Leicestershire Builder September 2022

Regeneration of Stocking Farm estate moves a step closer

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The plans involve a site off Snells Nook Lane in Nanpantan, which has already been allocated for development in the Charnwood Local Plan.

The area was previously earmarked for development as part of the Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park, but is allocated for housing under the new, draft local plan.

Before the application was submitted, an extensive consultation exercise involving the wider community and stakeholders was conducted. Further consultation will now be carried out by Charnwood Borough Council, following the submission of the proposals.

In addition to 128 new homes, the proposals will create publicly-accessible open space equivalent to almost 4.5 football pitches and a new children’s play area.

Along with improved footpaths along the former Charnwood Forest canal, these measures will help to address the identified shortfall of open space in Nanpantan – a key concern raised in the public consultation.

William Davis Homes is working with Charnwood Borough Council to provide the right types of houses to meet demand. The plans include both first-time buyer and larger family homes.

In line with local authority policy, almost a third of the proposed new homes will be made available to local people for rent, sold under an equity share scheme or made available for sale at a permanent 30% discount, under the Government’s First Homes initiative.

If approved, the plans will see around 50 new energyefficient council homes built on the 3.34-acre site in the north-west of Leicester. The homes will have high levels of insulation to reduce fuel costs and will be heated through air source heat pumps. A number of accessible flats for wheelchair users will also be created and the Stocking Farm farmhouse will be converted to provide supported living accommodation, enabling people to live independently. TURN TO PAGE 2 ...>

William Davis Homes Street Scene

AMBITIOUS regeneration plans for Leicester’s Stocking Farm estate have moved on a step with the submission of a planning application to the city council.

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New £6 million primary school approved for Hinckley

PLANS FOR A new primary school to meet the needs of a growing Leicestershire town’s growing population have been approved.

SHONKI BROS LS SANGRA are offering for sale BY AUCTION a site comprising of self contained industrial unit, detached house converted into two self contained flats along with adjoining land.

The property - 44-46 Ruby Street, Off Fosse Road North, Leicester, LE3 9GR - is being offered for sale

BY AUCTION on Wednesday 21 September 2022, commencing at 5:00pmPlanning permission was granted on the 3rd October 2019 for the demolition of storage warehouse and flats and construction of 7 x 2 bed dwellings (Class C3) (Application No:20190277). GUIDE PRICE: £485,000+

For more information, call Shonki Bros LS Sangra on 0116 255 7573 or visit the website at www.

shonkibros.comAnewpublicopen

The school, on land off Normandy Way in Hinckley, will accommodate up to 210 pupils and will have seven classrooms.Itwillalsohave a specialist teaching room for practical subjects such as cookery, as well as a hall, library, garden, and wildlife area.

Leicestershire County Council’ planning application for the school was approved by councillors sitting in the authority’s Development Control and Regulatory Board in August.

Contractors will build the school to the county council’s specifications with most of the expected £6 million cost being provided by developers Bloor Homes. The new school will be part of the developer’s section 106 planning obligations arising from the new housing developments in the area. In line with the county council’s green agenda, the school will also include solar panels and air source heat pumps.

Construction work is expected to begin on site in September this year, with an expected opening date of September 2023.

Councillor Deborah Taylor, cabinet member for children and families, said: “Providing new schools places across the county is a top priority for us in order to meet the expected demand, particularly in the Hinckley area as the town expands.

“This school will be modern and environmentally friendly, and I look forward to seeing further updates as construction gets underway.”

Once complete, ownership of the school will be transferred to Leicestershire County Council. The school will be run as an academy, by a trust yet to be determined.

space is planned, which will include a children’s play area and attractive landscaping for people to enjoy and where wildlife can flourish.Improvements

to local shops and the existing public footpath along Marwood Road and Packwood Road are also planned, along with the creation of a new pedestrian crossing on Marwood Road.

The city council has already worked with award-winning social enterprise Community Shop to bring a new branch to the former youth centre on Marwood Road. The building offers affordable groceries in its supermarket, a community kitchen and training for members, and a café available to non-members where children can eat for free.

The Community Shop also houses a new indoor community space which is available for hire.

Cllr Elly Cutkelvin, asst city mayor for housing said: “There has been extensive consultation with local people on the development of these ambitious plans over the last two years, and their input has been vital in shaping the proposals.

“Now that a planning application has been submitted, people have yet another chance to let us know what they think and to help to revitalise this important neighbourhood and provide much-needed homes.”

The planning application can be found on the city council’s planning web pages by searching for application number 20221514.

opportunityDevelopmentat Church Langton

The site benefits from full planning permission (ref: 21/02033/FUL) for conversion of agricultural buildings to three dwellings, including demolition of existing sheep and horse timber stables, erection of a timber clad single storey front extension with glazed link, associated landscaping and parking.

Guide Price: £700,000.

For more information, or to arrange a viewing, contact Stephen King FRICS at King West on 01858 435970 or visit www.kingwest.co.uk

Earn while you learn with LABC’s funded training scheme

LOCAL AUTHORITY Building Control (LABC), the membership organisation for 3,500 public service building surveyors in England and Wales, has launched a fully funded trainee scheme to attract new recruits into the profession.

Following the landmark Building Safety Act 2022, LABC is boosting building control capacity in light of new responsibilities and support for the Building Safety Regulator. The regulator will be responsible for ensuring the safety of all new higher risk buildings and for the oversight of 12,000 existing occupied tall buildings.

The capacity building programme will see more than 150 people recruited into the building control profession with a three year fully funded learning and development plan.

LABC is looking for people who can demonstrate leadership skills, solve problems creatively and work under pressure. The programme is nationwide with a clear progression pathway. The funded scheme means learning and development will be fully subsidised, and recruits will be paid while they study and progress.

The programme allows trainees to gain the skills, knowledge and experience to be able to competently deal with the full range of building work and other statutory functions undertaken by building control. Trainees’ specific development and learning will be supported while they undertake studies for the Level 4 and Level 5 Diplomas in Building Control followed by funded level 6 (degree level) learning once they are in permanent employment with a local authority.

The educational programme provided by LABC is combined with experiential learning gained while being placed with a local authority building control team. Shadowing building control professionals gives recruits first hand opportunity to see how the knowledge they gain is applied practically to make sure buildings are safe.

Once a trainee successfully completes each stage of learning and has gained sufficient experience, they can take the relevant validation assessment through the Building Safety Competence Foundation (BSCF).

After the three-year programme trainees will be able to apply for roles within local authority building control teams – this could be as an assistant building control surveyor or higher, depending on how well they progress.

Details of the scheme can be found at https://www.labc.co.uk/newentrants.

Build Something Special with Help from The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity

Need a new van, new tools or investment to help take your services to a new level – help is at hand.

The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity, based in the heart of Leicester city centre, provides new and existing businesses across Leicestershire and Rutland with interest-free loans of up to £20,000.

