May 2021 Leicestershire Builder Magazine

LEICESTERSHIRE

BUILDER

Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@buildermagazines.co.uk • Web: www.buildermagazines.co.uk • MAY 2021

East Midlands planning excellence recognised at RTPI Awards 2021 A LEICESTER regeneration scheme and planners from across the East Midlands are in the running to win at the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Awards for Planning Excellence 2021, it has been announced.

Finalists from the East Midlands at this year’s RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence, with relevant categories, include:

Marrons Planning (Planning Consultancy of the Year)

Great Central Square (above), submitted by Leicester City Council and Marrons Planning (Excellence in Planning for a Successful Economy) A £60m regeneration scheme connecting the Waterside area to the heart of the city centre, Great Central Square has been a catalyst for Leicester’s recent renaissance

Laura McCombe – Principal Planner, Boyer (Young Planner of the Year)

Laura (pictured, right) is the Co-Chair of the East Midlands branch of Women in Planning which seeks to increase diversity, inclusion and equality across the profession.

Based in Leicester, Marrons Planning advises on planning applications, the promotion of development sites through the local plan process, negotiation with local planning authorities and assisting with the co-ordination and submission of environmental impact assessments The RTPI’s annual Awards for Planning Excellence are the longest-running and most respected in the UK planning industry. The awards celebrate exceptional examples of planning and the contribution planners make to society not just throughout the UK but internationally.

The climax of the ceremony, which will take place on virtual platform The Awards Room by Evessio, will be the presentation of the Silver Jubilee Cup, awarded to the project adjudged best overall. In total, 93 projects, teams and individuals across 15 categories have been selected by the independent judges this year.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • MAY 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

XPO Logistics and Nestlé unveil warehouse of the future in Leicestershire XPO Logistics, a provider of transport and logistics solutions, and Nestlé, the food and beverage company, have completed the phased opening of their flagship distribution centre and technology hub in the UK.

XPO and Nestlé began collaborating on the design and construction of the Digital Distribution Warehouse of the Future in 2018, together with technology partner Swisslog Logistics Automation.

The 638,000-square-foot facility at the Segro East Midlands Gateway in Leicestershire includes advanced solutions customized by Swisslog and integrated with XPO’s digital warehouse ecosystem. The operations use sophisticated robotics, automated sorting systems and XPO’s intelligent analytics to deliver fast, efficient distribution of Nestlé products, including KitKat, Maggi and Nescafé.

XPO has been ramping up operations at the site since mid2020, using its global experience with COVID-19 and extensive safety protocols to protect workers.

The processes are designed to accommodate the highest throughput of any warehouse in Nestlé’s global network. It will handle goods produced by 11 Nestlé UK manufacturing sites alongside those imported from several markets worldwide.

In addition to delivering the high volume of retail products associated with Nestlé’s food, dairy, nutrition, beverage, and confectionery ranges, the site also manages e-commerce fulfillment for the Nespresso brand, a retail solution for Nespresso Boutique stores, and value-added co-packing for a wide range of Nestlé food products.

Sustainability was a core consideration in the design and location of the building. The site is on a railhead, and Nestlé will be

City council spends £160,000 on repairing garden walls of private homes

MORE THAN £160,000 has been spent on repairing and replacing the front garden walls of private homes by Leicester City Council. dispatching exports and deliveries into the London area via rail. A liquified gas refuelling station is currently being developed at the site to enable Nestlé to operate energy-efficient gas trucks instead of diesel.

Andrew Shaw, supply chain director, Nestlé UK and Ireland, said: “I’d like to offer a huge thank you to the many people at Nestlé and XPO who have worked so hard to bring our vision to life in this magnificent facility.

“Our digital distribution warehouse is an important step forward for our business and our customers. We can now be faster, more responsive, and more agile in how we supply our products under all conditions, and we can provide a bespoke, personalized service to our customers.”

Shaw added: “This truly is a digital warehouse of the future, with advanced technology that will give Nestlé the flexibility to meet customer and consumer requirements for many years to come.”

The site includes an innovation hub that also functions as an

incubator to test new ways of addressing logistics needs. XPO will conduct real-life operating trials of promising technologies and will showcase innovations to customers.

The facility is designed as a multiuser space to accommodate solutions tailored to the needs of different logistics operations.

“We’re delighted to launch this milestone facility officially,” said Malcolm Wilson, XPO’s Chief Executive Officer – Europe. “Nestlé and Swisslog are trusted strategic partners of XPO, and they believe, as we do, that the best way to deliver excellence in the present is to maintain a strong focus on the future. We’re pushing the boundaries of supply chain thinking and disrupting the industry in the most positive sense.”

The new distribution centre is located in the Sergo East Midlands Gateway Logistics Park to take advantage of direct access to the M1 motorway and East Midlands Airport, as well as the onsite rail freight terminal that connects with the major UK ports of Southampton, Felixstowe, and London Gateway, and the Channel Tunnel.

Leicestershire Builder Magazine Published By: Builder Magazines PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT Tel: (01530) 244069 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 (2,500 copies) • Through trade counters of local merchants (1,000 copies) SUBSCRIPTIONS: £20 PER YEAR (No VAT) TO SUBSCRIBE: CALL 01530 244069 and leave your details, or subscribe via our Website. We’ll invoice you later.

Printed in Ellistown by: Norwood Press

Published on 1st of each month. Copy Deadline: 15th of each month

Some 24 properties along Green Lane Road, in Spinney Hills, have had damaged or missing boundary walls replaced in a bid to smarten up the area.

Bricklaying students from Leicester College have been involved in the project to help them gain skills as well as ex-offenders.

The work aims to improve the look of the street by providing a uniform stretch of front garden walls and gates on the terraced houses on the outbound route as far as its junction with East Park Road.

The city council entered into legal agreements with the property owners to carry out the work, to remove any existing walls in poor condition, and replace them with one-metre high boundary walls, with the option of a new metal gate.

Householders contribute a nominal sum of £1 each to enter into a legal agreement with the council for the work to be done.

Booking deadline for the June issue is 15th May.

The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Editorial/Production Team.

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

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

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

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

Have you ever got half way through eating a horse and thought, I’m not as hungry as I thought I was?

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • MAY 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

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Building plots for the erection of four pairs of semi-detached houses. Popular and highl central village location. Full details of the planning can be viewed online. This is across Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • MAY 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK applications, with the references as follows: 18/00465/FUL and 19/00228/FU

Plots for 4 pairs of semis in Barlestone

IHS MARKIT / CIPS UK CONSTRUCTION PMI®

Construction output expands at sharpest pace since September 2014 KEY FINDINGS • Robust growth in all major categories of construction activity during March • Fastest rise in commercial work for six-and-a-half years • Job creation accelerates to 27-month high THE RECOVERY in UK construction output gained considerable momentum in March, supported by robust rises in house building, commercial work and civil engineering.

Adjusted for seasonal influences, the IHS Markit/CIPS UK Construction Total Activity Index registered 61.7 in March, up sharply from 53.3 in February. The latest reading signalled the strongest rate of construction output growth since September 2014.

Housebuilding (index at 64.0) was the best-performing category, with growth the fastest since July 2020.

Strong increases in activity were also seen in commercial construction (62.7) and civil engineering (58.0) in March, with the index readings for both segments the highest since the second half of 2014.

Survey respondents often commented on the mobilisation of delayed projects, especially in areas such as hospitality, leisure, and office development.

There were again reports of a boost from major infrastructure projects in March, as well as higher workloads due to greater spending on residential construction work and rising new home sales.

Improving client demand and contract awards on projects that had been put on hold earlier in the pandemic contributed to a steep upturn in new orders during March. Moreover, the rate of expansion accelerated to its fastest since September 2014.

Forthcoming new project starts spurred a solid rise in employment numbers, with the rate of job creation the strongest for over two years in March. Construction companies also signalled a sharp increase in purchasing volumes in response to greater workloads.

The latest upturn in input buying was the steepest since November 2020.Higher demand for construction products and materials contributed to longer wait times for deliveries by suppliers. Around 41% of the survey panel reported longer delivery times from suppliers in March, while only 1% saw an improvement.

Supply constraints and logistics issues were commonly reported by

SCRIVINS & Co are offering for sale building plots for the erection of four pairs of semi-detached houses.

OFFERS OVER £700,000 The plots - adjacent to 19 construction companies, especially for imported items. Imbalanced demand and supply for construction inputs led to the steepest increase in purchasing prices since August 2008. Survey respondents widely noted that suppliers had cited Brexit and COVID-19 as reasons for price hikes in March.

Meanwhile, the latest survey indicated a strong degree of confidence towards the year ahead outlook for construction activity. Growth projections were the most upbeat since June 2015, reflecting confidence in the UK economic outlook, the improving pandemic situation and pent up demand.

Tim Moore, Economics Director at IHS Markit, which compiles the survey: “March data revealed a surge in UK construction output as the recovery broadened out from house building to commercial work and civil engineering. Total activity expanded to the greatest extent for six-and-a-half years as residential spending remained robust, commercial projects restarted and infrastructure contract awards moved ahead.

“Improving confidence among clients in the commercial segment was a key driver of growth, with development activity rebounding in sectors of the economy set to benefit the most from the improving pandemic situation. The increasingly optimistic UK economic outlook has created a halo effect on construction demand and the perceived viability of new projects.

“Constrained supplier capacity and stretched transport availability continued to pose challenges for the construction sector in March. Short supply of products and materials

pushed up purchase prices at the fastest rate since August 2008.

“The latest survey pointed to the strongest growth projections across the UK construction sector since those reported during a post-election bounce back in June 2015.”

Newbold Road, Barlestone CV13 0DZ - have full planning OPEN 7 DAYS permission under two application Also references: 18/00465/FUL and Earl Shil 19/00228/FUL. Partners: W J Scriv Offers over £700,000 are invited.

For more information, contact Scrivins & Co on 01455 890480 or email: sales@scrivins.co.uk

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • MAY 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

First phase of Space Park Leicester completes Leicester City Winfox Limited (c/o Agent: Miss Charlotte Mills, Hybrid Planning & Development, 23 Vyner Street, London E2 9DG) – Construction of 4 buildings of three to seven storeys comprising 361 apartments, commercial unit, associated car parking and landscaping (Amended plans) – at Former Leicester City Football Club Ground, Filbert Street, Leicester LE2 7FZ. Singla (c/o Agent: Design Studio Architects Limited, Regent House, 7 Upper King Street, Leicester LE1 6XB) – Conversion of office block into 17 apartments, and retain part office space – at 94 New Walk, Leicester LE1 7EA. Mr R Patel (c/o Agent: Mr R Kahn, Master Plan Design Solutions, The Vicarage, 1 Wood Hill, Leicester LE5 3JB) – Change of use from threebed house to 2 one-bed flats – at 37 Bonsall Street, Leicester LE5 5AG. Messrs N & U Chauhan (c/o Agent: John Hackman, The Drawing Room (Architects) Ltd, 130 Moat Street, Wigston, Leicester LE18 2GE) – Demolition of existing rear outbuildings and conversion of existing three-storey premises to 4 flats (Revised scheme) – at 56-58 Belgrave Gate, Leicester LE1 3GQ. Urbanite (Leicester) Ltd (c/o Agent: Miss Emma Bilton, QUOD, Capitol House, Bond Court, Leeds LS1 5SP) – Erection of eight storey student accommodation to provide 53 flats – at Highcross Street/ Great Central Street/All Saints Open, Leicester.

