June 2015 lb

P WIN A VITWO R O MEAL FAT

Leicestershire e n i z a Mag

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

Melton land for 6 detached properties

INDUSTRY AWARD FOR FORMER SHOE FACTORY

BENTONS Estate Agents are offering a rare opportunity to acquire approximately 1.02 acres of prime building land within a delightful leafy setting with an impressive private approach within walking distance of Melton Mowbray town centre.

The land - at Ankle Hill, Melton Mowbray, Leics. has outline planning consent for six detached properties including four houses and two bungalows with the potential for a higher density development if required (subject to an any necessary consents/approvals).

With the potential for an electric gated private community and with all main services available, the site is also offered with topographical survey, ecology and tree reports completed.

A full set of all drawings and reports are available at the Melton Borough Council website www.melton.gov.uk, application number 15/00028/OUT. Planning consent was granted on 1 March 2015.

Offers In The Region Of £600,000 are invited.

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

THE REGENERATION and refurbishment of a former shoe factory in the heart of South Wigston, Leicester has been recognised with an RICS East Midlands Award.

WINNERS: George Clarke, Channel 4’s Restoration Man presents the RICS East Midlands Residential Award to (l-r) Peter Stuart (NM Building Ltd); Maria Willis (RICS judge); Jim Patman (emh group) and Rob Forbes (rg+p Ltd).

The Stamford Shoe Works factory, on Canal Street, won in the Residential category, which celebrates how property professionals develop, regenerate and conserve their environments.

Representatives from project partners, rg+p Ltd, NM Building Ltd and emh group were presented with the award by Channel 4’s Restoration Man, George Clarke at Leicester’s Curve Theatre.

Situated in the South Wigston Conservation Area, the £1m Canal Street scheme has seen the skilful and sympathetic refurbishment of a derelict eyesore into 12 modern, affordable homes. Designed to best utilise all available space within the site’s triangular footprint, the building contains a semi-recessed basement creating CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 ...>

Advert & Article Deadline is 15th of each month - Magazine out on 1st of each month

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

Award-winning scheme Continued from page 1

ground level duplex apartments together with upper level homes featuring mezzanine bedrooms.

This layout enabled maximum natural light to permeate through timber frame windows, all of which were recreated to exact original specifications.

“Designing this scheme to meet the needs of modern living whilst not compromising the building’s heritage was a complex process,” explains David McSwiney, associate at rg+p. “We worked closely with the conservation team; producing sample timber windows, brickwork and pointing to ensure the external façade retained its character whilst also adhering to current building standards.

Winning this award is a fantastic endorsement for the whole team’s efforts.”

The successful transformation of Canal Street has acted as a catalyst for further regeneration in the area, with the design team submitting a planning application for a similar conversion to the neighbouring disused factory.

Robert Jones, business development manager at NM Building added: “As main contractor, NM Building is pleased

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Farm buildings for conversion in Norton Juxta Twycross

PROJECT: The former Stamford Shoe Works in South Wigston has been refurbished into new affordable homes.

HOWKINS & HARRISON are offering a unique opportunity to acquire a range of traditional farm buildings and farmhouse set within a courtyard with planning consent for 4 residential conversions, one new-build and retention and refurbishment of the farmhouse. to have delivered this refurbishment project for emh group, working again in partnership with rg+p. This award is a great reflection on the whole team for their hard efforts on this fantastic project.”

Jim Patman, development director, emh group said: “There is more to addressing the housing crisis than building new homes.

Making the best use of existing buildings is equally important, and with this project rg+p has shown how it can be done effectively and to a very high standard.”

Work on Canal Street commenced in February 2014 and was completed in January 2015. The full project team comprised rg+p Ltd, NM Building Ltd, emh group, Ridge & Partners and Diamond Wood & Shaw Engineers.

The property Manor Farm, Wood Lane, Norton Juxta Twycross, CV9 3QB - occupies a site extending to approximately 1.08 acres.

For more information, or to arrange a viewing appointment, contact Howkins & Harrison on 01827 721380.

Tim Vine Makes Us Laugh ...

I phoned the local gym and I asked if they could teach me how to do the splits. He said, “How flexible are you?” I said, “I can’t make Tuesdays.”

I was in this restaurant and I asked for something herby. They gave me a Volkswagen with no driver.

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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The inclusion of any group or organisation in this publication does not necessarily imply a recommendation of its aims, methods or policies. Builder Magazines cannot be held responsible for the information disclosed by advertisements, all of which are accepted in good faith.

Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine, but no liability can be accepted for loss or inconvenience caused as a result of error or omission.

Builder Magazines reserves the right to amend, shorten or refuse to publish articles and/or advertisements submitted for publication. All property details contained within this magazine are to be regarded as being for outline guidance only. All potential interested parties are requested to check individual availability of premises for accuracy of details with the relevant selling agents before proceeding further.

For details of our Advertising Rates: visit www.buildermagazines.co.uk

I am at my most dangerous when I almost know what I am doing.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

Prime development site

Developer announced for New Walk Centre site

“End the uncertainty in the property market and let a new generation buy their own homes.”

Election response By Mark Sandall, Joint Managing Director at Andrew Granger & Co, Leicestershire property and planning specialists

H

OUSING has been one of the political footballs kicked around in the 2015 election. It is a crucial factor in the health of our economy, and most people agree we need to make it easier for people to be able to afford to buy their first home.

A NEW development combining office space, shops and homes has been announced for the site of the former Leicester City Council offices at New Walk Centre.

Local developer Ingleby has been chosen as the preferred developer to transform the two-acre site at the junction of New Walk, Welford Road and Belvoir Street.

Initial designs for the new development include two buildings up to five storeys high, with a central tree-lined public square linked to New Walk, and an open thoroughfare connecting the development to Welford Road.

Between them the two buildings will provide 50,000 sq ft of office space, private housing, and a small amount of retail space.

Developers Ingleby will now work with Leicester City Council and go through the formal planning permission process.

Demolition firm DSM brought down the crumbling 1970s New Walk Centre office blocks in February 2015, and are currently clearing the site to be handed over in late May 2015.

Leicester City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “This area of land is a prime development site in the heart of the city and I was determined from the outset that New Walk Centre would be replaced with a development which would be beneficial to the surrounding businesses.

“I’m very pleased with the proposals put forward by Ingleby. They are a local firm which have been involved in a number of successful projects in the city already, such as redevelopment of the former British Gas headquarters in Regent Road.

“They were also responsible for submitting the original planning application for the extension to Highcross.

“The proposals for the New Walk Centre site strike the right balance of mixing residential and business use with open space, and will include buildings of a much more sympathetic scale to the surrounding area.

“We will of course be working closely with Ingleby to ensure that this important site is redeveloped in a way which brings economic benefits to the area and the city as a whole.”

Ingleby is headed by the managing director of developers Sowden Group, Roy Coley.

A spokesman for Ingleby said: “We are delighted to be working with the city council in bringing forward this important key site in the city centre.

“We are local developers employing a local team, all of whom are excited about delivering a quality scheme and bringing much-needed jobs into the city.

“Ingleby will now be working closely with the council to secure the necessary planning and statutory consents before the regeneration works can start, and we anticipate starting on site by the end of the 2015.

“We expect that the first parts of the development will be completed and open for business by the first quarter of 2017.”

The outcome of the 2015 election leaves the future of housing in a slightly better light, with no feeling of uncertainty, which many of us did expect.

The Conservatives say they believe passionately in home ownership and understand that people are finding it harder and harder to get onto the property ladder. They must stick to their manifesto to keep mortgage rates lower, build more homes for first-time buyers and introduce their Help to Buy ISA to support people saving for a deposit.

We are a nation of homeowners by choice yet for many, it is almost impossibly hard to get onto the property ladder for the first time, and that causes disappointment and frustration. Although the Conservatives have some good policies to help people get on to the property ladder, there is no point simply making more finance available unless there are steps to significantly increase the number of homes being built for sale.

Otherwise, the outcome will be yet higher house prices, making the situation worse not better.

We need a government that will take action to keep the property sector buoyant with steps such as creating an easier processes for planning approval. That is especially important for property developers – who take a risk on regenerating our cities with new homes, offices and leisure places - and in the commercial market generally, a part of the property sector that has only recently emerged from one of the worst recessions on record.

Commercial property boom The previous government said it wanted to make the UK the best place to run a business, which if achieved, would translate into a commercial property boom that would generate billions in investment and thousands of jobs. Much more still needs to be done to achieve this but it is a vision we need to keep.

With all areas of our business from residential estate agency to commercial and rural property, we hope that the new government will allow us to respond to new initiatives positively and enable our business to grow.

It’s plain to see that implementing new policies or failing to act will have an enormous impact on the economy and people’s living standards, from the commercial property world to planning and the rural economy and, of course, on whether or not many people will ever be able to own their own home. www.andrewgranger.co.uk

Annesley Woodhouse plot: £60k W A BARNES Estate Agents are offering for sale an individual building plot ideal for the self-builder or speculative developer.

The plot - at Skegby Road, Annesley Woodhouse, Nottinghamshire has planning consent for a three-bed, two-storey detached house.

Offers around £60,000 are invited, and prospective purchasers should be aware that VAT will be chargeable on the sale price.

For more information, contact W A Barnes on 01623 554084 or email: sales@wabarnes.co.uk

Nothing stops a yawn faster than a dog trying to lick inside your mouth.

I’m great at multitasking. I can waste time, be unproductive, and procrastinate all at once.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

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Housebuilding Recovery Gathers Momentum Government must now deliver on manifesto commitments if increases in build rates are to be maintained OFFICIAL statistics released in May show that 40,340 new homes were started in England in Q1 of this year, the highest quarterly number since 2007. The figures show that the momentum from 2014, which saw 137,310 new homes started, up 10% on 2013 and 60% on the trough in 2009, is gathering speed.

The figures from the Department for Communities and Local Government show: • The number of homes started in Q1 is 11% up on Q1 2013 and 41% up on Q1 • 34,210 homes were completed in Q1, the highest number since Q4 2008 Despite this strong growth in housing output, we are still a long way from delivering the 230,000 homes a year needed in England. HBF is now urging the new Government to prioritise policies to support the increases of recent quarters by giving greater certainty to the industry as it plans investment in land and labour.

As an absolute priority the new Government must formally confirm the extension of the Help to Buy Equity Loan scheme to 2020. Introduced in April 2013, this has helped drive the significant rise in private house building over the last two years and enabled house builders to buy land with considerable confidence about future levels of demand.

With build rates increasing and builders looking to get onto new sites sooner, Government must also address the delays in the planning system so that permissions are processed more quickly, and ensure local authorities have sufficient resources and capacity to deal with the increasing volume of applications. Local authorities must also accelerate the production of local plans, an essential element in our plan-led system. A recent survey suggested only a quarter of authorities outside London and the National Parks have put a plan in place since the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was introduced in 2012.

The government also needs to give early attention to its various brownfield policies. The detailed design of these measures will be the key to further boosting housing delivery. Further assistance to get SME’s building again will be vital if the industry is to be able to deliver the volume of homes required.

These latest statistics mirror figures released last month by NHBC showing that more than 40,000 new homes were registered in the UK during the first three months of the year, up 18% on the same period last year, with a 26% rise in private sector registrations; with HBF’s Housing Pipeline reports also showing a steady rise in the number of planning permissions being granted in recent quarters.

John Stewart, Director of Economic Affairs at the Home Builders Federation said: ‘These figures are yet another sign that the house building industry is responding to more positive market conditions, along with the added boost from Help to Buy Equity Loan, to raise housing supply. The last parliament saw the introduction of a range of positive policies that allowed supply to be increased. A combination of improving consumer confidence and the unequivocal success of the Help to Buy scheme has brought about an increase in the realisable demand for new homes, which in turn has allowed the industry to increase output. But despite these increases we are still a long way from delivering the number of homes the country needs.

‘Significant constraints remain, and if the Government is to deliver on its manifesto commitment to further increase build rates we now need to see more action. Maintaining the Help to Buy scheme to 2020 is absolutely essential, as are policies to increase the speed at which land for housing comes forward through the planning system. Swift action by the new Government will allow the industry to maintain momentum and provide decent homes for thousands more people. Increasing housebuilding will also create tens of thousands of jobs and lead to infrastructure and amenity improvements in every part of the country.”

The number of homes started has been gradually increasing since a low point in 2009 following the economic downturn. But this growth in activity accelerated dramatically following the launch of Help to Buy equity loan scheme in April 2013.

Building plot on Oadby/ Stoneygate borders

ANDREW GRANGER & Co are offering for sale a building plot on one of Leicester’s most desirable roads.

The plot - at Knighton Grange Road, Leicester - extends to approximately 0.488 of an acre and benefits from an imaginative and contemporary planning consent to build an iconic modern family home extending to approximately 4,500 sq.feet.

Planning consent was granted by Leicester City Council on 27th February 2015, with the application number being 20141853.

The guide price is £850,000.

For further information, contact Andrew Granger & Co. on 0116 242 9922.

Barn for conversion in Irthlingborough BERRYS Estate Agents are offering for sale a Victorian cottage, granary, farm buildings and outbuildings with gardens and yard, accessed over a private drive.

The property - Freestones Lodge, Addington Road, irthlingborough, Northants. NN9 5UU - has detailed planning consent (15/00370/FUL dated 26th February 2015) for a two-storey extension to the cottage, and conversion of the granary and farm buildings to create a large house and a separate two-bedroom annex.

The south facing properties have extensive views in all directions over open countryside.

The total site area amounts to 12.46 acres (9.8 acres of pasture, 1.97 acres of paddock and gardens and 0.69 acres of Freestones Lodge/outbuildings).

The guide price is £630,000.

For further details, contact Berrys on 01536 532376 or email: kettering@ berrybros.com

The advert booking deadline for the July issue of Leicestershire Builder is 15th June.

Artwork required by 19th June. Thanks!

Don’t worry about walking a mile in my shoes. Just try spending a day thinking in my head.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

Tenders invited for Langham building plot JAMES SELLICKS Estate Agents are offering for sale

BY INFORMAL TENDER a building plot adjacent to Yew Tree Farm, 57 Manor Lane, Langham, Rutland LE15 7JL.

King Richard III Visitor Centre wins RICS East Midlands Award

Planning permission (ref: 2013/0360/FUL) has been granted for a fourbed detached home on a quiet lane with views over fields to the front.

For sale by informal tender with offers to be received in writing on or before 12 noon on Tuesday 14th July 2015. The guide price is £220,000.

For more information, contact James Sellicks on 01572 724437 or email: tim@jamessellicks.com

Focus Consultants working with asra Housing FOCUS CONSULTANTS has won a number of contracts to administer almost £5 million worth of planned improvements to homes run by asra Housing.

It is the second year that the firm has been appointed to run the housing group’s kitchen, bathroom, window and roof replacement scheme.

At the same time, Focus has also been appointed to a fouryear consultants’ framework by asra Housing for contract administrator and stock condition surveyor roles for planned works for properties in the London area and the Midlands.

Partner at Focus Consultants, Keith Butler, said: “Focus Consultants has worked with the asra Housing Group for several years and we are very pleased to be extending our existing close relationship with the group through these contracts and through being appointed to the consultants’ framework.

“Asra is one of the UK’s leading housing and regeneration providers, with a property portfolio of more than 14,000 homes in the Midlands and London, and this work represents a major investment in the group’s housing stock.”

The contracts are being administered by the Leicester office of Focus, which has its headquarters in Nottingham and branches in Holborn in London and at Boston and Aubourn near Lincoln.