Across the nine-year term of any loan the charity awards, not a penny is required to be paid back in interest, and borrowers can enjoy three years before equal monthly repayments commence! That gives successful applicants three whole years to put the funding into action and to reap the rewards.It’satruly unique opportunity, open to people aged over 18 and under the age of 45 within Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Founded in 1542, the charity’s funding is delivered by a trust established when a wealthy benefactor, Sir Thomas White, left a sum of money to be delivered as interest-free loans. His figure features on the Clock Tower in Leicester! Over the years, that trust fund has grown – with a substantial sum today available to business owners in the county.

Application forms are available via the charity’s website and must be submitted alongside a business plan, for which a template is provided. Guarantors are required, although a small sum is allocated for exceptional applications and business plans where guarantors aren’t available.

For more information and to access an application pack, please visit www.stwcharity.co.uk/business-loans

UNIQUE interest-free loans are on offer to eligible applicants within the trade, whether it be to help you go self-employed, set up your own business or grow your current business.

COMPLETES FIVE MONTHS AHEAD OF SCHEDULE

SPORT and leisure specialist GT3 Architects has completed a new gateway leisure centre in Coalville, Leicestershire, allowing residents to access the centre’s stateof-the-art facilities five months earlier than anticipated.

Replacing the former Heritage Leisure Centre in neighbouring Whitwick, this leisure destination has been completed ahead of schedule after seamless collaboration with contractor Metnor, project manager Paragon, landscape architect OOBE and M&E and BREEAM consultant Envision.Theproject, delivered on behalf of Everyone Active and North West Leicestershire District Council, includes an eight-lane, 25m pool, teaching pool with movable floor, eight-court sports hall, three squash courts and a 120-station fitness suite with spin and dance studios.

Clare Noble, senior architectural technologist at GT3, said: “We were delighted to deliver this leisure centre so efficiently in collaboration with a host of great firms and contractors. We’ve worked with Everyone Active, Metnor and Paragon on a variety of leisure schemes and have a brilliant working relationship – this communication and transparency (combined with a lot of individuals putting in hard work) is what allowed us to accelerate the completion of the Whitwick and Coalville Leisure Centre.

“A good working relationship is exceptionally important to GT3. We aim to create beautiful spaces while delivering transparency, inclusivity, and added value – which is why collaborating seamlessly with our partners is central to our work. Our ‘people architecture’ ethos extends beyond the people we’re designing for to the people we’re designing with,

too.”One

of the themes central to the site’s design was the sensitivity to its setting. Situated opposite an existing further education college, the new pool hall gives the appearance of pre-patinated copper cladding on its overhanging roof to reflect the design of the college. External glulam timber columns were carefully chosen to mirror the National Forest setting, and full-height glazing in the café opens up the centre to its surroundings.

The bricks incorporated into the design have been locally sourced from nearby Ibstock, just 3.5 miles away, linking Whitwick and Coalville Leisure Centre further to its surroundings. The scheme has already seen great interest, with impressive engagement from the local community.

Paul Sanders, head of community services at North West Leicestershire District Council, said: “Our state-of-the-art Whitwick and Coalville Leisure Centre is a fabulous facility for the district which, fits well into its National Forest setting. It’s a building we hope will get people excited about getting fit and active, and demonstrates our commitment to ensuring high-quality design.”

The centre opened its doors to the public on 14 February and will facilitate a healthy lifestyle for the local community, with memberships to the former Hermitage Leisure Centre automatically transferring to the new state-of-the-art scheme.

For further information visit www. gt3architects.com or join the conversation over on Twitter @_ GT3Architects

Construction output declines for the first time since January 2021

Leicester City

Easy Property Group (c/o Agent: Keshiv Sudera, Design Studio Architects Limited, 7 Upper King Street, Leicester LE1 6XB) – Erection of 2 detached dwellings – at 268270 Uppingham Road, Leicester LE5

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Try Construction Limited (c/o Agent: Anne Hargreaves, Avison Young (UK) Limited, m6th Floor, 1 City Square, Leeds LS1 2AL) – Demolition of existing school buildings, erection of a new two-storey school building and associated substation, plant, bin store, external canopies, reconfigured car parking, landscaping and erection of 3 temporary school buildings up to three storeys – at Catherine Infant School, Ulverscroft Road, Leicester LE4 6BY.

HI Limited (c/o Agent: Daniel Bates, Staniforth Architects, The Warehouse, 1A Stamford Street, Leicester LE1 6NL) – Conversion of listed building from Financial Offices to Dwellinghouses, in the form of 7 individual flats – at 4-6 New Street, Leicester LE1 5NR.

Leicester City Council (c/o Agent: Tim Sloan, Levitate Architecture & Design Studio, ‘Patch’, North Lee Lane, Terrick, Aylesbury, Bucks. HP22 5YB) – Demolition of existing local authority buildings, retail units, ancillary buildings and outdoor leisure facilities, to facilitate the development of up to 50 residential dwellings, extension and alterations to the exterior of the existing parade of shops and 5 existing Class C3 flats, new access road and associated highways infrastructure, parking, etc. – at Stocking Farm Neighbourhood Centre, Marwood Road, Leicester LE4

Ecoterm2ED.

Solutions Limited (c/o Agent: Mr A Lennard, Perfect Planning Architectural Services Limited, Office 1F, Rugby House, Hinckley Road, Sapcote, Leics. LE9

4FU) – Change of use from HMO to 2 one-bed flats – at 8 Sweetbriar Road, Leicester LE3 1AP.

ModulCo Limited (c/o Agent: Michael Pitt, ModulCo Limited, The Coach House, Holly Street, Leamington Spa, Warks. CV32

4TN) – New healthcare building including operating theatres and ancillary accommodation, plus associated works – at Brandon Unit, Leicester General Hospital, Gwendolen Road, Leicester LE5 4PW.

A strong rate of jobs growth nonetheless continued as construction companies sought to boost capacity and meet increased order intakes. Meanwhile, improvements in the availability of some materials meant that supplier delays were the least widespread since February 2020.

The headline seasonally adjusted S&P Global / CIPS UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index® (PMI®) – which measures month-on-month changes in total industry activity – posted 48.9 in July, down from 52.6 in June and below the 50.0 no-change threshold for the first time since January 2021. Although only marginal, the rate of decline was the fastest since May 2020.

Civil engineering was the worst-performing segment in July (index at 40.1), with business activity falling to the greatest extent since October 2020. House building declined for the second month running, but the rate of contraction was only slight (index at 49.4). Commercial work bucked the downturn seen elsewhere (52.3 in July), although growth was the weakest for 18 months. Survey respondents commented on headwinds to client demand from rising inflation, fragile consumer confidence and higher interest rates.

July data indicated an overall rise in new orders for the twenty-sixth consecutive month. That said, the latest upturn in new business was notably weaker than seen on average in the first half of 2022. As a result, some construction companies cited a lack of new projects to replace completed contracts.

