Issue 2: SEPTEMBER 2011
Huge shortfall in planning permissions for new homes Figures released at the end of August in HBF’s latest Housing Pipeline report clearly demonstrate why Government must ignore recent scaremongering about its proposals for planning, and stand firm on its commitment to growth. The decrease in planning permissions granted in Q2, to just 25,000, has further increased the gap between housing need and delivery. Around 60,000 homes are required per quarter to meet the current housing shortfall. Headline stats: · Just 25,171 residential planning permissions were granted in England in Q2 of 2011 · It is the second lowest number of permissions granted in a quarter in the last 5 years TURN TO PAGE 4
Prime redevelopment opportunity for sale in West Bridgford LAMBERT SMITH HAMPTON Estate Agents are offering for sale a prime redevelopment opportunity in the affluent Nottingham suburb of West Bridgford.
The property - The former Becket Upper School, Wilford Lane, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 7QY comprises a plot of brooadly rectangula configuration, with a range of mostly 20th century buildings connected with the site’s former use as a secondary school. The buildings are mainly of 2storey brick construction and include classrooms, offices, assembly hall, caretaker’s house and ancillary areas. The main buildings are wind and water tight but would otherwise require some refurbishment before most forms of occupation. The land is level and measures approximately 0.57 ha (1.4 acres) with frontages to both Wilford Lane and the River Trent of approximately 120 metres. The property has an established use for educational purposes. The agents believe that the property is well suited for a variety of uses such as residential, offices, educational or some other form of residential or nonresidential institution such as medical use or a place of worship. (Further enquiries regarding planning should be directed to Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Planning Department on 0115 914 8458.) Offers will be invited for the freehold interest. Viewing is strictly by prior appointment with the sole agents, Lambert Smith Hampton - telephone 0115 976 6603.
Surveyors raise £7,295 for Spinal Injuries A team of sixteen from Fisher German’s Market Harborough and Newark offices raised a total of £7,295 for the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) by swimming a distance greater than the English Channel crossing. The team had to swim 1420 lengths simultaneously to meet their target ‘Channel crossing’ distance in just two hours. However, on the day the swimmers easily exceeded the required distance with the total length count reaching 2091, equating to one-and-a-half Channels. Veronica Richards who organised the swim comments “I was very surprised about the distance we covered. The final length count is testament to all of the hard work our swimmers put in to raise money for such an inspirational and worthwhile cause. The money that we have raised so far is a fantastic amount and I am pleased to say it is still increasing on a daily basis.” The event was supported on the day by the SIA’s former chairman Bart Hellyer who suffered a spinal injury more than forty years ago. The money raised will go towards supporting spinal cord injured individuals and their family from the moment an injury is caused for the rest of their lives. To donate money to the Spinal Injuries Association, please visit www.justgiving.com/fgchannelchallenge.
Useful Website NCF - the local trade forum Nottinghamshire Construction Forum is the only pan-industry organisation for construction in the County. It is a place where all sections of the construction community can network, identify common interests, examine issues - take action on them, and develop a very powerful support infrastructure. Visit the website at: www.nottsconstruction.co.uk