Work has now got underway on two contracts, which in total represent almost £2 million worth of new kitchens and bathrooms to around 300 properties in Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire. The projects are due to be completed by autumn.

In addition, the Focus team is also administering a scheme to install almost £3 million worth of new windows, doors and roofs on around 500 properties over the same three counties which starts in the summer and will run until spring 2016.

For more details visit www.focus-consultants.co.uk

THE KING RICHARD III Visitor Centre has triumphed at this year’s RICS East Midlands Awards – winning three accolades and picking up the highly esteemed Project of the Year.

The annual contest, which this year took place at the Curve Theatre in Leicester, celebrates inspirational initiatives in the land, property and construction sectors and the ceremony was hosted by British architect and television presenter,George Clarke.

The winners of the eight individual categories were: • Building Conservation – Lincoln Castle Revealed, Lincoln • Commercial – City Hall, Leicester • Design through Innovation – King Richard III Visitor Centre, Leicester • Community Benefit – Heritage and Outreach Project, Nottingham • Regeneration – Connecting Leicester – Old Town Regeneration, Leicester • Residential – Canal Street, Leicester • Tourism & Leisure – King Richard III Visitor Centre, Leicester • Infrastructure – Connecting Leicester – Old Town Regeneration, Leicester • Project of the Year – King Richard III Visitor Centre, Leicester The award was collected on behalf of the King Richard III Visitor Centre

by Richard Frape, Mark Hobson, Louise Seymore, Emma Lay and Ian Gordon who said, “This was a team effort, we all feel remarkably honored to be part of such a historic project. This has taken 530 years to develop and has not only the whole city, but and region engaged with it the whole world has followed it.”

The King Richard III Visitor Centre is a remarkable project that, following the discovery of the King’s remains, was embraced by the City of Leicester.

The considerable thought behind the design and experience of the project, will likely exceed the 100,000 visitors in the first year, which makes KR3 a crowning glory in Leicester’s tourism and leisure offering.

The Visitor Centre now forms part of the ‘Visit Leicester’ initiative led

by Leicester City Council and is a catalyst for future economic activity in the city. The project represents excellent value for money considering a capital investment of circa £4.5m when compared with the potential future investment it will create.

Commenting on the King Richard III Visitor Centre, Chair of the RICS East Midlands Awards judging panel, Will Evans, of Enterprise Inns, said: “The attention to detail shows the passion behind the project as well as all those involved. It offers a Wow factor which makes it both future-proof and places its location on the historical map now and for many years to come.

“I have no doubt this years’ project will go on to achieve many more accolades and awards over the forthcoming months and years and raise the profile of Leicester as one of the key historical and cultural centres of the UK as it has already demonstrated.”

Winners in four of the categories (Building Conservation, Community Benefit, Design through Innovation, and Regeneration) will now automatically be entered into the national RICS Awards, where they will compete against other leading projects from across the UK later this year.

Accidentally played dad instead of dead when I encountered a bear and now it can ride a bike without training wheels.

Make yourself indispensable at work by hiding everything.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

Quartz Close, Warren Park Way, Enderby, Leicester, LE19 4SA

Sales line: 01772 426 704

www.guesttruckandvan.co.uk info@guests.co.uk Part of the largest Iveco dealership in the UK, with 13 sites across the Midlands

17338 GUE Leicestershire Builders Mag Half Page April 2015.indd 1

I call my mother twice a week. Or as she refers to it, “Never.”

10/03/2015 11:31

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

BSS’s Industry Leading NDC Extends Its Service Even Further In Leicestershire

LEADING supplier BSS Industrial has proudly announced that the expansion of its industry-leading Magna Park National Distribution Centre (NDC) in Leicestershire is complete, creating up to ten jobs in the area, and giving customers access to £50 million worth of stock and delivery options that no one else on the market can offer.

The state-of-the-art facility, which guarantees next day delivery by 7am when ordered from any BSS or Hire-It branch before 5pm, offers a more comprehensive and widely-available range of products than any other market competitor. The extensive range of top named brands is readilyavailable thanks to an additional 38,500 square feet at the warehouse, as well as streamlined links with BSS’ other NDC at Cross Point in Coventry.

A newly developed engineering assembly station and machine workshop has also been constructed for seamless product delivery and improved product testing capabilities. This means customers can enjoy even faster dispatch times across a variety of grade A, fully machine-conditioned stock, and ‘to order’ products.

Training and development is also at the heart of the extended facility which boasts a fully equipped BOSS™ training room and mock trade counter. The innovative training spaces are available for customers wishing to become familiar with the own brand’s high-quality solutions, whilst running internal courses to boost the knowledge and service provided by its own trade counter teams.

David Rose, Divisional Supply Chain Director for BSS Industrial and the Travis Perkins Group Contract Merchanting Division, said: “This expansion reflects a huge investment from BSS in providing an unrivalled level of service to contractors across the country. Magna Park enables a groundbreaking level of industry service combining unrivalled product choice available within an incredibly short timescale, with excellent training facilities and on-demand expertise. We’re extremely proud of Magna Park and the resulting boost increase in confidence and service satisfaction levels of customers across BSS Industrial branches and Hire-It centres nationwide.”

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Kids Rule The Roost, Study From Barratt Homes Shows FORTY SEVEN per cent of adults in the East Midlands compromise on their own space within the home to accommodate their children’s needs, according to new research from Barratt Homes.

The research revealed that over half of children today (68%) have free run of the entire home, with no space off limits to them, including their parents’ bedroom or the ‘posh’ lounge.

Children’s influence over the home space is certainly increasing when compared with previous generations – with only 39% of today’s adult saying they had free reign of the family home when they were younger.

To enable children to have more dedicated space within the home, one in seven adults (15%) have forgone a dining room, and 6% have sacrificed space to store and use fitness equipment. Children within the home today have: • 23% - a play room • 11% - a play area in the garden • 9% - a separate lounge • 8% - a computer room But children continue to rule the roost well into later life too, calling on emotional and financial support from their parents – nearly one in ten (9%) of East Midlands adults have moved back to the family home having previously moved out. Of those returning to live with parents the main causes are relationship break-up (38%) and saving for a deposit (33%).

Of parents polled, Londoners (22%) are the most likely to have children who have moved back to the family home, followed by those in the North East (20%). Parents polled in Scotland are the least likely to have children move back to the family home (5%).

As family life continues to evolve, these changes directly impact what people look for in a new property. The Barratt Homes research highlighted that nearly a third of homebuyers (30%) look 10 years ahead when choosing their home, with a similar number (35%) seeking a property that can easily be adapted as their lifestyle or circumstances change over the years.

This trend isn’t just to accommodate children - multi-generational and extended-family living is now common, with approximately one in four households nationally comprising non-immediate family members such as cousins and grandparents under the same roof.

Speaking about the changing way families are living together, Jan Ruston, Director of Sales at Barratt Homes North Midlands, said: “We continually research and monitor how families use their space at home. There is a big difference in the homes we design for modern family life, compared with those built in the 1930s to meet the needs of families 80 years ago.

“Having a space which families can use in different ways is critical to our customers. Open plan living is increasingly important but at the same time buyers are often looking for some sort of sanctuary space, whether that’s a separate study or an upgraded bedroom.” To find out how you can make the most of the space in a new build home and to understand how Barratt Homes can help you utilise the space you have, visit www.barratthomes.co.uk/New-is/A-place-for-everything

Unfinished barn conversion for sale in Marefield SHOULERS Estate Agents are offering for sale a substantial unfinished barn/stable conversion situated on a large plot with outstanding views over rolling countryside.

The property - Hilltop Stables, Twyford Road, Marefield, Leics LE7 9LQ - is built and ready for its first fix. It will give nearly 2,300 sq.feet of accommodation and has been constructed to a very high spec.

The property stands on approximately one-third of an acre, and there is an adjacent barn and half-acre paddock available to the purchaser separately.

The guide price is £290,000 and there is no chain.

For full particulars, contact Shoulers on 01664 410166 or visit www.shoulers.co.uk

My secret ingredient is letting somebody else cook.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

Builders’ Problems SOLVED

Pre-Action Protocol Problem: I am the MD of a painting and decorating contractor. In 2013, we were awarded the contract for carrying out repairs, painting and decorating to a historic seventeenthcentury stately home in the Midlands. Part of the works was for hanging expensive hand printed wallpaper and we decided to employ a company that was expert in this.

However, the standard of the so-called expert company’s workmanship was very poor and after a few weeks we removed them from site and completed the work using our own in-house employees. We also had to replace a lot of the expensive wallpaper that the company had hung which was quite a considerable sum in itself. This meant that we refused to pay the company any monies it had claimed.

We subsequently heard nothing from the company until May this year, when we received a letter of claim from the company’s solicitors.

They are claiming just over £18,000.00, but because it should be relatively easy to defend, I wish to avoid employing a solicitor and manage the case in-house. I would therefore appreciate if you could explain the Protocol, including what a letter of claim should include and what my response should be.

Steve, Leicester

RESPONSE: Hello Steve. I have previously written about the Pre-Action Protocol (“Protocol”), but because it is so important, it is always worth a further mention.

The Pre-Action Protocol (“Protocol”) came about as a result of the Lord Woolf law reforms back in the late nineties, which introduced the Civil Procedure Rules (“CPR”). These rules now include several protocols for different kinds of dispute such as professional negligence, personal injury, defamation and construction and engineering. These protocols set out how a dispute is to be conducted before a claimant issues any proceedings. It is vitally important for both a claimant and defendant to follow the rules otherwise there is a substantial risk that a successful party’s costs may not be recoverable.

The objectives of the Protocol are: (i) to encourage the exchange of early and full information about the prospective legal claim; (ii) to enable parties to avoid litigation by agreeing a settlement of the claim before commencement of proceedings; and (iii) to support the efficient management of proceedings where litigation cannot be avoided Under the Protocol for construction and engineering disputes, section 3 requires that the claimant (or its solicitor) send to the proposed defendant a copy of what is called a letter of claim. Such a

letter of claim must include such information as a summary of the facts on which each claim is based, the basis on which each claim is made, the nature of the relief required (i.e. damages) and the names of any experts.

Providing you are satisfied that the letter of claim is set out correctly, as the proposed defendant, you must acknowledge the letter of claim within 14 days of receipt and within 28 days of receipt you must respond (although this period can be extended).

Your response should include information such as what facts are agreed, which claims are accepted and those that are rejected, the basis of the rejection. If you are making a counterclaim (ie for replacing the wallpaper that was hung poorly), you should also include this in the response, and the claimant then has 28 days to respond to the counterclaim following receipt of your response.

If you continue to dispute the matter, the Protocol requires a pre-action meeting between the parties and their representatives.

The aim of the meeting is for the parties to agree such matters as what are the main issues in the case and to identify the root cause of disagreement in respect of each issue, and to consider (i) whether, and if so how, the issues might be resolved without recourse to litigation, and (ii) if litigation is unavoidable, what steps should be taken to ensure

British Property Federation responds to Election result

THE BRITISH Property Federation comments on the outcome of the 2015 General Election.

Melanie Leech, chief executive of the British Property Federation, said: “We worked successfully with the Conservatives as part of the Coalition and look forward to continuing that relationship to tackle the key issues impacting on our sector.

“We would like to see the government prioritise a coherent plan to deliver increased housing supply; to follow through on the commitment to fundamentally review business rates, and take action to put in place the right infrastructure – including real estate – that will allow our country to thrive.

“The prospect of an EU Referendum will inject uncertainty into the equation, and it is important to have clarity about its parameters and timetable as soon as possible.

“Our industry has the potential to significantly increase the amount of housing in the UK, regenerate our towns and cities, and contribute significantly to the economy if it is provided with the right legislative framework, and we look forward to working with the next government to achieve this.”

Michael P. Gerard Author background Michael is a Practising Solicitor, Barrister, Chartered Builder, Registered Construction Adjudicator & Accredited Expert in quantum and planning matters. He is Managing Director of Michael Gerard & Co., and a Consultant Solicitor with Edward Hands & Lewis, based in Leicestershire.

that it is conducted in accordance with the overriding objective.

The Protocol is available on line from the Ministry of Justice website. © Michael P. Gerard The advice provided is intended to be of a general guide only and should not be viewed as providing a definitive legal analysis.

Stoney Stanton plot for 4-bed house: £100k HARRISON MURRAY are offering for sale a building plot with planning consent for a 4-bed detached family home.

The land - at New Street, Stoney Stanton, Leics. LE9 4DS - is situated in a rural village location and has an asking price of £100,000.

For more information, contact Harrison Murray on 0116 275 2631 or visit www.harrisonmurray.co.uk

Do regular dogs see police dogs and think, “Oh no! It’s the cops!”?

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

The eyes of a woman can say it all, especially the eye roll part.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

15

EAST MIDLANDS HOUSEBUILDING LAGS BEHIND DEMAND JUST 12,420 HOMES were built between April 2014 and March 2015 in the East Midlands, according to new government figures.

That is 8,080 homes short of 20,500 - widely accepted as the number of new homes needed in the East Midlands every year just to keep up with demand.

The National Housing Federation is calling on the new Government to invest in building new homes, including much needed affordable homes for low rent and shared ownership. It highlights that 4,100 new affordable homes are needed each year in the East Midlands but that just 2,110 were built.

In the past year housing associations have built 2,090 new homes in the East Midlands, while local councils built just 20 over the same period.

Across England, in the four years 2011 to 2014, the total shortfall against the need for new homes totalled 515,340.

The housing backlog has been caused by decades of not building enough, coupled with a growing population as people live longer and the birth rate increases. The last ten years saw the birth of 7 million babies, around the same number that were born in the 1950s when England was building an

Housebuilding stats table for the East Midlands by county average of 230,000 homes a year.

The lack of housing supply is pricing many people out of owning or renting a home in their local area. The average first-time buyer today needs £30,000 in today’s money, almost ten times the deposit required in the early 1980s. Private renters are also struggling, with the average renter in England paying 40 per cent of their wages every month on the roof over their head.

Kate Warburton, External Affairs Manager for the East Midlands at the National Housing Federation, said: “We have a far reaching housing crisis and at its heart is the reality that not nearly enough homes have been built for a generation or more.

“We need urgent action to get more housing of all types built in the East Midlands. Families and young people across the country are crying out for genuinely affordable homes they can rent long term and shared ownership homes to help them on the housing ladder.

“Housing associations are building, but they need a bold government to play its part too and lead the way for new homes. Our new Government has committed to end the housing crisis within a generation, now it must free up land and provide proper investment to make that happen.”

Melton plot: £90k SHOULERS & SON are offering for sale a single building plot with full planning permission for an open plan designed contemporary detached house.

The plot - adjacent to 1 Leicester Road, Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE13 0DB forms part of the driveway and garden to No 1 Leicester Road.

Planning permission (ref: 14/00100/FUL) was granted by Melton Borough Council on 8th May 2014.

The Guide Price is £90,000.

For more information, contact Shoulers on 01664 410166 or visit www.shoulers.co.uk

Seeking distributors for this ...

Matlock Locally designed solution to the plot with problem of noisy, draughty letterboxes consent for 6 dwellings MY NAME is Nick Tucker and many years ago came up with a solution to an age old problem - noisy draughty letterboxes.

I have recently started manufacturing the product - Magflap - which has been developed with a little help from E.U. funding and the help of the Design department at De Montfort University in Leicester.

The product is 99% manufactured and designed and packaged in the Midlands (something I was keen on ) and we have applied for a patent. The product is a truly amazing seal against draughts.