Employment numbers expanded at a robust and accelerated pace in July. There were again many reports of difficulties filling vacancies and strong wage pressures.Purchase

price inflation meanwhile eased considerably (index at 78.1, down from 85.8 in June), with the latest rise in cost burdens the least marked since March Construction2021.firms

noted upward pressure on business expenses from higher energy, fuel and transport costs, but this was partly offset by some easing in commodity prices (especially for metals and timber).

Around 22% of the survey panel reported longer lead times from suppliers in July, while 7% signalled an improvement. Although still pointing to an overall downturn in vendor performance, the latest survey indicated that supplier delays were the least widespread since February 2020. Anecdotal evidence suggested that imported items remained the biggest area of concern, especially those from China and mainland Europe.Agradual

turnaround in supply conditions and hopes of softer price pressures ahead meant that construction firms tempered their stock building efforts in July. As a result, purchasing activity expanded at the weakest pace since January 2021. Where higher levels of input buying were reported, this mostly reflected new project starts and hopes of rising business activity in the months

Businessahead.optimism

remained subdued across the construction sector in July, with growth expectations well below those seen in the opening months of 2022. That said, the degree of positive sentiment picked up slightly from June’s 23-month low. Around 42% of the survey panel anticipate a rise in output during the year ahead, while only 15% forecast a decline. Recession concerns, the cost of living crisis and lower levels of consumer confidence were the most commonly cited factors affecting business expectations in July.

Duncan Brock, Group Director at the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply, said: “After several months of difficult conditions for builders, these challenges have now resulted in a contraction in construction with the biggest fall in activity since May 2020.“This

disappointing result was felt across all the sectors, including housing which had demonstrated more resilience over the last couple of years, but fell for the second month in a row in July. However, it was civil engineering that fell the hardest and furthest. With fewer new orders in the offing, it may be some time before we see a rebound in this sector bearing in mind the time lag of infrastructure projects.

“Builders optimism remained at the lowest levels seen for two years. Job creation was healthy to complete work in hand but the danger remains that should the UK economy turn unfavourable, this will affect job hiring and the development of key skills. A feather-like fall in prices may ease some of the pain as access to raw materials also improved, but prices at historically high levels will continue to hamper activity in 2023.”

JULY a for the first time in one-and-a-half years. Lower volumes of residential work and civil engineering activity more than offset a sustained expansion in the commercial segment.

Charles Street Buildings Limited (c/o Agent: Mr Matthew Roe, Marrons Planning, 2 Colton Square, Leicester LE1 1QH) - variation of condition 27 (connection to district heating) attached to planning permission 20171085 (demolition; construction of an 11 storey building providing two hotels (252 bedrooms) (class c1), a 5 storey building providing 4,019sq.m of office accommodation (class b1); the refurbishment, alteration and change of use of the former great central railway station from general industrial (class b2) to a unit of 1,828sq.m floorspace (class d1) , pedestrianisation of part of great central street, public realm and landscaping improvements. (amended plans)) to allow amendment to the wording of the condition to require connection to the district heating system within three months of it becoming accessible and operational within the site – at land off Great Central Street, Leicester LE1 4JS.

Study Inn Investments (Welford Road) Limited (c/o Agent: Graham Parkes, Cerda Planning Limited, Vesey House, 5-7 High Street, Sutton Coldfield B72 1XH) – Construction of additional three floors, construction of single storey, four storey and seven storey extension and change of use from offices to student accommodation comprising 23 cluster flats, 82 onebed studio flats, gym, spa, amenity areas, cycle parking and associated works – at Reynard House, 27 Welford Road, Leicester LE2

City7AD.Group

Leicester Ltd (c/o Agent: Simon Cretney, Staniforth Architects, The Warehouse, 1a Stamford Street, Leicester LE1 6NL)

– Demolition of existing buildings and construction of a 4, 7 & 9 storey building containing student accommodation, ground floor retail accommodation and top floor private rental apartments, with associated communal, amenity and ancillary space – at 150 St Nicholas Circle & 1-7 and 13 Bath Lane, Leicester LE1 4JJ.

INNES ENGLAND are offering for sale a significant development opportunity

Dunlop Business Centre, Evington Valley Road, Leicester, Leicestershire LE5 5LY

The property - Dunlop Business Centre, Evington Valley Road, Leicester, Leicestershire LE5 5LY site area of 5.33 acres and a GIA: 194,705 sq. feet.

Significant Development Opportunity

Site Area: 5.33 Acres (2.16 Hectares)

The selling agents understand that the site has an authorised use for industrial purposes within Use Class E(g), B2 and B8 of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) (Amendments) (England) Regulations 2020. The site SALE

The multi storey buildings are of substantial brick construction with steel frames and concrete floors to all levels. The main single storey section is a traditional north light area with an eaves height of circa 3m. In addition, there are a number of other buildings on the site which are now semi-derelict but with some reasonable quality single storey units along the eastern boundary flanking the allotment gardens. Externally, there are two access points on Gwendolen Road leading into the car parking and loading areas.

GIA: 194,705 Sq Ft (18,088.7 Sq M)

has been allocated for residential purposes under the Leicester City Council Local Plan. The site may also be suitable for commercial development subject to obtaining the relevant planning consent. Parties interested in alternative uses/development are advised to make their own enquiries with the local planning authority, Leicester City Council, 0116 454 1000.

Allocation for residential development

Offers in excess of £6,250,000

For enquiries and viewings please contact: Aman Verma 07866 264118 averma@innes england.com

Offers in excess of £6,250,000 are

Contactinvited.Peter Doleman at Innes England on 0116 255 5455 or email: pdoleman@innes-england. com

Peter Doleman 0116 255 5455 pdoleman@innes england.com 0116 255 5455 innes england.com

Sell That Plot!

Rahim Sulemanji (c/o Agent: Jayesh Vaja, 1078A Melton Road, Syston, Leicester LE7 2NN) –Change of use of first and second floor from office and storage ancillary to shop to 2 self-contained flats, plus two storey extension at side and dormer extension at rear – at 232 Narborough Road, Leicester LE3 2AN. address: Great Central Rd, Loughborough Leicestershire LE11 01509 351 loughborough@addisonhunt.co.uk Centre is for sale

Thurmaston site sold for affordable housing

Mr Vehbi Krasniqi (c/o Agent: Mr Pezhman Ghashghai, HDI Architecture, 58 Latimer Street, Leicester LE3 0QE) – Conversion of a single dwelling house into 2 individual houses – at 2 Barkbythorpe Road, Leicester LE4 9JA.

Hinckley & Bosworth

Unnamed Applicant (c/o Agent: Mr Dannell Hernandez, BRP Architects, 1 Millers Yard, Roman Way, Market Harborough, Leics. LE16 7PW) – Erection of 2 semidetached dwellings (Resubmission) – at Moorbeck, 7 Butt Lane Close, Hinckley, Leics. LE10 1LF.