Mr Ismail Esmail (c/o: 60 The Broadway, Oadby, Leicester LE2 2HE) – One 2½ storey building and one two storey building with 5 flats – at land adjacent to 100 Osborne Road, Leicester LE5 5ER. F2 Property Investments Ltd (c/o Agent: Mrs Denise Knipe, Aspbury Planning Ltd, Unit 20 Park Lane Business Park, Park Lane, Basford, Notts. NG6 0DW) – Change of use of former care home to a 72bed House in Multiple Occupation (Revised Scheme) – at 20 Preston Lodge, Kingfisher Avenue, Leicester LE5 3FS.

Professor Sarah Davies receives the keys to Phase 1 of Space Park Leicester from Bowmer + Kirkland representative Steve Chambers THE KEYS to a pioneering £100 million research, innovation and teaching hub for space-related high-tech companies and researchers in Leicester have been handed over following the completion of the first phase of building work.

Developed by the University of Leicester in collaboration with local, national and international partners, the project will deliver a 4,800m2 facility comprising offices, shared laboratories, teaching facilities and co-working spaces, focussing primarily on research, development and applications of space.

Representatives from construction company Bowmer + Kirkland have handed over the keys, marking a significant milestone in the completion of the first phase of the project, which is scheduled to open in the summer.

Grant Bourhill, Chief Executive of Space Park Leicester, said: “The global space sector is expanding significantly, with some forecasts predicting a $1 trillion industry by 2040. Leicester has six decades of experience of space science, as well as the largest grouping of space-related researchers of any institution in the UK. “With Space Park, we are aiming to leverage that capability and capacity to attract and grow space and space-enabled businesses. This will bring jobs to the East Midlands as well as create expanded opportunities for students and the wider community.”

Steve Chambers, Bowmer + Kirkland Regional Director, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be handing over stage one of this magnificent facility. Given that the past 12 months have been challenging, it is a remarkable achievement for the entire project team to achieve a successful handover and am sure that the teamwork and hard work from everyone involved with this scheme will see a successful conclusion to the next phase of the Space Park.”

Space Park Leicester will enable collaboration between University researchers and the private sector, creating high quality knowledge-based jobs, building the skills base and contributing to economic growth and resilience of the economy.

The project is being led by the University of Leicester in partnership with Leicester City Council and the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP).

Phase one development at Space Park Leicester is supported by an £8.175m allocation from the Local Growth Fund, part of government funding awarded to the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) for projects that benefit the local area and economy.

The second phase of the development, also for collaborative work between industry and academia, will provide state of the art laboratories and workshops focused on Artificial Intelligence and robot-assisted satellite production. The second phase is currently being built, with completion scheduled for Autumn.

ESTATE AGENTS: If you’re selling building land or development properties, email details to us and we’ll include a FREE mention in the magazine. Thanks!

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Response to latest UK Construction PMI data GARETH BELSHAM, director of the national property consultancy and surveyors Naismiths, commented: “The bounceback is turning into a boom.

“The omens in February were good, as new orders began to pour in. But March was the month when construction really put the pedal to the floor – and output is now surging across all sectors of the industry.

“Housebuilding work spiked at the fastest rate seen since the record-breaking, gravity-defying jump of last summer. The jump in commercial construction and infrastructure work wasn’t far behind, and is perhaps even more impressive given that these two typically struggle to keep pace with the red-hot residential sector.

“In response to surging demand, building firms are tooling up – hiring people and buying materials – and the pace of job creation is now stronger than it has been for over two years.

“The flipside of all this is a surge in materials prices. With demand far exceeding supply in many areas, cost pressures and wait times for key building materials are starting to build sharply.

“As high streets prepare to reopen in England and Wales and the shackles of lockdown are slowly thrown off, the industry is steeling itself for the release of many months of pent-up demand.

“No wonder optimism among builders is higher than it has been for nearly six years. So far there’s still no sense of the longevity of this boom. But the industry is taking the Prime Minister’s instruction to ‘build build build’ very literally.”

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • MAY 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • MAY 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Marble Property Services Launches ‘Ikonic’ Development Leicester City Council (c/o Agent: Claire Bailey, Leicester City Council, Phoenix House, Leicester LE1 6RN) – Demolition of former sports pavilion – at St Oswalds Road, Leicester LE3 6RJ. Pastor Isiaka (c/o Agent: Peter Joel Associates, 1 Bowthorpe Close, Leicester LE4 9AP) – Conversion from single dwelling to 3 flats with a rear two-storey extension – at 7 Mallory Place, Leicester LE5 0HS. Leicester Lazer Seal Ltd (c/o Agent: Mr R Kahn, Master Plan Design Solutions, The Vicarage, 1 Wood Hill, Leicester LE5 3JB) – First floor rear extension – at 80 Upper Charnwood Street, Leicester LE2 0BE. Al-Mahdi Association (c/o Agent: Mr Faizal Osman, 13 Architectural Consultants Ltd, c/o 8 Coplow Avenue, Evington, Leicester LE5 5WA) – Change of use from Class E to non-residential educational uses and place of worship – at 24 Braunstone South Housing Office, Guthridge Crescent, Leicester LE3 1JX. Parker Plant Ltd (c/o: Viaduct Works, Canon Street, Leicester LE4 6GH) – Demolition of factory and part of office block – at Viaduct Works, Canon Street, Leicester LE4 6GH. Mr S Verma (c/o Agent: Mr R Kahn, Master Plan Design Ltd, 23 Vulcan House, Vulcan Road, Leicester LE5 3EF) – Change of use from bank to 3 one-bed flats – at 2-4 Blackbird Road, Leicester LE4 0FS. Walkers Snack Foods Ltd (c/o Agent: Rich Chaney, WilliamsArchitects Ltd, Studio 7, The Garage Studios, 41-45 St Marys Gate, The Lace Market, Nottingham NG1 1PU) – Construction of fertiliser manufacturing plant within a single storey industrial building – at Walkers Snack Foods Ltd, Bursom Road, Leicester LE4 1BS. Keepmoat Homes (c/o Agent: Mr Lee Greenwood, Smith & Love Planning Consultants, Rational House, 32 Winckley Square, Preston PR1 3JJ) -Erection of 11 dwellings with associated parking, access and landscaping – at Leicester Waterside, Northgate Street & Soar Lane, Leicester.

MARBLE PROPERTY SERVICES – Land & Development are proud to have been appointed as Sole Sale & Marketing Agents on a prestigious new build residential scheme of 13 unique detached properties.

Property development company ‘Ikon Residence’ has begun construction work on Spittal Heights within Castle Donington, which gains its inspiration from the worldfamous racetrack nearby.

The uniquely designed four and five-bedroom homes are named after celebrated racing drivers who have appeared at the Donington Park circuit, including Senna, Moss, Hill and Stewart.

Marble assisted the developer in the land purchase, and due to their commitment and support throughout the initial process, this relationship has continued through to the

launch of the site and beyond.

A VIP event was hosted recently by Marble on behalf of IKON where potential buyers were given their first glimpse of ‘The Senna’ a stunning 5 bed detached property with many distinct features, including a large floor to ceiling window spanning 2 floors.

Steve Thrower, managing director of Castle Donington based

Picture shows (at the day of Launch) from L to R – Steve Thrower & Kirsty Samson from Marble Property Services, and Andy Dolman of Ikon Residence.

Marble Property Services, which is marketing the Spittal Heights development on behalf of Ikon Residence, said: “This is genuinely a very special collection of homes”.

Steve commented that “we are managing interest from across the UK, along with an unexpected enquiry from UAE”.

A spokesperson for Ikon Residence, said: “We’re very excited to be bring-

ing these high-quality family homes to the market and we are passionate about the work we do and are all proud of this iconic development”.

“We awarded Marble the contract to sell the properties due to their enthusiasm for the concept, their obvious professionalism and considerable local knowledge – as well as having a good level of understanding of who the potential buyers are.”

New business park planned for Market Harborough

AN OUTLINE planning application has been submitted for the development of a new business park with the potential to create hundreds of new jobs for Market Harborough.

Wellington Business Park is located to the north-west of the town on a 25-acre site within one mile of the A6 and forms part of the wider Market Harborough Strategic Development Area.

The site is allocated in the Harborough District Council Local Plan for a mix of uses including offices, industrial and warehousing.

The masterplan includes flexibility for a range of employment units and will also feature extensive landscaping with pedestrian and cycle links into the town centre.

Historically, the site formed part of the airfield that was used by the RAF in World War II and was home to the Wellington Bombers of No. 14 Operational Training Unit of RAF Bomber Command.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • MAY 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

£60m BTR residential development acquired in Leicester’s Waterside Mr Nazir Khonat (c/o Agent: Mr M Imtiaz, Architecture365 Ltd, 20 Lynmouth Road, Leicester LE5 1NA) – Change of use from general industrial to 2 self-contained flats – at 48-50 Brandon Street, Leicester LE4 6AW.

A SCHEME for 282 homes in Markfield village has been approved by councillors.

Solmma Investments Ltd (c/o Agent: Thomas O’Neill, Skylark Architectural, 22 Skylark Avenue, Mountsorrel, Leicester LE12 7FY) – Change of use of existing building to 4 Houses of Multiple Occupancy – at Care Home, 9 Grace Road, Leicester LE2 8AD. Mr Patel (c/o Agent: Mr Sudera, Design Studio Architects Ltd, Regent House, 7 Uper King Street, Leicester LE1 6XB) – Change of use of first and second floors from restaurant to 6 residential flats – at 26-28 Granby Street, Leicester LE1 1DE. Fitzrovia Properties (c/o Agent: Jonathan Richmond-Saint, JRS, 61 Linden Drive, Leicester LE5 6AJ) -Conversion of 4 flats to 7 student flats – at 25 Halford House, De Montfort Street, Leicester LE1 7GF. WPOAS Ltd (c/o Agent: Muthar AlSalloum, MAS Architecture Ltd, The Atkins Building, Lower Bond Street, Hinckley, Leics. LE10 1QU) – Change of use to office and community building with café, demolition of two buildings and construction of three new elements – at Western Park Open Air School, Western Park, Hinckley Road, Leicester LE3 6HX. Nico Properties Ltd (c/o Agent: Sachin Parmar, Marrons Planning, Shakespeare Martineau, Two Colton Square, Leicester LE1 1QH) – Construction of 8 apartments (Revised scheme) – at 22A Staveley Road, Leicester LE5 5JT. Ms Angie Beasley (c/o Agent: Anthony Jones, Halford Jones Architects Ltd, 34a Park Hill Drive, Aylestone, Leicester LE2 8HR) – Conversion of church hall/workshop into 3 self-contained flats – at The Sanctuary Workshops, 9 Sanvey Lane, Leicester LE2 8NG. Mr Suresh Karavadra (c/o Agent: Faizal Osman, 13 Architectural Consultants Ltd, c/o 8 Coplow Avenue, Evington, Leicester LE5 5WA) – Change of use of first floor from offices to 2 one-bed flats and 2 studio flats – at 142 Narborough Road, Leicester LE3 0BT.

Scheme for 282 homes in Markfield approved

EDMOND DE ROTHSCHILD Real Estate Investment Management (REIM) has acquired its second build-to-rent residential development, the £60 million Merlin Wharf in the Waterside regeneration area of Leicester.