We started manufacturing at the start of November and have the tooling capacity of 40,000 units per tool .The product is selling well through diy shops and Amazon but we are looking for distributors to share in profiting from this unique product. We have also added to the range a new colour (due to customer feedback) satin black and also now supplying display stands foc with orders of 18 mixed colours Visit the website at www.magflap.co.uk for more information.

SCARGILL MANN & CO are offering for sale a building plot in a central location within Matlock town centre.

The plot - at 1 & 3 Knowleston Place, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 3BU - has full planning permission from Derbyshire Dales District Council (ref: 14/00212/ FUL) for redevelopment of the existing buildings to create 2 dwellings and for the erection of 4 new dwellings.

Offers around £500,000 are invited.

For more information, contact Scargill Mann & Co. on 01332 207720 or email: derby@ scargillmann.co.uk

When I see a tyre swing swaying gently in the breeze, I like to believe its daydreaming about life on the open road.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

Development site for 5 dwellings in Newhall SCARGILL MANN & CO are inviting offers in the region of £290,000 for a prime development plot with Outline Planning Permission (ref: 9/2013/0639) for 5 dwellings.

Exciting changes

Local architectural practice celebrates its 30th birthday

The land - at the rear of 61 High Street, Newhall, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE11 0HT - measures approximately 0.5 of an acre.

For more information, contact Scargill Mann & Co. on 01332 207720 or email: derby@scargillmann.co.uk

Grade A offices sold at Pioneer Park

SDS SECURITIES Limited have recently sold no.2 Exploration Drive to the Meason Group. APB, together with their joint agents, Lambert Smith Hampton and Innes England, represented the Vendor.

Exploration Drive was Leicester’s newest Grade A office building, which was completed in 2014. The building fronts directly onto Abbey Lane and opposite the newly constructed ASDA Superstore.

The building totals 12,565 sq.ft of modern open plan office accommodation, benefitting from raised access floors, comfort cooling, and parking for 57 cars. The building was constructed to a BREEAM rating of Very Good and has proved to be somewhat of a landmark building on one of the main arterial routes into the City centre.

Reg Pollock of APB commented “The restrictive planning provision in respect of this property for Research & Development use represented somewhat of a greater challenge. Nevertheless, working with our joint agents we were able to promote the high level of specification, good quality design and layout in respect of the premises which generated a healthy level of interest and eventually resulted in a very pleasing sale to the Meason Group.”

Reg also added “The sale of this Grade A office accommodation clearly demonstrates growing confidence in Leicester’s office market and how the City rivals its neighbouring counterparts as a quality office destination”.

THIS YEAR is a significant one for David Granger Architectural Design Ltd. as they are celebrating not only David’s 40th year in the industry but also the 30th anniversary of the company.

David Granger started the business in 1985, initially working from home, but as he took on staff and the company grew, he moved to offices in Coalville, Derby and Donisthorpe. They are now based at The Old Dairy, a converted barn in Packington, where they have a staff of 14.

There have been big changes in staff, working practices and technology since the company was established and in this 30th year of business they are introducing some exciting changes.

Long standing Directors Stuart Falder and Lesley Moore, and Senior Designers Mark Smalley and Michael Perry have all purchased shares in the business.

Michael and Mark have also been appointed as Company Directors.

Mark started at David Granger Design in 2006 and has a degree in Residential Development. As Development Director, he will be responsible for development projects from feasibility stage through to planning approval, for larger and smaller housing schemes, as well as commercial projects. Mark lives locally with his wife Lisa and daughter Amelia.

He is excited about the future of

FORWARD THINKING: Mark Smalley and Michael Perry have joined the board of directors at David Granger Architectural Design Ltd the business and the opportunities which his new role will bring.

Michael has been with the company for 12 years and holds full membership of CIAT. In his new role as Design Director, he will oversee the design of one-off projects, enabling homeowners to realise the potential of their homes and commercial clients to maximise the value of their assets. Michael lives with his wife Emma, daughter Caitlin and a Pointer Spaniel cross called Davey. He is looking forward to his new role in helping to move the company forward as architecture progresses.

David is delighted that Michael and Mark are bringing their skills and expertise to the management of the business and is excited about new opportunities for expansion and diversification. He is proud that the company is able to offer clients a friendly and professional service in all sectors and throughout the country, including small and large residential projects as well as commercial enterprises such as healthcare, office accommodation and retail.

The appointment of new Directors and introduction of shareholders is a real endorsement of what David Granger Design has achieved and David is confident that it will secure the long term future of the business.

Don’t forget to send us YOUR news!

By the volume of the pans clanging in the kitchen. I think I’m supposed to go volunteer to help with something.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

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I got a job as a store greeter. But apparently “You again?” wasn’t the greeting they had in mind.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

RICS UK Residential Market Survey, April 2015

East Midlands price increases driven by stock shortages • General Election uncertainty see new instructions fall HOUSE PRICES were driven up again in April as the data showed the third consecutive monthly decline in supply with new instructions falling at their fastest rate since May 2009, according to the latest RICS UK Residential Market Survey.

While 11% more surveyors in the East Midlands saw prices rise in April, the highest reading since last summer, new instructions slipped to a net balance of -6% - the thirteenth drop in the last fourteen months in the region. Moreover, the flow on second hand stock onto the market dropped in most parts of the country.

Alongside this, for the first time since August 2014, respondents’ reported an increase in prices in every area of the UK; the reason for this being the shift in tone in the London market where 28% more respondents saw prices in the capital rise (compared with 6% more surveyors in March who saw house prices fall).

Near term member expectations for prices and sales continue to point to relatively modest gains, but 56% of members in the East Midlands expect prices to rise over the course of the next twelve months. Meanwhile, in the lettings sector, there is no slowing in the growth of tenant demand, which is helping to underpin higher expectations for rents.

Although anecdotal evidence suggests that these trends may have in part been a result of uncertainty ahead of the election, they are also reflective of deeper underlying problems. The downward trend in owner-occupation rates across the country is a visible sign that affordability constraints bite ever deeper, as does the squeeze on household budgets from higher rents.

Commenting on the picture in the East Midlands Chris Charlton FRICS, of Savills in Nottingham said: “Surprisingly buoyant market given ‘election fever’. There have been a great number of new listings up to £1.5 million across our region. Concerns will inevitably grow post-election outlook over the next few weeks so we will continue to hold our breath.”

Simon Rubinsohn, RICS Chief Economist, said: “It is conceivable that the decisive outcome to the election could encourage a pick-up in instructions to agents and ease some of the recent upward pressure on house prices but it is doubtful that this will be substantive enough to provide anything more than temporary relief. Alongside an increased flow of second hand stock, it is absolutely critical that new government focuses on measures to boost the flow of new build.’’

Jeremy Blackburn, Head of Policy, said: “The affordability and availability of homes in the UK is now a national emergency and addressing this crisis must be the priority for the new government. The last time we were building 300,000 homes was in 1963 under Harold Macmillan’s Conservative government, which utilized both public and private building.

“RICS calls for a coherent and coordinated house building strategy, across all tenures. This should include measures that will kick-start a supply-side revolution, such as mapping brownfield, addressing planning restrictions and creating a housing observatory to assess the underlying economic and social drivers of housing and provide the impetus for solutions.

“Introducing demand-side measures, such as extending ‘Right to Buy’, will not see the Conservatives deliver on their promise of 1m homes by 2020.”

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Development opportunity in Cosby WELLS MCFARLANE are offering for sale a Grade II Listed Cruck Framed Barn and an ancillary building at Main Street, Cosby, Leicester LE9 1RN. The barn is currently in use by Westleigh Homes as an office in conjunction with their housing development to the rear. The development is now in its latter stages and comprises 29 high quality new homes that offer three bedroom semi-detached family properties, through to four and five bedroom detached houses.

It is understood that the premises have B1 office use (Planning Reference 88/0595/1/LY).

From information provided by the English Heritage website, it is understood that the cruck framed barn is Grade II Listed.

There may be an opportunity for purchasers to benefit from the recent relaxation of permitted development rights, which facilitates the conversion of buildings currently used as office premises (Class B1) into residential dwellings (Class C3) without the need to obtain full planning permission.

Offers in the region of £250,000 are invited.

For more information, contact Andrew McFarlane-Holt or Rupert bendell at Wells McFarlane on 01455 559030.

“The last time we were building 300,000 homes was in 1963 under Harold Macmillan’s Conservative government, which utilized both public and private building.”

Jeremy Blackburn, RICS Good news for claustrophobics: the universe continues to expand.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

Bell Fountain disposal signals upturn for leisure sector

JCT ON DEMAND: New Digital Versions Of JCT Contracts To Fill In Online

JCT has launched its new digital service, JCT On Demand, with two of its popular contracts, JCT Minor Works and JCT Design and Build.

The recent disposal of the Bell Fountain pub restaurant at Wigston marks another successful outcome for recoveries and restructuring expert MIKE ALLWOOD.

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RGUABLY Leicestershire’s only specialist within a complex field of the property market, Mike, a Partner in East Midlands commercial property agent Andrew and Ashwell, believes the leisure sector is beginning to resurface after a long, punishing recession.

Spending time in pubs is all in the line of duty for Mike, but propping up the bar for him literally means the serious business of keeping enterprise up and running.

With more than 20 years’ experience working to save pub, club and hotel buildings across the country Mike knows the leisure sector inside out.

He was called upon to negotiate the sale of a long leasehold interest in The Bell Fountain to pub chain Spirit, which will secure the pubrestaurant’s immediate future. Renamed The Two Steeples Fayre and Square, the venue’s 11,500 sq ft of space includes a huge Wacky Warehouse play area, which makes it a popular place for families to socialise.

Mike has also recently negotiated the sale of a three-star country hotel in the Peak District and has put another hotel on the market in nearby Matlock.

The decline of the Midlands pub scene has been a daunting challenge for the sector in recent years, as Mike explains: “In 2009 UK pubs were closing at a rate of 52 per week, hit by the global recession, not only with falling values, but also a reduction in use, as people cut back on leisure spending. The smoking ban was the final straw for many outlets.”

Further closures involved many traditional working men’s clubs, which, rather than being resold or let within the trade, have often been developed for alternative community use, giving local areas a new focus.

Within a highly competitive industry, invention is key to survival, says Mike.

“Outlets and chains providing a good food offering and diversification in their style of trade tend to be more successful, a trend that is set to continue, as people expect real value.

“General enquiries and demand across all commercial sectors have improved since the start of 2015. The leisure market continues to be more challenging than other sectors, but we have concluded a number of deals recently, which demonstrates improved positivity.

“It is unknown what impact the outcome of the general election will have, but it is hoped the market will continue to move forward.”

JCT On Demand offers a straight-forward platform to enable users to fill in and print their JCT contracts online.

The On Demand versions of the Minor Works and Design and Build contracts also fully incorporate the CDM Regulations 2015 changes, which came into force on 6 April 2015, meaning there is no need for separate amendment sheets.

JCT On Demand’s interview process takes users through the document section by section, ensuring that all relevant areas are completed. Users are also able to view the contract document in progress and complete or amend their answers in-line with the text.

Fully-tracked changed versions of the contracts are produced along with the final black and white copy, showing all user answers. A summary of changes for quick reference is also provided.

In addition to having the convenience and flexibility of instant access to JCT documents, JCT On Demand enables users to: • Complete the contract through an intuitive interview process • Access explanatory notes to help answer the questions • Preview a draft of the contract and make further changes if needed • Save and print drafts • Save and print the final contract • Access completed contracts For more information and to purchase the JCT On Demand versions of the JCT Minor Works or JCT Design and Build contracts, visit http://www. jctltd.co.uk/jct-on-demand.aspx

Sutton-in-Ashfield site for 14 houses FHP are offering for sale a residential development site with planning permission (ref: V/2014/0565) for 14 residential units.

The 0.89 acre site - The Royal Foresters Public House, Coronation Street, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Notts. NG17 5AE - is surrounded by housing to the west, north and east. Playing fields lie to the south.

Section 106 contributions include: • Off site public open space contribution totalling £14,000 • Public Realm Contribution totalling £28,000 Offers in excess of £350,000 are invited.

For more information, contact David Hargreaves at FHP on 0115 841 1131 or email: davidh@fhp.co.uk

My exercise plan is really just reminding myself to stand up every once in a while.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

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I can’t decide if life is passing me by or trying to run me over.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

New housing registrations up 18% in the first quarter of 2015

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Farm buildings for conversion in Derbyshire

NEW HOUSE building figures released in May by NHBC for Q1 2015 show that more than 40,000 new homes were registered in the UK during the first three months of the year, an increase of 18% on the same period last year.

In total, 40,281 new homes (30,691 private sector; 9,590 public sector) were registered, compared to 34,163 (24,428 private sector; 9,735 public sector) registered during Q1 last year.

This represents a year-on-year 26% increase for the private sector, with the public sector marginally down by one per cent.

Figures for March show that 17,210 new houses were registered (12,699 private sector; 4,511 public sector), an increase of 32% registered in the same month last year (13,068; 9,051 private sector; 4,017 public sector).

As the leading warranty and insurance provider for new homes in the UK, NHBC’s monthly registration statistics help to provide new and accurate data on the country’s new homes market.

Commenting on the latest registration statistics, NHBC Chief Executive Mike Quinton said: “Our figures show an encouraging start to 2015 with new housing registrations up 18% on the first quarter of last year. Housing growth levels remain strong across virtually every part of the UK. “However, we have made clear that the UK is still building way below the volumes of homes that we need. NHBC looks forward to working with government to ensure that high quality new housing is a top priority.”

FISHER GERMAN Chartered Surveyors are offering for sale a development opportunity in prime Derbyshire Dales countryside.

The property - Firs Farm Barns, Cubley, Ashbourne, Derbyshire DE6 2EX - comprises a group of redundant farm buildings with planning consent (ref: APP/P1045/A/14/2227868) for conversion to provide 3 separate residential units.

The barns will benefit from a right of way over a private gravelled driveway off the A515. There will be an attractive courtyard area and two car parking spaces per property.

The Guide Price is £205,000. (Please note, the farmhouse is not included in the sale.)

For more information, or to arrange a viewing appointment, contact the Ashby de la Zouch office of Fisher German on 01530 412821 or visit www. fishergerman.co.uk

Aggregate Industries’ Pop-up Gallery showcases latest innovations in concrete AGGREGATE Industries hosted construction industry professionals at a pop-up concrete gallery in Clerkenwell, London, between 6 and 15 May. The exhibition featured a range of eye-catching sculptures and bespoke furniture, all created using concrete. The exhibition also featured a seminar programme, aimed at architects and specifiers, focusing on the new concrete techniques and materials that are enabling innovation in building design and construction.

The Aggregate Industries concrete gallery was curated in the Clerkenwell Gallery, a venue associated with the city’s worldleading creative industries. The first two days of the exhibition coincided with Evolving Concrete, a major new concrete industry conference held in Islington’s Business Design Centre. Many conference attendees visited the gallery post-show to

unwind at an exclusive champagne and canapés reception.

Simon Marriott, Director at Aggregate Industries, said, “London is the centre of the world’s creative industries, of which architecture and construction are a vital part. By showcasing developments in concrete materials and techniques here, we celebrated our industry’s achievements, while enabling visitors to look at the subject differently and identify new paths to success.”

He continued, “Whether its texture, shape or colour, what can now be achieved in concrete is astonishing.