Mr R Jeffcoate (c/o Agent: Zoe Massey, Hayward Architects Limited, 19 Station Road, Hinckley, Leics. LE10 1AW) – Outline application for the conversion of existing factory building to residential including the addition of an extra storey; factory building to be demolished and erection of residential building – at Factory Units, 23 Wood Street, Hinckley, Leics. LE10 1JQ.

Mr Tsen Wharton (c/o Agent: Nicholas Williams Chartered Architect, 39 Holmdale Road, London NW6 1BJ) – New build private housing comprising 3 threebed two-storey dwellings and one six-bed HMO, plus extension to existing bungalow and widening of access driveway – at 314A Station Road, Bagworth, Leics. LE67

Singular1BN.

Homes (c/o Agent: Martin Ladd, Housemartin Designs, The Carthouse, Charnells Court, Upperfields Farm, Swepstone, Leics. LE67 2SG) – Extension & alteration to Hall Farm House along with conversion of 4 outbuildings to form dwelling houses with associated works and erection of a detached stable block – at Hall Farm, 10 The Green, Orton on the Hill, Atherstone, Warks. CV9 3NG.

Gladman Developments (c/o: Gladman House, Alexandria Way, Congleton Business Park, Congleton CW12 1LB) – Outline application for the erection of up to 125 dwellings (including 40% affordable housing) with public open space, landscaping and sustainable drainage system –at land north of Shenton Lane, Market Bosworth, Leics.

A PROMINENT site in Thurmaston has been sold to Leicester affordable housing developer Modus Partnerships in a deal arranged by specialist land development and property consultancy Mather Jamie.

The site, which comprises 1.61 Acres (0.65 Ha) of land, was formerly the premises of an industrial business that has ceased to operate. The land has been in the ownership of a private family for over seventy years and although surrounded by existing housing, it presented several planning challenges due to ground conditions and its brownfield site status.

SDL AUCTIONS 2022

SDL National Property Auction Thursday 29th September at 10.00am

SDL National Property Auction Thursday 27th October at 10.00am

SDL National Property Auction Thursday 24th November at 10.00am

SDL National Property Auction Tuesday 20th December at 10.00am

Visit

BOND AUCTIONSWOLFE2022

Thursday 8th September 2022

Starting at 9.00am

Thursday 20th October 2022 Starting at 9.00am

Thursday 8th December 2022 Starting at 12:00 noon

These are all Livestreamed Auctions. Visit www. bondwolfe.com for details

SHONKI AUCTIONSBROS2022

Wednesday 28th Sep 2022: 5pm

Wednesday 2nd Nov 2022: 5pm

These are all Livestreamed Auctions. Visit www. shonkibros.com for details.

KAL SHONKISANGRABROTHERSAUCTIONS2022

21st September 2022 16th November 2022

Working with Modus Partnerships, Mather Jamie was able to broker the sale and help secure planning permission to build 18 affordable houses. Once fully constructed the development will be operated by Midland Heart Housing Association. www.cottons.co.uk

These are all Livestreamed Auctions. Visit www.shonkibrothers.com for details.

Mr Sandip Sahota (c/o: 49 Hanson Way, Coventry CV6 6PL) – Erection of 3 dwellings with associated amenity space – at land adjacent to 26 Hays Lane, Hinckley, Leics. LE10 0LA.

Harborough

Mr Paul Johnson, jointly for Wigan Holdings Limited and Francis Jackson Homes Ltd (c/o: 6 High Street, Olney MK46 4BB) –Outline application for the erection of 9 dwellings – at land at Station Road, North Kilworth, Leics.

Sukhvinder & Inderjeet Kareer (c/o Agent: Martyn Jones, The Reading Room, 33 Main Street, Medbourne, Market harborough, Leics. LE16 8DT) – Erection of 2 detached dwellings with associated works (Variation of condition 10) –at land to rear of 105 Lubenham Hill, Market Harborough, Leics.

Melton

Mr Cassa Miller (c/o Agent: Joe Mitson, GHM Planning Ltd, 87 Park Road, Chilwell, Notts. NG9 4DE) –Proposed 2 semi-detached dwellings and associated car parking – at land to north of Breckmill Court, Melton Mowbray, Leics.

Vianon Limited (c/o Agent: Bedminster Properties One Limited, Knight Frank, Regent House, 27A Regent Street, Clifton, Bristol BS8 4HR) – Outline planning application for up to 33 new dwellings – at Yew Tree Farm, 24 Top End, Great Dalby, Leics. LE14 2HA.

Mr James Houghton (c/o Agent: Chris Webster, Stephen George & Partners, Waterfront House, 2A Smith Way, Grove Park, Enderby, Leics. LE19 1SX) – Erection of 4 industrial/warehouse buildings with ancillary offices, parking and servicing (Reserved matters) – at Broughton Astley Golf Complex, Coventry Road, Broughton Astley,

MulberryLeics.Industrial

Growth OFF THE MENU for small firms as cost crunch bites deep

HOPES OF A small business-led economic recovery from the pandemic may be under threat, according to the Small Business Index (SBI) report for Q2 2022 from Federation of Small Business (FSB), which was published in August.

The combined proportion of small firms who predict that they will stay the same size (38.7%) or downsize or even close their business (14.7%), at 53.4%, outweighs the 46.6% who predict they will grow in the coming 12 months.

The results differed by sector, with a better outlook for businesses in the information and communication sector, where 62.9% of businesses expected to grow in the next year, compared with only 33.9% of wholesale and retail firms, and 34.9% of hospitality sector businesses.

Small firms’ anaemic growth predictions coincided with the highest-recorded proportion of firms saying their costs are higher than a year ago, at 89.0%, and with the highest level of producer price inflation for four decades in June.

Fuel (cited by 64.2%) and utilities (63.5%) were the mostmentioned causes of this increase in costs, both up notably from the first quarter (60.1% and 58.0% respectively), and far higher than this time last year (Q2 2021: fuel cited as a cost increase factor by 25.9%, and utilities by 27.6%).

Of those businesses which expect to grow in the coming year, two thirds (65.1%) cite the domestic economy as a potential barrier to expansion, a figure which has risen from 58.6% in the Q1 report.

Lack of access to appropriately skilled staff was also noted as a significant worry, mentioned by 33.9% of businesses which expect to grow as a limiting factor. With ONS statistics showing there were 1.3 million vacancies in Q2, many firms are not able to find the staff they need, putting normal operations and usual opening hours – let alone plans to grow – in question.YetQ22022

also saw more small businesses reporting a fall in employee numbers than growing their payrolls, the first time this has happened since Q1 2021. One in ten small businesses (10.8%) grew their number of employees over the previous quarter, but were outnumbered by the one in seven

(14.4%) who saw staff numbers fall over the same period.

More positively, a net balance of 7.2% of respondents anticipate that their employee base will increase in size in Q3, although this is around half the figure who predicted the same ahead of Q2 (14.5%), and many may find it tricky to get the people they need on board.