The development, located in Bath Lane by the River Soar, comprises 384 one and two-bed apartments, designed by Leicester-based architect, Staniforth.

It was forward funded by the Edmond de Rothschild Residential Investment Fund UK, which invests in the private rented sector (PRS) on behalf of European institutional investors, and completed at the end of last month.

The fund’s development partner was Leicester Lettings and the contractor was Winvic Construction.

Edmond de Rothschild REIM operates a vertically integrated platform and will provide a lettings and management service for the completed development from its in-house PRS team.

The Edmond de Rothschild Residential Investment Fund UK was launched in August 2018 and to date has raised equity commitments of around £260 millon, with further equity being raised, from European institutional investors. The fund aims to create a diversified portfolio of PRS assets, delivering sustainable and stable distributions over a long-term holding period.

Bellway makes it five-in-a-row as five-star status is retained BELLWAY East Midlands is celebrating after the company retained its five-star status with the Home Builders Federation (HBF) for the fifth successive year.

Bellway was named in the HBF’s annual list of the housebuilders most highly rated by their customers, published on March 18th.

The award demonstrates that over 90 per cent of Bellway’s customers who completed the HBF’s National New Homes Customer Satisfaction Survey would recommend the housebuilder to a friend.

Bellway’s unwavering commitment to delivering a first-class customer experience has enabled the company to consistently secure five-star status since 2017.

The HBF star rating has become the leading indicator for success in the new homes industry since it was introduced in 2005. Almost 4,000 people completed the survey to rate Bellway this year.

Bellway East Midlands, which has its head office in Leicester, is building in Staffordshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire.

For more information on new homes built by Bellway, visit bellway.co.uk.

The houses will be built on fields to the south of London Road, with the access to the estate from London Road itself and Dr Wright Close.

The complex will include 40 per cent affordable homes, three quarters of which will be social rented properties while the rest will have shared ownership.

The planning application was submitted by Jelson Homes, which previously built 140 properties off London Road after it was granted permission on appeal in 2011.

The scheme was approved by 15 votes with one abstention.

New Courses Added To JCT’s Online Training Programme JCT has released the latest batch of dates for its JCT Training Online courses, including a range of new courses that have been added to its digital programme for the first time.

The dates for May/June 2021 include new courses on the JCT Standard Building Contract 2016, JCT Intermediate Building Contract 2016, and JCT Minor Works Building Contract 2016.

These are in addition to the JCT Design and Build Contract 2016 and JCT Contracts 2016 – The Legal Perspective courses, which launched last year and will re-run in this latest batch.

JCT Training Online courses are 3 hours duration, delivered as live broadcast webinars. Interactivity is provided with the ability to ask questions through the interface during set aside Q&A segments.

Prior to the webinars, participants will receive relevant course materials, a pre-event questionnaire to establish priority topics and tailor the training, and will be able to test and troubleshoot any technology issues ahead of time to make sure their course runs smoothly on the day.

Details on the course dates and booking is available at www.jctltd.co.uk/jct-training/ available-courses.

When I was six, my family moved to a new city, but fortunately I was able to track them down.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • MAY 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • MAY 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Forward purchase of 462-bed student scheme in Leicester agreed Mallory (Leicester) Ltd (c/o Agent: Andy Sell, AJS Architectural Services, 156a Fosse Road North, Leicester LE3 5ES) – Proposed 3 self-contained flats – at 113 Mountcastle Road, Leicester LE3 2BX. Highcross Shopping Centre Ltd (c/o Agent: Tanya Jordon, RPS, 7th Floor, 20 Farringdon Street, London EC4a 4AB) – Demolition of vacant retail store and removal of existing car park spaces and redevelopment comprising residential units and commercial floor space over lower ground, upper ground and up to 14 upper storeys – at Former Debenhams, Highcross, 20 St Peter’s Lane, Leicester.

8PRW Limited (c/o Agent:Ed Norris, Aitchison Raffety, The Granary, Spring Hill Office Park, Harborough Road, Pitsford, Northampton NN6 9AA) – Change of use from offices to dwellinghouses – at 8 Princess Road West, Leicester LE1 6TP. NYS Properties Ltd (c/o Agent: Mr Imtiaz, Architecture365 Ltd, 20 Lynmouth Road, Leicester LE5 1NA) – Change of use of first floor and roof space of former betting shop/ office into 3 one-bed flats, plus front and rear extensions – at 10-12 Uppingham Road, Leicester LE5 0QD.

Charnwood Borough Gladman Developments Ltd – Outline application for up to 135 dwellings with public open space, play area, landscaping, sustainable drainage system and vehicular access – at land off Melton Road, Barrow upon Soar, Leics.

Swithland Homes (c/o Agent: David Granger Design Ltd) – Application for up to 50 dwellings – at 97 Gynsill Lane, Anstey, Leicester LE7 7AJ. Dr Ali Hilal Mohammad Al-Byati – Erection of building to rear for 2 new flats and widening of access to Bishop Street – at 69 Nottingham Road, Loughborough, Leics.

LE11 1ES. Mr P Triggs (c/o Agent: Heatons) Conversion of public house and associated buildings to form 12 dwellings with new access and parking arrangments – at Manor House Hotel, Woodhouse Road, Quorn, Leics. LE12 8AL.

1 6 2 H INCKLEY R O AD

L.F.E. land with consent for 2 dwellings LEICESTER FOREST EAST, LEICESTER

DEUTSCHE FINANCE International (DFI), the panEuropean private equity real estate investor, has agreed to the forward purchase of a 462-bed purpose built student accommodation (PBSA) opportunity in Leicester.

The development - The Tannery, a new scheme near the River Soar in Bath Lane - will be acquired from Watkin Jones, the student accommodation developers, in an off-market transaction for £35.6 million on behalf of DFI’s pan-European Value Add Fund.

The investment is DFI’s second UK PBSA acquisition, following the 2017 purchase of Canterbury Student Manor, a 386 bed student accommodation asset in Canterbury. DFI has also assembled, through both acquisitions and JAMES SELLICKS are development, a 1,100 unit student accommodation platform in Denmark. offering for sale a third-ofDFI’s latest investment is underpinned by strong UK student market an-acre plot with planning THIRD OF AN ACRE PLOT WITH DILAPIDATED BUNGALOW - PLANNING FOR TWO DETACHED DWELLINGS fundamentals characterised by increasing demand for higher education consent for two detached BLABY DISTRICT PLANNING : 17/0668/FUL (fuelled by rising domestic and international demand); supportive UK dwellings. demographics; and rising enrolment figures in the near term, driven by Sales ● Lettings Surveys ● Mortgages The plot ●- at 162 Hinckley Road, Covid-19 and the associated employment market challenges.

Leicester Forest East, Leicester Furthermore, Leicester is an attractive PBSA investment market with the - currently houses a spacious but student population having grown substantially over the last decade to more dilapidated detached bungalow than 40,000 students, primarily led by growth at the city’s De Montfort thought ripe for redevelopment.

University. Despite this growth, supply remains constrained with a lack of The Blaby District Council planning modern PBSA stock and a limited development pipeline. consent reference is 17/0668/FUL Watkin Jones is developing the Leicester property, which is scheduled to and the build has commenced (a complete in time for the 2021/22 academic year and will provide a mixture small section of footing has been of four to seven bed clusters and studios of different sizes. dug and concreted).

Taking into account design learnings from the pandemic, around 3,875 sq For sale by Informal tender with a ft will be dedicated to modern and spacious amenities including communal guide price of £300,000-£330,000. areas, study and meeting rooms, virtual gym space, a games room and a For more information, contact landscaped courtyard. The asset is a short walk to Leicester city centre and James Sellicks on 0116 2854 554 or De Montfort University. email: info@jamessellicks.com DFI was advised by CBRE, Allen & Overy, Deloitte and Hollis.

Plot in Orston SAVILLS are offering for sale a 0.75 acre plot with Outline Planning Permission for a detached dwelling.

0.75 acre plot with outline planning • Sought after village location • Open countryside views • South facing garden • Opportunity to build unique dwelling • Excellent commuting links

Location Orston is a popular and well regarded village in the sought after Vale of Belvoir.

The village has a strong community centred around facilities such as the public house, deli, equestrian centre and clay pigeon shooting club as well as the primary school, rated outstanding by OFSTED. The village is conveniently located for access to Nottingham which is approximately 16 miles away and Grantham, approximately 11 miles away.

There is a superb rail link to London from Grantham with regular daily services taking approximately 63 minutes.

Description Plot 2 sits to the west aspect of the site and occupies a pleasant 0.75 acre plot, enjoying unobstructed, far reaching views. The plot benefits outline planning permission for a detached dwelling with all matters reserved aside from access.

The all matters reserved aspect allows for prospective buyers to build a house to their specification (within the planning guidelines) with a property similar to plot 1 ’s full planning approval potentially achievable (subject to the necessary planning consents) which measures 5790sqft and comprises to the ground floor; a large open plan kitchen / family area with two glazed elevations and a utility off, a cloak room and WC, a snug and separate

The land - Plot 2, Land off Moor Lane, Orston, Nottinghamshire has far reaching views.

Asking price: £465,000.

For more information, contact Luke Billson at Savills on 0115 934 8020 or visit www.savills.co.uk

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • MAY 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Strong demand for commercial property as Bond Wolfe Auctions sets new UK auction record Gladman Developments Ltd Outline application for the erection of up to 228 dwellings with public open space, landscaping amd sustainable drainage system – at land off Barnards Drive, Sileby, Leics.

ADC Properties Ltd (c/o Agent: The Planning Station) – Change of use of the first floor of the retail unit to provide 2 multiple occupation flats and erection of first floor extensions and alterations to the rear to provide 3 additional flats – at 20 Market Street, Loughborough, Leics. LE11 3ER. Westernrange Ltd (c/o Agent: Staniforth Architects) – Construction of 2 low-rise industrial buildings to accommodate 5 light industrial units incorporating landscaping, external service areas and car parking – at land at Broad Street and St Peter’s Street, Syston, Leicester LE7 1GJ. Mr Adrian Russell (c/o Agent: CP Associates) – Partial demolition and conversion and change of use of the host building from Use Class B2 to Use Class C3, and erection of two-storey extension to create an apartment building comprising 9 apartments – at 1 Albert Street, Loughborough, Leics. LE11 2DW Mr K Landers (c/o Agent: Amatco Design Services) – Erection of 2 dwellings and one detached garage – at 42 Linkfield Road, Mountsorrel, Leics. LE12 7DL. Mr Sudera (c/o Agent: Design Studio Architects Ltd) – Two and a half storey extension to care home to provide 10 additional rooms over two floors, with attic space to be used as office/storage – at 38 Mountsorrel Lane, Sileby, Leics.

LE12 7NF. Gladman Developments Ltd – Outline application for up to 130 dwellings with public open space, landscaping and sustainable drainage system – at land south of Melton Road, Barrow upon Soar, Leics.

Patel (c/o Agent: Mark Architecture Ltd) Change of use from restaurant into 9 one-bed studio apartments to the ground first and second floors – at 106A Derby Road, Loughborough, Leics. LE11 5HL.

COMMERCIAL property was much in demand as Bond Wolfe Auctions set a new record for the UK’s most successful livestreamed auction, raising over £30.23 million in its latest sale on 31st March.