At the same time, there’s evermore control over strength, speed, weight, energy efficiency and cost. While our exhibit physically

demonstrated the art of the possible, our seminar programme explored all of the themes they highlighted in depth.”

For further information, visit www.aggregate.com

I just want to know how vegetarians justify eating potatoes when they have eyes.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

Stamp duty taken care Football club nets £1,000 of by Westleigh in Cosby cash boost with leading developer onside HOME BUYERS in Leicestershire, searching for a new four bedroom home are being encouraged to visit Westleigh’s Hardy’s Yard development in Cosby where the developer is offering to pay the buyer’s Stamp Duty.

Buyer’s purchasing this last four bedroom Hoban style house on-site will also receive free fitted flooring throughout.

The Hoban, a detached family home with garage, offers luxurious living with an impressive master bedroom suite. On the ground floor the hallway provides access to the living room and separate kitchen/dining room with French doors leading out to the rear garden. To the first floor there is a master bedroom with en suite shower room. There are also three further bedrooms and a family bathroom with bath and shower.

Robert Orr, Sales and Marketing Manager for Westleigh, commented, “This is a fantastic offer for people looking to purchase their perfect home in the Cosby area. Not only will we pay stamp duty on the Hoban style house but the buyer will also receive carpets throughout the house free of charge.”

Westleigh is in the process of transforming a former haulage Yard on Park Road, in the heart of Cosby, into 22 high quality new homes, which will provide three bedroom semi-detached family properties, through to four and five bedroom detached homes.

The attractive development boasts picturesque views of the popular village’s 14th Century parish church, St Michael and All Angels and is well served by various local amenities along with Fosse Retail Park, which lies within easy reach. The community has a primary school and the site is ideally placed for easy access to the M1/M69 motorway network. A show home is now open at the development.

Homes at Hardy’s Yard start from £214,950 and all properties are due to be completed on-site by the end of this year.

Westleigh builds contemporary new homes across the region from its base in Whetstone, and designs homes and specifications with modern lifestyles in mind. It ensures its new homes embrace existing buildings, styles and materials, whilst also ensuring the build has a minimal impact on the local environment.

For further information regarding Hardy’s Yard call 0844 264 3100.

Alternatively log on to www.westleigh.co.uk

Leicester Office

22 De Montfort Street Leicester LE1 7GB

0116 2551811

Blaby Office

33 Leicester Road Blaby LE8 4GR

0116 2643430

A LEICESTERSHIRE-BASED amateur football club has secured a £1,000 cash boost from leading homebuilder David Wilson Homes to aid it in continuing to succeed and expand.

The five star developer donated the money in sponsorship of Blaby and Whetstone Athletic FC, who play their home matches near to the company’s Whetstone Park development.

Having celebrated many successes in recent years and gone from strength to strength, the club now boasts 17 junior and youth teams ranging from U7s through to U16s, four girls teams, an ‘Old Boys’ side and U4s, 5s and 6s alongside its senior team.

Mark Jenkins, Blaby and Whetstone Athletic FC Chairman, said: “The club relies on sponsorship from generous companies like David Wilson Homes, which allows us to provide better facilities and services to aid not only our senior team, but players across all levels, in continuing to progress.

“Everyone involved with the club is extremely grateful for the donation and support we have received from the company.”

Money from sponsors helps to pay for ground maintenance, new kit, physiotherapy treatment, transport, league fees and match official costs, all of which give the senior team the opportunity to compete in higher leagues.

Striving to play at the highest possible level requires additional ground improvements, which in turn means better facilities for all players across the club.

Steve Smith, Sales Director at David Wilson Homes East Midlands, said the homebuilder was delighted to be able to assist the club. He said: “As a homebuilder we pride ourselves in being able to truly support the communities in and around our developments. We endeavour to get involved with local organisations and individuals as often as we can, to contribute to the great work which they do.

“Sports teams like Blaby and Whetstone Athletic FC provide excellent opportunities to bring residents together, so it’s a pleasure to be able to support them and we look forward to seeing how the team progresses this season.”

Coalville Office

39-41 Belvoir Road Coalville LE67 3PD

01530 835041

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

Don’t be part of the problem, be the whole problem

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

My mum just texted me the wifi password for the hotel she’s staying at because “it’s free”.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

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If we’re in a situation where I am the “voice of reason,” then we are in a very very bad situation.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

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What if Google doesn’t know?

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

Quadrant Approved Inspectors are an independent, locally based, licensed alternative to using local authority building control.

We provide a professional yet common sense approach to Building Regulation approval. Ask your Architect to talk to us – or call us direct.

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An easy way to kill off mice in your house is to leave tiny motorcycles everywhere but no helmets.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

Leicester City Affinity Sutton (c/o Agent: Kevin Davis, DJD Architects, 2 St Oswalds Road, Worcester WR1 1HZ) - Change of use from office to residential - at 79 Gipsy Lane, Leicester.

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust (c/o Agent: Tim Wilson, P+HS Architects, Queens House, 34 Wellington Street, Leeds LS1 2DE) - Single storey extension at side of hospital - at Glenfield Hospital, Groby Road, Leicester.

GK Fashion Ltd (c/o Agent: Ravi Panesar, RP Design Ltd, 33 Launde Road, Oadby, Leicester LE2 4HH) - Two storey factory - at Former Klynton Buildings Site, Corner of Gaulby Street and Frisby Road, Leicester.

ARC Fabrics Ltd (c/o Agent: RG+P, 130 New Walk, Leicester LE1 7JA) - Erection of 8 flats - at 95-97 Cavendish Road, Leicester.

Mr Alex Frazer (c/o Agent: Michael Simmons, Critical Mass Architects Ltd, The Studio@Cappy’s Cottage, Croft Road, Ogwell, Newton Abbot, Devon TQ12 6BA) - Renewal of planning permission 20120360; change of use of house and twostorey outbuilding into 2 selfcontained flats , plus single storey extension at rear - at 25 Avenue Road Extension, Leicester.

Mr Marc Jones (c/o Agent: John Rickman, 16 Oakenshaw Close, Leicester LE4 2RJ) - Demolition of building and erection of two-storey building for 2 flats - at 23 Moorgate Street, Leicester.

J D Zencare Ltd (c/o Agent:David Green, ADM Surveyors Limited, 3A The Parade, Needham Avenue, Glen Parva, Leicester LE2 9JW) - Twostorey extension to front and first floor extension at side of care home for 10 bedrooms - at Leacroft, 120 Colchester Road, Leicester.

X-Train Fitness Ltd (c/o Agent: Mrs Varsha Tailor, DT Designs Ltd, 74 Wyvern Avenue, Leicester LE4 7HH) Change of use from bakery to creche facility and gym, plus single storey rear extension - at Central House, Great Central Street, Leicester.

Gingerbread Nurseries & Playgroups (c/o Agent: Jonathan Weekes, Aitchison Raffety, The Granary, Spring Hill Office Park, Harborough Road, Pitford, Northants.

NN6 9AA) - Partial demolition of existing building, change of use from dwellinghouse to nursery, alterations & two-storey detached building to side - at 223 Spencefield Lane, Leicester.

Continued overleaf ...>

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DEMOLITION UNDERWAY OF THE FORMER PICK & SHOVEL PUB WORK IS progressing well on a new, £2.2m affordable housing scheme in the centre of Coalville, Leicestershire, with demolition of the former Pick & Shovel public house nearing completion.

Local engineering consultancy M-EC, based in the neighbouring village of Ibstock, has been commissioned to undertake all engineering works on the scheme, which is being built by Lindum Construction on behalf of emh group.

M-EC has undertaken a topographical survey, utilities enquiries, ground investigation works and highways negotiations, as well as preparing a flood risk assessment, drainage TAKE YOUR PICK: (L-R) Darren Leather, site manager (Lindum designs and structural survey for the Construction) with Eddie Mewies, managing director (M-EC) whole site. and Andy Barradell, affordable housing manager (Lindum The consultancy has also produced a Construction) checking plans during demolition of the former detailed method statement specifically Pick & Shovel public house in Coalville. for the demolition, as the site shares a party wall with an adjacent building.

To avoid any damage, M-EC has designed an underpinning system for the party wall, including suitable temporary propping/support, and is conducting regular site inspections.

“This site has been the subject of much public interest and as a local business, we were excited to be co-opted onto the team involved in its transformation,” commented Eddie Mewies, managing director at M-EC. “With a number of constraints to consider, namely close proximity to the busy High Street and the shared party wall, we needed to devise a support system that would enable Lindum to demolish the former public house safely and with as little disruption as possible. Work on this phase is nearing completion and to date, all parties have managed this complex process successfully.”

Derelict since 2006, the former public house is making way for a new development of 14, one bedroom homes to be managed by emh homes, the social landlord arm of emh group.

Andy Barradell, affordable housing manager, Lindum Construction added: “As an employee owned company based in the region, we take great pride in building quality homes for the benefit of the local community. By working hand in hand with our partners and suppliers, our ‘teamwork’ approach delivers best results. When selecting specialists to join our project team we firstly consider their ‘proven capability’, then their location, as we try to employ local contractors and suppliers where possible in order to further benefit the local economy. We are pleased that with M-EC we have found a local company which has the expertise we require and is now a valued member of the team working hard to ensure the successful completion of this project for our client emh group and the residents who will live in the new homes being created.”

Due for completion in April 2016, the scheme has been designed by Leicester-based rg+p Ltd.

Residential development opportunity in Desborough BERRYS Estate Agents are offering for sale a detached house requiring modernisation at 77 Harrington Road, Desborough, Northants NN14 2NJ.

Calling local BUILDERS and DEVELOPERS

KAL SANGRA Shonki Brothers Estate Agents are offering for sale a residential development site for 6 four-bed dwellings on Hinckley Road, Leicester Forest East, Leicester LE3 3PG.

send us your postal address and we’ll add you to our rotating mailing list.

Fantastic!

The 0.42 acre site is level and rectangular, and originally formed part of the adjoining Red Cow Public House’s car park.

The asking price is £650,000 plus VAT. For more details, contact Kal Sangra Shonki Brothers on 0116 254 3373 or visit www.shonkibrothers.com

Email: info@ buildermagazines. co.uk

The property comes with outline planning permission (KET/2015/0147) for 2 further detached dwellings in the gardens.

The price guide is £425,000.

For further details, contact Berrys on 01536 532376 or email: kettering@ berrybros.com

Site for 6 dwellings in LFE

When I was young, I was afraid of the dark. Now, when I get my electric bill, I’m afraid of the light.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

Young Painter of the Year Regional Heat at South Leicester College LAST MONTH SAW the regional heat of the Johnstone’s 2015 Young Painter of the Year, held at South Leicestershire College (SLC).

The event assessed the students painting and decorating skills including, setting out a design, working to a technical specification, applying different types of Johnstone’s Trade paint, selecting and using application tools, applying stencils.

James Surtees – Technical Applications Consultant at Johnstone’s, a part of PPG Industries, and one of the judges said, “The competition is a great way to showcase the talent of young painters and decorators. The competition gives us at Johnstone’s the opportunity to invest in the next generation.”

The students, all studying Level 1 or 2 Painting and Decorating courses or apprenticeships, had just 6 hours to turn their brief into a real work of art and the competition was tense and exciting as they all strived to reach the highest standard of work possible.

Paul Thornewell, a tutor at the Centre for Built Environment at SLC, commented, “The students have worked hard and the quality of work being showcased today is outstanding. It’s a testament to the commitment to their courses and their talent.”

Liz Clements, a Level 1 Painting & Decorating student, was representing SLC and told us, “The design was technical and challenging, but I really enjoyed the day and I got to use the skills I have learnt so far on the course.”

Apprentices from Waterloo Housing Group, Kurt Harris and Huw Hill, who are studying NVQ’s at SLC, both put in sterling performances and told us they both “enjoyed the competition even though it was tight to get everything completed in the time.”

Peter McParland, – Technical Applications Consultant at Johnstone’s Paints, who was one of the judges said, “This heat has been one of the closest so far, the standard was high across the board and shows the real talent there is coming through into the industry.”

The event which attracted 20 students from across the region, saw Rhiann Iglesias of SLC win on the day and receive £100 prize money with Liam Barber of Accrington and Rossendale College as the runner up winning £30.

All the students who entered the competition took home a goodie bag from Johnstone’s.

Rhiann was happy to have won the heat and said, “It was a little bit stressful but I stayed calm and worked through the design. I’m really happy at having won and am looking forward to the final though I am a bit nervous as I know it is going to be an even more technical design. I’m glad my hard work over the last two years has paid off.”

Rhiann will now be heading off to the National Finals at the Painting & Decorating Show at the Ricoh Arena, 1st – 2nd December 2015. If you want to know more about Painting and Decorating courses or Apprenticeships at SLC give them a call on 0116 264 3535

An Advert this size costs just £15.00 plus VAT. If you’d like to advertise in Leicestershire Builder, contact Mike Wilkinson on 01530 244069 or email: info@ buildermagazines. co.uk

Dr Bentley & Partners (c/o Agent: Lee Hankins, BRP Architects, 1 Millers Yard, Roman Way, Market Harborough, Leics. LE16 7PW) Single storey extension at front of doctors surgery - at 155 Downing Drive, Leicester.

Mr P Latif (c/o Agent: Paul Bowler, AP Design & Surveying Ltd, 29 Horsley Road, Kilburn, Belper, Derbyshire DE56 0NE) - Singlestorey extension at side and rear of light industrial unit - at 132-138 Charnwood Street, Leicester.

Jamie Lewis Residential Lettings (c/o Agent: Lee Staniforth, Staniforth Architects, 1A Stamford Street, Leicester LE1 6NL) - Demolition of warehouse - at 52 Western Road, Leicester.

Hinton Properties (Cheltenham) Ltd (c/o Agent: David Wintle, Design Development Partnership Ltd, Reims House, 8 The Croft, Buntsford Drive, Bromsgrove B60 4JE) - erection of food store with associated car parking and landscaping - at Byford Way, Abbey Lane, Leicester.

Newtech Marketing Network Ltd (c/o Agent: RG+P Ltd, 130 New Walk, Leicester LE1 7JA) - Demolition of offices, erection of nine-storey building with ground floor retail unit and 62 flats above - at 127-133 Granby Street, Leicester.

Leno Developments (c/o Agent: Neil McMinn, Ink/Drawn Ltd, Federal Tower, 44 Abbey Street, Leicester LE1 3TD) - Change of use from Class A4 to Class A1 at ground level, and to Class C3 14 flats at ground level and upper floors, plus four-storey extension at rear - at 63 Belgrave Gate, Leicester.

Infrastructure Investments Ltd (c/o Agent: Mike Ellis, Plan A Architecture Ltd, Atomic House, 50 high pavement, Nottingham NG1 1HW) - Change of use from offices, removal of 5th floor roof, extensions and courtyard on 5th, 6th and 7th floors, extension to 7th floor and alterations to form 25 flats and residents gym - at 1 St George’s Way, Leicester.

XWR Ltd (c/o Agent: Nicholas Williams, NCW Architecture, 39 Holmdale Road, London NW6 1BJ) Three-storey extension to provide 9 apartments, plus management office - at Spa Buildings, Queen Street, Leicester.