Natalie Gasson-McKinley, FSB development manager, said: “The fall in GDP in the second quarter and the record-high inflation figures show the scale of what small businesses are up against, with our second quarter Small Business Index uncovering warning signs in many different indicators, from overall confidence to staff numbers and growth

“Longer-term,aspirations.thosehopeful of solving the UK’s long-running productivity puzzle will not find much cause for cheer in this report, with small businesses held back from growing and investing by numerous factors.

“A healthy business ecosystem requires businesses of all sizes to be able to realise their ambitions – from one-person start-ups with a great idea, through the small and medium-sized businesses which form the bedrock of the economy, right up to the largest companies, who rely on countless smaller suppliers and service providers.

“With our research indicating that smaller firms’ intentions to grow are muted at best, with businesses planning to grow outnumbered by those expecting to stay the same

size, shrink, or even close their business, a key driver of economic recovery is threatened.

“Inflation is higher than at any point for the last four decades, and is also acting as an inhibitor to investment – machinery, parts, software, tools, rents, and employment and operating costs in general are all increasing in price more rapidly than small businesses can run to keep up. It’s a toxic recipe for the future health of the economy.“Ifthenext Government wants to be able to level up the country, small business considerations must be at the heart of its thinking. Our members are looking for concrete help.”

FSB’s small manifestobusiness

• A reversal of the recent rises in National Insurance

• A VAT cut, especially on energy

Properties

Limited (c/o Agent: Darryl Rogers, Pegasus Group, Pegasus House, Querns Business Centre, Whitworth Road, Cirencester, Glos. GL7 1RT) –Prior notification for the demolition of Unit 4 – at Semelab Limited, Coventry Road, Lutterworth, Leics. LE17 4JB. 01530 or

•billsAn overhaul of the business rates system and an increase to £25,000 in the rateable value threshold for relief (in England)

• Help on energy prices for small businesses, by including them in the price cap, and offering relief via discretionary funding as well as through the business rates

•systemAcutin fuel duty

• Making corporate boards directly accountable for late payments to suppliers, which put an untimely end to thousands of otherwiseviable small firms every year.

Natalie Gasson-McKinley

PAINSWICK | Slate Blue

Our business helping

Local companies team up

Rutland

Mrs Vicky Binley (c/o Agent: Rutland Planning, 2 Harewood Close, Langham, Rutland LE15 7JZ) – Conversion of barn to 2 dwellinghouses including single storey extension – at Sculthorpe House, Pilton Road, North Luffenham, Rutland LE15 9PD.

E Lomas & J Needham (c/o Agent: Paul Johnson, Francis Jackson Homes Ltd, 6 High Street, Olney MK46 4BB) – Outline planning application for the erection of up to 60 dwellings, public open space and associated infrastructure – at land at Pennine Drive, Edith Weston, MrsRutland.Laura

Green (c/o Agent: Liam Toland, Heatons, The Arc, 6 Mallard Way, Pride Park, Derby DE24 8GX) – Change of use from disused quarry to a sustainable holiday site including the installation of 6 holiday cabins – at Big Pit Quarry, Bidwell Lane, Clipsham, MrRutland.MelEvans

(c/o Agent: Tom Helliwell, Class Q Limited, Willoughby House, 2 Broad Street, Stamford PE9 1PB) – Erection of 8 dwellings - on land to the south east of Main Street, Cottesmore,

SOSRutland.Tech

Holdings (c/o Agent: Mr Ian Taylor, Berrys, 42 Headlands, Kettering NN15 7HR) – Outline planning application for 11 dwellings and associated works – at land to the south west of Belmesthorpe Lane, Ryhall, Rutland.

NW Leics.

Mr Mark Upton (c/o Agent: HES Architects Limited, 8 Church Street, Swadlincote, Derby DE11 8LE) –Demolition of buildings forming existing kennel business and erection of 2 dwellings and associated garage accommodation – at The White House Kennels, Top Brand, Osgathorpe, Leics. LE12 9FU.

REGIONAL housebuilder William Davis Homes has teamed up with a new estate agent in Leicestershire after being inundated with enquiries about the forthcoming Hastings Green development in Kirby Muxloe.

Potential house buyers have been so keen to find out more, even before a house is built, that the company has arranged to have a sales consultant based at the offices of local estate agent Anderson Briggs in Groby, so customers are not left disappointed.

William Davis Homes Sales Director Steve Rush said he was delighted to be partnering with the company founded in January this year by Conor Anderson and Jed Briggs.

William Davis sales consultant June Hall will be available at the Anderson Briggs office on Ratby Road in Groby on an appointment-only basis. The office was opened in March by Conor and Jed, who were childhood friends in the Groby and Ratby area and now have ten years’ combined experience in the industry.

Farmhouse developmentandsite for sale 7QJ.

Full planning consent (ref: 21/01263/FUL) has been approved for two barns off Stapleton Lane to the front of New Parks Farmhouse. The consent allows for the conversion of the two brick-built barns into construction of

inbasedLeicestershire-M-ECinvestnewsoftware

Departments, Acoustic Air, and Lighting are the latest to receive investment to bolster and enhance their capabilities and offering to clients. The cost of this software has been made more accessible after M-EC was accepted to receive a spring grant from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

The software purchased for M-EC’s Lighting department, which is known as Waldrum Tools, Daylight Software for Auto Cad, will now enable the team to offer clients Daylight, Sunlight and Overshadowing Assessments for new and existing developments across the country. Local planning authorities are increasingly requesting this, mainly when a building is over 3-4 storeys tall or where previous commercial or office spaces are being converted for residential use.

Also receiving investment was M-EC’s Acoustic Air team which has already seen a cash injection this year for overheating software. This offers assessments that support the new Approved Document O building regulation, enacted in June this year for residential properties.

Mr S Sargent (c/o Agent: Jonathan Weekes, Aitchison Raffety Ltd, The Granary, Spring Hill Office Park, Harborough Road, Pitsford, Northants. NN6 9AA) – Erection of 8 dwellings including access and landscaping along with alteration and extension to Number 115 Station Road, demolition and repositioning of boundary wall to Number 115 Station Road and realignment of the frontage boundary wall to Number 117 Station Road – at 115 Station Road, Hugglescote, Coalville, Leics. LE67 2GB. 07860 695 806 martin@fordestimatingservices.co.ukEmail:

TECHNICAL consultants

M-EC have invested in new equipment for two disciplines after securing a grant from ERDF to partfund new software.

The bishop came to our church today but I think he was an imposter. He never once moved diagonally.

JLR (c/o Agent: Joseph Blick, JLL, 45 Church Street, Birmingham B3 2RT) – Part full/part outling planning application for development of land, including demolition of all existing on-sire buildings and levelling and regrading of the site; full consent sought for construction of a Distribution Campus with ancillary offices; outline consent for employment use class with ancillary offices and associated commercial and amenity uses – at Mercia Park, Burton Road, Stretton En Le Field, Derby.

Litton (Donington) Ltd (c/o Agent: William Marshall, DPP, 1 Park Row, Leeds LS1 5HN) – Erection of 4 B2/B8 units including access, parking, service yard, landscaping and associated works – at land between A453 and M1 Junction 23A, Ashby Road, Kegworth, GeorgeLeics.

