout Cambridgeshire, East Northamptonshire, Rutland, Lincolnshire, and Norfolk.

Jonathan said: “I am delighted to be joining Bellway Eastern Counties.

“As one of the first appointments within the team it is certainly an exciting time to be at the forefront of the business and be a major part of its growth plan.”

Bellway nationally is concentrating its expansion in the east of England and around London.

Jonathan’s role includes sourcing land, conducting land appraisals, negotiating land deals and implementing his knowledge of planning and associated legal matters in order to secure land for the business moving forward.

He said: “We’ve got a rapid growth plan in place.

“This will be achieved by acquiring land in prime Jonathan Wells, Land Manager locations across the region. for Bellway Eastern Counties “At the moment things are looking promising. We’re looking for land opportunities which would be suitable for the building of a minimum of 80 new homes with no upper size limit.

“I welcome any genuine enquiries from land owners or agents.”

Land buying is a complicated art for land managers like Jonathan. He has a wealth of local knowledge and plenty of contacts across the Eastern Counties having grown up and worked in the region before being snapped up by Bellway.

Jonathan said: “I enjoy the fast-paced culture of land buying and being able to contribute to providing new homes in a time when they are much needed gives me great job satisfaction.”

RJA Consultants of Kibworth are delighted to have made several charity donations during 2018 to various charities as a result of fundraising activities organised by the RJA team.

In March 2018 they took part in the Wolfrun in Warwickshire on a cold, wet and windy Sunday morning and raised £800 for Mind, the mental health charity.

In November 2018 they held their 2nd Charity Quiz Night at Kibworth Golf Club and raised £1,000 for Beat, the UK’s eating disorder charity. The winning team, The Wooden Spooners, were delighted to be crowned the winners.

In December they held a ‘Christmas Accessory’ competition at their office Christmas meal and the winner could choose £100 to be donated to the charity of their choice. This was matched by Indigo Computing who offer IT support services to RJA. Kaisey, chose to donate to Arden RDA, a local charity that offers riding facilities for the disabled .

Tel: 01536 211 275 Did you know it takes 40 pigs to make 4,000 sausages? Isn’t it amazing what you can teach them?

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • FEBRUARY 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Branston plot SHOULERS are asking £295,000 for a single building plot with planning consent (Ref: 06/00874/FUL) for a four-bed detached house.

Plan

Students in Architecture, Building and Planning Have Fallen -19% in the Last Decade LNT Care Developments (c/o Agent: LNT Construction Ltd, Helios 47, Isabella Road, Garforth, Leeds LS25 2DY - Erection of two storey care home with associated car parking, landscaping and associated works with access through existing David Wilson Homes development (under construction) – at land off Allendale Road, Loughborough, Leics. LE11 2HX.

The plot – adjacent to 27 Main Street, Branston, Notts. NG32 1RU – is in an elevated position in this highly sought-after THE SITE: BelvoirPLANNING village.

PERMISSION: For more information, or to SERVICES: arrange a viewing, contact VIEWING: Shoulers on 01664 410166 or PLANS: email: housesales@shoulers.co.uk

Harborough Unnamed Applicant (c/o Agent: Tim Bale, JED Design, 23 Harborough Road, Desborough, Northants.) - Erection of 4 Alms Cottages and extension, alterations and change of use of redundant building to form Alms Cottage - at 21 Hog Lane, Hallaton, Leics.

LE16 8UE.

comprises an irregular shaped plot with a variety of semi-mature trees situated in this highly sought after Belvoir village in an elevated position and accessed by the driveway to Manor Farmhouse. was granted on 8th November 2006 by Melton Borough Council, Ref. 06/00874/FUL, for the erection of a detached dwelling. Melton Borough Council have confirmed that conditions have been discharged, Ref. 09/00413/DIS, and there is a Building Control Record, Ref. 09/00402/DOM, suggesting that a start was made on site in the summer of 2009 and therefore the Permission is still live.

Mains services are available close by. Purchasers should make their own investigations about which services are available and their location.

On site during daylight hours.

Not to scale. For identification purposes only.

Wilton Lodge, Wilton Road, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LE13 0UJ

Barn for conversion in Measham Tel: 01664 410166 www.shoulers.co.uk housesales@shoulers.co.uk lettings@shoulers.co.uk

We produce property particulars in good faith and believe them to be correct. We generally rely on what we are told without obtaining proof. You should verify for yourself such information before entering into a contract to take this property. Neither Shouler & Son nor their clients guarantee accuracy of the particulars, and they are not intended to form any part of a contract. No person in the employment of Shouler & Son has authority to give any representation or warranty in respect of this property.

Clock Mill

ALEXANDERS Estate Agents are offering for sale a barn with detailed planning permission (ref: 18/01640/ PDNATR) for conversion into a 5-bed detached home of around 2,700 sq.feet.

Swepstone Road, Measham

The barn – Clock Mill, Swepstone Road, Measham – sits in a plot of around 0.4 of an acre and is accessed via a private driveway shared by three properties.

The Guide Price is £335,000.

For more information, contact Alexanders on 01530 413126 or email: ashby@alexanders-estates. com

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In 2016-17 there were 1,012,425 entrants to higher education institutions in the UK; 56,400 fewer than in 2007-08. However, total student numbers have fluctuated over the period across different types of study, with record numbers of full-time undergraduates and postgraduates in 2016-17.

In terms of student numbers, significant increases have been seen in Veterinary Science, Biological Sciences and Mathematical Sciences in the period 2007-08 to 2016-17 (47%, 40% and 29% respectively.) Veterinary Science has achieved the most notable change, growing from 4,850 students in 2007-08 to 7,145 students in 2016-17; an increase of 47%.

Comparably, student numbers in Combined Subjects, Education and Languages have seen significant decreases in the period 2007-08 to 201617 (-67%, -26% and -21% respectively.) Combined Subjects have suffered the most notable change, falling from 118,300 students in 2007-08 to 38,640 students in 2016-17; a decline of -67%.

Subjects with the highest student numbers in 2016-17 included Business and Administrative Studies (333,075 students in 2016-17), representing a change of 7%, followed by Subjects Allied to Medicine (290,770 students in 2016-17; 1% change) and Biological Sciences (226,370 students in 2016-17; 40% change.) www.theknowledgeacademy.com

REGISTER NOW AT ECF.CO

Mr & Mrs S Roberts (c/o Agent: Arcteck Designs, Thorneyfields, 90 Billing Road, Braefield on the Green, Northampton NN7 1BL) - Change of use from offices/barber shop to 2 dwellings plus single storey rear extension - at 112-114 St Marys Road, Market Harborough, Leics. LE16 7DX. Davidsons Developments Ltd (c/o: 207 Wilson House, Leicester Road, Ibstock, Leics. LE67 6HP) – Erection of 41 dwellings including garages and associated works (Reserved matters of 17/01256/ OUT) – at land at Ullesthorpe Road, Gilmorton, Leics.

Mr & Mrs A Faulkner (c/o Agent: David Granger Design Ltd, The Old Dairy, Mill Street, packington, Ashby de la Zouch, Leics. LE65 1WN) Demolition of existing outbuildings, erection of new building forming 6 letting rooms, erection of single storey rear extension and alterations to car park (revised scheme of 17/01030/FUL) – at The Shires, Main Street, Peatling Parva, Leics. LE17 5PU.

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You will be impressed by GADDESBY Kitchens high quality, pre-assembled units – not to mention our free planning service and on-site delivery. And by visiting our Design and Marketing Suite with your clients at our Rearsby HQ, you can even meet the team that plans and builds every GADDESBY Kitchen. All of them have one aim, to help you build your business.

James and Elliot really enjoy their role in crafting beautiful GADDESBY Kitchens.

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Our business is helping you build your business.

28

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • FEBRUARY 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Builders’ Problems SOLVED

Breach of contract - can I claim for loss of earnings?

Problem:

After finishing a job for a customer in August 2018, I was subsequently asked for a price to decorate a living room.

Via Facebook Messenger, I sent the customer a quote in the second week of September and got a reply a few weeks later saying that she wants to go ahead and asking me to do the work in mid-November. I sent a message the following morning with some dates that I could start and got a reply that evening: the job was booked to start on 19 November.

A week before I was due to start, I sent a message to the customer giving her a list of materials that she was to purchase. I received a reply back saying that she had to cancel the work. I asked if she wanted to rebook and was told yes and that she would get back to me in 5 days. After 2 weeks and no reply I sent another message chasing her up, but still no answer. A further 2 weeks went by without any response and I sent another message stating I had not heard from her, and by cancelling at such short notice, made it impossible for me to fill the space with another job and I had lost money.

Can I claim for loss of earnings?

Response: It is obviously very annoying when a customer decides to ‘cancel’ work at the eleventh hour, especially when a lot of planning has been involved and other work may have been turned down in order to accommodate the nowcancelled work.

In order to consider whether you can make a claim, you must in the first instance establish that a valid contract between you and your customer has come into existence. For a contract to be valid, important elements must exist which are offer, acceptance, consideration, an intention to create legal relations, certainty and capacity.

You have made an offer to decorate a living room and that offer has been accepted, whilst the consideration is the monies you will receive in exchange for your resources. In all probability the other 3 elements will be present, and thus there is a valid contract between you and your customer for you to decorate the living room for the agreed price.

Part of the contract terms was that you would start the work in “midNovember”, and through no fault of your own this did not happen with the customer stating that she: “had to cancel the work”. At that point, the customer has wrongly repudiated the contract and you had 2 options, either to accept the repudiatory breach and

bring the contract to an end [and pursue for damages] or affirm the contract. From your outline, you affirmed the contract by offering to re-book the work. However, since the customer agreed to re-book the work, by her subsequent refusal to engage with you, I would say that she has demonstrated that she has no intention to be bound by the agreement, and thus this is another repudiatory breach of contract which you can again either accept and bring the contract to an end or affirm the contract.

Assuming this time that you want to accept the repudiatory breach and bring the contract to an end, you will then be able to claim damages as a result of the repudiatory breach, and assuming that you are a sole trader, such damages can include loss of earnings, subject to proof and demonstration of mitigation of any losses. © Michael Gerard 2019 The advice provided is intended to be of a general guide only and should not be viewed as providing a definitive legal analysis.

Michael P. Gerard Author background Michael is a Solicitor, Chartered Builder & Registered Construction Adjudicator, and is a director at Michael Gerard Law Limited, a solicitors practice regulated by the SRA.

Guide to MANAGING FINANCIAL CRISES & RESTRUCTURINGS: in the UK

by Alan Gullan Carillion. Monarch Airlines. BHS. All household names that in recent times have collapsed into insolvency.

What losses did those collapses cause their investors and lenders? And their employees, suppliers, landlords and pensioners? And the taxman?

These companies all experienced a financial crisis, which their directors tried to mitigate in the hope that a restructuring would enable the business to continue. They spent months engaging with their financial stakeholders and incurred millions in advisory costs.

This industry insider’s account provides the firstever look inside the opaque world of UK financial crises and restructurings.

In the past these were black swan events, but in a world in which more and more acquisitions are funded on a high-risk basis they are becoming increasingly common. The difference in value between good and bad outcomes can be enormous.

If this book helps to improve outcomes, it is no idle boast that the country could save billions.

The Carillion case study, based on information made available by the parliamentary inquiry and in the company’s market announcements, illustrates this.

I hate that feeling after surgery when you’re not sure if you’re awake or asleep, or if you operated on the right patient.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • FEBRUARY 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

29

Local housebuilder unveils two new showhomes in Lower Bardon LOCAL housebuilder Davidsons Homes unveiled two brand new showhomes at its development in Lower Bardon at the weekend.