Planning applications are continued overleaf ...>

It’s not holding a grudge. It’s remembering facts. Forever.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

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Here’s the thing, you will never ever feel like a grown up. You will one day though, feel old.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

WINDOW WAREHOUSE

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Prime Residential or Commercial Development Opportunity Main Street, Cosby, Leics. LE9 1RN

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For more information, contact Andrew McFarlane Holt or Rupert Bendell on 01455 559030 or email: andrew@wellsmcfarlane.co.uk or rupert@wellsmcfarlane.co.uk

Dating you makes me want to be a better person. So I can date better people.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

33

Castledine & Co. Environmental Consultants We offer:

Domus Bardon Ltd (c/o Agent: Peter Wilkinson, Landmark Planning Ltd, 10 Salisbury Road, Leicester LE1 7QR) - Six to seven storey block of 101 flats - at 21 Morledge Street, Leicester.

Specialist Planning Assistance Contaminated Land Risk Assessments Phase 1 Desktop Study and walkover Phase 2 intrusive Survey and testing

Flood Risk Assessments All work carried out to satisfy the requirements of Development Control

Hinckley & Bosworth

Free initial advice on the best way forward A complete service from initial survey to securing regulator approval

Savills (c/o: Unex House, 132-134, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 8PA) - Proposed development of up to 140 new homes - at land south of Jacqueline Road, Field Head, Markfield, Leics.

Mr Steve Samrai (c/o Agent: HSSP Architects Ltd, Pera Innovation Park, Nottingham Road, Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE13 0PB) - Partial conversion of ground and first floor offices to create 4 residential apartments - at 6-12 High Street, Barwell, Leics.

LE9 4DQ. Mr Steve Hancock (c/o Agent: Hayward Architects Ltd, 19 Station Road, Hinckley, Leics. LE10 1AW) - Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of 4 dwellings with a detached garage - at Manor Lodge, 13 Station Road, Desford, Leicester LE9 9FN. A R Cartwright Ltd (c/o Agent: Hayward Architects Ltd, 19 Station Road, Hinckley, Leics. LE10 1AW) - Residential development of 21 dwellings - at land south of Chapel Fields, Livery Stables, Chapel Lane, Witherley, Atherstone, Leicestershire CV9 3LR. Springbourne Homes Ltd (c/o Agent: Hayward Architects Ltd, 19 Station Road, Hinckley, Leics. LE10 1AW) - Residential development of 10 dwellings - at land adjacent to Woodgate Road, Burbage, Leics.

Melton Borough Brooksby Melton College (c/o Agent: Jamie Pyper, Signet Planning, Rowe House, 10 East Parade, Harrogate HG1 5LT) - Mixed use development for residential development (up to 70 dwellings), B1 development (up to 850 sq.metres) and village shop (100 sq.metres) at Spinney Campus, Brooksby Melton College, Melton Road, Brooksby, Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE14 2LW Melton Foods (c/o Agent: Alan McCall, Cox Freeman Ltd, 4th Floor, 39 Stoney Street, The Lace Market, Nottingham NG1 1LX) Erection of 600 sq.m new two-storey offices and amenities extension - at Melton Foods, 3 Samworth Way, Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE13 1GA.

Continued overleaf ...>

Down to earth solutions for Developers

Call 01509 880399 or 07779 305682 Email kevin@castledine.co Website www.castledine.co

RICS to launch ‘Quality Mark’ to encourage diversity and best practice THE RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) is launching a new initiative to make the land, property and construction sector more inclusive and diverse.

The land, property and construction sector is not known for its diversity but RICS have been working across the industry and learning from other professions to find out what is not working and what can be done differently.

Findings from the organisation’s research have led to it launching a scheme known as the Inclusive Employer Quality Mark, designed to help firms gain a competitive advantage and a diverse workforce.

Launching next month, the Inclusive Employer Quality Mark asks employers to pledge their commitment to adopting and continually improving against the following six principles: • Leadership and Vision – commitment to increasing the diversity of the workforce • Recruitment – engage and attract new people to the industry from under-represented groups; best practice recruitment methods • Staff development– training/promotion policies that offer equal opportunities for career progression • Staff retention – flexible working arrangements/adaptive working practices • Staff engagement – an inclusive culture where all staff engage with developing, delivering, monitoring and assessing the diversity and inclusivity policies • Continuous improvement – continually refreshing and renewing the firm’s commitment to being the best employer; sharing and learning from best practice across the industry.

Accompanying each of RICS’ six principles are multiple ‘proof points’, against which signatories will be required to assess – on a bi-annual basis - the actions they are taking and the outcomes to-date. RICS has created two separate criteria metrics too so that both small and large firms are assessed fairly. RICS will be using the assessment to document the outcomes and trends for the profession as a whole.

Once a firm becomes a signatory they gain access to details about how they are performing (according to RICS standards) across all six principles in comparison with their peers, as well as a spread of support, ideas and case studies from high performers to help drive up improvements for all. Signatories will be published on the RICS website, and member firms may then use the tag line “signatory to the RICS Inclusive Employer Quality Mark and the logo.”

Louise Brooke-Smith, RICS President said: “I am delighted to be launching the Inclusive Employer Quality Mark. It marks the step change that the profession needs. This initiative has been discussed with, and has the support and encouragement of, a number of leading firms - both large and small – across the land and property sector.

“Employee needs are changing, along with their expectations and demographic make-up. The competitive war for talent has also shifted the focus to attracting and retaining talent in the industry.

Only by doing so, can we deliver a sustainable future. By committing to the Quality Mark, firms will gain a competitive advantage.

An inclusive approach allows organisations to reflect and engage with their clients more effectively and efficiently.”

Kim Worts, External Affairs Director at RICS adds: “If current workforce statistics about our industry don’t improve, Britain will stop building in 2019. We must ensure this does not become a reality. We need to bring more skilled and qualified people into our sector, and until we change the culture in the workplace, we are not going to attract the brightest and the best.

“The Quality Mark will put RICS at the heart of the profession, leading on rewarding and sharing best practice, and recognising and promoting the work of firms - whatever their size - who are striving towards creating an inclusive workforce. An inclusive workforce is a competitive workforce, mirroring both their clients and the community. Real change will not happen overnight, but we want firms to commit to the journey with us”.

To coincide with the launch of the Quality Mark, RICS is hosting its inaugural Diversity and Inclusion conference on 25 June in London, where industry peers and leading experts will share their knowledge on how to harness the next generation of talent and make the most of our current workforce.

Further details can be found at: www.rics.org/diversityconference Register your interest in the RICS Inclusive Employer Quality Mark e: kworts@rics.org

“We need to bring more skilled and qualified people into our sector, and until we change the culture in the workplace, we are not going to attract the brightest and the best. “ Kim Worts

There’s a huge difference between the person who sets my alarm and the person it wakes up.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

Mr Ian Roberts (c/o: 11 Devon Lane, Bottesford NG13 0BZ) - Change of use from office to single residential dwelling, and demolition of two outbuildings and rebuild to form 2 residential dwellings - at Workshop rear of William Roberts Ltd, Devon Lane, Bottesford.

Site for a holiday park at Site with Barton in the Beans lapsed consent for 5 units FHP Living are offering for sale a 0.95 acre site with lapsed planning consent for 5 units.

Mrs Sarah Wright (c/o Agent: Mike Etchells, HSSP, Pera Innovation Park, Nottingham Road, Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE13 0PB) - Change of use of existing agricultural outbuildings to form 2 new private dwellings - at Brook Farm, 1 Church Lane, Saxelby, Leics. LE14 3PA. Mr W M Ross-Wilson (c/o Agent: HSSP, Pera Innovation Park, Nottingham Road, Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE13 0PB) - Demolition of existing agricultural buildings replaced with new courtyard development of 10 private dwellings and additional 4 detached dwellings (resubmission) - at land at Holme Farm, Rearsby Lane, Gaddesby, Leics.

Harborough District Mr Robert Wilkinson (c/o Agent: Rob MacNaughton, PHp Architects, The Old Rectory, Milton Malsor, Northamptonshire NN7 3AQ) Demolition of agricultural barn, conversion and alteration of brick stable block to form 3 commercial offices - at Rolleston Barns, Harborough Road, Billesdon, Leics.

Mr P Hourigan (c/o Agent: Ashley Nunn, ADC, 8 Norway Close, Corby, Northants. NN18 9EG) - Erection of 6 apartments - at land rear of 253 and 255 Welland Park Road, Fronting Rugby Close, Market Harborough, Leics.

Toplord Ltd (c/o Agent: David Isherwood, Isherwood McCann, Rose Park, Lutterworth Road, Blaby, Leicester LE8 4DP) - Erection of 4 dwellings - at The Grey Goose, Lutterworth Road, Gilmorton, Leics. LE17 5PN. Mr Facer & Miss P Turnbull (c/o Agent: Martin Bagshaw, John Martin & Associates, 10 Church Street, Market Harborough, Leics. LE16 7NB) - Erection of 5 dwellings - at land corner of Station Road & London Road, Great Glen, Leics.

Mr C Mitchell (c/o Agent: Stephen Mair, Andrew Granger & Co, Phoenix House, 52 High Street, Market Harborough, Leics. LE16 7AF) Erection of 2 detached dwellings, extension & conversion of existing cottage to single dwelling - at 34A Main Street, Houghton on the Hill, Leics. LE7 9GD.

Continued overleaf ...>

HUMBERTS are offering for sale a level greenfield site with planning permission for the erection of 6 detached timber holiday letting lodges.

The 0.93 acre site - at Goose Meadow, Off West End, Barton in the Beans, Leicestershire CV13 0DG - has potential for further lodges and owner’s accommodation, subject to the necessary consents.

Offered for sale at a guide price of £225,000.

For more information, contact Stephen Richards at Humberts on 01823 331 234 or email: stephen.richards@humberts.com

The site - at the rear of Beckland House, Beckland Hill, East Markham, Notts. NG22 0QP - is a fairly regular shape and relatively level.

Outline planning consent (ref: 16/09/00037/R) for 5 dwellings was granted by Bassetlaw District Council on 24th March 2010 but this has now lapsed.

Offers are invited on an unconditional basis in excess of £350,000.

For more information, contact Ann Taylor at FHP Living on 0115 9778 937 or email: ann@fhpliving. co.uk

Government Not Doing Enough To Promote Role Of Housing Wealth GOVERNMENT is not doing enough to promote the role of equity release in funding later life, according to a poll of industry experts and financial professionals at the inaugural Great Retirement Money Debate, hosted by the Equity Release Council at the Royal Society of Medicine last month.

More than four in five (84%) of the audience – which included over 150 representatives from providers, advisers, membership bodies, charities, think tanks and other organisations across the retirement industry – felt government must step up its efforts to promote the option of releasing equity to give people a financial boost in retirement.

The event was chaired by BBC Radio 4 Money Box presenter Paul Lewis and saw a wide-ranging debate led by an expert panel featuring Nigel Waterson (Equity Release Council chairman), David Sinclair (International Longevity Centre UK director), Jane Vass (Age UK head of public policy), David Thomas (Personal Finance Society president) and Paul Johnson (Institute of Fiscal Studies director).

Discussion topics included the growing popularity of equity release and the wider issue of lending into retirement, with calls for more providers and products to boost the existing options – particularly in light of difficulties faced by some older consumers in the wake of the Mortgage Market Review (MMR).

A second audience vote revealed

three quarters (75%) thought the new pension freedoms will have a positive impact on the equity release industry. But opinion was split over how the pension revolution will be seen a decade from now.

Just under half (49%) felt it will be seen as a great benefit to consumers, yet 36% were worried it will be a disaster – a view which was linked to fears over access to advice and the risk of falling prey to scams. The remaining 15% of the audience predicted the pension freedoms will be seen as a nonevent in ten years’ time.

Nigel Waterson, chairman of the Equity Release Council, comments: “The coalition government threw its weight behind pensions, not just by ushering in more freedom and choice for pension savers but by introducing auto-enrolment to get more people actively saving.

Both changes hold great potential, but pensions are still just part of the equation when it comes to supporting our ageing population – particularly when the average DC pot of £25,000 is so modest.

“When parliamentary business resumes, the new government simply cannot afford to keep

putting its eggs in one basket and overlook the potential benefit of more people tapping into their housing wealth. We urge the Treasury to take ownership of the issue and focus efforts across government on signposting consumers to consider equity release among their options for funding retirement. Using the Pension Wise service to pose this question to over-55 homeowners would be an excellent start.

“For its part, the industry must continue to explore product innovation based on customer needs. The arrival of new providers in the market will boost these efforts, and we also need to attract more expert advisers to satisfy demand and help people weigh up all the options at their disposal.”

I was going to go running but then I got all nostalgic for sitting.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

70 Commercial Square, Freemens Common, Leicester LE2 7SR Fax: 0116 254 3777 Email: sales@higear.co.uk

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Hi-Gear at EH Smith Builders Merchants Mill Hill, Enderby, Leicester LE19 4AJ Fax: 0116 265 0985 Email: ehsmithleicester@higear.co.uk

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Monday to Friday 7.30am to 5.00pm Saturday 7.30am to 12.00pm

If you work hard enough and smart enough, your boss will get promoted and be someone else’s problem.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

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Outline planning consent for 10 dwellings (subject to conditions) Attractive site with good road frontage on the perimeter of the village

For Sale by INFORMAL TENDER Full details apply Selling Agents: Newton Fallowell, 1 Belvoir Road, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 3PD Tel: 01530 832283 Email mike.fallowell@newtonfallowell.co.uk or jane.hall@newtonfallowell.co.uk

Loughborough move powers business growth for City Electrical Factors AN international electrical wholesaler has taken leases on two new warehouse units in Leicestershire after outgrowing its previous premises, in deals overseen by Mather Jamie.

The commercial agent has secured City Electrical Factors Ltd (CEF) as the new tenant for a 5,024 sq ft unit at 9 Beazer Court, Loughborough, at £22,500 per annum and a 4,055 sq ft unit at Unit C, Thornborough Road in Coalville, at £23,000 per annum.

The move has been powered by an increase in sales, which has led to the electrical company outgrowing its former premises on Monarch Way in Loughborough and Old Station Close in Coalville.

Alex Reid, Mather Jamie Director, comments: “We acted on behalf of the landlords in both instances, securing new tenants for both in good time.

“The units are both located in prominent locations in Loughborough and Coalville, amongst other well-established businesses.

“Both are modern industrial units maintained to a good standard and the new sites offer easy access to the M1.”

CEF operates a network of 400 trade counter distribution outlets across the UK, and also have branches in continental Europe, The USA, Canada, the Middle East and Australia.

On my first day of school, my parents dropped me at the wrong nursery. There I was.. surrounded by bushes and trees.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

37

Subdivision of large unit was the key Rookwell Drive Field Trust (c/o Agent: Chris Green, Andrew Granger & Co, Phoenix House, 52 High Street, Market Harborough, Leics. LE16 7AF) - Erection of up to 60 dwellings with associated access, pedestrian links, public open space, car parking, landscaping and drainage - at land at end of Dunmore Road, Market Harborough, Leics.

Mr Andrew Milne (c/o Agent: George Burton, GB A&E Ltd, Ryton Organic Gardens, Wolston Lane, Ryton-on-Dunsmore, Rugby, Warks.

CV8 3LG) - Erection of 9 dwellings - at land north of Lutterworth Bypass, Moorbarns Lane, Lutterworth, Leics.

Mr Mick Harris (c/o Agent: Robert Glenn, Rockingham Design Partnership, 4 Oakley Hay Lodge, Great Folds Road, Corby, Northants.

NN18 9AS) - Erection of 9 dwellings including change of use from light industry to residential - at Manor Works, Main Street, Fleckney, Leics. LE8 8AP

Rutland County Mrs Alison Lea (c/o: Hawksmead Ltd, Larkfleet House, Falcon Way, Bourne, Lincs. PE10 0FF) Construction of 3 new bungalows including parking and infrastructure - at land between Barleythorpe and Burley Park Way, Barleythorpe, Rutland.