Barclay Properties Ltd (c/o Agent: Kyle Middleton, 612 Properties Ltd, The Laurels, Berry Hill Lane, Donington Le Heath, Leics. LE67 2FB) – Demolition of existing garages and erection of 2 detached single storey dwellings –at Former Garage Site, Fairfield Road, Hugglescote, Leics.

Mrs Barbara Cotton (c/o Agent: Phil Powell, St Paul’s Associates Ltd, The Mews, 13A St Paul’s Square, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham B3 1RB) – Residential development of up to 15 dwellings – at The Paddock, Adjoining M42, Burton Road, Oakthorpe, Derby.

T J Morris Limited (c/o Agent: Tim Rainbird, Quod, 8-14 Meard Street, London W1F 0EQ) – Reconfiguration of and refurbishment of existing retail unitcomprising external alterations, including new shop front and customer entrance feature, trolley corral, revised parking layout, external display area, secure compound with forklift truck shed and associated works – at Leicestershire Co Op Superstore, Bridge Road, Coalville, Leics. LE67 3PW.

Mr R Cross (c/o Agent: David Pycroft, DPAS Ltd, 15 Oakley Drive, Long Whatton, Leics. LE12 5DQ) – Erection of 2 bungalows – at 7 Grove Road, Whitwick, Coalville, Leics. LE67 5EF.

Builders’ Problems SOLVED

The SafetyBuildingAct2022

THIS MONTH’S article looks at an important piece of legislation – the Building Safety Act 2022 (“the Act”) –which has been a long time coming, but in April 2022 it finally entered into the statute books.

The background to the Act, which runs to a mighty 262 pages, is firmly rooted in the Grenfell Tower tragedy of June 2017. It is a fundamental overhaul of the building and fire safety regime in this country and focuses on protecting the rights of leaseholders, with the government previously stating that the Act was intended to:“create lasting generational change and set out a clear pathway for the future on how residential buildings should be constructed and maintained.”

Although the Act became law in April 2022, the majority of the Act’s provisions will require secondary legislation to become law and this will probably be phased in over the next 18 months.

The Act has 6 parts and contains provisions “intended to secure the safety of people in or about buildings and to improve the standard of buildings.”

Part 2 contains provision about the building safety regulator and its functions in relation to buildings in England, whilst Part 3 amends the Building Act 1984. Part 4 concerns occupied higher-risk buildings in England, and imposes duties on accountable persons. Part 5 of the Act contains further provisions including:•Remediation of certain defects (sections 116 to 125: came into force in late June 2022);

• Redress (sections 133 to 135: sections 134 and 135 came into force in late June 2022);

• Establishment of a new homes ombudsman scheme (sections 136 to 143);

• Powers to make provision about construction products (section 146: came into force in late June 2022);

• Provisions about the regulation of architects (sections 157 to 159: came into force in late June 2022); and•Provisions about housing complaints (section 160).

One of the provisions of the Act to enter force in April 2022 saw the Health and Safety Executive creating a new construction products regulator, the Building

Safety Regulator (“BSR”)

readilyhighthepeoplemeasuressafetydevelopersthecostscompleted;updefectiveclaimsprotectionswhotougheningandmoreombudsmantomarketpowerintoeffectivelyorresidentialandbuildingsandanybetoregulator.htm),www.hse.gov.uk/building-safety/(https://whowillbetaskedoverseethenewregimeandwillresponsibleforensuringthatbuildingsafetyrisksinnewexistinghighriseresidentialof18metres/7storeysabove[thathaveatleast2unitsorarehospitalscarehomes]aremanagedandresolved,takingcostaccount.TheBSRwillhavethetoremoveproductsfromthewhilstrequiringdevelopersbemembersofanewhomesscheme.TheActalsogivesresidentspowertoholdbuildersdeveloperstoaccountandsanctionsagainstthosethreatentheirsafety:•Theintroductionofaseriesofforleaseholders;•Aretrospectiverighttobringagainstdevelopersforworks(section149)forto30yearsafterabuildingisand•Protectingleaseholdersfromforcladdingworks.TheActalsogivesthegovernmentpowertotakeactionagainstnotpayingtofixfireissues,andtherearetoensurethatthoseresponsibleforsafetyduringdesignandbuildoperationofriseresidentialbuildings,areidentified.

periodsLimitationamended

AN IMPORTANT section of the Act is section 135 of which amends the limitation periods:

• Where work has already been completed, extending the limitation period for claims brought under section 1 of the Defective Premises Act 1972 (“DPA”) from 6 to 30 years.

Michael Gerard

Author background

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

The advice provided is intended to be of a general guide only and should not be viewed as providing a definitive legal analysis.

• For work completed in the future, extending the limitation period for claims brought under section 1 of the DPA from 6 to 15 years.•Expanding the DPA to include refurbishment and other work carried out on an existing dwelling to a 15 year limitation period.

• The enaction of section 38 of the Building Act 1984, and allowing claims for compensation to be brought for physical damage caused by a breach of building regulations, with a limitation period of 15 years.

There is also a new cause of action (section 148) which will allow claims to be brought where a supplier of a construction product makes a misleading statement concerning the product or a product is manufactured that is inherently defective: a 30-year limitation period applies to past defaults in relation to cladding products; otherwise it is 15 years.

If the Act affects you, or if you think the Act may affect you, I strongly urge you to seek professional advice.

Harworth Group PLC (c/o Agent: Nick Cox, Pegasus Group, 4 The Courtyard, Lockington, Derby DE74 2SL) – Provision of enabling works associated with Phase B5 including regrading of land, vehicular access, surface and foul water drainage (Reserved Matters) – at land at Beveridge Lane, Bardon, Leics. you enjoy reading Leicestershire Builder, please pass it on to a friend or colleague after you’ve finished with it. Thanks!

© Michael Gerard 2022

Site for 11 dwellings in Burton on Trent

Mr P Davey (c/o Agent: Thomas Beavin, TWB Town Planning Consultants Ltd, 20 Thirlmere Gardens, Ashby de la Zouch, Leics. LE65 1FN) – Demolition of existing buildings and redevelopment for 43 dwellings, a new village hall, vehicular and pedestrian access points and associated infrastructure approved under planning permission 18/02198/FULM without complying with Condition 21 associated with works to highway trees on Ashby Road – at Priory Nursery Garden Centre, Ashby Road, Breedon on the Hill, Derby DE73 8AZ.

Oadby Wigston&

Mr & Mrs Mortimer (c/o Agent: Paul Thurlby, Gordon White & Hood, Unit 4B, Fir Tree Lane, Groby, Leicester LE6 0FH) Erection of 2 detached bungalows and a detached garage – at Ellis Farm, Welford Road, Wigston, Leicester LE18

Mr3TF.Alan

Forsyth (c/o Agent: Mr Lavan Siva, Hockley Developments Ltd, 15 Clarendon Street, Nottingham NG1 5HR) – Change of use of Community Centre and garage to supported 14 flats; conversion of existing property and erection of extension to existing garage – at Age Concern, 51 Paddock Street, Wigston, Leicester LE18 2AN.