The Leicestershire-based developer enjoyed a good turnout with 50 people visiting its Grange View development, off Grange Road.

Stephanie King, Sales Director for Davidsons Homes, said: “Showhomes are the perfect way to get a real feel for a property and development, and it certainly helps with visualising yourselves living there if you’re looking to move.

“We were delighted with the feedback we have received on both of the properties. They are both absolutely stunning and definitely well worth a visit.”

The showhomes, a four-bedroom detatched Darlington and five-bedroom detached Newstead, both with detached garages, offer well designed family homes with light, airy, versatile living spaces and unique features such as double height vaulted ceilings in both homes.

Lower Bardon itself offers a whole host of handy amenities nearby including schools, a doctors’ surgery, pharmacy, post office, café and community centre to name but a few. And with it being situated alongside the River Sence Grange View offers the perfect combination of a picturesque location coupled with amenities close at hand.

Davidsons Homes is currently offering a selection of three, four, and fivebedroom homes at Grange View priced from £234,995 to £499,995. More information can be found at Davidsonshomes.co.uk.

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My arms fell asleep and I almost beat myself to death trying to turn off the alarm.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • FEBRUARY 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

IHS Markit/CIPS UK Construction Total Activity Index

Broughton Hall Fencing Ltd (c/o Agent: Partners in Planning and Architecture Ltd, Suite 2, Clare Hall, St Ives Business Park, Parsons Green, St Ives PE27 4WY) – Erection of 8 dwellings (Reserved matters of 17/00741/OUT) – at land adjacent to Broughton Hall Fencing, Mill Lane, Gilmorton, Leics.

Mr & Mrs Stanley-Blake (c/o Agent: George Burton, GB A&E Ltd, Ryton Organic Gardens, Wolston Lane, Ryton-on-Dunsmore, Rugby, Warks. CV8 3LG) – Erection of 2 dwellings with vehicular access and parking – at 1 Maino Crescent, Lutterworth, Leics. LE17 4QW. Gavneesh Properties (c/o Agent: Andy Lennard, Perfect Planning Architectural, Jade House, Cotes Road, Burbage, Leics. LE10 2HJ) – Erection of 2 detached dwellings with associated parking and hard and soft landscaping – at 26 New Road, Kibworth Beauchamp, Leics. LE8 0LE. Mr Chris Gladman (c/o Agent: Eddie Stevenson, BHC, 72 Boston Road, Leicester LE4 1HB) – Conversion of existing offices to 3 dwellings and erection of 4 dwellings – at The Cedars, 11 High Street, Fleckney, Leics. LE8 8AJ. Brooks-Wistow Farm Partnership (c/o Agent: Justin Fox, Create.iF (DMP) Ltd, 321 Bradford Street, Birmingham B5 6ET) – Erection of single storey building for 2 retail units and associated external works – at Wistow Rural Centre, Kibworth Road, Wistow, Leics.

LE8 0QF. Ecton Developments Ltd (c/o Agent: Martin Bagshaw, MHB Planning Ltd, Dale View, Rews Close, Combe Martin, EX34 0DW) – Erection of 4 dwellings and associated parking, access and infrastructure (Reserved matters of 18/01166/VAC) – at land at Dingley Road, Great Bowden, Leics.

Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Mr John Wiffill (c/o Agent: Mathew Humby, Ritchie & Ritchie LLP, The Manor House, Lichfield Street, Tamworth B79 7QF) Erection of 14 residential units including access and parking - at Hinckley Reservoir, Mill View, Hinckley, Leics. LE10 1XD.

Slower rise in commercial Development opportunity in work weighs on construction Great Dalby growth at the end of 2018 KEY FINDINGS

• Business activity expands at weakest pace for three months • Softest rise in commercial work since May 2018 • Rebound in business optimism amid hopes of infrastructure boost in 2019

UK CONSTRUCTION FIRMS indicated a disappointing end to 2018 as business activity growth eased to a three-month low and new orders expanded at a relatively subdued pace.

The main bright spot was a sustained rebound in civil engineering activity, which rose at the fastest pace since May 2017.

Business optimism towards the year ahead construction outlook also picked up in December. The degree of confidence was the highest since last April and well above the near six-year low seen in October. Survey respondents cited hopes of a boost to growth from work on big-ticket transport and energy infrastructure projects in 2019.

At 52.8 in December, down from 53.4 in November, the headline seasonally adjusted IHS Markit/CIPS UK Construction Total Activity Index posted above the crucial 50.0 no-change value for the ninth consecutive month.

However, the latest reading signalled only a modest rate of expansion that was the slowest seen since September.

Anecdotal evidence suggested that subdued demand conditions were the main factor behind softer output growth in December. There were also some reports that unusually wet weather had acted as a brake on construction work.

The slowdown in construction growth largely reflected softer rises in commercial and housing activity during December.

Commercial building was the worst performing category, with activity expanding at the slowest rate since last May. Work on civil engineering projects was the strongest performing area of construction activity at the end of 2018, with growth the fastest for just over one-and-a-half years.

Total new business volumes picked up for the seventh successive month, but the rate of expansion eased since November and remained only modest.

A solid rise in employment numbers was recorded across the construction sector in December.

However, the rate of job creation eased from November’s near threeyear peak.

Some firms noted that efforts to reduce costs had led to the nonreplacement of voluntary leavers at the end of the year.

Sub-contractor usage meanwhile picked up, with the rate of expansion the strongest since December 2015.

There were some positive signs for construction supply chains, with delivery times for materials lengthening to the least marked extent for over two years.

Moreover, input cost inflation was the second-lowest since July 2016, despite ongoing reports that the weak pound had pushed up prices for imported items.

I was so anti-social today, I didn’t even talk to myself.

Building Plot Adjoining to Brook Farm

BENTONS are offering for sale a triple garage with planning permission (ref: APP/Y2430/W/18/3208411) for extension and conversion to form a two/ three bedroom detached dwelling.

8 Nether End | Great Dalby | Leicestershire | LE14 2EY

The garage– at 8 Nether End, Great Dalby, Melton Mowbray, Leics. – was built in 2010 of reclaimed brick and was subsequently extended. It is constructed of 11” cavity walls.

Guide Price: from £135,000.

For more information, contact Bentons on 01664 563892 or email: sales@bentons.co.uk

32

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • FEBRUARY 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

£1.5m Birstall Footbridge officially opened

Three building plots in Eaton

Mr Nirad Solanki (c/o Agent: Laurence Vickers, Vickers Developments Ltd, 152-158 Soho Hill, Birmingham B19 1AF) – Part demolition and conversion of existing factory to 4 apartments and erection of 4 dwellings and 9 apartments – at Barrack House, The Barracks, Barwell, Leicester LE9 8EF.

Three Building Plots

BENTONS are offering for sale a development opportunity at The Old Stackyard, Main Street, Eaton, Leicestershire NG32 1SF. The Old Stackyard | Main Street | Eaton | Leicestershire | NG32 1SF

The 0.375 acre site has planning consent (ref: 17/00837/ FUL) for 2 large semi-detached houses and a detached threebed bungalow.

Available as a whole at offers over £310,000 or individually: Plots 1 & 2 – Price Guide £170,000; Plot 3 – Price Guide £140,000.

For more information, contact Bentons on 01664 563892 or email: sales@bentons.co.uk

A NEW £1.5m footbridge across the A6 dual carriageway in Birstall, Leicester, is now officially open to the public.

The 50 metre footbridge spans from the Hallam Fields estate to the Birstall Park & Ride site, with a new combined footway and cycleway providing an onward link to Cedars Academy. The final phase of works will see this footway and cycleway extended to the village of Wanlip.

The scheme was constructed by Danaher & Walsh Civil Engineering following on from the success of other recent bridgeworks projects, including Leicester’s Charter Street Footbridge which opened 12 months previously.

The Birstall scheme was funded by Leicestershire housebuilder Jelson Homes as part of their extensive Hallam Fields residential development.

The bridge’s opening ceremony was attended by representatives from Cedars Academy, Danaher & Walsh, Jelson Homes, and design engineers William Saunders.

Mr Andrew Lloyd (c/o Agent: Mr J Imber, JMI Planning, 62 Carter Street, Uttoxeter ST14 8EU) – Erection of 6 dwellings – at The Bull’s Head, 88 Main Street, Nailstone, Nuneaton, Warks.

CV13 0QB.

NW Leics.

XL Designs (Midlands) Ltd (c/o Agent: Mr S Raju, R3Design Developments Ltd, The Glasshouse, 9 Hallam Close, Littlethorpe, Leics. LE19 2LA) – Demolition of farm buildings and erection 5 dwellings (Reserved matters of 16/01059/OUT) – at Quarry Lane, Snarestone, Leics.

I can’t afford aromatherapy so I just randomly sniff stuff and hope.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • FEBRUARY 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

33

REVEALED: the most common decorating mistakes Rex Nye, MD at online building supplies business D.W. Nye, provides his six top tips for avoiding decorating and design pitfalls.

Re-decorating the home is a big project to take on, and one many of us put off, through fear of making costly mistakes or ending up with disappointing results.

Here’s how to avoid common mistakes so you’ll have a project to be proud of. Here’s what to look out for: Prepare your surfaces: Enthusiasm to get on with the job can easily lead to corners being cut, but making sure you prepare walls for painting or wallpapering is vital for ensuring a smooth finish. Dust surfaces thoroughly first, then rub down walls using diluted sugar soap and a sponge. Sugar soap can irritate the skin so be sure to wear rubber gloves. Then use a clean sponge and water to wipe surfaces clean. Fill in cracks with decorating caulk. This is perfect for use around skirting boards, ceilings, window frames and architraves.

Choose the right colour: When it comes to wall colour, don’t play it too safe as neutral colours will leave your home lacking in character. If you have a small room, don’t assume white will make it look bigger. White works best in spaces where there’s plenty of natural light; a dim space will make white walls look dull. A cosy colour can often work better in a small room. Can’t decide which colour to go for? Choose a colour from a favoured patterned fabric or item of furniture and use it to create a colour palette for your walls.

Always test the colour before painting a whole wall, and see how it looks in both natural and artificial light before taking the plunge.

Look after yourself: Around 200,000 DIYers find themselves in hospital every year due to decorating mishaps, including 41,000 who are injured using a stepladder. Make sure your ladder is in good working order and avoid falls by using non-slip footwear. Heavy-duty gloves will help guard against cuts, splinters and harsh chemicals.

Don’t position artwork too high: Many people place carefully-chosen artwork too high to appreciate it. Pictures should be positioned at eye level when standing. As a general rule, make sure the picture’s midpoint is around 60 inches from the floor. If it’s behind a sofa, position it six inches above the top. Make sure you use the correct fittings to hang heavy frames. Hard masonry walls

will require a power drill, such as DeWalt Combi Drill, wall plugs and a sturdy hook or screw to support the frame. Cavity walls can conceal cables and wiring so be careful where you hang the picture. Plasterboard is very soft and needs to be handled carefully so you aren’t left with holes and crumbling plaster. Use a plasterboard hook or spring toggle rather than ordinary wall plugs.

Relegate the TV: Making the TV the focal point of the room is a very common mistake – unless you really want the TV to be the first thing everyone notices when they enter the room. Instead, make the focal point a table where friends and family can gather or a cosy fireplace. If space is limited and you can’t move the TV, create a focal point nearby, such as a group of photos or a painting. Or you could paint the wall behind the TV a dark colour. TVs always look better mounted on the wall. Make sure you place it slightly higher than eye level when you’re seated.