The tone for the day was set when Lot 1, the former Sedgley Police Station in the Black Country sold for an impressive £820,000 from a guide price of £260,000+.

Ian Tudor, managing director of Bond Wolfe Auctions, said: “This auction was also the largest ever held outside of London, with a total of 205 lots sold from 218 offered, representing a success rate of 95%.

Former Sedgley Police Station “The demand for commercial property in our auctions is not only coming from our West Midlands heartland but also all over the UK including London and the south east. We are also seeing increasing interest from overseas bidders.

“Our commercial property lots are now in a global shop window and hence we are seeing more overseas bidder in every auction.”

The interest in the auction was backed up by the data collated both during the marketing period and on the day, with 814,817 website page views, 161,168 video tours watched and 34,336 tuning in to watch the auction live.

Other lots that attracted strong interest in the run-up to the auction included The Button Factory, Maypole Works, Maypole Lane, Birmingham, which was offered with a guide price of £135,000+ but sold prior to auction for £565,000 to a London developer.

A former police community office at 145 Oliver Road, Ilkeston, Derbyshire, with a guide price of £10,000+, sold for £29,000.

The Button Factory, Maypole Lane In West Bromwich, a substantial high street freehold development opportunity with planning permission for a 35 bedroom house in multiple occupation, further emphasised the demand for investment opportunities.

The property at 315-319 High Street was offered with a guide price of £595,000+ but sold prior to the auction for an undisclosed sum.

A former Methodist Church Hall in West Street, Swadlincote, Derbyshire, sold for £64,000 from a guide price of £55,000-£65,000.

Over in Stoke-on-Trent, the former Stanfield Nursery School in Dollys Lane, in an established neighbourhood and suitable for redevelopment, subject to planning permission, sold for £210,000 from a guide price of £189,000+.

Bond Wolfe Auctions next auction is on Wednesday 19 May 2021.

Wigston property with consent for 14-bed care home ASTON & CO are offering for sale by the Modern Method

of Auction a substantial detached property with planning approved (ref: 19/00283/FUL) for extension to create a 14-bedroom care home.

The existing property - Melrose House, Newton Lane, Wigston, Leicester LE18 3SH - has six reception rooms, eight bedrooms and five bathrooms.

Auction Guide Price: £875,000.

For further information, contact Aston & Co on 0116 288 3872 or email: info@astonandco.co.uk

Period property with Stwo CARGILL M ANN & C O. plots in the garden Land At, 39 West Avenue South CHARTERED SURVEYORS

|

ESTATE AGENTS

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AUCTIONEERS

|

RESIDENTIAL LETTING AGENTS

Chellaston, Derby, DE73 5SH

A beautiful five bedroom detached period home sold with the benefit of outlined planning consent for two sizeable detached dwellings in the garden

SCARGILL MANN & CO are offering for sale a five-bed detached period home with Outline Planning Permission Price £640,000 (ref: 18/01650/OUT) for two sizeable detached dwellings in the rear garden.

• A superb opportunity • Two sought after building plots • Beautiful existing five bedroom home • Spacious hall and guest cloakroom • Three reception rooms and kitchen • Five bedrooms and bathroom • Coach house/ garage • Extensive driveway and foregarden • Overall plot measures just over one third of an acre •

4 S T. J A M E S ' S S T R E E T, D E R B Y D E 1 1 R L T E L E P H O N E : 0 1 3 3 2 2 0 7 7 2 0 derby@scargillmann.co.uk w w w. s c a r g i l l m a n n . c o . u k

ASHBOURNE

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BURTON UPON TRENT

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DERBY

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MATLOCK

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TUTBURY

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WIRKSWORTH

The property - 39 West Avenue South, Chellaston, Derby D73 5SH - is located in a quiet treelined street close to the heart of Chellaston centre.

The asking price is £625,000.

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

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I was taking a bath last night when I suddenly thought to myself ... I’m a rubbish burglar.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • MAY 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

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Office address: 12 Great Central Rd, Loughborough Leicestershire LE11 1RW Telephone: 01509 351 004 Email: loughborough@addisonhunt.co.uk Website: www.addisonhunt.co.uk

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • MAY 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Builders’ Problems SOLVED Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Mr Philip Ray (c/o Agent: Mathew Humby, Ritchie & Ritchie LLP, The Manor House, Lichfield Street, Tamworth B79 7QF) – Demolition of existing building and construction of 5 dwellings – at Little India, 7 Main Street, Peckleton, Leics.

LE9 7RE. Mr Peter Barker (c/o Agent: Paul Gaughan Building Consultants Ltd, Unit E14 Langham Park Industrial Estate, Lows Lane, Stanton by Dale, Ilkeston DE7 4RJ) – Erection of 2 dwellings – at 22 Elwell Avenue, Barwell, Leicester LE9 8FH. Mrs Ladkin (c/o Agent: Zoe Massey, Hayward Architects Ltd, 19 Station Road, Hinckley, Leics. LE10 1AW) – Residential development for 4 dwellings – at 14 Chesterfield Way, Barwell, Leicester LE9 8BH. Mr Aswin Patel (c/o Agent: Dennis Dziko, Volta Designs, 7175 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9JQ) – Conversion of residential dwelling to 4 one-bed flats plus extensions and alterations – at 73 Markfield Road, Groby, Leicester LE6 0FL. Simpson (c/o Agent: Andrew Large Surveyors, The Estate Office, Staunton Harold Hall, Melbourne Road, Ashby de la Zouch, Leics. LE65 1RT) – Residential development of up to 14 dwellings including new car park to serve the Fenny Drayton community, plus demolition of existing bungalow and agricultural buildings - at New Rookery Farm, 6 Church Lane, Fenny Drayton, Nuneaton, Warks. CV13 6BA.

The definition of practical completion Problem: What is your definition of practical completion?

The times I have had this argument with my client’s and/or their professional team is numerous. From my perspective, I consider that the contract administrator should certify completion providing most of the major work is completed – if there are what I call ‘snags’ and small amounts of work still to be carried out, then practical completion should still be issued.

Response: I could not point to one all-

encompassing definition of practical completion.

AUTHOR BACKGROUND Michael is a Solicitor,

Under the JCT’s (for example, the JCT Minor Works Contract 2016), it is in Chartered Builder & the opinion of the contract administrator.

Registered Construction There have been recent judgements on what constitutes practical Adjudicator, and is a completion, namely Mears Ltd v Costplan Services (South East) Ltd director at Michael Gerard [2019] and University of Warwick v Balfour Beatty Group Ltd [2018].

Law Limited, a solicitors In my opinion, the Mears case came out with a good definition (although practice regulated by practical completion was not defined in the building contract): the SRA. • Works can be practically complete notwithstanding there are latent defects; • practical completion should not be certified if there are patent defects; • practical completion means the completion of all the construction work; and • the certifier is given discretion to certify practical completion when there are very minor works left incomplete on “de minimis” principles.

De minimis translates into work left that is so minimal as to be virtually irrelevant. Also remember that there is no term under the JCT that relates to ‘snagging’ – the work is either completed or it is not, and practical completion should never be given on the condition that works still have to be completed.

I am afraid therefore, your interpretation of practical completion is far from what it actually is. © Michael Gerard 2021 The advice provided is intended to be of a general guide only and should not be viewed as providing a definitive legal analysis.

Eco building plot for sale in Church Stowe

Melton Borough Mr Tim Lee (c/o Agent: Mrs Helen Broadhurst, Vale Planning Consultants, Elder House, 2 Boyers Orchard, Harby, Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE14 4BA) – Erection of 6 dwellings with private access driveway – at land at 10 and at rear of 10-18 Sandy Lane, Scalford, Leics.

Michael Gerard

SAVILLS are offering for sale a building plot with planning permission for a contemporary residential dwelling.

Plans have been approved (ref: DA/2018/0386) for an eco-friendly property of approximately 5,400 sq ft (GIA), with a focus on open-plan living. Asking price: £495,000 For more information, contact Nick Rudge at Savills on 01295 228 000, or visit www. savills.co.uk

Toolstation drives TP sales jump AS REPORTED in Retail Gazette, a wave of momentum that allowed Travis Perkins to thrive in the second half of last year has continued into 2021, despite Covid-19 restrictions.

The business saw its like-for-like sales rise by 17.4 per cent in the opening three months of the year, as it was propelled by 42 per cent growth at its Toolstation fascia.

Total first quarter sales growth for Travis Perkins was 6.8 per cent compared to the same period last year.

Companies in the space have benefitted from increased house buying in recent months, after the UK Government paused stamp duty on some deals.

The results exclude Wickes, a DIY retailer which will no longer be part of Travis Perkins by the end of April.

Wickes total sales rose 18.9 per cent during the period, while first quarter like-for-like sales surged 19.7 per cent.

Travis Perkins said Wickes performed well across a wide range of product categories after trading was driven by its digital capability and the popularity of its delivery and click-and-collect channels.

The demerger of the two businesses will see separate shares in Wickes being listed on the London market.

Travis Perkins warned of significant price increases in timber, copper, steel and other raw materials.

One of my resolutions is to take more risks. I just had a Quality Street without looking at the flavour.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • MAY 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Mr & Mrs A King (c/o Agent: Nick Baseley, IBA Planning Ltd, The Studios, Church Farm, Mansfield Road, Edwinstowe, Notts. NG21 9NJ) – Erection of 2 new-build dwellings designed to Lifetime Homes standard – at land between 32-40 East End, Long Clawson, Leics.

Contract awards return to above historical average levels for the first time since September IN MARCH 2021, contract awards increased by 22% compared to February to £5.8 billion. The main change in activity was a very large increase in the hotel and leisure sector.

Caister Castle Trust (c/o Agent: Adam Murray, Andrew Granger & Co, Phoenix House, 52 High Street, Market Harborough, Leics.

LE16 7AF) – Outline application for demolition of existing building and residential development of approx. 34 dwellings with associated infrastructure, vehicular access, public open space, car parking, landscaping and drainage – at land OS 484871 318952, Main Street, Wymondham, Leics.

Tikus Limited (c/o Agent: David Manning, Landyke Ltd, Mawbrook Lodge, Scalford, Leics. LE14 4SS) – Change of use of building from disused college annexe to Pork Pie manufacturing and pie-making training courses including ancillary retail, office and storage space – at Brooksby Melton College, King Street, Melton Mowbray, LE13 1XA. Mr Hamzah Shalchi (c/o Agent: Hayward McMullan Architects Ltd, 67 Burton Road, Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE13 1DL) – Conversion of existing Penman Spicer Community Hall to provide 6 studio one-bed and two-bed apartments – at Penman Spicer Community Hall, Park Lane, Melton Mowbray, Leics.

LE13 0PT. Mr & Mrs IBL Clayton (c/o Agent: A Brewin AF and SJ Building Design Consultants, Lion House, Scalford Brickyard, Scalford, Leics. LE14 4ST) – Change of use from bed and breakfast accommodation to dwelling and replacement of existing bedroom block with a pair of threebed semi-detached dwellings with restricted occupancy to tourism use – at 15 Main Street, Muston, Leics. NG13 0FB.

Harborough District Kora Homes (c/o Agent: Christopher Woods, BRP Architects, 1 Millers Yard, Roman Way, Market Harborough, Leics. LE16 7PW) – Erection of 8 dwellings and associated infrastructure – at land at Ashby Lane, Bitteswell, Leics.