The Governors of Uppingham Community College (c/o Agent: Stephen Wright, Wright Design, Dovedale Cottage, 30 Amhill Road, Gretton, Northants, NN17 3DN) - Extensions and alterations to existing nursery - at Uppingham Community College, London Road, Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9TJ. Mr John Williams (c/o Agent: James Richardson Design Consultancy, 5 Albert Road, Stamford, Lincs. PE9 2EA) - Conversion of two existing barns into 2 residential dwellings - at Frith Farm, Ryhall Road, Little Casterton, Stamford, Lincs. PE9 4BJ Mr Tim Haywood (c/o Agent: Mark Webber, Nichols Brown Webber LLP, Pond House Northend, Henley on Thames, Oxon, RG9 6LG) - Erection of 2 houses - at Cricket Club, Lyndon Road, Manton, Rutland LE15 8SR.

N W Leics.

Unnamed Applicant (c/o Agent: Stephen Greaves, SG Design Studio Ltd, 202 Woodville Road, Hartshorne, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE11 7EX) - Proposed erection of 2 detached dwellings - at 33 Ashby Road, Moira, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE12 6DJ.

Continued overleaf ...>

Construction manufacturer becomes new tenant at Shepshed warehouse MATHER JAMIE has secured a construction manufacturer as the new 10-year tenant of a 14,045 sq ft warehouse in Shepshed, near Loughborough, which will see company expand its operation and create four new jobs.

Gastite, which produces flexible fuel gas piping for the construction industry and is part of the Smiths Group, has moved into Unit 3 at Illuma House, on Gelders Hall Road, after relocating from its previous base in Dudley.

The unit has been created within a 65,000 sq ft warehouse formerly occupied by Illuma Lighting, after Mather Jamie advised owners of building, Malcolm Walker Developments, to transform it into four self-contained units.

The substantial unit features high quality, fully refurbished offices, industrial warehouse space, a self-contained yard and onsite parking.

Alex Reid, of Mather Jamie, comments: “The high standard of the accommodation at Illuma House, which has undergone refurbishment, and the fact it lies just one mile from the M1 has made these units an attractive base for a wide range of businesses wanting quality industrial space.

“We advised Malcolm Walker Developments to undertake a division of the building into four distinct quality warehouse premises, ranging between 10,000 sq ft and 28,000 sq ft.

“We couldn’t have found a tenant for the warehouse at its original size, so creating four new units means we are delivering the size and quality of premises that businesses are looking for.

“We are delighted to have secured a long-lease tenant for the unit on behalf of our client and are pleased to hear that Gastite’s move will also allow them to create local jobs.”

Andy Carpenter, of Gastite, comments: “The driving force behind the move has been the expansion of the business over the last 12 months.

“Alongside needing more space, we were also keen to consolidate our existing operation, as our office and warehouse were previously in separate locations, so we needed to find the right premises in order to bring everything together.

“This unit ticked all of our boxes due to the size and shape of the warehouse, which offers the right space for our existing machinery, but also due to its location.

“Here, we are also closer to the M1 and as the majority of our business is in London, this gives us excellent access to our clients.

“As a result of the move we now have the space we need to expand GRAHAM PENNY AUCTIONS are offering for sale BY our operation and will initially be AUCTION a purpose built single storey former church. creating four new jobs.”

The property - LOT 67: The Former Chaddesden United Reformed Malcolm Walker, of Malcolm Church, Reginald Road South, Chaddesden, Derby DE21 6NF - occupies Walker Developments, comments: a prominent location, enclosed behind railings to pavement boundaries “Illuma House had sat unoccupied and is eminently suited for worship purposes, community uses, uniformed for eight years before we took it on organisations and the like, subject to any necessary planning permission for and while it has been a big project change of use. converting the warehouse, we are For sale BY AUCTION on 4th June 2015 at The Pedigree Suite, Derby really pleased to see the building County Football Club, iPro Stadium, Derby - 11.30am start. The guide price coming back into use. is £65,000+ “It is also encouraging to see For more information, contact Graham Penny Auctions on 01332 242880 occupiers creating new jobs at or email: derby@grahampenny.com Illuma House.”

AUCTION: Former church for sale in Chaddesden: £65k+

I remember when my better half had laryngitis. Fondly.

38

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

Young Leicester College Joiners Nail Construction Experience On Site Unnamed Applicant (c/o Agent: Charlie Stringer, Wilson House, 207 Leicester Road, Ibstock, Leics. LE67 6HP) - Residential development of up to 120 dwellings without complying with condition 25 (to remove the need to provide 10% energy supply from decentralised energy sources) at land east of Ravenstone Road and Melbourne Road, Ibstock, Leics.

Unnamed Applicant (c/o Agent: Charlie Stringer, Wilson House, 207 Leicester Road, Ibstock, Leics. LE67 6HP) - Erection of 111 dwellings without complying with condition 16 regarding solar hot water systems at land east of Melbourne Road and Ravenstone Road, Ibstock, Leics.

Mr Tom Dickens (c/o Agent: rg+p, 130 New Walk, Leicester LE1 7JA) - Residential development of up to 91 dwellings and associated infrastructure - at land north of Butt Lane and east of Hepworth Road, Woodville/Blackfordby, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE11 7BY. Mr James Richards (c/o Agent: Ian McCann, Isherwood McCann, Rose Park, Lutterworth Road, Blaby, Leicester LE8 4DP) - Erection of children’s day nursery (resubmission) - at plot A3, Ivanhoe Business Park, Ashby de la Zouch, Leics.

LE65 2UY Mountpark Properties Ltd (c/o Agent: Steve Harley, Oxalis Planning, Unit 7 Wheatcroft Business Park, Landmere Lane, Edwalton, Notts.

NG12 4DG) - Development for employment uses (B2/B8) of up to 1,300,000 sq ft (120,773 sqm approx) with associated ancillary uses and associated infrastructure, including a new access from Beveridge Lane and off-site highway improvements, earthworks and ground modelling, together with new landscaping, including habitat creation and provision of a new community woodland - at Land At Battleflat Farm Beveridge Lane Coalville Ellistown Coalville Leicestershire LE67 1FB Miller Homes (c/o Agent: Steve Lewis-Roberts, Pegasus Group, 4 The Courtyard, Church Street, Lockington, Derbyshire DE74 2SL) - Outline application for up to 70 dwellings together with public open space, National Forest planting, landscaping and drainage infrastructure - at land adjoining Woodcock Way, Ashby de la Zouch, Leics.

Continued overleaf ...>

TWO LEICESTER teenagers have become the first young people to benefit from a new training initiative organised by Leicester College and construction firm Stepnell enabling them to gain hands-on industry experience.

Zak Miller and Theo Conway – who are both 19 and studying for joinery qualifications at Leicester College – have each successfully completed a week-long placement on site with the Stepnell team. It was organised as part of a largescale programme launched by Stepnell and the College which will provide up to 50 work placements for learners.

“I’ve really enjoyed it. Being on site has given me to chance to see how things are done in real life,” says Zak, who lives in Woodgate, Leicester. “It’s also been good working with people who’ve been in the business for years and learning how they do things.” Theo, who lives in Aylestone, Leicester, adds: “I’ve not had the chance to work on an actual site before so this has been a brilliant opportunity. I’ve enjoyed being able to see all the different trades people at work and watch the building taking shape.”

After completing their Diploma Level 3 qualification in joinery, both teenagers hope to secure apprenticeships.

Stepnell has teamed up with the College to offer the placements as part of its commitment to bring more young people into construction, as well as provide training opportunities in communities.

HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE: Back row, left to right:Stepnell site manager Steve Gordon; Stepnell office administrator Charlotte Chambers; Stepnell best practice manager Karen Ryan; Leicester College administrator Gemma Bentham; Leicester College programme area manager Neil McManus; Stepnell assistant site manager Tom Owen. Front row: Leicester College joinery students Zak Miller, on left, and Theo Conway.

Stepnell site manager Steve Gordon says: “Attracting talented individuals to come into the business is vital to ensure we don’t end up with a skills shortfall. It’s a big step going from a college environment to being on a working site so our aim is to give learners a flavour of the industry and the chance to put their skills into practice. Zak and Theo have done well during their week with us, they’ve shown that they are interested and want to learn and we’ve enjoyed having them with us on site.”

Zak and Theo have been working with the Stepnell team on the company’s major project at De Montfort University in Leicester, where it is creating a new

conference and events venue.

Working under the supervision of the Stepnell team and the company’s subcontractors, the pair have tackled a range of ‘first fix’ carpentry tasks including putting up timber battening, fitting joists and installing acoustic board insulation on external walls. In addition, their placement has included additional industry-focused health and safety training and the chance for each to make their own saw stool which they can keep.

The work placement programme is also based at Leicester College itself, where learners are getting the chance to work alongside the Stepnell team building the College’s new motor vehicle workshop at the Abbey Park Campus.

Car sales site to become a place of worship

Mather Jamie drives a deal on former car site in Loughborough A FORMER car sales site in Loughborough is set to be converted into a place of worship after Mather Jamie secured a new lease on the 12,288 sq ft industrial unit.

Unit 4 on Belton Road West has been leased by New Springs Church, which plans to convert the premises into a place of worship, subject to planning permission.

Alex Reid of Mather Jamie comments: “This is certainly one of our more unusual deals, but we are pleased to have secured New Springs Church as the new tenant for this unit on behalf of our client.

“We have dealt with the church over a long period in their search for suitable premises in Loughborough, which has been down to finding a unit of the right size in the right location.

“As premises like these are difficult to come by the site attracted a lot of interest from potential tenants, but New Springs Church provided the best combined offer for the unit, which occupies a prominent position on Belton Road West.

“We are hopeful that the church now receives planning permission in order to convert the unit for their needs.”

Phil Weaver of New Springs Church comments: “The premises will become both our church and a central base for our social and community work.

“We have been on Mather Jamie’s books for 10 years and have looked at all of the available buildings in Loughborough during that time, but had been unable to find one with the location, space and facilities to suit our needs.

“We currently lease two properties in the town centre and use the town hall for worship, but it is important to us to bring these together under one roof.

I wonder if Auto Correct and Spell Check get together behind our backs and talk about what idiots we are.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

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No I can’t tonight, I already have plans to look at my phone somewhere else.

40

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

Architectural Plans Drawn RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT SITE FOR 29 HOMES Land off Main Street, Oakthorpe, Derbyshire, DE12 7RE

Specialist in architectural drawings covering: New-Builds Extensions Garden Rooms Boundary alterations Change of use Building Regulations

Quote Discount ref - CCE for a 10% discount on your drawings

CC Estimating and Drawing ccestimating@virginmedia.com Office: 01604 709212 Mob: 07823 337719

Covering Leicestershire, Northamptonshire & Buckinghamshire

An exciting opportunity to acquire a residential site with Outline Planning consent (conditional upon the signature of a Section 106 Agreement) for 29 houses with a total site area of 3.1 Acres.

Guide Price £1,200,000

Local firm wins £13m contract in Derby

Project opportunity

Derelict property in 7.5 acres for sale in Upper Broughton BENTONS Estate Agents are offering for sale an exciting project opportunity in Upper Broughton.

LEICESTER building contractors DW Hicks Building Co. Ltd have been awarded the contract to construct a £13M Student development in Derby.

The 350-bed project is the first part of the Cathedral quarter regeneration scheme, bringing much-needed purpose built student accommodation to the City, by developers London UK Properties.

Director Martyn Hicks commented “We have worked closely with the developers and GT Architects of Nottingham for the past six months to come up with a design and build development which makes best use of a very tight site, and we are delighted that the project now has the green light for the works to begin in March.”

The new build 7 storey building will be constructed on what is currently a car park site off Cathedral Road in Derby. The student accommodation will be completed in time to house students in September 2016.

Enjoying a glorious rural location just outside this desirable village, on a no-through lane, the property comprises a semi-derelict three bedroom detached property in approximately 7.51 acres of orchard and paddock.

Planning permission has been granted for demolition and the erection of a substantial five bedroom detached family home with approximately 2,900 sq. ft. of accommodation plus double garage.

Offering a superb designer build project, the property is ideally located for fast access to Nottingham, Leicester, Melton Mowbray, Newark and the A46 and near to excellent local amenities at both Upper Broughton and Keyworth.

Offers in the region of £400,000 are invited.

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

I would do anything for love except change my routine, leave the house or put myself out in any way.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

Mr Kevin Pearson (c/o Agent: Anthony Day, Isherwood McCann, Rose Park, Lutterworth Road, Blaby, Leicester LE8 4DP) - Erection of 105 dwellings and associated works - at land south of Grange Road, Hugglescote, Leics.

Mr David Ledsam (c/o Agent: Stephen Bradwell, Trigpoint Conservation & Planning, 6 Guildford Way, Loughborough, Leics. LE11 3SE) - Residential development of 3 dwellings - at 29 London Road, Kegworth, Derby DE74 2EU. Mr Matthew Davis (c/o Agent: Tim Bailey, Bailey Design Ltd, 43A Mitchells Court, Lower Gungate, Tamworth, Staffs. B79 7AS) Residential development of up to 7 dwellings - at land at junction of Measham Road and Appleby Lane, Snarestone, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE12 7DB.

Oadby & Wigston Mr B Dowling (c/o Agent: R Keighley, DKMY Architects Ltd, 10 Spencer Road, Belper, Derbyshire DE56 1JY) - Erection of two-storey side and rear extension to create 3 self-contained flats - at 61 Moat Street, Wigston, Leicester LE18 2GE

Blaby District Mr L Edwards (c/o: David Wilson Homes, Cartwright Way, Forest Business Park, Bardon Hill, Coalville, Leics. ) - Substitution of house types and garages to plot nos 4-15 and erection of 3 dwellings - at land off Grace Road, Sapcote, Leics.

Westleigh Partnerships Ltd (c/o Agent: Marrons Planning, 1 Meridian South, Leicester LE19 1WY) - Mixed use development of up to 60 residential dwellings and up to 510 sq.m of B1 office accommodation, including demolition of commercial buildings - at Rose Business Park, Lutterworth Road, Blaby, Leicester LE8 4DP. Mr Richard Brooks (c/o Agent: Justin Fox, Fox Architects, 1 Maryland Street, Liverpool L1 9DF) - Demolition of existing agricultural building to enable conversion of remaining farm buildings to 3 residential dwellings at Kilby Lodge Farm, Kilby Road, Kilby, Leics.

Mr C Howsin (c/o Agent: Peter Thompson ADT, 49 Leicester Road, Broughton Astley, Leics. LE9 6QE) - Erection of block containing 4 twobed flats - at land rear of Nos 2628 Cork Lane, Glen Parva, Leics.

Continued overleaf ...>

TAYLOR WIMPEY HOMES PLANS FOR MARKFIELD Housebuilder Taylor Wimpey invited people in Markfield to have their say on plans for a new residential development in the Markfield.

The developer is currently drawing up plans for up to 140 new market and affordable homes, public open space, drainage and allotments on land south of Jacqueline Road.

Further information about the proposals were unveiled during a public exhibition held at Markfield Congregational Church Hall in Main Street, Markfield, on Thursday 14th May. The public consultation event gave local residents, businesses, community groups and other interested parties the chance to find out more about the scheme and to discuss the plans with the Taylor Wimpey project team.

Jonathan Abbott Strategic Land Projects Manager for Taylor Wimpey, says: “We are confident that this scheme will provide an attractive and sustainable development of high-quality market and affordable homes to meet a range of local requirements.”