Unsightly electric cables can ruin the style of a room. Hide them behind a baseboard, or use cable covers.

Too many accessories: It’s tempting to get carried away when you’re re-decorating, but make sure you don’t go too mad on accessories or the space will look cluttered and your good work won’t have a chance to shine. Don’t buy too many cushions and throws for sofas and chairs and remember that open shelves shouldn’t be used as storage, but to display select items. If you’re using your shelves as storage, make sure you install doors to conceal the mess.

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08/01/2019 09:47

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • FEBRUARY 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Taylor Wimpey sees solid 2019, but watching for Brexit impact North West Leics. District Council (c/o Agent: Marcus Lewis, Bailey Garner, 55 Charlotte Street, Birmingham B3 1PX) – Erection of 8 dwellings with associated off-street parking – at land adjacent to 27 Cropston Drive, Coalville, Leics.

LE67 4HS. North West Leics. District Council (c/o Agent: Marcus Lewis, Bailey Garner, 55 Charlotte Street, Birmingham B3 1PX) – Erection of 3 dwellings with associated off-street parking – at land adjacent to 33 Cropston Drive, Coalville, Leics.

LE67 4HS.

Oadby & Wigston Mr F Berry (c/o Agent: Malcolm Goodall, The Drawing Room (Architects) Ltd, 130 Moat Street, Wigston, Leicester LE18 2GE) Change of use of ground floor from launderette to 2 self-contained residential units - at 69 Blaby Road, Wigston, Leicester LE18 4PB.

HOUSE-BUILDER Taylor Wimpey has cheered a stable property market in 2018 despite Brexit uncertainty, and said it was seeing “solid” signs for the year ahead.

Shares in the group lifted 6% as it gave a bullish end-of-year update, reporting a 3% rise in house sales to 14,947 during 2018.

Taylor Wimpey added that average prices on private sales lifted 2% to £301,000 and said it ended the year with an order book worth £1.8 billion, up from £1.6 billion a year earlier.

It said trading was robust, but reiterated signs of increased customer caution towards the end of the year in London and the South East The group said: “Whilst it is clearly too early to give a definitive view on 2019 trading, we continue to see solid forward sales indicators and start the year with a very strong order book.

“However, we will continue to closely monitor market conditions for any potential impact on customer confidence in light of the wider political and economic uncertainty.”

The cheery outlook also sparked share gains across the house-building sector, with rivals Persimmon and Barratt Developments both up 4% in the FTSE 100.

It comes after Halifax figures in January showed that house prices recorded a surprise 2.2% jump in December following a 1.2% fall in November.

But there are fears over a hit to the market from a no-deal Brexit, with the Bank of England warning that the worstcase scenario could see house prices slump by a third.

Taylor Wimpey chief executive Pete Redfern said: “Despite wider macroeconomic uncertainty, the housing market remained stable during 2018 and we had a good trading performance.”

“As we enter 2019, we maintain our guidance for stable volumes although are mindful of market sensitivity.”

Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, warned that clouds may be gathering on the horizon for housebuilders.

He said: “In theory the Goldilocks ‘just right’ conditions which have fuelled booming profits for the house-building sector remain in place; the jobs market is strong, mortgage rates are low and the Help to Buy scheme is in place until 2023. But the current uncertainty means Taylor Wimpey, and its peers, can take nothing for granted.”

Ageing gracefully is like the nice way of saying you’re slowly looking worse.

howkinsandharrison.co.uk SALES / LETTINGS / COMMERCIAL / FARM & RURAL / PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT / AUCTIONS

Acresford, Derbyshire

Bedworth, Warwickshire

Guide price £1,300,000

Guide price £375,000

Rural development opportunity for six dwellings in attractive open countryside

Farm buildings and stables with development / conversion potential

• • • • • •

• • • •

Three bedroom farmhouse with a range of outbuildings in 1.60 acres Planning permission to convert two outbuildings into two dwellings Further permission to erect three new build detached dwellings PP reference 17/01805/FUL Local Authority: North West Leicestershire District Council For further information please contact the Atherstone Office 01827 721380

Wolston, Warwickshire

Mixture of traditional farm buildings and a static mobile home Currently primarily used for agricultural and equestrian purposes Approximately 1.98 acres Development potential for residential or commercial uses subject to planning • Local Authority: North Warwickshire Borough Council • For further information please contact the Atherstone Office 01827 721380

Balsall Common, West Midlands

Guide price £700,000

Three barns with permission for conversion to four residential dwellings • 5,932 sq ft of living space • Set within 1.3 acres • Picturesque countryside location • PP reference R17/0966 & R18/1072 • Local Authority: Rugby Borough Council • For further information please contact the Rugby Office 01788 564666 15 Market Street, Atherstone, Warwickshire CV9 1ET 40A Market Street, Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire LE65 1AN 7 - 11 Albert Street, Rugby, Warwickshire CV21 2RX

Guide price £650,000

An exciting opportunity to purchase a barn with permission for conversion to a three bedroom property on a site extending to approximately 11.72 acres • Conversion of an existing agricultural barn in approximately 11.72 acres • PP references: PL/2018/00418/PNCUDW and PL/2018/02088/NONMC • Local Authority: Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council • Within easy reach of major road networks and Birmingham Airport • For more information contact Helen Frampton 01788 564743 01827 721380 / athrural@howkinsandharrison.co.uk 01530 877977 / ashby@howkinsandharrison.co.uk 01788 564680 / rugrural@howkinsandharrison.co.uk

Branches across the region and an office in central London

Note to vegetarians: plants are living things too, they’re just easier to catch.

36

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • FEBRUARY 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

UK’s first manufacturing zones announced Mr Prowse (c/o Agent: David Wilson Homes East Midlands) – Demolition of garage buildings and development of 36 dwellings and all ancillary works, along with construction of new roundabout road junction to Welford Road – at land north of The Cedars, Welford Road, Wigston, Leicester.

TWO LEICESTERSHIRE projects, involved in the space industry and food sector, will form part of the new and innovative East Midlands Manufacturing Zones.

The proposal for creating an East Midlands Manufacturing Zone pilot was first set out in the 2017 Autumn Budget.

Following a funding call from the Midlands Engine Shell UK Ltd (c/o Agent: Neil Jennings, Jennings Design Ltd, York to put forward proposals House, Valley Court, Canal Road, for Manufacturing Zones, Bradford BD1 4SP) - Demolition the Leicester and Leicestershire of sales building to existing petrol Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) filling station and erection of responded and successfully secured replacement sales building and £125,000 to bring forward two sites associated works including new and develop their plans. parking areas and alteration to The University of Leicester will vehicle exit crossing - at Shell receive £50,000 to support the Filling Station, Coventry Road design of the Low-Cost Access Stoney Stanton, Leics. LE9 6QD to Space facility at Space Park Leicester, to ensure it is attractive and accessible to space focussed manufacturers in the area and meets their business needs.

Mr Harjinder Singh (c/o Agent: In addition, the LLEP is supporting Andrew Taylor, A R Taylor Ltd, 7 the development of Space Park Greenway, Nuneaton, Warks. CV11 Leicester with a further £12.88m 6NL) – Conversion of outbuilding to from the Local Growth Fund, to 2 one-bed flats – at 127 Queens Road, Nuneaton, Warks. CV11 FORtransform SALEthe former brownfield site 5LD. opposite the National Space Centre.

Blaby District

Nuneaton & Bedworth

Melton Mowbray will receive £75,000 to create a Manufacturing Zone (MAZ).

Three locations on the edge of the town, together with a centrally located site have been identified as suitable locations for a distinctive food and drink focused manufacturing zone.

The MAZ will help to sustain and grow food and drink manufacturing by providing an attractive portfolio of land combined with support for demand analysis and feasibility work such as master planning.

Kevin Harris, Chair of the LLEP said: “I am delighted that these two projects have been included in the East Midlands Manufacturing Zone pilot announcement.

“Within our Local Industrial Strategy prospectus the LLEP highlighted 20 potential growth opportunities to increase productivity and support growth across Leicester and Leicestershire.

“For the advanced manufacturing and engineering sector, one of these was to develop an East Midlands Manufacturing Zone pilot to reduce planning restrictions and stimulate investment.

“We have taken this growth opportunity forward through the Midlands Engine call for projects. The funding we have secured will help these projects to deliver two Manufacturing Zones, demonstrating the importance of our Local Industrial Strategy.”

& 3 Self Contained Flats Care home site Graduate Trainee appointed with 3 flats for sale

by Countryside Partnerships

Tall Buildings Conference TALL BUILDINGS present unique challenges in terms of both design and construction.

Scraptoft Lane

Colchester Road

Mr Kevin Moreton (c/o Agent: Care Home Site Adrian Calcunovitch, 16 Bulkington 120 Colchester Road Lane, Nuneaton, Warks. CV11 4SA) – Construction of 6 steel-framed LEICESTER + LE5 2DG workshop units for light industrial use – at Site 52a007, Whitacre Road, Nuneaton, Warks.

ANDREW 0.84 Acres

 Sought after location & ASHWELL are offering  Existing Care Home site with alternative use potential for sale a former 21-bed Nursing  Planning consent for 20 Extra Care flat £1,400,000 for the Freehold scheme an adjoining Home together with  3 Self contained flats - Supported Living 3-bed care facility (tenanted until January 2020).

Their sheer scale demands that particular attention is paid simultaneously to strategic and detailed issues. l andash.co.uk l 53 London Road, Leicester LE2 0PD property – at 120 Colchester Road, Tall Buildings Conference (30 April0116 254 1220The 0116 254 1220 l andash.co.uk l 53 London Road, Leicester LE2 0PD Leicester LE5 2DG – occupies a total site 2019, London) is intended to assist area of 0.84 acres. engineers in understanding the common challenges associated with Planning consent was recently granted for transferring standard engineering demolition of the existing 21-bed care home principles and knowledge from lowand construction of a two-storey building rise structures to tall buildings. containing 20 Extra Care Flats and associated communal facilities and offices, car and The event is aimed at: major cycle parking, bin store and landscaping. The city developers, investors, local asking price is £1.4 million for the freehold. authorities, and architects, engineer The property is not elected for VAT. and contractors that are focusing on the delivery of tall buildings.

For more information, or to arrange a viewing appointment, contact Mike Book your place (£195+VAT) Allwood at Andrew & Ashwell on 0116 254 here: www.tallbuildingsconference.

1220 or email: mra@andash.co.uk co.uk/book

A RECENTLY-appointed Graduate Trainee from Nottingham says he is relishing the opportunity to fulfill his ambition of working in the construction industry with Countryside Partnerships East Midlands.

Jack Marriott (25) graduated from Birmingham City University in June 2018 with a degree in Construction and the Built Environment, and took up his position with the property developer based in Whetstone, near Leicester, in November of the same year.

Since then, Jack has gained experience in Countryside East Midlands’ Commercial department, and has been responsible for building and maintaining professional relationships with contractors and sub-contractors.

“I first heard about the graduate scheme with Countryside through a recruitment agency, and because it sounded like a great package that would give me some really invaluable experience, I decided to apply,” he explains.

“Now that I am working in the position, I’m glad that it came along when it did because I’m really enjoying it.

“The Commercial department has been a fantastic place to start within the business. Before I began, numbers and figures weren’t strong points of mine, but I’m delighted to say that it’s very different to how I thought it would be.”

The two-year graduate programme will see Jack working on rotation in a number of other areas within the business, including the Land, Construction, Development and Customer Service departments.