Belvoir acquires chain of estate and lettings agents BELVOIR GROUP, the Grantham-based property franchise, has acquired the entire issued share capital of White Kite Holdings 2021 Limited and its two subsidiaries, White Kite Limited and Nicholas Humphreys Franchise Limited (collectively referred to as Nicholas Humphreys), for a total consideration of £4 million.

Nicholas Humphreys operates a national network of estate and lettings agents trading through 18 franchised and three East Midlandsbased corporate-owned offices, relatively close to Belvoir’s Central Office in Grantham.

The latest edition of the Economic & Construction Market Review from industry analysts Barbour ABI, highlights levels of construction contract values awarded across Great Britain.

Sector analysis shows that Residential contract awards remained stable in March at historical average levels, after picking up in February. Activity was £2.0 billion in the month, compared to £1.9 billion in February and £1.6 billion in January. Over 2020, residential contract awards averaged £1.7 billion.

The hotel and leisure sector contract awards value reached £1.0 billion in March as the planning approvals activity we reported in December and January converted to contract awards.Information Classification: General Commenting on the figures, Tom Hall, Chief Economist at Barbour ABI and AMA Research said, “After a weak recovery over the second half of 2020 and the beginning of 2021, March saw a definite improvement across the planning environment. Importantly increases were seen in the commercially sensitive sectors of hotel and leisure in contract awards, and residential and commercial in planning approvals.

“However, this is only one month of improvement and the planning environment is notoriously volatile. We would therefore expect a significant amount of catch up over the next couple of months as the economy reopens to strengthen a currently weak construction pipeline.

Download the full report here: https://www.barbour-abi.com/ zones/2103032-Snap-Analysis-April-Output-Filev4.pdf

Student flats planned for Leicester city centre ‘traffic island’ near Highcross PLANS HAVE been drawn up for an eight-storey block of student flats on an island in the middle of three busy Leicester roads near the Highcross shopping centre.

Developer Urbanite Ltd has earmarked the site, which sits in the middle of Highcross Street, Great Central Street and All Saints Open, for a complex of ‘cluster flats’ with a total of 210 bedrooms.

What we should really fear is unidentified landing objects.

In addition to offering professional lettings and property sales, Nicholas Humphreys specialises in student lettings, giving an overall revenue split of 87% lettings and 13% sales.

Its portfolio of 6,510 managed units provides a strong underlying recurring revenue stream.

The Nicholas Humphreys brand will operate alongside the Group’s other brands: Belvoir, Northwood, Newton Fallowell and Lovelle.

During the first quarter of 2021, the White Kite Group was restructured to remove the Nicholas Humphreys Loughborough business, this being the original office, which Nick Humphreys intends to continue operating.

Construction of 105 homes in Quorn to begin this summer

MILLER HOMES has confirmed it is to begin construction of 105 homes in a Leicestershire village this summer.

Planning permission to develop 5.6 hectares of farmland in Quorn, near Loughborough, was granted last month.

The application was supported by Quorn Parish Council. However, the authority did raise a number of concerns about the extra pressure the development would bring on the village’s GP surgery and main central car park, both of which it says are already at capacity.

The development will include 40 per cent ‘affordable’ properties, and work will begin this summer.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • MAY 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

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When you see a married man talking to himself, you know he’s just reliving an argument he already lost.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • MAY 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

ELECTRIC TRUCK CCF adds UK’s first 27 tonne zero emission vehicle to London delivery fleet Mr B Amey (c/o Agent: The Drawing Room (Architects) Ltd, 130 Moat Street, Wigston, Leicester LE18 2GE) – Outline application for the erection of 2 dwellings – at 10 Laughton Road, Lubenham, Leics. LE16 9TE. AFD Commercial Development Ltd (c/o Agent: Jim Rawlings, Roebuck Land & Planning Ltd, 3 High Street, Stoke Goldington MK16 8NP) – Outline application for demolition of all existing farm buildings and construction of a Business Park – at land at Airfield Farm, Gallow Field Road, Market Harborough Leics. LE16 7QX. Mr J Bates (c/o Agent: Alan Brown, ABDS Limited, Boscarnon Farmhouse, Boscarnon, St Keverne TR12 6NU) – Erection of workshop, offices and associated external works including new vehicular access – at land OS 3447 Leicester Road, Market Harborough, Leics.

Three Manors Development Ltd (c/o Agent: Alan Brown, ABDS Limited, Boscarnon Farmhouse, Boscarnon, St Keverne TR12 6NU) – Outline application for proposed mixed use employment park including new vehicular access – at land OS 3447 Leicester Road, Market Harborough, Leics.

Lea Enterprises Ltd (c/o Agent: Ms Michelle Hill, Sworders, Priory Hill, The Hall, Rugby Road, Wolston, CV8 3FZ) – Change of use of barn to 2 residential dwellings and associated landscaping – at The Grange, Pincet Lane, North Kilworth, Leics. LE17 6NE.

Rutland County Mr George Heys (c/o Agent: Mrs Lynda Russell-Demisse, Walters Architects, 141 London Road, Leicester LE2 1EF) – New Class B8 Storage/Distribution warehouse – at land adjacent to buildings 25 & 26 Meadow Park Industrial Estate, Essendine, Rutland.

Mr Martyn Crothers (c/o Agent: Matthew Bell, Staniforth Architects, The Warehouse, 1 Stamford Street, Leicester LE1 6NL) – Demolition of existing bungalow and detached garage and the erection of 2 twostorey dwellings with detached single garages – at 5 Glaston Road, Wing, Rutland LE15 8RU.

CCF HAS worked in collaboration with Electra, to launch the UK’s first 27 tonne curtainside Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), with 287kwh traction batteries. The new vehicle represents CCF’s commitment to drive innovation across its customer operations in support of a low-carbon future.

The brand-new 27 tonne BEV, which is the first of its size and type in the UK, is the product of three years of development driven forward

by CCF, part of the Travis Perkins plc Group. The BEV has been manufactured and supplied through Electra, in order to complete zero emission customer deliveries, from CCF’s Harmondsworth branch, across West and Central London.

With a charge time of up to seven hours, the BEV has the capacity to cover up to 120 miles on a full charge. The CCF vehicle has been awarded a five-star rating under the London Direct Vision Standards, and has been fitted with a sensor system to alert the driver to the presence of vulnerable road users, an audible vehicle manoeuvring alarm, and a five-way camera monitoring system. Onboard weighing scales, telematics and vehicle tracking will also be used to monitor the BEV’s energy use in real time.

Catherine Gibson, Managing Director of CCF, said: “CCF is proud to have launched the UK’s first 27 tonne curtainside BEV. As a business we are always striving to raise the bar of our service proposition and make good on our Completely Customer Focused service approach. Being as sustainable as possible and investing in this vehicle is not only instrumental to CCF’s delivery operations across London, but will also help to reduce harmful emissions while contributing to the UK’s ambitious sustainability targets and journey to net-zero.”

The Battery Electric Vehicle can travel 120 miles on a full charge Christina Calderato, TfL’s Head of Transport Strategy and Planning, said: “This is a pioneering electric vehicle for its size and is demonstrating the highest standards we look for both environmentally and for safety. New requirements for the Low Emission Zone and the Direct Vision standard are cleaning up the capital’s toxic air and reducing danger for vulnerable users. The innovation behind the manufacture of this vehicle is industry leading.

The distance that can be covered on a full charge makes switching to zero emission viable for a commercial business and the latest vehicle safety technology, such as sensors and alarms, keep pedestrians and cyclists safe from harm.”

Ben Smith, Managing Director at Electra, said: “Electra Commercial Vehicles is proud to deliver the first 27-tonne battery-electric truck of its sort. Through this strategic partnership with CCF, we are progressing towards cleaner, noiseless, low emission transport for the construction industry supply sector, which has seen a significant surge during the pandemic.

“Not only does this help clean up the air we breathe, but it also promotes driver wellbeing along the way. The vehicle with its on board chargers can be charged from any 32/63 amp supply, this means it can be charged from any site with a 3 phase power supply.

With an end of life strategy in place for all our batteries from the vehicles in energy storage, these vehicles will have an incredibly positive effect on our planet.”

Million vs billion vs trillion DO YOU have trouble visualising large numbers?

What really is a million, or a billion? This quick comparison - using time really puts it into perspective.

• 1 million seconds equal 11.5 days. (A bit less than a fortnight.)

• 1 billion seconds equal 31.75 years. (Between a third and a half of an average human lifetime.)

• 1 trillion seconds equal 31,710 years. (According to www. historyworld.net, 31,000 years ago, “with the sea level falling, a land bridge (known as Beringia) formed between Siberia and Alaska, enabling humans to enter the continent of America.”

Harborough District

Call for sites with potential for development LANDOWNERS, developers, site promoters and property agents are being encouraged to come forward if they have land which could be suitable for development.

The Call for Sites, launched by Harborough District Council, is an opportunity to submit sites within the Harborough district which are considered to have potential for development.

Sites received through the Call for Sites will be assessed as part of a new Strategic Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment (SHELAA). The assessment of sites does not change their planning status, but it helps the Council in understanding the development potential of land across the district to meet expected future development needs.

The Council is inviting the submission of potential sites for a wide range of uses including garden villages or new settlements, strategic development areas, housing, employment, and retail.

Further information about the Call for Sites, including a link to the online site submission form, is on the Council’s website at www. harborough.gov.uk/CallForSites The closing date for the submission of sites is Friday 4 June 2021.

It is important to note that previously submitted or assessed sites will not be carried forward into the new assessment. All sites will need to be submitted via the new online form.

For more information, contact the Strategic Planning team at Harborough District Council by emailing planningpolicy@ harborough.gov.uk

Loughborough’s historic Falcon Works to close AROUND 300 jobs are set to be lost with the announcement that Loughborough’s historic Brush Traction locomotive manufacturing site is to close.

The iconic plant, known locally as the ‘Falcon Works’, was established in 1865 to build steam locomotives.

Brush Traction is owned by American rail company Wabtec, which said in a statement that reduced volumes had made the site ‘unsustainable’.

There’s no fool like an old fool. But some of you young fools are showing real promise.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • MAY 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

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The amount of sleep required by the average person is five minutes more.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • MAY 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

White Property Services Ltd (c/o Agent: Ross Thain, RTK Stamford, 20 Belton Street, Stamford, PE9 2EF) – Demolition of existing workshop and house to be replaced by 5 flats and one dwelling – at 23 Old Great North Road, Great Casterton, Rutland PE9 4AP. Ms Karen Mellor (c/o Agent: McCombie Smith Architects, 71 Main Street, Greetham, Rutland LE15 7NJ) – Change of use of shop and two office suites to 3 apartments – at 40 Melton Road, Oakham, Rutland.

NW Leics.

District Quarry Manufacturing & Supplies Ltd (c/o Agent: Amy Smith, Pegasus Group, 4 The Courtyard, Church Street, Lockington, Derbyshire DE74 2SL) – Erection of one building for Use Class B2/B8 purposes – at Quarry Manufacturing & Supplies Ltd, Grange Road, Bardon, Coalville, Leics. LE67 1TH. Gladman Developments Ltd & Coombes (c/o Agent: Gladman Developments Ltd, Gladman House, Alexandria Way, Congleton Business Park, Congleton CW12 1LB) – Outline application for the erection of up to 105 dwellings with public open space, landscaping and sustainable drainage system – at land off Wash Lane, Ravenstone, Leics.