The proposed development site covers an area of approximately 5.24 hectares and is located to the south of Jacqueline Road. It is the intention to make an application for outline planning permission with all matters reserved for later consideration apart from details of the site access.

You can access the information displayed at the event online at www. taylorwimpey.co.uk/jacqueline-road.

Residential development opportunity in Barlestone KAL SANGRA Shonki Brothers Estate Agents are inviting offers for a parcel of potential building land suitable for approximately 22 two-storey dwellings.

The property is known as The Crabtree, Bagworth Road, Barlestone, Leics.

CV13 0JA. Offers are invited.

For further details, contact Kal Sangra Shonki Brothers on 0116 254 3373 or visit www.shonkibrothers.com

Two building plots in Long Eaton ROBERT ELLIS Estate Agents are offering for sale two building plots situated off Devonshire Avenue, Long Eaton NG10 2EP. The plots have a semi-rural feel and provide the opportunity for a builder or developer to construct 2 three-bedroom detached properties.

Planning permission was granted by Erewash Borough Council in December 2014 (ref: ERE\1014\0038).

The building plot will be serviced with gas, electricity and water, which is being organised by the current owner.

For more information, contact Mark Philpott at Robert Ellis on 0115 946 1818.

41

CPBigwood celebrates record auction total in biggest ever sale CPBigwood’s biggest ever auction and almost certainly the largest outside of London produced a record return of £14.78 million.

A massive Black Country apartment development sold in a major pre-auction success.

Old School Court, Broad Lanes, Bilston, had a price tag of offers in excess of £2.5 million. The preliminary announcement that the complex would go into the firm’s July auction if not sold prior produced substantial interest and a large number of offers over the guide.

The development was purchased

by Birmingham property group A. H. Field.

Jonathan Hackett, partner and head of auctions, said: “It was really exciting.

“The last lot offered kept a number of people still in the room and there were three telephone bidders. The property in question was Lot 131, 26 Barbara Road, Hall Green, where there had been nearly 50 pre-auction viewers. Off a guide of £85,000 we achieved £135,000 and the winning bid was in the room and not on the phone.”

Lots sold ranged from £10,000 to over £2.5 million.

All Birmingham City Council and Wolverhampton Council entries were sold and the split of the other property types was vacant residential, 96 per cent; residential investment, 92 per cent; ground rents, 100 per cent; vacant commercial, 75 per cent; commercial investment, 78 per cent; and land and development, 82 per cent.

The £695,000 deal was Hazeldene, Redhill Road, Kings Norton, a five bedroom detached once owned by a professional footballer, which had planning permission in respect of an adjoining workshop to create a one bedroom self-contained annexe.

Enjoying extensive gardens and an ornamental pond, it went for bang on the guide price.

At the other end of the scale the £10,000 deal was for land to the rear of 60 & 62 Dixon Street, Wolverhampton.

A one-time ten bedroom care home at 153 Allens Croft Road, Brandwood, made £350,000 off a guide of £200,000.

A total of 133 lots featured including 11 put up by Birmingham City Council and five by Wolverhampton City Council.

The woman selling sea shells by the sea shore must have had a strong personal brand to overcome such a poor business model.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

Dr Jonathan Castleman is giving a talk McCarthy & Stone Retirement Lifestyles Ltd (c/o Agent: The Planning Bureau, Ross House, Harry Weston Road, Binley Business Park, Coventry CV3 2TR) - Demolition of existing dwellings and the development of 40 one and two bedroom units and communal facilities to provide assisted accommodation for the elderly at 4-6 Enderby Road, Blaby, Leicester.

EMH Homes (c/o Agent: KPW Architects, 170 Upper New walk, Leicester LE1 7QA) - Erection of a pair of semi-detached dwellings - at land to the north of 17 Livesey Drive, Sapcote, Leics.

Charnwood Borough Unnamed Applicant (c/o Agent: Enigma Planning Ltd) - Outline application for the erection of up to 5 dwellings - at Hardy Court, Muckle Gate Lane, Seagrave, Leicestershire LE12 7NY. Unnamed Applicant (c/o Agent: BHC) - Erection of 2 semi-detached dorma bungalows - at 1580 Melton Road, Queniborough, Leics. LE7 3FN. Jelson Ltd - Erection of 5 industrial units - at Units 11-16 Meer End, Birstall, Leics. LE4 3EH. Barrowcliffe Properties (c/o Agent: C A Underwood) - Erection of 3 dwellings - at land adjacent to 24 Cossington Road, Sileby, Leics. LE12 7RS. Avant Homes Ben Bailey Midlands Ltd - (c/o Agent: Andrew Granger & Co) - Site for the erection of up to 60 dwellings - at land off Burton Lane, Wymeswold, Leics.

William Davis Ltd (c/o Agent: Stephen George & Partners) - Erection of 70 dwellings and associated works (Reserved matters) - at land off Derby Road, Hathern, Loughborough, Leics.

LE12 5LR. MBCW Ltd (c/o Agent: AD Drawing Services) - Outline planning application for residential development - at 170 Colby Drive, Thurmaston, Leicester LE4 8LB. Mr J Boyes (c/o Agent: Robert Powell) - Renewal of Outline Planning Permission for 1 new dwelling, the conversion of 2 barns to dwellings and demolition of part of May House - at May House, 16 Tanners Lane, Hathern, Leics. LE12 5JG. Mr Michael Mobbs (c/o Agent: Quorn Plan Services) - Erection of 3 dwellings (Revised scheme) - at 34 Brook Street, Thurmaston, Leicester LE4 8DA.

We don’t usually include details of Thornton WI Meetings in Leicestershire Builder magazine, but their next get-together features a talk by Dr. Jonathan Castleman, the managing director of Norman & Underwood, and we thought that it sounded very interesting.

Here are the details, kindly supplied to us by Muriel Walker, President of Thornton WI ...

The Restoration & Preservation of Old Buildings SPEAKER : DR. JONATHAN CASTLEMAN DID YOU know that Leicester-based Norman & Underwood is the oldest architectural metal roofing and glazing company in the country?

Since 1825, Norman & Underwood craftsmen have helped to restore cathedrals, palaces, historic houses and public buildings and have worked on some of the most exciting designs in modern architecture. Whilst adopting new technology and processes, the business still maintains its old valued traditions, which are reflected in the quality of its work.

Cousins Thomas Norman and John Underwood founded Norman & Underwood in 1825 as a plumbing and glazing business. The business remained at the same Leicester City centre site for 180 years until re-locating to premises three miles west under the direction of Managing Director Jonathan Castleman DSc. By trade, Dr. Castleman, the seventh generation of the founding family, is a time-served plumber. He joined the company as an apprentice at the age of sixteen in 1982. After serving his apprenticeship he worked as an Advanced Plumber and Supervisor in the Roofing Department and is now widely known as a highly-skilled craftsman with great expertise in lead, copper, stainless steel and zinc roofing for major heritage projects.

Dr.Jonathan’s particular interest is in ecclesiastical and heritage projects. Prestigious projects in which he has been involved include: The Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem; British Embassies in Moscow and Korea; the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in Hong Kong; Bermuda Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral, Salisbury Cathedral and Canterbury Cathedral; Hampton Court Palace, Windsor Castle, Chequers, Petworth House, Chatsworth House and Lancaster House.

Recently, he was the man who sealed the lead lid of King Richard III’s coffin. As well as welding the lead lid shut, he hand-made the inside of the King’s coffin, known as a lead ossuary. This task he saw as a great honour, and an opportunity to be proud of the firm’s skill as leadworkers.

Dr. Castleman’s expertise was further recognized iwhen he became a Freeman of the City of London on admission to the Worshipful Company of Plumbers, a Livery Company some 600 years old. In this, as in so much else, he follows in the footsteps of his great, great grandfather, John Underwood. He is a Leicester craftsman of international reputation.

Date: THURSDAY 11th JUNE AT THORNTON COMMUNITY CENTRE, Main Street, Thornton Start Time: 7.30pm.

There is a Visitor’s Fee of £3 which includes refreshments.

Derbyshire plot for sale SCARGILL MANN & CO are offering for sale BY AUCTION a building plot extending to approximately one-sixth of an acre.

The plot - adjacent to Knaves Bank, Main Street, Church Broughton, Derbyshire DE65 5AS - has detailed planning consent for a charming period-style timber-framed property.

Detailed planning consent was recently granted (planning ref: 9/2014/0492) by South Derbyshire District Council for the erection of two detached dwellings and garages on the former grounds of Knaves Bank, Main Street, Church Broughton. The prospective purchaser now has an opportunity to acquire one of the building plots with an additional option to purchase an acre of paddock land to the rear at a figure in the region of £50,000.

If constructed to a satisfactory standard, the produced plans would produce a house, in the selling agents’ opinion, with a value in the region of £475,000-£500,000 (although any prospective purchaser should obtain their own individual valuation).

To be sold by Public Auction on Thursday 16th July 2015 at the Bang & Olufsen Board Room, iPRO Stadium, Pride Park, Derby, commencing at 3.30pm.

The auction guide price is £160,000.

For more information, contact Scargill Mann & Co. on 01332 207720 or email: derby@scargillmann.co.uk

If I was a skywriter I’d write, “Help! Does anyone know how to land a plane?”

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

43

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the tool hire store that sells you more Complete with:1 x Spare Chain 10 x 100ml 2-Stroke Oil 2 x 1 Ltr Chain Oil

*Terms & Conditions apply.

Stihl Petrol Chainsaw Deal Specifications:31.8cm3 Displacement Weight 4.3Kg

Concrete Mixers

£ 179.00* TD Code: MS171

DEWALT Digital FM Radio

3.3Kva 2 Outlet Transformer TD Code: CMT33002

Specifications:1,500 Watt Motor 900-1,890 bpm Impact Rate 16.8J Impact Energy 18.5 m/s2 Vibration Level

Concrete Breakers

£ 119.00* TD Code: 8391DWPE-TK

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We will not be beaten on price for sales or hire. Terms and Conditions apply, ask for details. *All prices exclude vat at the prevailing rate. Offers available while stocks last. E&OE

My mother’s maiden name is Password.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

FARM BUILDINGS WITH CONSENT FOR 4 CONVERSIONS AND 1 NEW BUILD Manor Farm, Wood Lane, Norton Juxta Twycross, Leicestershire

A unique opportunity to acquire a range of traditional farm buildings and farmhouse set within a courtyard with planning consent for 4 residential conversions, 1 new build and the retention / refurbishment of the farmhouse

Guide Price £950,000

Over £2.5 million for Weddington community from Davidsons Homes IBSTOCKBASED homebuilder Davidsons will contribute over £2.5 million in support of local community projects and services in Weddington as part of its development of new homes in the area. Weddington is Davidsons second development in Warwickshire.

The figure includes the following contributions: Education £1,651,030.

This will be split between the various age groups - Early years £52,401, Primary £721,996, Secondary £772,007 and Sixth Form £104,656. Public transport will receive £400,000 and libraries will receive £55,646. There will also be £448,890 for the provision and maintenance of public green space and £105,000 to provide a new pedestrian/cycle crossing at the new development.

James Wilson, managing director of Davidsons, said “Our aim is to create great places that people really enjoy living in - local communities are important to us. Wherever we build homes we try to encourage a sense of community and we make contributions to the local infrastructure to help in a number of ways. At Weddington we will be providing in excess of £2.5 million over the life of the development to help with a variety of services and local projects”.

Trade Skills at Leicester College Plastering Trade Skills Cost £299, six week evening course.

A short six week course offering individuals the opportunity to learn range of plastering skills.

External Insulation Finishes Cost £150, one day course.

This course covers applying modern day finishing renders to external wall insulation installs.

External Render Cost £300, 25 hour course.

This course covers preparation of backgrounds, application of scratch coats and techniques required to achieve a plain render finish.

Boarding and Skimming Cost £400, 30 hour course.

An essential course for non-plastering professionals to learn about developing basic boarding and skimming skills.

Moulding Cost £300, 25 hour course.

A training course focusing on production and fixing of decorative plaster moulding and architectural features.

03C50

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Book your training online at www.leicestercollege.ac.uk or call 0116 224 2240 Hang on guys, I think my toddler is getting to the good part of his four hour long story and I don’t want to miss it.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

Young Auctioneer of the Year Awards

Free Infrastructure Services from DragonIS Saving Developers £1,000 per House DRAGON Infrastructure Solutions, one of the leading Independent Connections Providers (ICPs) in the UK, is offering free gas and electricity infrastructure services. The free servicing will save developers an average of £1,000 per house.

GAVINDER SANGRA, of Shonki Bros Estate Agents based in Narborough Road, Leicester - is pictured above receiving the runners up medal at the RICS Matrics Young Auctioneer of the Year Awards.

Competitors from across the UK descended upon the RICS HQ in London to battle it out for the Allsop claret jug and the title of RICS Matrics Young Auctioneer of the Year.

For a full report on the event, visit www.rics.org/uk/news/news-insight/ news/going-going-gone/

Residential development opportunity in Wellingborough HARWOODS Estate Agents are asking £335,000 for a residential development opportunity at Henshaw Road, Wellingborough, Northants. NN8 2AY. The property comprises a rarely available parcel of cleared land for residential redevelopment.

The land - which overlooks Croyland Park at the rear, has consent for 2 blocks of flats, each comprising 6 residential units.

For more information, contact Harwoods on 01933 278591 or visit www.harwoodsproperty. co.uk

DragonIS is accredited to handle up to both 132kV of electricity and medium pressure gas, making it one of only three providers within the UK with this capability. DragonIS has now connected in excess 10,000 residential units to the National Grid and works with the majority of the UK’s largest house builders, land owners and developers.

As part of this new initiative, DragonIS is offering free electric and gas infrastructure services to each house on a typical dual fuel housing development, when the installation of the mains infrastructure is contracted by them.

In practice, DragonIS will charge for the infrastructure; and then once the developer starts building out the properties they call off the low voltage service and U6 gas service meter to each property with no additional cost.

In addition to saving house builders £1,000 on each property, the free servicing will help in a number of other ways, including reducing financial commitments, improving the programme of works and value-engineering the site requirements to suit the customers’ needs not the local utility host reinforcement.

Debbie Edgar, MD at Dragon Infrastructure Solutions explains why the company decided to perform free gas and electricity servicing: “Our ambition is to turn the connection of gas and electricity on construction projects from a commodity service into an opportunity for construction companies and developers to save or even make money. Our free gas and electric servicing will play a major role is this.”

For more information about Dragon Infrastructure Solutions contact call 0845 362 0284 or visit www.dragonis.co.uk

AUCTION: Pub with lapsed planning for 6 houses or 14 apartments GRAHAM PENNY AUCTIONS are offering for sale BY AUCTION a substantial freehold two-storey public house situated on a 0.23 acre site.

The property - The Black Swan, 5 Pilgrim Way, Worksop S80 2LP - has previously been granted consent for the erection of 6 dwellings, but this lapsed in February 2011. It also had planning approval for 14 apartments which lapsed in February 2012. It is believed that a future application for residential development would be favourably considered.