Exercising can add years to your life. For example, I jogged four miles today and now I feel like I’m 73.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • FEBRUARY 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

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Shelter’s Social Housing Commission launches ‘A Vision For Social Housing’ NEW ANALYSIS carried out by Shelter shows that the delivery of social homes in the East Midlands has plummeted since the start of the decade from 2,246 homes in 2009-10 to 495 in 2017-18 - a dramatic fall of 78%.

Despite this, the need for social housing in the area is high with more than 70,000 households on the waiting list for social housing.

This comes as Shelter’s social housing commission launches a landmark report calling for an ambitious 3.1 million new homes across the country, extending the offer of social housing to many more people.

After the Grenfell Tower fire, the charity brought together 16 independent commissioners with diverse backgrounds from across the political spectrum to examine the housing crisis in England as it exists today.

Among others they include, Ed Miliband MP, Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, Baroness Doreen Lawrence, TV architect George Clarke, Lord Jim O’Neill and Grenfell survivor Ed Daffarn.

Having spent a year listening to the views of hundreds of social tenants, 31,000 members of the public and a range of housing experts, the commissioners put forward a bold vision for social housing, and who should have the opportunity to live in it.

BUILDING FOR OUR FUTURE: A VISION FOR SOCIAL HOUSING recommends the government invests in a major 20-year housebuilding programme, which would offer a social home to millions who fail to qualify under the current system, including: • 1.27 million homes for those in greatest housing need – homeless households, those living with a disability or long-term illness, or living in very poor conditions.

• 1.17 million homes for ‘trapped renters’ - younger families who cannot afford to buy and face a lifetime in expensive and insecure private renting.

• 690,000 homes for older private renters – people over 55 struggling with high housing costs and insecurity beyond retirement.

The commissioners argue politicians cannot remain idle at a time when half of young people have no chance of ever buying a home, private renters on lower incomes spend an average of 67% of their earnings on rent, and almost 280,000 people in England are homeless.

Commissioner Baroness Sayeeda Warsi said: “Social mobility has been decimated by decades of political failure to address our worsening housing crisis. Half of young people cannot buy, and thousands face the horror of homelessness. Our vision for social housing presents a vital political opportunity to reverse this decay. It offers the chance of a stable home to millions of people, providing much needed security and a step up for young families trying to get on in life and save for their future. We simply cannot afford not to act.”

‘Benefits outweigh costs’ Analysis carried out for the commission by Capital Economics suggests the economic benefits of social housebuilding would ultimately outweigh the initial costs. The programme would require an average yearly investment of £10.7 billion during the construction phase, but Capital Economics estimate that up to two-thirds of this could be recouped through housing benefit savings and increased tax revenue each year. On this basis the true net additional cost to the government, if the benefits were fully realised, would be just £3.8 billion on average per year over the 20-year period. And after 39 years the investment will have fully paid for itself.

Commissioner Lord Jim O’Neill said: “There needs to be a profound shift to see social housing as a national asset like any other infrastructure.

A home is the foundation of individual success in life, and public housebuilding can be the foundation of national success. It is the only hope the government has of hitting its 300,000 homes a year target.

“The government’s budget for capital expenditure is £62 billion a year our housebuilding programme would cost only a fraction and is well within its financial reach. With current spending on housing benefit shockingly inefficient, it’s not hard to see what an investment in bricks and mortar could do to help solve the housing crisis and boost our economy.”

While a historic renewal of social housing is essential, the report makes clear this must go together with a series of reforms to improve social housing, such as: • A new Ofsted-style consumer regulator to protect residents and to enforce common standards across social and private renting.

• A new national tenants’ voice organisation to represent the views of tenants in social housing to national and local government.

• A new national standard to ensure enough investment in maintaining social homes and their surrounding neighbourhoods.

For more information, visit: shelter.org.uk/socialhousing

Somerby development site SHOULER & SON are offering for sale a village residential development site with outline planning permission for 12 units.

The approximately 1 acre site – at Southfields Farm Yard, Church Lane, Somerby, Leicestershire – backs on to open countryside and has views over the village and parish church to the front.

Planning permission (ref: 16/00146/OUT) was granted by Melton Borough Council on 4th December 2017 for demolition of livestock buildings and construction of 12 dwellings.

The Guide Price is £950,000.

Viewing is strictly by appointment with the agents.

For more information, contact Shoulers on 01664 560181 or visit www.shoulers.co.uk

Stone Farmhouse Southfields Farm Cottage

Kilometres are shorter than miles, so I’m taking my next trip in kilometres to save on petrol.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • FEBRUARY 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Growing trend for timber car barns, says manufacturer A NORTHAMPTONSHIRE manufacturer predicts a growing trend in 2019 for luxury housing developers to remove the traditional brick-built garage from their plans in favour of bespoke timber car barns.

Scotts of Thrapston, specialists in the manufacture and installation of timber framed buildings, says it has seen considerably more activity in the last two to three years from high-end housing developers and builders.

Richard Jarvis, spokesman for Scotts of Thrapston, said: “Developers are moving away from traditional brick garages to oakfronted timber garages, car barns or car ports. It helps to differentiate their product from their competitors, as the car barns are seen as aesthetically more pleasing and a higher value product.

“We have developed a system that meets and exceeds the requirements of developers at a cost that satisfies their budget. The car barns are also prefabricated offsite and installed in 50 per cent of the time, compared with a traditional build.”

Scotts of Thrapston provided one such project to Spitfire Bespoke Homes, for Grade II Listed Haseley Manor, near Warwick. The developer is creating nine new homes on the grounds, while the manor itself is being converted into 13 apartments.

Richard added: “We have worked with Spitfire for around five years and were their first supplier of engineered timber products.

Our brief was to design, supply and erect a courtyard of timber

car barns and garages, together with a bat house to support local ecology. Visually, mixing the two styles together produced a stunning courtyard for residents which enhances the offering of the development.

“We designed, engineered, manufactured and erected all of the superstructures. We were provided with basic planning drawings and designed the courtyard to produce highly engineered, pre-fabricated buildings which are in keeping with

the appearance of Haseley Manor and its history.

“Once the foundations were complete, we erected the posts, beams, panels, roof trusses, braces and fire boarding in three separate blocks. The roofer then came and fitted the slate tiles and the garage doors were installed by a local supplier. It was a very quick and efficient process. Oak was used for the posts, braces and fascia to provide the traditional car barn effect,” he added.

Be recognised for the contributions you make to the UK construction industry THE NATIONAL Federation of Builders (NFB) has launched its eighth annual awards to celebrate the high quality work and commitment delivered by members to improve the built environment.

The awards event will take place on Thursday 4 April 2019, at the prestigious and award-winning Belfry Hotel and Resort located in the Midlands.

The awards reflect the dynamic nature of the construction industry and provide a unique opportunity for NFB members to showcase and be recognised for their work.

This year, two award categories are open to the industry so entry is not restricted to NFB members; the Inspirational Individual Award and Training Programme of the Year Award. In addition, a Construction Employer of the Year category allows employees can nominate the company that they work for.

Entries will be accepted for projects completed between January 2017 and December 2018.

All categories are £30 + VAT to enter with the exception of Construction Employer of the Year which is free to enter. All categories are free to enter for A – C band members of the NFB. Entry closes at midnight on Friday 15 February 2019, and finalists will be announced week commencing 4 March 2019. Application packs and further information can be found here.

For further information please contact the NFB on 03450 578 160 or email: awards@builders.org.uk.

I tell women what they want to hear. Usually something like, ‘Well, I’m going to go now.’

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • FEBRUARY 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

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Bison Precast launches new Brick Faced Sandwich Panels at Offsite Construction Show FORTERRA’S specialist supplier of precast concrete, Bison Precast, served up its latest cost-effective alternative to traditional building methods at the recent Offsite Construction Show.

An example of a completed precast Brick Faced Sandwich Panel, cast with Forterra bricks installed and ready to be delivered, at Bison Precast’s Somercotes

facility in Derbyshire.

Bison Precast’s Brick Faced Sandwich Panels are made by factory fitting brick finishes onto precast concrete panels, and are ideally suited to multi-storey structures in residential and commercial use developments.

Forterra has one of the largest selections of facing bricks in the UK and all can be specified and utilised seamlessly with these panels, making their manufacture extremely efficient, and it is

hoped that this system may help address current and ongoing trade shortages in the on-site labour market.

The panels, which are an extension of Bison Precast’s cross wall frames, are cast with bricks placed within them, can be suitable for direct decoration and can also be manufactured with other features such as cast-in electricity conduits, plug sockets and even glazed windows installed at the firm’s factory, thus reducing the need for onsite labour during the build.

The system was unveiled at ExCel London at the annual celebration of offsite construction, where professionals from design, construction and innovation from all over the industry gathered to display and view the latest advances in the field.

A Brick Faced Sandwich Panel being manufactured at the Swadlincote facility.

The Sandwich Panels typically measure four to eight metres in length by a storey height and weigh circa 7-14 tonnes, though Bison Precast’s team of experts can design bespoke panels based on customers’ requirements.

The Brick Faced Sandwich Panels

Matlock barn for conversion SDL AUCTIONS are offering for sale BY AUCTION a Grade II Listed traditional stone barn with lapsed (Dec 2018) planning consent for conversion into a three/four bed dwelling.

The barn – situated off High Street, Bonsall, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 2AR – dates back to the 17th century and has previously been used as the village workhouse, a public hall and the office of Bonsall Urban District Council.

For sale BY AUCTION on Wednesday 13th February 2019 at The Pedigree Suite, Pride Park Stadium, Derby DE24 8XL – 11.30am start.

Guide Price: £225,000+ For more information, call the auctioneers on 01332 242880 or visit the website at www.sdlauctions.co.uk

for the

Worksurfacing Industry Seabrook Digital Solutions Ltd

Tel: 01455 889726 Mobile: 0772 309 2474 For more information, visit www.seabrookdigital.com Tanning salons first became popular during the Bronze Age.

will be fully available in early 2019, the same year Bison Precast marks its centenary. Originally set up by Royal Engineers in 1919, Bison created precast concrete Pill Boxes and went on to revolutionise hollowcore flooring with the development of the Pneumatic Core in 1935.

Since its inception, Bison has created countless precast concrete components used in homes, offices, roads, bridges, stadia and much more besides, and will be celebrating its 100th anniversary with the launch of a brand new website.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • FEBRUARY 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Many home owners ‘paying off mortgage debt faster than planned’ NEARLY HALF of home owners with a mortgage say they have been making overpayments on their home loan in recent months – potentially meaning they will be mortgage-free earlier than they had expected – a survey has found.

Young home owners, many of whom may have decades of paying a mortgage off ahead of them, are particularly likely to have been making overpayments, the survey of home owners from Which?

Mortgage Advisers has found.

Paying off extra chunks of their mortgage could potentially help home owners to clear their debt earlier than they had originally planned – and some surveyed said they are chipping away at their mortgage debt in this way each month.

Some 46% of home owners said they had made overpayments during the 12 months leading up to June 2018, including 69% of 18 to 24-year-olds and 52% of home owners aged 25 to 34.

Of those surveyed, people in London (60%) and the West Midlands (52%) were the most likely to be making overpayments on their mortgages, while Scotland had the lowest level of overpayments, with 38% saying they had done so in the year up to June.

Poor interest rates Poor interest rates from money sitting in savings accounts could be one factor driving the high levels of home owners using their cash to make mortgage overpayments, those behind the research suggested.

Continued low interest rates on mortgages, making debts relatively affordable, could also mean some borrowers have a bit of spare cash left over which they can put towards paying their loan off more quickly.