Handover marks completion of first phase of council house-building project THE FIRST phase of a wide-ranging programme to create hundreds of new affordable rental homes for families across Leicester has been completed.

Contractors the Woodhead Group officially handed over ownership of the housing development at Felstead Road, in the city’s Abbey Ward, this week.

The scheme, consisting of 12 new family homes in six LEICESTER assistant city mayor for semi-detached pairs, is the housing, Elly Cutkelvin, with City Mayor largest individual housing Peter Soulsby, city council technical project in this first phase of manager Jenni Venables and Woodhead house building by Leicester Group commercial manager Michael City Council, which has seen Broadhurst at one of the new houses.

29 new homes completed at six sites across the city.

All the other sites are already now occupied by tenants. They include two semi-detached houses and one detached house at Ambassador Road, in Rowlatts Hill; a detached house and a wheelchair-accessible bungalow at Brocklesby Way, Netherhall; two new bungalows at nearby Maplin Road; five detached bungalows at Rosshill Crescent, Thurnby Lodge, one of which is wheelchair accessible, and five new homes including two pairs of semidetached houses and one detached house at Selby Avenue, Netherhall.

Phase two of the house building programme is due to get underway this summer, following the completion of enabling works at the site of the former Saffron Lane velodrome, with work due to start on 38 new family homes. A further 18 homes are proposed at sites including Rockingham Close in Rowlatts Hill, Hydra Walk in St Peters, Whitteney Drive in Eyres Monsell and Austin Rise in Netherhall.

Over the coming years the programme is expected to create hundreds of new affordable homes.

Marian Marren (c/o Agent: Mrs Aida McManus, AM Planning Consultants Ltd, 222 Branston Road, Burton upon Trent, DE14 3BT) – Subdivision of dwelling to 2 dwellings – at 1 Bawdon Cottages, Nanpantan Road, Nanpantan, Leics. LE12 9YE. Mr Craig Church (c/o Agent: David Wilson, HSSP Architects Ltd, Pera Business Park, Nottingham Road, Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE13 0PB) – Erection of 2 two-storey dwellings with access and off-street parking – at land to the rear of 41 The Green, Long Whatton, Leics.

LE12 5DA. Fred Sherwood Group (c/o Agent: Miss Katie Hancock, Pegasus Group, 4 The Courtyard, Church Street, Lockington, DE74 2SL) – Subdivision and alteration to existing dwelling to form 2 dwellings along with conversion and alteration to agricultural buildings to form 4 dwellings, erection of detached garage blocks and demolition of one agricultural building – at Wartoft Grange, From A453 Moor Lane to End, Isley Cum Langley, Diseworth, Derbyshire DE74 2QQ. William Davis (c/o Agent: James Clark, Pegasus Planning Group, 4 The Courtyard, Church Street, Lockington DE74 2SL) – Erection of 125 dwellings and associated works (Reserved matters) – at land to the north of Park Lane, Castle Donington, Derby.

Estate management contract for Lockington Estate won by Mather Jamie THE ESTATE management division of land development and property agents Mather Jamie has won the contract to manage the Lockington Estate in Leicestershire.

The Estate comprises a diverse portfolio of 15 cottages, 39,000 square feet of office space and a substantial sand and gravel quarry operated by Tarmac. Lockington Hall, which is a grade II listed building was converted to office accommodation in 1974 soon after the current owner Charles Coaker inherited the estate in 1972. Since then, FPCR Environment and Design Ltd have been the head tenants.

Together with residential and commercial properties Mather Jamie will also manage around 1100 acres of agricultural land. The diverse estate portfolio also includes a clay pigeon shooting venue, a paintballing site, a model aircraft club, a fishing lake and a scout hut which are let to local clubs and organisations.

In addition to Lockington Estate, Mather Jamie will also be managing Mr Coaker’s residential and agricultural portfolio in Northamptonshire which comprises 8 cottages and around 1,000 acres of land.

Amy Biddell with Charles Coaker The management of the Estate will be led by Mather Jamie Director Amy Biddell with support from Jane Barton who recently joined the firm as Rural Estate Administrator, having previously worked on the Lockington Estate. The services provided will include full tenancy management, property repairs and maintenance, new and end of tenancy letting matters as well as compliance and regulatory administration.

Commenting on the appointment, Amy Biddell said, “Mather Jamie has a long history of estate management and we currently manage a number

of large and distinguished estates within the region, many of which have been clients of Mather Jamie for over 30 years. Our extensive knowledge and experience of the residential, commercial and agricultural sectors means that we are able to offer clients a fully tailored management package to suit their circumstances and requirements.

Estate management is something that I am really passionate about and I am thrilled to be taking on the management of this long standing rural estate”.

Mather Jamie Director Alex Reid is acting as the commercial letting agent and has already secured a new tenant for 8,400 square foot of vacant office space which has been let to Breedon Group Plc. Commenting, Charles Coaker said, “In appointing new agents I was keen to ensure they were locally based and in addition to all the usual estate management skills, had in house expertise to deal with the commercial, mineral and development potential. I was also delighted to learn that Jane Barton was going to be managing the Estate on a day-to-day basis. Being energetic and personable I have every confidence that she will represent the Estate’s interests to good effect. Mather Jamie also have an impressive track record of managing similar estates and finding high calibre tenants to lease office space.”

Women are smarter than men, but men have the advantage of not knowing this.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • MAY 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

R&D Spending in Construction Sector Rose 7.9% Last Year Despite The Pandemic

Plans to convert Wellington House to flats are refused

Site for 2 dwellings in Derby

Land to the rear of 129A Whitaker Road, Derby, DE23 6AQ

R&D SPENDING in the construction sector defied expectations with an 8% rise last year despite the pandemic, analysis of latest ONS data by business tax relief consultancy Catax shows.

The industry spent £368m on R&D in 2020, a rise of 7.9% from the £341m invested in 2019. The increase came despite widespread disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, which had led to fears that levels of innovation could suffer.

It also represents a record high. Over the past decade, R&D spending in the construction sector has grown 257.3%, up from £103m in 2010.

The ONS published its Q4 statistics for R&D spending yesterday (Wed) providing a full year picture for different industries.

The construction sector’s performance was significantly better than the performance of UK industry as a whole. Total R&D spending by UK businesses rose 5.09% to £38.4bn last year.

UK GDP in 2020 was 9.8% down on an annual basis according to the ONS2 — the worst performance since 1709.

Mark Tighe, CEO of R&D tax relief consultancy Catax, comments: “The pandemic stopped businesses in their tracks but those reliant on innovation clearly didn’t take their foot off the gas.

“The construction sector shut completely in the first lockdown but, even so, the industry still grew its R&D spending on an annual basis last year. This will put the sector on a strong footing as we recover from the impact of the pandemic.”

FRESH PLANS to convert and extend Wellington House in Leicester to provide flats have been refused by the city council.

BB&J are offering for sale

FOR SALEa roughly rectangular OVERVIEW Aimrok Leicester Investment Limited were Residential development opportunity behind the pitch to transform the vacant five parcel of land withOutline planning consent for two detached Outline Popular residential area. story office building at 29 Albion Street and 22-32 Planning Permission (ref: Site area of circa 0.34 acres / 0.14 hecta Wellington Street.

19/01683/OUT) for two 160 flats were proposed in total, consisting of 37 detached dwellings. studios, 69 one bed apartments and 54 two bed The site - at the rear of 129A flats.

Whitaker Road, Derby DE23 The news comes after conditional permission was 6AQ - extends to 0.34 of an acre. granted in 2020 to convert the building into 96 flats.

Offers in the region of £325,000 A council document detailing the reasons for are invited. refusing the new scheme says: “The proposal fails Contact Mark Richardson at to appropriately consider and respond to the local BB&J on 01332 292825 or email: context and to the immediate surroundings of the m.richardson@bbandj.co.uk site.

LOCATION TENURE The site is situated close to the popular and highly regarded suburb of Littleover approximately two miles south west of Derby city centre and located between Whitaker Road and Carlton Road within an established residential area of mostly large individual detached dwellings.

The access is off a private road on the corner between Arlington Road and Grafton Street.

DESCRIPTION The site comprises a roughly rectangular parcel of land, attractively located in a quiet spot and surrounded by mature trees and set well back from the road.

Planning consent has been granted by Derby City Council under reference 19/01683/OUT for 'demolition of dwelling house. Residential development of up to three dwellings Use Class C3'. The part of the site being sold which is not the entirety is shown on the front of these details and is for two dwellings.

As outline consent has been granted, there is scope for further change to the scheme though the indicative layout is for detached dwelling houses with GEA's of approximately 158 sq m 1,700 sq ft each.

The site is available on a freehold basis.

PRICE Offers in the region of £325,000.

VAT

All figures are quoted exclusive of VAT. We und payable on this transaction.

LEGAL COSTS

Each party to bear their own legal costs in con transaction.

VIEWING

Viewings are strictly by prior appointment with Commercial

CONTACT Mark Richardson 01332 292825 m.richardson@bbandj.co.uk

ACCOMMODATION The site extends to approximately 0.34 acres / 0.14 hectares.

Indicative plans show each dwelling will comprise: Ground floor: Entrance hall, cloakroom with WC, lounge, dining kitchen, utility and integral single garage.

First Floor: Landing, bedroom one with en­suite shower & WC, bedroom 2, bedroom three, bedroom four, main bathroom with WC. Externally: Two parking spaces and mature gardens.

PLANNING The subject demise benefits from full planning consent under planning application reference 19/01683/OUT for 'demolition of dwelling house. Residential development of up to three dwellings Use Class C3'.

Permission is granted subject to conditions.

Full details of the planning permission along with any conditions can be found on the Derby City Council Planning Portal.

SERVICES We understand all mains services are available to the site.

LOCATION MAP

Tel: 0116 2853 777 Leema Technologies Limited.

The Warehouse, 1a Stamford Street, Leicester LE1 6NL The last time anyone wanted me for my body I was filling out an organ donor card.

PROPERTY IMAGES

ENERGY PERFORMANCE RATING

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • MAY 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Stepnell Meets Major Milestones On Two Local Residential Schemes Aldridge Property Preservation Ltd (c/o Agent: Mark Smalley, David Granger Design Ltd, The Old Cottage Hospital, Leicester Road, Ashby de la Zouch, Leics. LE65 1DB) – Erection of up to 2 dwellings – at land rear of 22 Donisthorpe Lane, Moira, Derby.

Mr Mark Barker-Lane (c/o Agent: Mr Alex Faulkner, Indigo Architecture Limited, Darley Abbey Stables, Abbey Yard, Darley Abbey DE22 1DS) – Demolition of existing building and the erection of 6 dwellings – at 63 Nottingham Road, Kegworth, Derby DE74 2FH. Gisborne (c/o Agent: Mr Chris May, Howes Percival, 3 The Osiers Business Park, Laversall Way, Braunstone Town, Leicester LE19 1DX) – Outline application for the erection of up to 36 dwellings and associated infrastructure – at land to the rear of 67 Station Road, Hugglescote, Coalville, Leics.

LE67 2GB.

Oadby & Wigston Mr H Dhillon (c/o Agent: Mr R Norwood, Leaf Architecture & Design Ltd, Gate House Office, 1 Valley Way, Welland Business Park, Market Harborough, Leics.