Blaby

Mr Rafal Dabek (c/o Agent: Tomasz Zadrozny, 18 Malton Road, Doncaster DN2 5JT) – Erection of 4 self-contained flats – at land rear of 30 Capers Close, Enderby, Leicester LE19 4QD.

Charnwood

Holywell Church (c/o Agent: Axon Architects) – Extension and alterations to Holywell Church – at Holywell Free Church, Berkeley Road, Loughborough, Leics. LE11 3SJ.

Paul Cairns (c/o Agent: Trevor Muir Limited) – Conversion of part of existing building into offices – at Rectory Place, 37 Old Parsonage Lane, Hoton, Leicestershire LE12 5SG.

Mr Bill Nunn (c/o Agent: Prodesign) – Change of use from Medical Centre to Residential Care Home plus first floor front/side extension – at 10 Chestnut Way, East Goscote, Leicestershire LE7 3QQ.

SDL Property Auctions are offering for sale BY AUCTION a former pub site with consent for 11 dwellings.

The property – The Dart Inn, Short Street, Burton on Trent, Staffordshire DE15 9LT - benefits from planning consent for the demolition of the existing public house and garage and erection of one block of four terraced houses, one block of seven terraced houses and associated car parking.Interested

parties are advised to see the East Staffordshire Borough Council planning portal number P/2021/00431 for more information. There is no Section 106 Obligation on this site.

The auction for this property will take place on Thursday 29th September 2022, starting at 10 am, as an “Auction Event” behind closed doors with a live auctioneer and will be streamed online in real-time.

Guide Price £400,000+ plus fees.

Visit www.sdlauctions.co.uk for more information.

THERE IS STILL time for residents and businesses of Rutland to get involved in the important first stage of the Local Plan process and have their say on the future of the area by taking part in Rutland County Council’s Issues & Options consultation.

Every Planning Authority must have a Local Plan that sets out what can be built and where building should take place over a period of at least 15 years. The Issues & Options consultation outlines 12 key issues to be addressed in the Local Plan, such as determining the appropriate level and location of housing growth and outlining options for funding infrastructure improvements. The document then gives residents and businesses the opportunity to share their own voice on how these issues could be addressed.

Responses will be collated and reviewed alongside detailed evidence and analysis of the same key issues to create a draft Local Plan, which will be subject to further public consultation.

The Issues and Options consultation opened on Thursday 30 June and will close on Friday 16 September 2022. This is the

Governmentmillion cash for new sports centre

£10

The three-storey, 3,000sqm facility will be created for Loughborough College as part of a multi-million pound improvement scheme on its Radmoor Road campus.Thenew building will house a modern sports hall with a viewing terrace and changing facilities as well as classrooms learning spaces’, ‘breakout areas’ and a small staff base. As part of the project, an outdated building and boiler room will be demolished to make way for improved teaching facilities.

Help shape Rutland’s new Local Plan

first of three consultations that will take place as part of the process to develop Rutland’s new Local Plan before it goes to the government’s planning inspectorate for independent examination in 2024. Information is also being made available at public libraries and can be provided in print and accessible formats on request by 01572localplan@rutland.gov.ukemailing:orcalling:722577.

Councillor Lucy Stephenson, Leader of Rutland County Council, said: “We are extremely pleased to see people already getting involved in the consultation process and we would encourage everyone to have their say on these important issues. Once complete, the Local Plan will

not only set out the strategy for the amount, location and design of new development but will also allow us to progress our ambitions around climate change, meeting affordable housing needs, supporting jobs and promoting biodiversity. This really does help shape the future of Rutland and therefore it is vital that we hear the voice of residents and businesses views during the process.”Ifyouhave any questions about the Issues & Options Consultation, you can email: localplan@rutland. gov.uk

Anyone without internet access can call: 01572 755 577 and ask to speak to member of the Council’s Planning Policy Team.

SMH Lettings (c/o Agent: HSSP Architects Limited) – Erection of three-bed student accommodation block to the rear of the site – at 2 Snells Nook Lane, Loughborough, Leics. LE11 3YA.

Swithland Agricultural Holdings (c/o Agent: Landmark Planning) – Application to determine if prior approval is required for conversion of agricultural barn to 2 larger dwellings – at land adjacent to 67 Main Street, Swithland, Leics. LE12

Russo8TG.

(c/o Agent: Mark Architecture Limited) – Extensions to roof of building to create fourth floor of office accommodation and provision of external roof terrace –at 12 The Generator, Frederick Street, Loughborough, Leics. LE11 3BJ.

9 Property Group (c/o Agent: Volta Designs) – Erection of fivestorey accommodation to provide 22 student cluster flats and ancillary accommodation – at Crystal Hand Car wash, 11 Pinfold Gate, Loughborough, Leics. LE11 1BE.

Robert Powell – Conversion of property to 7 self-contained apartments and provision of cycle storage facilities – at 57 Park Road, Loughborough, Leics. LE11

Jelson2ED.Homes

(c/o Agent: Avison Young) – Full planning application for residential development of 33 dwellinghouses with landscaping, open space, associated car parking, access works and infrastructure – at land at north of Pollards Road, Anstey, Leicester.

Rushcliffe

Mr Jason Nunn (c/o Agent: Ian McHugh, IMcH Planning & Development Consultancy, 20 Attewell Close, Draycott, Derby DE72 3QP) – Demolition of existing dwelling and stable and erection of 2 new dwellings – at The Paddocks, Bottom Green, Upper Broughton, Nottinghamshire LE14 3BA.

Mr J Croft (c/o Agent: Roger Harrison Architecture, 30 Abbey Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 5NF) – Conversion and extension of existing farm buildings and dwelling to create 5 new dwellings, plus erection of 3 dwellings and garage – at Holly Farm, Bassingfield Lane, Bassingfield, Nottinghamshire NG12 2LG.

Firm not claiming their share of funding East Midlands firms have claimed up to 68% LESS Govt innovation funding than some parts of the UK

BUSINESSES in the East Midlands haven’t been claiming their share of government innovation funding — settling for 68% less than some parts of the UK, a study by innovation funding specialist Catax shows.

Businesses across the UK have enjoyed £12.3bn of grant awards from government innovation agency, Innovate UK, since However,2003.inthat time, companies in the East Midlands have received less grant cash than all but four other regions, when adjusted for business population.Companies in the East Midlands have netted the equivalent of £2,084 per business, which is 68% less than those in the North East (£6,504), the best performing region. Total grant funding nationally has equalled £2,563 per business — meaning the East Midlands is 18.7% behind the UK average.