David Blake, principal mortgage adviser, Which? Mortgage Advisers, said: “While it might be surprising to hear that so many people have paid off extra chunks of their mortgage recently, the benefits can be massive, cutting months off the total length of your loan – and, in turn, saving you hundreds or even thousands in interest.”

More than 3,500 home owners with a mortgage were surveyed.

E.ON launches pilot project to bring empty homes back into use SHOCKING figures show there are more than 605,000 empty homes in England and that 205,000 are long-term empty homes.

To help tackle this and the current housing shortage that persists across the UK, E.ON has launched an innovative pilot project with North East Derbyshire District Council to bring empty homes back into use by offering effective solutions to owners with empty properties.

Through the pilot, E.ON will offer a free survey to private owners of empty properties to establish what is needed to bring the property back to a Decent Homes Standard. Once the survey is completed and the owner is happy with the recommendations offered, E.ON can fully manage the refurbishment work to ensure the property is once again habitable.

Alternatively, E.ON can offer support to owners choosing to do the work themselves or through a third party.

Nigel Dewbery, Director of Energy Efficiency at E.ON, said: “Working together with local authorities and owners we aim to tackle the problem of empty properties and with it make something of a dent in the current housing shortage.

“Through our close work with local authorities up and down the country we’ve seen first-hand the impact empty homes have on the communities around them. As a result we’ve worked with a number of local authorities over the last year to develop this unique service to support them with the challenges they face.

“At E.ON we offer a range of energy solutions to meet our customers’ needs to ensure homes can be as energy efficient as possible and this is an example of us looking at how we can provide a more holistic approach to supporting wider communities. We hope to be able to offer this solution to other local authorities across the country over the coming months.”

Councillor Graham Baxter MBE, Leader of North East Derbyshire District Council, said: “Our Empty Homes Strategy has been set up to ensure that homes do not remain empty unnecessarily. Empty properties often fall into disrepair and become a target for vandals and squatters, blighting the wider community.

“We’re keen to work with owners of long-term vacant properties to bring them back into use by offering advice and assistance as an alternative to having to take enforcement action. However, our experience shows that many owners with empty properties may feel there is too much work to do, they lack the time required, or they simply don’t know where to start when it comes to bringing their property back into use.

“Working with E.ON’s Empty Homes Solutions Team, we’ll be able to offer the support and guidance these owners need as a one stop package and hassle free solution for them.”

M-EC APPOINTS ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR M-EC has appointed David Torrance as Associate Director of its geoenvironmental division.

He will lead the Leicester team to strengthen its geo-environmental capabilities and also join the East Midlands Senior Management Team to help drive continued growth in 2019. David will also head up the company’s Site Technical Services division, which offers in-situ geotechnical and engineering testing.

David Torrance joins M-EC with 36 years’ experience and has held roles including Board Director at Joynes Pike and Associates, Birmingham Office Manager at Opus International Consultants and Associate Director at WSP. During his career, David has acted as Project Director on a range of ground investigation and land remediation projects within the land development sector including major residential, health, industrial, commercial and retail schemes across the UK. He has also acted as key client care manager for major clients in the sector.

Based at M-EC’s Hugglescote headquarters in Leicestershire, David will support M-EC’s experienced and fully qualified in-house team to expand its geo-environmental services including the full range of desktop studies, ground investigation, contaminated land assessment, remediation design and development support.

Rugby Borough Mrs Plantier & Mrs Kotecha (c/o Agent: Howkins & Harrison, 7-11 Albert Street, Rugby, Warks. CV21 2RX) – Outline planning application for the construction of up to 18 holiday lodges – at land opposite Draycote Water, Southam Road, Rugby.

Mr Paul Rimen (c/o Agent: Rugby Borough Council, Town Hall, Evreux Way, Rugby, Warks. CV21 2RR) – Demolition of existing care home and erection of 18 flats – at Bell House, 320 Lawford Road, New Bilton, Rugby, Warks. CV21 2JQ. Highgrade Real Estate (c/o Agent: Chapman Design LLP, Lelleford House, Coventry Road, Long Lawford, Warks. CV23 9DT) – Proposed change of use of the first and second floor of existing building to 2 flats plus a first floor extension to the flat roof of the existing building to create an additional 2 flats – at 10-11 High Street, Rugby, Warks. CV21 3BG. Mr Chalcraft (c/o Agent: CC Town Planning, Newton House, Northampton Science Park, Kings park Road, Northampton NN3 6LG) – Outline application for the erection of up to 67 dwellings – at land north of Squires Road, Strettonon-Dunsmore, Warks.

Rushcliffe Mr Chris Newington (c/o Agent: Mrs Helen Broadhurst, Vale Planning Consultants, Elder House, 2 Boyers Orchard, Harby, Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE14 4BA) - Erection of 2 dwellings with associated access - at land south of Hawksworth Road, Screveton, Nottinghamshire NG13 8JP.

I just found a Christmas present for my mother-in-law in the loft. I’ll take it up to her later.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • FEBRUARY 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

COALVILLE FOOTBALL TEAM SCORES SPONSORSHIP WITH DAVID WILSON HOMES THE HEATHER St John’s Under 10 team the Pumas kicked off the new season in style with a new kit sponsored by David Wilson Homes East Midlands.

NEW BOOK ... by Local Tradesman Forgotten Souls

By Rooster Smith WHAT IF the past came back to haunt you? This is the horror story of what could have been…

The young footballers are sporting brand new rain jackets after the local homebuilder became their official sponsor for the season.

David Wilson Homes, whose head office is based in the nearby parish of Bardon, has donated £200 to the youth team for their sponsored shirts.

The Heather St John’s FC Pumas participate in the Leicester & District Mutual Football League and plays their home matches at St John’s Park in Coalville.

With a number of growing families moving into various David Wilson Homes developments in the area, the local football team could be welcoming many new recruits and the properties may soon be accommodating the stars of the future.

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FI OF R F ST Y O OU R R DE B R

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Everyone has had relationships that didn’t work out or just ran their course. But, have you ever wondered what might have happened in those past relationships if they had lasted longer? Forgotten Souls is the ghastly tale of those children who were never conceived.

Brought here by ‘The Entertainer’, the sinister Bartholomew Smith, in revenge for the killing of his family, these ghostly adolescents have come to seek revenge for being denied a chance at life. They won’t stop until all of their would-be-parents are dead...

But one man attempts to stand in their way. Josh Adamson, a local author of the strange and supernatural takes it upon himself to prevent the demonic children from murdering innocent people.

Will he succeed, or will The Entertainer fulfil his evil plans?

This horror story is jam-packed with twists and turns and will leave you questioning your own past...

Rooster Smith lives in Leicester and works in the UPVC windows trade.

Forgotten Souls is his debut novel and is the first in a planned horror trilogy. Rooster says “I wrote this book to leave some kind of legacy behind for my family. I have always been good at writing stories and my son convinced me to get my work published.”

Don’t get stuck in the mud!

Ground Mats ■ Heavy duty roadway or walkway ■ Instant ground protection ■ Portable and easy to use ■ Available for hire or sale nationwide

tel: 01455 553700 • sales@ecotrackway.co.uk • www.ecotrackway.co.uk ETA_LeicsBuilder_HP_(130x194)_05_17.indd 1

22/05/2017 16:08

I’m not saying my wife and I no longer sleep in the same bed, but if I want to stroke her back I have to catch two buses and a tram.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • FEBRUARY 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

The supply chain needs to be a fairer place for SME subcontractors DEBBIE Abrahams MP has pledged to introduce a ten minute rule bill in Parliament ensuring that public sector projects over £500,000 use project bank accounts.

Abrahams thinks that her bill would stop small and medium-sized (SME) businesses being paid late by large companies, whilst protecting them from losing any money they are owed.

Project bank accounts (PBAs) are ring-fenced bank accounts within a trust arrangement so that, if a tier 1 contractor collapses, as Carillion did in January 2018, subcontractors will still receive money they are owed.

The National Federation of Builders (NFB) admires Abrahams’s hard work towards ensuring that SME subcontractors are treated with respect throughout the supply chain and the public sector needs to take a leading role in stamping out late payment.

Richard Beresford, chief executive of the NFB, said: “The NFB applauds Abrahams’s efforts to make the supply chain a fairer place for SME subcontractors. This bill could be the nudge needed to push contractors away from the business model that has payment delays built in.”

Reflective spray makes workers more visible

Construction Workers ‘Spray Safe’ CONSTRUCTION workers are being urged to ‘spray safe’ this winter following the launch of a revolutionary new reflective spray which will make them more visible in the dark.

The Albedo100 spray is highly reflective of lights during darkness and can be sprayed on to almost any surface.

Its creators believe it could mark a major breakthrough in safety by making thousands of construction and roadside workers highly visible under lights at night. Their Industrial spray has been developed with workers in mind and goes on grey but is nearly twice as reflective as their Textile and Permanent sprays.

Signs and symbols can be made highly reflective by cutting out and spraying on with stencils making a construction or roadside site safer in the dark.

The team behind the innovative new safety spray Albedo100 claim their product will make construction sites and roadside works safer in the dark.

By spraying the product onto hard hats, jackets, corners and potential hazards workers and sites instantly become highly reflective when a light is shone on them.

A person wearing the spray can be seen from up to 500 feet away when light hits them, a significant improvement in visibility when compared to someone wearing bright or high visibility clothing, which can only be seen from roughly 200 feet away.

The spray is expected to become popular with highway maintenance workers and other construction sector staff whose night time working makes them vulnerable to accidents.

A spokesperson from Albedo100 said: “We believe our product is a major breakthrough in safety which can help prevent unnecessary accidents on construction and roadside sites.

“Anything that makes employees safer is a positive step forward and our permanent spray does just that.

“The industrial spray can be used to warn workers on site or the general public outside, of any potential dangers.

“It’s far more reflective than other sprays in the range and can be used on materials like brick, tarmac or stone to spray warning signs. It can also be used on hard hats and ear protectors to add a further level of safety.

“The spray is retroreflective meaning which means when light hits it, it bounces straight back at the light source rather than all around. It’s very easy to apply and incredibly effective at distance.

“We are excited to be launching this innovative new product in the UK and we are looking forward to helping make construction and roadside workers even safer.”

Stephen George + Partners new promotion

Dust extraction specialist set to exhibit at Executive Hire Show

STEPHEN GEORGE + Partners LLP (SGP) has reinforced its commitment to BIM best practice by promoting James Blood to the post of BIM Manager.

DUSTCONTROL UK is set to exhibit its range of highly effective construction equipment at the Executive Hire Show 2019.

James (right) joined SGP in 2018 as BIM Co-ordinator, bringing over 20 years of experience in architecture and BIM, including establishing business strategies, and structuring, defining and implementing architectural service provision with openBIM standards, methodologies, technologies and processes at the core.

James has acted as model and information manager on live collaborative BIM projects and fulfilled both these roles on the Dudley Advance2 FE College facility, the first IPI project in the UK, which was delivered close to Level 2, as defined under the Government’s mandate.

James says: “I am looking forward to keeping SGP on the cutting edge of BIM methodology, delivering quality assured openBIM outputs throughout the practice. SGP’s ability to link 3D models with a virtual reality suite is very exciting, allowing us to show a client the design rather than having them interpret plans and diagrams. Richer information sets also provide real value for clients in the post hand-over phase, supporting operating and maintenance functions and helping manage the life cycle of the new asset more efficiently.”