LE16 7PS) – Redevelopment of former vacant garden land with 2 detached dwelling houses with off road parking – at land adjacent to 23 Highcroft Road, Oadby, Leicester LE2 4RS. QS Supplies Ltd (c/o Agent: Mr P Rowland, Landmark Planning, 10 Salisbury Road, Leicester LE1 7QR) – Proposed change of use of industrial building to a heating and plumbing with other building supplies merchants with a trade counter – at Sidney House, 262 Aylestone Lane, Wigston, Leicester LE18 1BD. Mr Ben Rackley (c/o Agent: Miss Debbie Marriage, DJM Town Planning, 16 Fairdene, Southwick, Brighton BN42 4QN) – Erection of a 4-classroom teaching block – at Gartree High School, Ridge Way, Oadby, Leicester LE2 5TQ. Mr Satinder Dhilon (c/o Agent: Charles Xenakis, Viridian Villa, X1027, Xerosterni, Chania, Greece 73008) – Erection of one three-bed and 2 two-bed apartments at roof level plus extension to previously approved second floor – at 8-10 Long Street, Wigston, Leicester LE18 2BP.

NATIONAL contractor Stepnell has made significant progress on two residential projects, based in Leicester.

Tom Sewell, regional director at Stepnell, said: “We’re extremely excited about making substantial progress on these great residential projects in Leicester. The national housing shortage is currently a big focus for the construction sector, so helping to expand the Midland’s residential offering is something we’re very proud of and hope to keep doing in the future.”

The construction partner has started on site at Leicester city centre’s newest student accommodation facility, Friar Lane. The £5.4 million scheme – commissioned by Obstrat - includes the construction of 90 self-contained studio apartments

The Friar Lane student residential project dential and student accommodaacross five storeys, with a recessed Leicester and the contractor’s sixth tion schemes, we have been able to element at four storeys to provide project for Zone Developments. conquer each of these challenges, a transition between the developThe £2 million refurbishment and moving forward with the projects ment and the rest of the buildings new build project is in close proxthat already popuimity to a school, meaning late Friar Lane at a that Stepnell had to negotilower level. ate restrictive access without communal disruption.

Not only is the team being conThe team’s ability to scious of how the overcome these difficulbuild will have an ties resulted in the creation impact aesthetically of 46 studio apartments, on the surrounding along with a range of conservation area, modern communal facilibut they are also adties – including a gym, cindressing challenges ema room, common room, faced by the site’s management office, study historic location. pods and laundry room.

Situated in Greyfriars The team also incorpoconservation area, rated a living green sedum Stepnell – in conroom to make the build The Upperton Road student residential project junction with the more sustainable.

University of Leicester Neil Thakkar, director at Zone and adding them to our ever-growArchaeological Services - carried Developments, said: “We have ing portfolio of residential developout archaeological investigations worked closely with Stepnell on ments. before works could begin in order a number of purpose-built luxury “Drawing on our extensive experito preserve the Roman and medistudent accommodation schemes ence and lessons learnt within this eval remains discovered on site. across Leicester and it never fails sector, we are able to provide our Tom added: “Despite being built to deliver high-quality builds. Not clients with real solutions to their to serve the same purpose, each only are the team committed to dischallenges and bring true value to of these sites are incredibly unique playing professionalism, experience their projects.” and have presented individual and quality, they are also able to Stepnell also demonstrated its challenges for the whole team to navigate difficult situations and find ‘can do’ approach while completnavigate and solve collaboratively. solutions to problems during the ing Upperton Road - another However, due to our extensive excourse of construction. student residential project based in perience working on private resi“We value Stepnell’s expertise in the residential sector very highly and look forward to working with them again in the future.”

Tom said: “All of the challenges that we have faced – along with the obvious restrictions faced while working on site throughout the Covid-19 pandemic – have only allowed us to excel even further and refine our skills as a leading residential provider both in the East Midlands and nation-wide. The pandemic has further demonstrated to us and our clients how adaptable and solution focused our staff and supply chain are.”

To find out more about Stepnell’s, visit https://www.stepnell.co.uk or join the conversation at @ Stepnellltd.

I only had four pints last night and this morning I’ve got a terrible hangover. That’s the last time I’m drinking whisky.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • MAY 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

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“Next-generation business park” Brickmaker Ibstock reveals factory launched in Nottinghamshire redevelopment project

2021 HAS “started well” at Ibstock, the Leicestershireheadquartered manufacturer of clay bricks and concrete products, with trading “modestly ahead of expectations.”

THE DIRECTORS of a Nottinghamshire aggregate and demolition firm have revealed a new industrial development that is being snapped up by expanding tenants following its recent official launch.

Melvyn Cross, Mark Cross, Gary Cross, and Richard Noon, directors at Total Aggregates and Total Reclaims Demolition, are developing a piece of land near their Hucknall headquarters to create a selection of industrial B1, B2 and B8 units, which will be known as Whyburn Business Park Tenants have already been secured for three of the nine units in phase one and there is firm interest in a fourth, despite the units only being brought to market a week ago.

The new Whyburn Business Park project is set to be delivered in two phases. Phase One will provide nine units, each with a footprint of around 2,000 sq ft, and Phase Two will see the addition of another nine similarlysized units.

All 18 units will then be aimed squarely at SMEs and offer plenty of vertical height. Measuring around seven metres (23 feet) at the eaves, the idea is that the extra space will allow far greater versatility in terms of machinery and storage, as well as the opportunity for tenants to create additional mezzanine floor space.

According to a trading update for the first quarter of FY 2021, the company has witnessed robust demand from both the new build housing and Repairs, Maintenance & Improvement (RMI) end markets.

Sales volumes in the Clay division for the first quarter were ahead of internal expectations, whilst Concrete volumes for the quarter were in line with internal expectations.

Ibstock has also revealed it is recommencing the project to redevelop its Atlas site in the West Midlands, replacing the existing mothballed facility with a new state-of-the-art wire cut clay brick factory.

The Atlas project has been revised and expanded since the announcement of the original proposal in early 2020, with an increase in capacity and further significant enhancements to deliver improved environmental performance.

The project also includes investment to upgrade and expand capacity at the adjacent Aldridge brick factory.

In total, the redeveloped facilities will deliver capacity of 115 million bricks per annum, equivalent to a net increase in Ibstock Clay’s network capacity of 75 million bricks, after taking into account the existing capacity of the (mothballed) Atlas factory.

The total capital cost of the project, which is subject to final planning permission, will be £60 million, with both the new Atlas factory and the upgraded Aldridge factory expected to begin commissioning in the second half of 2023.

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I’m having awful car trouble. The car won’t start and the payments won’t stop.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • MAY 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Renovation Of Historic Nottinghamshire Pumping Station Complete Chancerygate (Romford) Ltd (c/o Agent: Mr Chris Colloff, Savills UK, Hawker House, Unit5-6, Napier Court, Napier Road, Reading RG1 8BW) – Erection of commercial units for office, light industrial, general industrial and warehousing/storage uses – at Former R F Brookes Site, Magna Road, Wigston, Leicester LE18 4ZH.

Blaby District Unnamed Applicant (c/o Agent: Chris Green, Andrew Granger & Co, Phoenix House, 52 High Street, Market Harborough, Leics. LE16 7AF) – Outline application for the retention of nos. 5 & 7 Groby Road plus the erection of 8 new dwellings all served by a new shared access – at land at 5 & 7 Groby Road, Glenfield, Leicester.

Rugby Borough Ralston Properties Ltd (c/o Agent: Richard Palmer, HB Architects, The Old Telephone Exchange, Albert Street, Rugby CV21 2SA) Demolition of existing social club and erection of 6 new flats – at A One Social Club, Market Street, Rugby CV21 3HG. Mr Robin Mitchell (c/o Agent: Rugby School Estates Dept., 12 Horton Crescent, Rugby CV22 5DJ) 0 Two-storey extension and ground floor extension to Sports Pavilion – at The Drive, Bilton Grange School, Rugby Road, Dunchurch, Rugby.

Mr John Lavery (c/o Agent: David Weeks, Drawing Services (Houseplans) Ltd, MPX 104, Read Street, Coventry CV7 8JJ) – Erection of 4 industrial units with car parking and landscaping – at The Underacre, A5 Watling Street, Clifton upon Dunsmore, Rugby CV23 0AQ.

East Northants.

Lancaster Homes (c/o Agent:Gary Kirby Design, 20 Ling Road, Walton, Chesterfield S40 3HS) – Conversion of former band club to form 9 dwellings – at 7 Wharf Road, Higham Ferrers, Northants.

NN10 8BQ. Connolly Homes Ltd (c/o Agent: Mr Tal Nikan, Woods Hardwick Ltd, 15-17 Goldington Road, Bedford MK40 3NH) – Outline application for up to 39 residential dwellings – on land at John Clark Way, Rushden, Northants.

A FORMER Victorian Pumping Station in Nottinghamshire has been sympathetically restored to its former glory in a development that has seen it transformed into a new wedding venue and dining destination.

Spotting a diamond in the rough, entrepreneurial duo Amy Harrad and Richard Berridge took on challenge of renovating the historic building, which had previously been converted into a leisure facility in the 1990s but had sat empty since 2017 and fallen into a state of disrepair.

The ambitious business partners purchased Lakeside (www. thelakeside.co.uk) for £1.55m in 2019 and have invested in excess of £7m in its restoration and renovation of the Grade II listed building and its grounds; appointing architectural and interior design company DL Design Studio and taking advice from historical experts to turn their vision into a reality.

Dating back to 1871, Lakeside was originally Bestwood Pumping Station, designed by Thomas Hawksley and one of only three steam powered pumping stations built within the Nottinghamshire area. Since taking ownership 2019, Harrad and Berridge of

Newera Partnership Limited, took on the enormous task of restoring the Lakeside to its former glory. The duo’s vision for the restoration was not to change it in its entirety but to enhance its features, combining the old with elements of new, giving it a contemporary feel for its new clientele.

Keeping as many original features as possible was a key part of the renovation process. The new owners wanted to fuse traditional and contemporary construction methods to transform, convert and extend the Lakeside to return it to the iconic building it once was. The brickwork and beams within the Grand Hall have been left exposed and the arches uncovered too; with the renovation revealing a host of original features originally hidden from view.

The centrepiece of the Lakeside development is the large lake to the south of the main pumping station building that served an original purpose of a cooling pond, constructed in 1871. After years of neglect, there was much work to be done; dredging the silt and sludge

that had built up at the bottom and pruning the trees and shrubs around the edge, as well as laying new pathways. Three new fountains have been installed and a large terrace constructed on the north shore for alfresco dining and drinks.

The iconic tower situated near to the main lake will be open to the public for the first time, and has been restored so guests can climb the original 75 steps to the magnificent viewing gallery which boasts stunning views across the Nottinghamshire countryside.

A two-bedroom cottage has also been fully renovated on-site for us as accommodation for the bridal party or hospitality guests, whilst plans for 15 high end lodges to be built within the grounds will commence in September this year.

The multi-purpose site now hosts a beautiful wedding and hospitality venue and multiple bar & restaurant settings. The new Lakeside Bar & Restaurant, with food served by Head Chef Paul Thacker, will offer seasonal menus for all the family and the stunning Terrace Bar, with its gastropub favourites, will be

Flats application near former Great Central Railway is refused A BID TO build a five-storey block of flats next to a former historic railway line in Leicester has failed.