For sale BY AUCTION on 4th June 2015 at The Pedigree Suite, Derby County Football Club, iPro Stadium, Derby - 11.30am start. The guide price is £45,000+ For more information, contact Graham Penny Auctions on 01332 242880 or email: derby@grahampenny.com

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Auction Diary 2015 June 2015 Wednesday 3 June 2015 - COTTONS - at Aston Villa FC, Villa Park, Birmingham, B6 6HE - 11am start - tel: 0121 247 2233 or email: auctions@cottons.co.uk Thursday 4th June 2015 - GRAHAM PENNY - iPro Stadium, Derby 11.30am start www.grahampennyauctions.com Tuesday 23rd June - GRAHAM PENNY - King Power Stadium, Leicester - 11.30am start www.grahampennyauctions.com Wednesday 24th June 2015 SHONKI BROS KAL SANGRA - at Leicester Racecourse, Leicester Road, Oadby, Leicester LE2 4AL - 5pm start - tel: 0116 254 3373 www.shonkibrothers.com

July 2015 Wednesday 8 July 2015 - SHONKI BROS - at The King Power Stadium, The Gallery, Filbert Way, Leicester LE2 7FL - 5pm start - tel: 0116 255 7573 or email: info@shonkibros.com Thursday 9 July 2015 - SAVILLS at Nottingham Racecourse, Colwick Park, Nottingham NG2 4BE - 2.30pm start - tel: 0115 934 8080 - www. savills.co.uk/auctions Friday 10th July - GRAHAM PENNY - Nottingham Racecourse, Nottingham - 11.30am start www.grahampennyauctions.com Tuesday 14 July 2015 - COTTONS - at Aston Villa FC, Villa Park, Birmingham, B6 6HE - 11am start - tel: 0121 247 2233 or email: auctions@cottons.co.uk Tuesday 21st July 2015 - GRAHAM PENNY - iPro Stadium, Derby 11.30am start www.grahampennyauctions.com

August Thursday 13th August - GRAHAM PENNY - King Power Stadium, Leicester - 11.30am start www.grahampennyauctions.com

September 2015 Thursday 3 September 2015 - SAVILLS - at Nottingham Racecourse, Colwick Park, Nottingham NG2 4BE - 2.30pm start - tel: 0115 934 8080 - www.savills. co.uk/auctions Tuesday 8th September - GRAHAM PENNY - Nottingham Racecourse, Nottingham - 11.30am start www.grahampennyauctions.com

I want a pet sloth just so I can look like I do everything quickly.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

New Lumbers will boost city wow factor

THE LAUNCH of Lumbers’ new High Street jewellery store is set to further enhance the retail impact of Leicester’s High Cross.

With agreement on a 15-year lease, negotiated by Leicestershire commercial property specialist Andrew and Ashwell, a £1m-plus refurbishment of the former Dominoes toy shop is now underway, setting Lumbers on course for summer opening.

Retailer of the Year in the recent Leicestershire Business Awards and with Managing Director Dominic Gomersall also voted top entrepreneur, Lumbers continues to fly the flag for local independent firms.

Established for over 130 years, the jeweller will vacate the current Market Street premises, more than doubling space and creating a gleaming new store on High Street, where economic recovery and on-going improvements to the face of the city are beginning to take effect.

Lumbers is expected to employ an additional two to three staff at the 1,500 sq m new store, which will feature a stunning glass staircase spanning three floors of sparkling jewellery, luxury gifts and individual brand boutiques.

Dominic Gomersall said Andrew and Ashwell had been vital to the success of prolonged negotiations, securing a move that would significantly raise prospects for company growth.

“The size of the new Lumbers was never the original driving force of the move. Long-term sustainability is vital to the Lumbers strategy and I was concerned by the continued drop in quality retailers and lack of investment on Market Street.

“A fantastic advantage of the new premises is that we can express our own version of luxury goods retailing, including a VIP Champagne bar on the first floor, sponsored by Plug Interiors. We will also have a full commercial kitchen for high quality client hospitality.”

Jon Archer of Andrew and Ashwell said the new Lumbers would attract greater footfall onto High Street, extending the glossy retail offering of Leicester’s popular High Cross shopping centre.

“Several major names have joined High Street in the past few months, as retailers aim to benefit from the appeal of High Cross.

“The lease of Lumbers reflects optimism in the retail sector and improvements to the city centre, which includes Jubilee Square at the west end of High Street, linking this main shopping area with historic parts of Leicester.

“We believe Lumbers can be an anchor store on High Street, that will attract like-minded, quality retailers and continue to improve this area over years to come.”

Tim Vine Makes Us Laugh ...

So I told my mum that I’d opened a theatre. She said, “Are you having me on?” I said, “Well I’ll give you an audition, but I’m not promising you anything.”

This policeman came up to me with a pencil and a piece of very thin paper. He said, “I want you to trace someone for me.” s

Iconic commercial site for sale in Leicester KAL SANGRA Shonki Brothers estate Agents are offering for sale a substantial iconic commercial site known as The Wakerley Centre & Former caretaker’s Lodge, situated at 101103 Margaret Road, Leicester LE5 5FW. The property is located in North Evington, between Spinney Hill and Crown Hills, just 1.5 miles south east of Leicester City Centre, and is within a built up residential/ commercial mix area.

The site comprises a twostorey commercial office premises, together with a large enclosed warehouse, ancillary accommodation and substantial parking. The property has gas central heating and suspended ceilings.

In addition, there is a Grade II Listed former caretaker’s lodge, previously used as offices, providing the potential for residential accommodation, subject to planning permission.

The total floor area measures 24,478 sq.feet (2,274 sq.metres).

The selling agent understands that the properties benefit from B1 (Office/ Business) use. The properties may be suitable for a number of other uses, for example B2 (General Industrial), C3 (Residential), D1 (Non-Residential Institutions) and D2 (Assembly and Leisure), subject to obtaining planning permission. All enquiries should be made to Leicester City Council on 0116 454 3000.

Offers in the region of £1,950,000 are invited.

For more information, contact Kal Sangra Shonki Brothers on 0116 254 3373 or visit www.shonkibrothers.com

Building land for 4 bungalows in Braunstone CARLTON Estates are offering for sale a parcel of building land which has planning permission for 4 one-bed bungalows.

The land - at Radford Drive, Braunstone, Leicester - is available at an asking price of £120,000.

For more details, contact Carlton Estates on 0116 284 9636 or email: sales@carltonestates.co.uk

Residential Led Development Opportunity in Nottingham SAVILLS are offering for sale a greenfield residential led development opportunity at land off Teal Close on the eastern edge of Nottingham.

Planning permission has been granted for up to 830 dwellings (5% affordable), up to 18,000 sq.metres of Employment uses (B1/B2/B8), a care home (Use Class C2), hotel (Use Class C1) together with ancillary uses.

The total gross site area extends to approximately 168.6 acres.

Offers are invited for the whole or in part.

For more information, contact Andrew Galloway at Savills on 0115 934 8055 or email: agalloway@savills.com. A detailed information pack is available online at www.savills.co.uk/tealclose

A poem is the most beautiful way to tell someone you’re pretentious.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

I wanna get rid of this memory foam mattress, but it knows too much.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

Your Local Quantity Surveyor Offering Friendly, Professional Advice Free initial consultation All work undertaken from tender stage through to final account Covering all sectors of the industry including residential, social housing, commercial and industrial 35 years experience in the construction industry For more information please visit our website: www.mjsurveyingltd.com Email: mark@mjsurveying.plus.com Telephone Mark on 07969 830986

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The Warehouse, 1a Stamford Street, Leicester LE1 6NL I bet the first thing that happens after you die is you get charged some sort of fee.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

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Derby Winners Sea The Stars

IF YOU can find 12 DERBY WINNERS in the Wordsearch grid on the right, you could win yourself a VIP Meal For Two at Frankie & Benny’s New York Italian Restaurant.

All you have to do to go into the draw is find - and mark a line through - 12 winners of the Epsom Derby. These can run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!).

Send your marked entry forms to: TATTENHAM CORNER, Leicestershire Builder, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to arrive by Monday 22nd June 2015.

Please remember to fill in your name and address. The sender of the first correct entry drawn out of the hat will win the Frankie & Benny’s VIP Meal for Two. Good luck!

Wordsearch Puzzle

Here are the 12 Derby Winners you have to find: AUSTRALIA • RULER OF THE WORLD • CAMELOT POUR MOI • WORKFORCE • SEA THE STARS NEW APPROACH • AUTHORIZED • SIR PERCY MOTIVATOR • NORTH LIGHT • KRIS KIN Name: ..............................................................................................................

Address: ............................................................................................................. .............................................................................Postcode: .............................

Last Month’s Wordsearch Winner:

Mrs Susan Barks of Colby Drive, Thurmaston.

Congratulations! Your Frankie & Benny’s Voucher will be with you soon.

AUCTION: Prime residential site for 14 dwellings GRAHAM PENNY AUCTIONS are offering for sale BY AUCTION a 1.5 acre prime residential development site with planning consent (ref: DER/07/14/00949/PRI) approved for 14 dwellings.

The site - Grange Hotel Site, Ingleby Avenue, Littleover, Derby DE23 8DJ - currently contains a fire-damaged former hotel and offers potential for alternative commercial uses or a higher density scheme for smaller houses or apartments, subject to planning.

For sale BY AUCTION on 4th June 2015 at The Pedigree Suite, Derby County Football Club, iPro Stadium, Derby - 11.30am start. The guide price is £675,000+ For more information, contact Graham Penny Auctions on 01332 242880 or email: derby@grahampenny.com

One great way to make a difference in your community is by moving somewhere else.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

Del Boy tops favourite comedy accident poll

DEL BOY is the East Midlands’ top plonker as his iconic falling through the bar moment is voted the all time favourite comedy accident.

The infamous Only Fools and Horses scene where Del Boy utters the immortal words: “Play it nice and cool, son. Nice and cool, you know what I mean”, to Trigger before falling through the bar, won 57% of the votes in a poll of comedy TV or film accidents. The iconic pratfall beat even Mr Bean, Laurel and Hardy, and the Home Alone burglars to the number one spot.

In fact Del Boy steals first and second place in the poll, with dropping the antique chandelier on the floor in the episode A Touch of Glass, voted second favourite.

The poll, conducted on behalf of family focussed insurance brand There® placed the Vicar of Dibley jumping into a deep muddy puddle, in third place with 18% of the votes. The legendary Music Box episode of Laurel and Hardy got just 4% of the votes.

The majority (62%) of respondents felt such scenes had enduring popularity because they appeal to the traditional British sense of humour.

More than a quarter of the population believe slapstick is the best form of comedy and is something the whole family can enjoy.

Philippa McLaglen, Marketing Manager for There®, said: “We Brits are unique in our sense of humour and our research celebrates this love of slapstick. Del Boy won by a country mile, even the Home Alone pratfalls only came 10th in the rankings. Sadly such accidents wouldn’t feel nearly so funny in real life and the serious side of the story is the potential financial consequence of taking a tumble that sees you out of work for a while.”

Silly accidents are a monthly occurrence for three quarters of us, with a hapless 14% having one mishap a week. No surprise then that more than a third of us consider ourselves or our family to be accident prone. Despite this, only 16% of parents have insurance to cover their income if they are too ill to work.

East Midlands’ top 10 comedy accidents are: • Del Boy falls through the bar- Only Fools and Horses • Del Boy and Rodney smash the chandelier - Only Fools and Horses • The Vicar jumps into a giant puddle - Vicar of Dibley • Victor picks up a puppy rather than the phone- One Foot in the Grave • Joey gets his head stuck in a turkey - Friends • Mrs Doubtfire burns her shirt whilst cooking - Mrs Doubtfire • Alan hit by a falling cow - Alan Partridge • Arkwright’s bike breaks - Open All Hours • Jay rides his motorbike into the building - The Inbetweeners • The burglar traps- Home Alone Source: The research was conducted by OnePoll on behalf of There® surveying 2,000 UK population. Carried out online April 2015.

Tim Vine Makes Us Laugh ...

So this bloke says to me, “Can I come in your house and talk about your carpets?” I thought “That’s all I need, a Je-hoover’s witness”.

AUCTION: Former church hall for sale at Chaddesden

GRAHAM PENNY AUCTIONS are offering for sale BY AUCTION a purpose built former church hall/meeting room with potential for alternative uses, subject to planning.

The property - LOT 68: The Former URC School Hall Premises, Oakleigh Avenue, Chaddesden, Derby DE21 6NF - may be of interest to community users, uniformed organisations, and may have distinct possibilities for conversion to residential use, all of which will require planning consent for change of use.

The accommodation comprises two entrance foyers, a hall with stage area, large kitchen facility, ancillary store and meeting room, and two toilet facilities.

For sale BY AUCTION on 4th June 2015 at The Pedigree Suite, Derby County Football Club, iPro Stadium, Derby - 11.30am start. The guide price is £65,000+ For more information, contact Graham Penny Auctions on 01332 242880 or email: derby@grahampenny.com

Enjoy The Ultimate Sticking Power – With Dow’s Insta-Stik MP FORGET LUGGING heavy bags of dry wall adhesive or messy mixing…Dow’s INSTA-STIK MP takes the hassle out of a wide range of adhesive work.

Fast curing (in three to five minutes) and with low expansion capabilities, it’s suitable for fixing most substrates including plasterboard, insulation board and many other common building materials.

It doesn’t need mixing so preparation time can be eliminated and you can even work without water or electricity.

Once it’s been applied you can start plastering after just an hour and any unused INSTA-STIK MP can be put away and saved for another job.

It’s cost-effective too, with one 750ml can covering the same area as a 25kg bag of dry wall adhesive.

Speaking about Dow’s INSTA-STIK MP, Marketing Manager, Marc Olding, says: “We all need products that we can rely on to get the job done and INSTA-STIK MP does exactly that.

“Easy to use, easy to apply and even easier to transport, it’s the perfect for solution for anyone looking to get things fixed. It’s an essential part of our hard-working Dow range.”

The pen is mightier than the sword but you have a gun so here is my wallet.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

The Home Improvements Guarantee Scheme THE HOME Improvements Guarantee is provided exclusively by approved and trusted builders, tradesmen and contractors.

All approved contractors are required to complete an accreditation process before being able to offer or benefit from leads provided by the Home Improvement Guarantee.

PLEASE HELP ME! MY NAME is Edmund Best and I live in Market Harborough, Leicestershire.

I am fourteen years old and race motorcycles in the British Motostar Championship, a support class in British Superbikes. I am looking to local businesses for sponsorship at any level, however small, to help me continue to compete this year. I have been racing motorcycles since the age of six and have formerly been British champion six times. I feel I have the commitment and talent to reward any support that I may kindly receive.

If you are in a position to help then please contact us at jeremybest185@btinternet.com or call 07771 684908 where we will be happy to discuss what we can offer in return.

Order now and get a new 15 reg van!

Contractors’ Benefits

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Guaranteed Payment-Improved cash flow: payment is guaranteed at the end of the project or by agreed stage payments.

Work opportunities from HIG enquiries. The Home Improvement Guarantees marketing is expected to create new enquiries for builders and tradesmen throughout the UK, this work will be passed directly to approved contractors Exclusive Product. Only approved contractors are able to offer this ground breaking service.

Financial security and better cash flow means builders and tradesmen in the UK can compete for higher value jobs or projects.

Improved relationship with suppliers due to better cash flow managment.

Available for any job or project above £2000.

Includes the Home Improvements Protection Warranty - an Insurance Backed Guarantee.

A competitive advantage by offering the HIG to clients and customers.

Endorsements and recommendations from respected property professionals are proving to be of great benefit to contractors who have added the HIG information, links and videos to their web site or advertising. It also brings credibility to our contractors business and the services they provide.

For further information call 01375 489 744 or visit the website at www. homeimprovementsguarantee.co.uk

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

Thanks!

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