Taking place on Wednesday, February 6th to Thursday, February 7th at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry, the Dustcontrol team will be showcasing the firm’s new DC Storm LPG propane powered vacuum, alongside its powerful Tromb 400 extractors, the DC 2900 and DC 1800 eco vacuums and its DC Aircube cleaners at stand K30.

The DC Storm LPG has a 15 KW motor with the capacity to manage dust extraction in conjunction with work involving large floor grinders, hammer drills, scarifier/shaver or cutting machines for surface preparation, as well as heavy-duty cleaning with long hoses.

As with all of Dustcontrol’s mobile equipment, the Storm LPG is fitted with Hepa 13 filters and built to Application Class H as standard for a no compromise approach.

James Miller, Managing Director of Dustcontrol UK, said: “The Executive Hire Show is always a great exhibition and it promises to be another exciting event in 2019. This year, we’ll be demonstrating our high-quality construction equipment, with a focus on their cutting, grinding and cleaning capabilities.”

The company, based in Milton Keynes, has over 45 years of experience in developing dust extraction solutions and centralised vacuum systems to fit client requirements in the construction industry. They are experts in capturing dust at its source - both where and when it’s created.

My wife is leaving me because she says I’m too stupid and I snore a lot, so I’m staying up tonight to see if she’s right.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • FEBRUARY 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

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Former Hinckley ballroom set to be transformed into luxury apartments AN ICONIC Leicestershire building, which is set to be transformed into an impressive apartment block, is due to be sold at SDL Auctions Graham Penny’s Leicester auction at the King Power Stadium on Tuesday 12 February.

The former St George’s Ballroom, at 4 The Horsefair, Hinckley, has planning permission for redevelopment and the potential to create around 45 A computer-generated image of the proposal luxury apartments.

Built in 1874, the building has seen many uses over the years, including a theatre, meeting rooms, magistrates’ court and, for a short while from 1910, the Electric Picture Palace cinema. It became a ballroom in the 1930s and has played host to stars including Ivy Benson, Julie Andrews, Tom Jones, The Who and Pink Floyd. Most recently, the building was the home of Elements nightclub.

Miller Homes unveils plans for hundreds of homes in the East Midlands MILLER HOMES Midlands has announced plans to bring almost 500 new homes to the East Midlands during the year ahead, with developments set to be launched across Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire.

As it stands, planning permission has been granted for 27 large twobedroomed luxury apartments – 21 in the existing building and six in a new build to the rear – with an impressive central atrium area, balconies and secure parking for each apartment. These plans can be viewed here.

However, there is some flexibility on the design, as Hinckley and Bosworth Council are keen to bring the building back into residential use. The council have indicated approval for 12 one-bedroomed apartments in the new building, bringing the total to 33 apartments. They have also agreed in principle to plans for 30 two-bedroomed apartments on the main site and 12 one-bedroomed apartments in the new build, making a total of 42. In addition, there is the possibility of building penthouses on the rooftop, creating highly desirable homes with their own outdoor space and farreaching views over the town.

The building is next door to The Crescent, a popular leisure and retail hub in Hinckley’s town centre, with shops, supermarkets, bars, restaurants and a cinema. A few minutes’ walk away are Hinckley Leisure Centre and Hinckley and District Hospital.

Carl Finch, senior valuer at SDL Auctions Graham Penny, said: “This is an amazing opportunity for an enterprising developer to create a highly desirable apartment block in the up and coming centre of Hinckley. Its position next to the new Crescent development, which has rapidly become a destination venue, can only add to the appeal of the apartments and they are likely to become some of the most desirable properties in Hinckley.”

The property has a *guide price of £650,000+ and is freehold with vacant possession upon completion. It will be sold at SDL Auctions Graham Penny’s Leicester auction at the King Power Stadium on Tuesday 12 February.

Entries are still be accepted for the auction; for a free appraisal of your property, click here or call 0116 254 9654 to speak to the auctions team.

With three new neighbourhoods set to be built across the region, the housebuilder is on course to deliver a range of 490 properties suitable for all types of buyers.

Charters Gate in Castle Donington will be the first development to launch in the region, with the doors to the showhome due to open at the end of January.

Once complete, this development will comprise of 660-homes.

Opening in summer 2019, 67 two to five-bedroom homes will be built at Imperial Gardens, in Southwell, Nottinghamshire.

This will be followed by two new developments in Leicestershire, as 88 two to five-bedroom homes will be built in Bottesford, with a further 125 new homes outlined in Sapcote.

Alastair Parsons, area sales director for Miller Homes Midlands, said: “2018 was a great year for Miller Homes, with our teams working really hard across the region to deliver high quality new homes to our customers.

“During 2019, we are confident we can build on last year’s success by launching more developments than ever and helping even more buyers find their dream home. With our ‘Let’s Get Moving’ campaign, our dedicated team are on hand to support the needs of every house hunter.”

I asked my mom if by any chance I was adopted. She said, ‘Why would we choose you?’

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • FEBRUARY 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

New homes taking shape in Houghton on the Hill CONSTRUCTION WORK on the new Ashlington Fields development at Houghton on the Hill, which is set to deliver 70 new homes off Uppingham Road, is now well under way.

• •

Life should be under control and “sorted” by the age of 39, say Brits

According to the study by Beagle Street Life Insurance, we should also have met and fallen head over heels in love with “the one” by the age of 31.

However, in reality most of us still feel we’re a long way off having our life on track, with 44% saying they didn’t think they would ever have their lives completely sorted.

A further 25% admitted their love life was a complete and utter disaster. In fact, 74% of the adults polled admitted they spend more time working out how to put things off than dealing with the hectic realities of modern life.

The majority of us (55%) are a well-meaning bunch who plan to get our lives in order but just never get organised enough to actually do it. Almost two in ten (16%) of those polled claim they just don’t want to get bogged down with serious “adult” worries, while a further 13% take the mañana approach - meaning they’ll worry about it “tomorrow”.

Meanwhile 14% of 18-29 year olds polled said they were too young to worry about the future and just wanted to concentrate on having fun in the here and now.

Matthew Gledhill, Managing Director of Beagle Street Life Insurance, which commissioned the study, said: “I’m sure these survey findings will ring true with a

East Midlands’ housing market on hold for now •

Following full planning approval from Harborough District Council last year, Davidsons Homes is building a range of two, three, four and five-bedroom Georgian and Victorian-style homes to help meet local demand for new housing.

The development includes a play area for local children and new public open space, whilst Davidsons Homes will also be making significant financial contributions towards infrastructure and facilities in the local area as part of the planning agreement, including education, outdoor recreation facilities, the police service, public transport and allotments.

AS WE HEAD into 2019, a new survey reveals the age at which we think we should have our career, love and social lives in order, with Brits insisting we should be settled a year before we hit the big 4-0.

RICS UK Residential Market Survey, December 2018

lot of people. Life goes by at such a pace it’s often hard to get on top of our routine life admin, let alone making sure that we’re ‘living our best lives’.

“Yet almost two thirds of people worry about the effect this lack of control could have on their loved ones. While we reflect on the year just gone and look ahead to the next, perhaps it’s time to refocus on our priorities in life and make 2019 the year we get ourselves sorted!”

The majority of adults (78%) said they struggle to keep on top of the sheer amount of life admin they have to deal with, with 23% saying they find it hard to keep family life on track and a further 16% saying it’s their career that they struggle to stay on top of.

And according to the study a staggering 82% of Brits said they wished they had put more time into planning for the future.

When life does throw us a curve ball the person we’re most likely to turn to is our partner (51%) closely followed by our friends (32%), with a quarter of us turning to our mums for support (rising to over half of under 30s).

Perhaps unsurprisingly, women emerged as the sex who are better at staying in control of their lives (73%), while just 27% said men were top at being organised.

36% of those surveyed said you get better at life as you get older, while 78% said that being in a steady relationship was the recipe for success in life – although, perhaps surprisingly, 22% said they were less in control now they were in a relationship, saying they had more time when they were on their own.

Enquiries, agreed sales, and new instructions all decline in the East Midlands in December Sales expectations point to a further decline over the next few months Price balance for the region remains slightly positive

THE EAST Midlands housing market ended 2018 on a weak note with uncertainty still biting, alongside continuing lack of stock and affordability issues.

The region’s sales volumes dwindled in December, as fewer buyers and sellers enter the market. Looking to the next three months, sales expectations for the East Midlands also remain negative, with the headline net balance of -36% representing the poorest reading since May 2008. The twelve-month outlook has also subdued.

In terms of prices, the headline indicator slipped slightly in December, falling to +11% from +20% in November. In the near term, however, respondents anticipate prices to fall but remain more optimistic at the twelve month outlook, suggesting that some of the near term pessimism is linked to the lack of clarity around what form of departure the UK will make from the EU in March.

Tom Wilson, MRICS, of KingWest in Stamford, commented: “Brexit has reduced liquidity through both vendor and buyer uncertainty without question. People do not appear to be moving unless they have to.”

Domestic issues related to the lack of supply and affordability continue to affect buyer and seller confidence in the regional market. Interest from would-be buyers remains in negative territory in December and the number of new properties being listed for sale continues to fall. Given the cautious nature of would-be buyers and potential sellers, it is little surprise that stock levels on estate agents books are close to record lows in the region, with an average of just 51 properties per branch.

Chris Charlton, FRICS, of Savills in Nottingham, commented: “December was a slow end to the year and the lack of new instructions looks like setting the tone for 2019. However, there are a good number of registered applicants searching for that elusive new house.”

Furthermore, supply issues also remain evident in the lettings market, as landlord instructions also declined once again, rounding off a year in which they have fallen in all bar one of the twelve months.

Simon Rubinsohn, RICS Chief Economist commented: “It is hardly a surprise with ongoing uncertainty about the path to Brexit dominating the news agenda, that even allowing for the normal patterns around the Christmas holidays, buyer interest in purchasing property in December was subdued. This is also very clearly reflected in a worsening trend in near term sales expectations. Looking a little further out, there is some comfort provided by the suggestion that transactions nationally should stabilise as some of the fog lifts, but that moment feels a way off for many respondents to the survey.

“Meanwhile it is hard to see developers stepping up the supply pipeline in this environment. Getting to the government’s 300,000 building target was never going to be easy but pushing up to anywhere near this figure will require significantly greater input from other delivery channels including local authorities taking advantage of their new-found freedom.”

Six building plots in Scalford BENTONS Estate Agents are inviting offers over £500,000 for a 0.7 acre development site with outline planning permission (ref: 17/00011/OUT) for 6 dwellings.

The site – which has bentons.co.uk outstanding views to front side and rear - is situated at Melton Road, Scalford, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LE14 4DW. Sketch proposals depict a courtyard scheme and suggest approximate gross internal floor areas in the region of 1,200 sq.ft. per unit.

For more information or to arrange a viewing, contact Bentons on 01664 563892 or email: sales@bentons.co.uk 47 Nottingham Street, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, LE13 1NN Tel: 01664 563892 | Fax: 01664 410223 | Email: sales@bentons.co.uk London associated office: 121 Park Lane, Mayfair W1 Tel: 020 7079 1518

Would you mind repeating the part where you weren’t talking?

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • FEBRUARY 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Aitchison Raffety announces latest promotion AITCHISON RAFFETY, a leading practice of chartered surveyors and town planners, is pleased to announce the promotion of Hayden Todd to an Associate Director within their Planning division.

Hayden, based at the company’s Berkhamsted office, joined Aitchison Raffety in 2014 having previously worked within several local authorities planning departments, including the London Borough of Harrow, London Borough of Newham and St Albans City and District Council.