Officials at Leicester City Council have refused permission for the 28-apartment complex at The Rally Bank, near Red Hill Way. The council received 25 objections to the proposal for the site, which is next to the old Great Central Railway line, ranging from concerns about the impact of traffic it would create on nearby roads to the extra pressures new residents would place on local health services.

Further concerns centred on the development hampering the potential re-opening of the railway line, which closed in the 1960s - though there are no credible plans to restore it.

However, it was concern about the impact on wildlife which led to the council’s refusal, with the authority deciding the proposal would be detrimental to the ecological value of the site and an unacceptable loss of what is a wooded space.

the first to open thanks to al fresco dining options being permitted by government from April 12th.

Overlooking the Grand Hall, the beautifully designed Hawksley’s Bar & Lounge will sit on a mezzanine, allowing customers to sit back and relax to enjoy interior of the Lakeside. Fine dining options on the mezzanine and afternoon tea in the Tower Suite will also be available to visitors when restrictions fully lift.

Amy Harrad, Director at www. thelakeside.co.uk, said: “Lakeside came along at the perfect moment in time. We’ve had ambitions to create a wedding and dining destination for some time now and when we first found out that we were the proud owners of this beautiful site, we knew it was the start of something great. The renovation has been a huge project, but to see it all come together and be so close to finally being able to open to the public is a fantastic feeling. We are so pleased with the quality of the craftsmanship and design here at Lakeside and will be so proud to welcome our first guests.”

Plot for 6 apartments in Nuneaton BARTRAMS are offering for sale by the Modern Method of Auction a plot with detailed planning permission (ref: BC/2020/621 for creation of six apartments.

The Guide Price is £270,000.

For more information, contact Bartram & Co on 01455 245555 or email: lutterworthsales@ bartramandco.co.uk

If I’m ever on life support, I hope they remember to try switching me off and then back on again.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • MAY 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

VF Corporation opens multimillion pound fulfilment centre in Bardon

VF CORPORATION, through its local subsidiary VF Northern Europe Limited, has begun operations at its new multimillion pound fulfilment centre in Bardon, Leicestershire, employing approximately 250 people during peak periods.

The new 600,000 sq ft centre, which is the equivalent of 10 football pitches, will feature state-of-the-art automation capabilities putting it at the forefront of the footwear and apparel industry.

It will enable VF to provide more efficient distribution services for its brands’ wholesale, ecommerce and retail customers in the UK – serving almost 90% of the market within a day. Speed and efficiency are the centre’s core attributes with direct flow of parcel shipments having a capacity of 200,000 units per day, in addition to 18 stations with the capacity to pick 170,000 units per day.

My body is a temple. But I’m not religious, so it’s run-down and dilapidated.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • MAY 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

£75m Brownfield Land Release Scheme goes live Barmach Limited (c/o Agent: David Marjoram, ELG Planning, Gateway House, 55 Coniscliffe Road, Darlington DL3 7EH) – Erection of a B8 warehousing/logistics premises up to 275,000 sq.feet with ancillary office accommodation, following demolition of existing buildings – at Gate 1, Corus Tubes, Weldon Road, Corby, Northants.

Resham plc (c/o: Planning & Development Association, 118 Pall Mall, London SW1Y 5ED) – Demolition of first floor ancillary retail area and erection of two floors containing 8 residential units – at 13-21 High Street, Irthlingborough, Northants.

NN9 5TE. Marumia Limited (c/o Agent: Mike Sibthorp Planning, Logan House, Lime Grove, Grantham NG31 9JD) – Demolition of dwelling and construction of 3 two and a half storey dwellings – at 91 Main Road, Collyweston, Stamford PE9 3PQ. Alan Woodley (c/o Agent:Miss Grace Millbank, Bletsoes, Oakleigh House, 28 High Street, Thrapston, Northants. NN14 4LJ) – Change of use of agricultural buildings to dwellinghouses – at Church Farm, Gypsy Lane, Luddington in the Brook, Peterborough.

Jonathan Radcliffe (c/o Agent: Ross Thain, RTK Stamford, 20 Belton Street, Stamford PE9 2EF) – Erection of 2 detached dwellings – at Millies Lane, Bulwick, Northants. NN17 3EA.

North Northants.

Russon Campbell Developments (c/o Agent: Ross Thain, RTK Stamford, 20 Belton Street, Stamford PE9 EF) – Demolition of bungalow and erection of replacement dwelling and one new build dwelling – at Herne Park, Dovedale, East Road, Oundle PE8 4BZ. Mr L Bboyo (c/o: 46A High Street, Irthlingborough, Northants. NN9 5TN) – Change of use from rear of shops to 2 residential flats – at 46A High Street, Irthlingborough, Northants. NN9 5TN. Mr Ricky Simmons (c/o: 6 Alfred Street, Rushden, Northants NN10 9YS) – Conversion of offices to 4 flats – at 6 Alfred Street, Rushden, Northants. NN10 9YS. Unnamed Applicant (c/o Agent: Kirstie Clifton, Define Planning & Design Ltd, Unit 6, 133-137 Newhall Street, Birmingham B3 1SF) – Construction of a secondary school building and sports hall with external sport and recreation areas and landscaping, along with associated parking, infrastructure and access arrangements, including the construction of a new roundabout on the A427 Oudle Road – at land at Weldon park, Oundle Road, Weldon, Northants.

Gainsborough Park Developments (c/o Agent: Sketch Studio, Oak House, Hawthorn Rise, Swannington, Coalville, Leics. LE67 8AJ) – Construction of 40 two-bed apartments with associated parking – at The Pluto, Gainsborough Road, Corby, Northants. NN18 0RQ.

TRICKY development sites are to get access to funding for site preparation and infrastructure following the launch of the £75m brownfield land release scheme in April.

The money includes £25m allocated to fund self and custom build projects which can be on both brown and greenfield land.

Right to Build Task Force acting head Mary Elkington said: “We encourage as many councils as possible to apply. This will make a genuine difference to those authorities working to deliver a more diverse route to delivering high-quality housing.

“Support for replicable exemplars of this innovative route to housing helps in scaling up custom and self-build. These sites will showcase the wide range of benefits that custom and self-build can deliver, complementing wider housing delivery.”

Bids needed by 2nd June The fund, coordinated by One Public Estate, is inviting local authorities to bid for funding for projects before 2 June. The dedicated custom and self-build scheme provide capital grant funding to bring forward local authority land for housing development.

Custom builders will be better placed to take on difficult sites The Right to Build Task Force, which receives government funding, argues this will give proactive councils the chance to prioritise potentially unviable sites for custom and self-build projects.

Chief planner Joanna Averley, in her February newsletter to councils, said: “Self and custom builders are well placed to build high quality, well-designed homes that are energy-efficient, accessible, affordable and welcomed by their communities.”

Funding is available for site levelling, preparation and groundworks, small scale infrastructure, highway works for access, addressing environmental constraints and providing services to plots.

Master bridging brokers Hank Zarihs Associates said development finance lenders were keen to support custom and self-build initiatives and the new fund should make it easier for such projects to get off the ground.

Earlier government measures to support self and custom build include tightening up of right to build legislation and publishing local council plot permissions to create evidence of self and custom build activity.

In January, the government announced support for the compulsory purchase of unused public sector land under ‘right to regenerate’ proposals. It is also about to launch a new help to build equity loan scheme to help more people pursue custom and self-build housing.

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Rushcliffe Mr Matthew Turner (c/o Agent: Michael Blanksby, Shep Designs, 8 Coltsfoot Close, oakham, Rutland LE15 7GB) – Single storey side extension to office building – at Prince Petroleum Ltd, Broughton Lodge Depot, Station Road, Upper Broughton, Notts.

LE14 3BH. Nottinghamshire County Council Children & Families (c/o Agent: Nottinghamshire County Council, County Hall, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 7QP) – Construction of new 315 place primary school with 26 place nursery over two phases – at land off Widnall Drive, Bingham, Notts.

NG13 7AE. Mr J Sheardown (c/o Agent: Paul Day, PD Architecture, The Design Studio, 30 Main Street, Lambley, Notts. NG4 4PN) – Conversion of agricultural building to create 4 dwellings – at The Moultings Poultry Farm, Abbey Lane, Aslockton, Notts. NG13 9AE. Chapel Lane Developments Ltd (c/o Agent: Player Roberts Bell Architects Ltd, Barn 1, Shackerdale Farm, Car Colston, Notts. NG13 8JB) – Demolition of dwelling and outbuildings and construction of 2 dwellings with erection of shared garage – at Buggins Cottage, Chapel Lane, Bingham, Notts.

NG13 8GF. Ellie Gale (c/o Agent: David Bainbridge, Savills, Wytham Court, 11 West Way, Oxford OX2 0QL) – Outline planning application for up to 90 dwellings – at land south of Hollygate Lane and north of Colston Gate, Cotgrave, Nottinghamshire.

Sometimes all it takes to inspire me is eighteen cups of coffee and a defibrillator.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • MAY 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Pegasus Group Secures Outline Planning for 45 Homes in Wymeswold OUTLINE PLANNING permission for 45 new homes in Wymeswold, Leicestershire, was has been granted by Charnwood Borough Council.

Consultants Pegasus Group secured the approval, on behalf of Davidsons Developments Ltd, for the development of the land to the north of East Road, Wymeswold, with all matters reserved except for access along the A6006 East Road.

Planning officers recommended the scheme for approval subject to a raft of Section 106 contributions including: • 40% affordable homes – rented and shared ownership • Open space and recreation facilities • Improvements to existing allotments • Provision of a pedestrian crossing Pegasus Group provided planning, urban design, landscape and public consultation input.

Guy Longley, Executive Director at Pegasus Group, said: “We were pleased to secure planning permission on behalf of our clients, the key benefits of which will be to not only bring much needed new homes to the local area, but the delivery of a new pedestrian crossing to East Road.”

Preservation work at Magazine Gateway completed A SIX-month project to carry out muchneeded repairs and restoration work at one of Leicester’s oldest medieval buildings has finished.

The 15th century Magazine Gateway building, between Oxford Street and the De Montfort University campus, has undergone a series of remedial works including repointing and repairs to stonework, drainage improvements, and removal of vegetation and accumulated bird droppings.

The £200,000 programme of work, which began in October 2020, was done in conjunction with Historic England, who in 2019 produced a detailed condition report on the building, and De Montfort University, on whose campus the Magazine Gateway forms a boundary.

E

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Tel: 01455 889726 Mobile: 0772 309 2474 For more information, visit www.seabrookdigital.com

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Leicester company supplies 750 windows to Coventry student accommodation development LEICESTERBASED fabricator Unique Window Systems have supplied a significant window and curtain walling package to a state-of-theart residential development in the heart of Coventry.

Unique provided over 750 windows using the WarmCore system and 25 curtain wall screens in the Kawneer system for the project, delivering a fenestration package of the highest quality in security, performance and aesthetics for the client and end user. All the products were manufactured in Unique’s world-class aluminium production facility based in Leicester.

This major student accommodation scheme supplies 502 en-suite rooms that are a mix of studio and cluster bedrooms constructed within three towers of six-storeys, 13-storeys and 19-storeys.

There is extensive green roof areas and an external podium, including a roof terrace that accommodates a study area.

The ground floor contains 1,100 sq ft of retail space and the 5m deep 16,000 sq ft basement hosts a gym, laundry, cinema room, karaoke room, communal lounge for tenants and plant room/energy centre.

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

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