He has a wealth of experience handling a diverse range of planning related developments, including residential, commercial, employment and mixed use developments. Hayden also has considerable experience in pre-application discussions and undertaking appeals, including Written Representations, Hearings and Inquiries.

Blakes Building Profiles

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SOD CUTTING CEREMONY OFFICIALLY MARKS A NEW BEGINNING AT HEATHCOTE GRANGE A RECENT ‘cutting the sod’ ceremony at Mulberry Homes’ new Heathcote Grange development in Great Bowden celebrated one of the first milestones on the site and marked the official start of the construction work.

Chair of the Harborough District Council, Lesley Bowles, joined the homebuilder’s Land and Operations Director Steve Mitchell for the event on Leicester Lane.

Heathcote Grange is set The ‘cutting the sod’ ceremony taking place at Heathcote to provide a sophisticated Grange selection of three and four bedroom luxury homes, positioned amidst beautifully landscaped surroundings in the heart of Great Bowden.

Councillor Bowles said: “I’d like to thank Mulberry Homes for inviting me along to the site. I am very pleased that this development includes some affordable housing which will help those people who are keen to find a good quality home that is affordable to them.”

Alongside the planning agreement to deliver 50 new homes to the area, Mulberry Homes is also investing in the local area by supporting a range of community facilities including schooling and healthcare.

Heathcote Grange is another opportunity for the homebuilder to further its commitment to Great Bowden, running alongside its current Hursley Park development in the cherished village.

Steve Mitchell said: “It was wonderful to have the opportunity to host this ceremony at Heathcote Grange and we were delighted Councillor Bowles was able to join me to celebrate the opening stages of our progress.

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I was cleaning my flat today when suddenly I thought ... why don’t I just buy a new tyre?

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • FEBRUARY 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Farmhouse packed with potential and Victorian charm

Aggregate Industries carries the load on ‘first of its kind’ Nene Bridge repair STRENGTHENING its position as the go-to supplier for complex renovations, Aggregate Industries’ unique Lytacrete solution has played a pivotal role in the £5 million structural refurbishment of Nene Bridge in Peterborough.

AN IMPOSING Victorian farmhouse in South Derbyshire provides a versatile development opportunity when it goes under the hammer at SDL Auctions Graham Penny’s Derby auction at Pride Park Stadium on Wednesday 13 February.

Built in 1841, the five-bedroomed property retains much of its original character while requiring modernisation and improvement throughout.

Stenson Fields Farmhouse, Stenson Road, Derby, which has a guide price of £385,000+, sits on a level plot of just over an acre with outbuildings, making it ripe for conversion to a range of smaller properties, subject to planning permission. Alternatively, the new owner may prefer to return the property to its former glory as a family home.

Outside, the property sits on just over an acre of land, mainly lawned, with two driveways. It also features a former stable block, latterly used as garages, which could be converted to residential use, subject to planning consent.

Robert Stone, senior valuer at SDL Auctions Graham Penny, said: “There is plenty of charm in this beautiful old farmhouse, and plenty of potential, too. Whether you want a sizeable family home or will seek permission to develop the property, this is the ideal location as it’s a popular residential area which is well placed for commuters.”

The former farmhouse is on the edge of Stenson Fields, not far from open countryside, but with all the benefits of the local community and its amenities. It is just three miles from Derby city centre and convenient for the A50, A38, the Toyota factory at Burnaston, East Midlands Airport and links to the motorway network.

Constructed over the River Nene in the 1970s, Nene Bridge is an award-winning structure, iconic for its ‘v’ shaped pier. As a major traffic route, it provides access to vehicles travelling from the A1 to A47, as well as pedestrians and cyclists going between the north and south of the city. The bridge is currently undergoing extensive refurbishment, including reinforcing the bridge piers and replacing bearings, as part of a repair programme being carried out by Skanska.

Recent inspections of the bridge revealed signs of structural distress to the bearings and cracking to the saddles of the piers. Traditional methods of replacing the bearings were not possible because the ornate architectural design of the original piers did not allow space on top of the piers for jacks to be positioned beneath the superstructure replacing the bearings. In addition, jacking points were not provided within the box girders.

As such, the designers at Skanska considered various options for replacing the bearings and strengthening the piers, whilst remaining sympathetic to the appearance of the original piers. This led them to develop the solution of encasing the piers in reinforced concrete jackets, to strengthen the piers and also to provide jacking platforms for the superstructure lifted to enable the bearings to be replaced. For this solution to work, the concrete used in the jackets needed to be strong enough to strengthen the piers and to carry the jacking loads, self-compacting, to flow around the dense reinforcement, and lightweight, to minimise the additional load on the foundations.

As the first bridge repair of its kind in the UK to deploy this method, Aggregate Industries suggested the use of Lytacrete, a concrete mix using the innovative lightweight secondary aggregate, Lytag, which can effectively reduce the dead load by approximately 25% over normal weight control, while offering the same level of structural performance.

Throughout the project, Lytacrete was placed around the piers, and owing to its high strength and self-compacting nature, this meant the mixture needed to be free flowing to ensure it could be placed around the complex and congested steel reinforcement. As a result, the solution proved ideal for strengthening the pier as well as maintaining its unique ‘v’ shaped design. The concrete can also withstand the jacking of the deck of the bridge to replace the bearings - a core process of the refurbishment.

Over the next 12 months, Aggregate Industries’ robust delivery framework will also ensure all concrete arrives on time and to the exact specification to ensure the concrete is available to surround, rebar and form the required shape.

Simon Wycherley, General Manager at Aggregate Industries, comments: “We’re incredibly proud to be involved in the repair works of Nene Bridge, the first project of its kind to use our Lytacrete solution in this way. Coupled with our on-site technical expertise, we hope our innovative concrete solution ensures this iconic structure lasts the test of time.”

Dan Wood, Site Manager for Skanska Infrastructure Services, said: “Lytacrete has performed well on the Nene Bridge bearings project, successfully flowing around the complex steel reinforcement to form the unique geometry required. I would like to thank Aggregate Industries for taking on board feedback and working with Skanska to refine the mix design to suit the bridge’s unique requirements.”

For more information on Lytag call 01904 727922 or visit www.lytag.com

They say half the secret to success is just showing up. But they won’t tell me where.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • FEBRUARY 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

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First all-female student bricklaying competition launched by Forterra BUILDING PRODUCT manufacturer Forterra has announced Bricklaying Forterra Females (BFF) – the first ever all-female bricklaying competition of its kind in the UK, which will be open to female students and apprentices at UK colleges.

Female student bricklayers from across the UK are being offered the chance to take part in the first allfemale bricklaying competition of its type, organised by Forterra.

BFF is a ground-breaking national contest which aims to find the best female apprentice and student bricklayers in the country, while also encouraging more girls and women to consider bricklaying, and the construction industry in general, as a career. Currently, fewer than 2% of tradespeople in the UK are female, a figure which has hardly changed for over 15 years.

The competition will take place at Havering College in London on March 4th 2019, the first day of National Apprenticeship Week.

There are spaces for 16 female students to take part, which will be filled on a first come, first served basis.

BFF is open to all Junior and Senior female bricklaying students currently at colleges in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and is limited to a maximum of two students per college.

Kerri Chambers, a former Student Bricklayer who is now an Assistant Quantity Surveyor at a London construction firm, and who won a bricklaying competition at Havering College while still training, said, “The industry is always looking for more people to join up, and these days there are more options for women who want to get involved and build a career in the sector.

“It’s great that a company like Forterra is helping to raise the profile of women in bricklaying by organising the BFF competition.

I began my career as a bricklayer when I was 19, and ten years on I’ve managed to progress in the industry.

“I put my success down to having a background in the trades; it’s hard work, but it can lead to a satisfying and rewarding career.”

The competition is supported by the Brick Development Association, the Association of Brick Contractors and Havering College.

Kerri Chambers during her early career as a Student Bricklayer in East London.

The deadline for entries is Thursday, February 14th 2019. If you are interested in applying for a place on BFF, please complete the application form on this link: www.forterra.co.uk/bff Forterra, which is also setting up Construction Hubs at a number of UK colleges in 2019, will be donating its London Bricks to Havering College, to be used during the BFF competition.

Stephen Harrison, Chief Executive of Forterra, said, “As a leading manufacturer of building products, we want to do our bit

in attracting new recruits to the construction industry.

“Construction has always traditionally been seen as maledominated, but there are increasing numbers of women working across the sector, and by organising this new competition we hope more women will be inspired to explore the opportunities it has to offer.”

Bob Noseda, Sector Skills Advisor at Havering College, said, “We’re very proud to be hosting the first BFF competition, and look forward to welcoming female bricklayers from across the country to take part in the contest during National Apprenticeship Week.”

Tel: 0116 2853 777 Leema Technologies Limited.

The Warehouse, 1a Stamford Street, Leicester LE1 6NL When I ask someone about their weekend, it’s usually because I just want to brag about mine.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • FEBRUARY 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

AUCTION DIARY 2019 February 2019 Wednesday 6th February 2019 LOVEITTS Village Urban Resort Hotel, Canley, Coventry CV4 9GZ 6.30pm start Tel: 024 7652 7789 www.loveitts.co.uk Tuesday 12th February 2019 SDL AUCTIONS Leicester City Football Club, Keith Weller Suite, King Power Stadium, Filbert Way, Leicester LE2 7FL 11.30am start Tel: 0116 254 9654 www.sdlauctions.co.uk Wednesday 13th February 2019 SDL AUCTIONS The Pedigree Suite, Pride Park Stadium, Derby DE24 8XL 11.30am start Tel: 01332 242880 www.sdlauctions.co.uk Wednesday 13th February 2019 KAL SANGRA SHONKI BROTHERS Leicester Racecourse, Oadby, Leicester LE2 4AL 5pm start Tel: 0116 254 3373 www.shonkibrothers.com

Thursday 21st March 2019 SDL AUCTIONS Aston Villa FC, Holte Suite, Trinity Road, Birmingham B6 6HE 10.30am start Tel: 0121 233 5046 www.sdlauctions.co.uk Thursday 21st March 2019 LOVEITTS Village Urban Resort Hotel, Canley, Coventry CV4 9GZ 6.30pm start Tel: 024 7652 7789 www.loveitts.co.uk

April 2019 DATE TO BE CONFIRMED KAL SANGRA SHONKI BROTHERS Leicester Racecourse, Oadby, Leicester LE2 4AL 5pm start Tel: 0116 254 3373 www.shonkibrothers.com Wednesday 3rd April 2019 COTTONS Aston Villa FC, Villa Park, Birmingham, B6 6HE 11am start Tel: 0121 247 2233 www.cottons.co.uk

Thursday 14th February 2019 SDL AUCTIONS Aston Villa FC, Holte Suite, Trinity Road, Birmingham B6 6HE 10.30am start Tel: 0121 233 5046 www.sdlauctions.co.uk

Monday 8th April 2019 SDL AUCTIONS Leicester City Football Club, Keith Weller Suite, King Power Stadium, Filbert Way, Leicester LE2 7FL 11.30am start Tel: 0116 254 9654 www.sdlauctions.co.uk

Friday 15th February 2019 SDL AUCTIONS Nottingham Racecourse, Colwick Park, Nottingham NG2 4BE 11.30am start Tel: 0115 958 8702 www.sdlauctions.co.uk

Tuesday 9th April 2019 SDL AUCTIONS Nottingham Racecourse, Colwick Park, Nottingham NG2 4BE 11.30am start Tel: 0115 958 8702 www.sdlauctions.co.uk

Wednesday 20th February 2019 COTTONS Aston Villa FC, Villa Park, Birmingham, B6 6HE 11am start Tel: 0121 247 2233 www.cottons.co.uk

Thursday 11th April 2019 SDL AUCTIONS The Pedigree Suite, Pride Park Stadium, Derby DE24 8XL 11.30am start Tel: 01332 242880 www.sdlauctions.co.uk

March 2019

May 2019

Wednesday 13th March 2019 SHONKI BROS L S SANGRA Leicester City Football Club, The Gallery, King Power Stadium, Filbert Way,Leicester LE2 7FL 5.30pm start Tel: 0116 255 7573 www.shonkibros.com

Wednesday 15th May 2019 SHONKI BROS L S SANGRA Leicester City Football Club, The Gallery, King Power Stadium, Filbert Way,Leicester LE2 7FL 5.30pm start Tel: 0116 255 7573 www.shonkibros.com

RugGear RG725 – the right tool for good communication in harsh worksites The key to good communication in a harsh working environment is the right “tool”.

RugGear, leading manufacturer of rugged mobile devices, offers the ideal solution for that – the RG725.

A device as flexible and quick to use as a walkie-talkie but with all the advantages of a full-fledged smartphone based on Android™ 8.1 Oreo™. The new RG725 is the ideal companion in any environment where you need reliable and stress-free communication at the touch of a button.

Push-to-talk oriented RugGear RG725 is built with Best-in-class Push-to-talk oriented design for industrial users to boost communication and workflow efficiency in a variety of work situations. A dedicated tuning knob makes channel selection quick and precise so you can talk with the right crew member by only pressing the large PTT button. An additional highlight is the locked headset connector - a PTT headset 13-pin port, also known as Direct Radio Connect.

Rugged and reliable Even in extreme situations and in very harsh environments and worksites the RG725 will remain fully functional. A huge battery and an extra loud >105 dB front speaker provide best performance on noisy construction sites. MIL-STD-810G ensure perfect and durable performance in every situation.

The perfect working tool for security RG725 is the perfect working tool for everyone who needs to ensure reliable communication in difficult operating conditions.

A very strong 4x LED ultra-bright torch which is functioning as a flashlight in patrolling at night and a long lasting 5000 mAh battery make the device a durable partner in any situation – even emergencies at dark can be recorded instantly with a single press of the camera button.

Seamless setup for the whole team “We really designed it for users in the field who need to communicate efficiently with their peers,” comments Oliver Schulte, CEO of RugGear, on the development process of the new RG725. “It is a device that can serve many different functionalities in a variety of work situations”.

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As a painter, I’m proud to say some of my work is on show in the National Gallery. I did the skirting boards.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • FEBRUARY 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Wigston premises in high demand

THREE DEALS completed by Andrew + Ashwell on industrial property along a single Wigston road highlight continued demand for prime local premises.

With a major deal achieved on warehousing in Pullman Road earlier this year, the commercial property specialist has just completed the sale of further premises at 50 Pullman Road.

Completion followed exceptional levels of interest that ultimately went to sealed bids, resulting in a purchase price well above the client’s expectations. A further sale of premises in Pullman Road, negotiated by Andrew + Ashwell, is also imminent.

Covering 5,845 sq ft (543 sq m), the semi-detached warehouse premises has been purchased by local textile company Mars Knitwear.

The purchase follows the sale and letting earlier this year negotiated

by Andrew + Ashwell on neighbouring premises at 56 Pullman Road, subsequently leased to local hospice charity LOROS. The single-story warehouse is now a LOROS out of town superstore selling recycled furniture, homewards and clothing, with an onsite café, easy parking and drop off for donations.

Next-door is a further property has been sold by Andrew + Ashwell just prior to Christmas. This two-storey factory premises of 22,250 sq ft, with a secure yard and parking, sold in excessive of the asking price of £1.2m, having received multiple bids.

Rotherhill Developments sell 1.4 acre site in Melton Mowbray A 6,297FT² INDUSTRIAL unit on a 1.4 acre site in Pebble Bank, Acres Rise, in Melton Mowbray in Leicester has been sold for an undisclosed sum.

The site, located on a securely gated and fenced site, was launched to the market for sale with vacant possession, by FHP, on the back of a tenancy expiry. And, within a quick marketing period, an offer from Crouch Recovery was accepted representing another excellent purchase and disposal by Rotherhill Developments.

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Bid submitted for £10million for range of city transport schemes in Leicester LEICESTER City Council has submitted a bid for £10million of Department for Transport funding for a range of city transport schemes.

The bid – as part of the council’s Transforming Cities work – would secure investment for major projects focusing on walking, cycling and bus infrastructure across the city, in schemes supporting the local economy and linked to improving air quality.

Cities and regions across the UK are bidding for a share of £1.2bn of Department for Transport funding.

Leicester is one of 10 cities, selected from 27 that originally applied, initially invited to bid for a share of £60million in the first phase of the initiative, for schemes to be delivered in 2019/20.

Submitted schemes include high-quality walking and cycling links to the south and east of city centre, to better connect the city centre with neighbourhoods and both universities. In the north of the city centre, better links are planned between the city centre and neighbouring regeneration areas at Pioneer Park as well as nearby communities.

A public bike share scheme is also being proposed, to help people travel between the city centre, workplaces, universities, hospitals, new regeneration areas, football and rugby grounds and nearby neighbourhoods.

In each case, the work would build on successful travel initiatives and investment made under the Connecting Leicester programme, in order to encourage more cycling and walking.

There are also proposals to have electric buses initially running on the Birstall Park and Ride route, along with the associated infrastructure allowing the electric vehicles to be charged over night at the Birstall Park and Ride site. The service is designed to cut congestion on the busy A6 corridor, and using electric buses rather than the existing diesel stock would help cut air pollution in the city.

Smart ticketing would also be rolled out across the city’s bus network, to simplify payment methods using contactless credit cards and mobile phones. This would significantly reduce passenger boarding time on buses, making services timetables more reliable and potentially cutting journey times.

City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “In submitting this bid to the DfT, we have put forward a number of schemes to build on the work of Connecting Leicester and continue to improve transport links across the city.

“A share of the DfT funding would enable us to bring forward some very significant schemes focusing on better transport infrastructure to support the city’s economy, using smart transport technology and encouraging more people to use buses, walking and cycling networks connecting more areas of the city.”

The city council is expecting to hear from the DfT whether it has been successful later in February 2019.

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.

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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 • FEBRUARY 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

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Guide Price: SYSONBY LODGE NOTTINGHAM ROAD, MELTON MOWBRAY, LE13 0NU The 4-acre site - at Sysonby £2.3 - £2.6 Lodge, Nottingham Road, Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE13 0NU - is Million approached by a security gated road.

The planning permission includes 10 SUPERB RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT SITE IN A PARKLAND SETTING WITH PLANNING PERMISSION FOR 34 DWELLINGS INCLUDING CONVERSION OF A dwellings forming a conversion of the former Lodge and 24FREQUENTED stylish BY HISTORIC GRADE Hunting II LISTED FORMER HUNTING LODGE WINSTON CHURCHILL AND THE VANDERBILTS ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF THIS POPULAR MARKET TOWN. and well thought out new builds within the grounds.

There will be no total site area is just over 4 acres and is approached by a security gated road. The requirement for any affordable/socialThe housing. planning permission includes 10 dwellings forming a conversion of the former Hunting Lodge and 24 stylish and well thought out new builds within the grounds. A particular Guide Price: £2.3-£2.6 million. feature of this site is that there will be NO REQUIREMENT FOR ANY AFFORDABLE/SOCIAL HOUSING. Viewing strictly by appointment with the sole agents, Viewing is strictly by appointment with Shouler & Son, on the sole agents.

01664 410166 or email: housesales@shoulers.co.uk Tel: 01664 410166 www.shoulers.co.uk

£70 million Homes England funding brings thousands of new homes to Northamptonshire AROUND 8,500 new houses will be built in Northamptonshire following a funding injection from Homes England, the government’s housing delivery agency.

AllELLENRIPLEY you have to do to go into the draw is find - and mark a line HANSOLO Located within an hour of London and Birmingham and inside the through - the names of THE 12 GREATEST MOVIE CHARACTERS INDIANAJONES Cambridge/Oxford corridor, the two new residential schemes will help (according to EMPIRE magazine).

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JOHNMCCLANE The developments in Kettering and Wellingborough have been made MARTYMCFLY Send your marked entry forms to: THE NAME’S BOND, possible with a £70 million loan from Homes England.

MICHAELCORLEONE Leicestershire Builder, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to The schemes have a projected combined value of £2.5 billion over their THEDUDE arrive

by MONDAY 18th FEBRUARY 2019. Please remember to lifetime, which is estimated to be 20 years.

THEJOKER fill TYLERDURDEN in your name and address. The sender of the first correct entry The agency has agreed the loan as part of its £4.5 billion Home Building drawn out of the hat will win the £20 Gift Card. Good luck!

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already in the ground as builders set about delivering 8,500 much-needed homes so more people can realise their home-owning dream.

“We are making the housing market work, and Homes England’s £70m loan will unlock the development so we can invest in the properties our country needs.”

Speaking of Homes England’s role in delivering the sites, Sir Edward Lister, Chairman of Homes England said: “We’re working with partners across the country to ensure land is available to build more new homes where they’re most needed.

“Providing infrastructure upfront is key to unlocking significant housing growth and Homes England’s investment in Kettering and Wellingborough will enable two major housing projects to be delivered after many years of delay.”

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Last Month’s Wordsearch Winner was: BOB FISHER of Woodville Road, Leicester.

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If you enjoy reading Leicestershire Builder, please pass it on to a friend or colleague after you’ve finished with it. Thanks!

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • FEBRUARY 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

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RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY Land North of Stanion Road, Brigstock, Northamptonshire An opportunity to acquire approx. 4.93 ac (1.99 ha) of residential development land with an allocation in the Brigstock Neighbourhood Development Plan for a minimum of 25 dwellings.

- Sought-after village location - Walking distance of local amenities - Freehold with VP on completion To be sold as a whole by informal tender with bids being sought by 13:00 on Friday 8th March 2019.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Agent: Richard Pitt T: 01509 633736 E: richard.pitt@matherjamie.co.uk Mather Jamie Ltd, 3 Bank Court, Weldon Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 5RF

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AVAILABLE FROM THE AGENTS ON REQUEST

Andrew Granger & Co expands team of Chartered Town Planners THE PLANNING & Development Department at a Leicestershire-based Estate Agency and Chartered Surveyors has expanded its team of Chartered Town Planners after one of their members of staff completed a two year assessment.

Adam Murray, (right), a Planner at the Market Harborough office of Andrew Granger & Co. has recently passed Royal Town Planning Institute’s (RTPI) Licentiate Assessment of Professional Competence (L-APC) which means he has been elected as a Chartered Member of the RTPI. In order to become a Chartered Town Planner, Adam was required to undergo a rigorous assessment procedure, demonstrating a minimum 24 months’ professional planning experience through three written submissions and maintaining a log book covering a minimum of 12 months’ experience.

“The RTPI is the recognised professional body for planning, so gaining chartered status is the ultimate recognition of my professionalism as a planner,” comments Adam. “It also helps clients as they can be rest assured that they are instructing a planner whose abilities have been recognised by their professional body.”

Stephen Mair, a Director at Andrew Granger & Co. acted as Adam’s sponsor and corroborator during the process. “Adam’s chartered status proves his skills and professionalism as a Planner,” comments Stephen.

“We are delighted for him and know that his new accreditation will greatly enhance his importance to the company as a key figure in our busy planning department.”

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