Applicants in the East Midlands have been awarded £661 million inSometotal. of the largest grants in the region over the last five years went to Rolls Royce, in Derby, for

a number of projects, funded by Innovate UK grants worth a total of £57.4m.Otherregions trailing the national average are North West (£1,039), Northern Ireland (£1,465), Wales (£1,623), the East of England (£1,922) and Yorkshire & the Humber (£2,204).

The national disparity has improved only slightly in the past five years and is still cause for concern. The North East was still the biggest recipient (£2,586 per business) between 2017 and 2022, while the North West continued to benefit the least (£473 per business).Overthat period, the East Midlands has received £884 per business, while the North East remains ahead with £2,586. It means the gap has marginally narrowed, with the East Midlands receiving 65.8% less per company compared to the top-performing region. Grant funding nationally equalled £1,093 per business over the past five years.

Evington site for 9 dwellings

READINGS Estate Agents are offering for sale a development opportunity with full planning permission (refs: 20192369 & 20210826) for the development of 9 dwellings (6 semi detached houses and 3 detached houses).

The site is located SilverwoodNumberLE5Leicester,Evington,Close,Silverwoodat2GT.11

Close will accessawaytodemolishedbemakeforprivatetothe

development. The estimated total GDV is in excess of £4.2M.Fullplanning

permission has been granted and pre-commencement conditions have been released, therefore the site is ready for immediate construction.Offersover £1,400,000 are invited.

For more information, contact Readings on 0116 222 7575 or visit the website at: www.readingspropertygroup.com

The results of the study serve as a wake-up call to businesses across the UK to ensure they are taking advantage of funding opportunities on offer, as a lack of awareness continues to hold back applications.

Karen Taylor, group head of grants at innovation funding specialist Catax, says: “There is great variation in the level of innovation funding being claimed around the UK and the East Midlands is lagging behind.

“Grants can be a game-changing source of finance for businesses, giving many the resources they need to invest in new research and innovations.“Itmightbe that there is still a prevailing lack of awareness of these grants in the region, and this needs to be addressed.

“These findings should serve as a call to action for businesses in the East Midlands to take a look at what grants are on offer which could help them get their project off the ground.”

CTS Group makes sixth acquisition in 18 months

HEADQUARTEREDLEICESTER- CTS

Group (Construction Testing Solutions), a provider of Geotechnical Consulting, Construction Materials Testing and Surveying and Monitoring services, have acquired Concept Engineering Consultants Limited, a leader in geotechnical, structural and geo-environmental services.

Operating across the UK and with headquarters in London, Concept Engineering employs 105 staff. The company was originally established in 1997, consulting for civil, structural and geotechnical projects and surveying buildings across London.

This is the sixth acquisition by the CTS Group over the last 18 months.

A highly attractive residential development opportunity situated in the sought after village of Bottesford located in the Vale of Belvoir which is one of the most scenic areas in the East Midlands.

The site benefits from a resolution to grant Outline Planning Consent for the erection of up to 18 new build dwellings (ref: 20/00009/OUT). It is anticipated that approval will be granted shortly following the Section 106 Agreement being completed

The site extends in all to 1.85 Acres (0.65 Ha) or thereabouts and is being offered for sale as whole.

For Sale as a whole by Informal Tender.

Further information is available via the sole selling agent, Mather Jamie.

Kane Tang (c/o Agent: Mr Jamie King, KOR Architects LLP, 16 Commerce Square, Lace Market, Nottingham NG1 1HS) – Creation of 7 flats including erection of threestorey side extension with retention of commercial uses at ground floor, application of cladding to existing side extension, insertion of 2 dormer windows to principal elevation (Resubmission) – at 42-44 Bridgford Road, West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire NG2 6AP.

Cannell (c/o: Glenfield House, Landmere Lane, Ruddington, Nottinghamshire NG11 6ND) –Demolition of existing dwelling at Spinney View and construction of 2 new replacement dwellings – at Spinney View, Landmere Lane, Ruddington, Nottinghamshire NG11 6ND.

DerbyshireSouth

Mr Emmanuel Agalamanyi (c/o Agent: Benjamin Heginbotham, The Practical Planning Co., 23 Heritage Road, Castle Donington, Derby DE74 2YP) – Conversion of gym to residential use to create 7 new flats – at 26A Ernest hall Way, Swadlincote, Derby DE11 8HS.

Rugby

Ei Group Limited (c/o Agent: William Brearley, Ricketts Architects Ltd, 2nd Floor, 168 Parade, Leamington Spa, Warks. CV32 4AE) – Erection of 2 dwellings and associated garages – at land west of the Malt Shovel Public House, Church Road, Ryton-onDunsmore, Warks. CV8 3ET.

Eco Fine Homes (c/o Agent: Roland Lloyd-Thomas, LloydThomas Architects Ltd, Pentelowes Barn, Fosse way, Hunningham, Leamington Spa, Warks. CV33 9EQ) – Residential development comprising 4 detached dwellings, garaging, access road and associated works – at land adjacent to Homestead farm, Coventry Road, Dunchurch, Warks. CV22 6RB.

Mr Smith (c/o Agent: Rebecca Walker, Chapman Design LLP, Lelleford House, Coventry Road, Rugby, Warks. CV23 9DT) –Proposed 3 new build dwellings with associated parking – at Site of the Former United Pentecostal Church, Windsor Street, Rugby, Warks. CV21 3NZ.

Leicester City Council bids for Government cash to transform outdated junction

PLANS to transform Leicester’s St Margaret’s junction to help encourage more walking and cycling, and improve bus journey times, have been revealed.

Leicester City Council has submitted a bid for over £12million from the second round of the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, which is designed for long-term, major capital projects which will help create jobs, encourage new investment and enable business growth.

The proposed highway development project would transform the sprawling junction linking St Margaret’s Way, Burleys Way, Vaughan Way and Church Gate. It will also see the removal of the city’s last remaining pedestrian underpasses on the inner ring road, which surveys indicate many people choose not to use due to safety concerns and the fear of crime.

If successful, the bid will help fund the closing and filling-in of the underpasses along with major remodelling of the junction to help improve bus journey times, provide a more attractive route for walkers and cyclists and create more green space, with new tree planting, at this important gateway into the city centre.

The proposed works include the introduction of new bus lanes on sections of St Margaret’s Way and Sanvey Gate. This would help improve journey times and service reliability by creating a direct link between the new St Margaret’s Bus Station and the A6, A50 and Anstey Lane bus corridors.

New off-road segregated cycle tracks would also be created on parts of St Margaret’s Way and Sanvey Gate to link to recently created and planned works expanding the citywide network of safer routes for cyclists.

Footpaths would be widened and improved, and new parallel crossings for pedestrians and cyclists will be introduced across the busy junction.

A decision on the city council’s bid for £12 million of support from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund is expected in October 2022.

If given the go-ahead, the city council will invest £3 million of capital funding towards the project and work would could get underway in late-2023. The underpass is likely to be closed to the public from November 2022.

Leading ambitioustoinvestmentseven-figuresurveyorUKsecuressupportgrowth

SMLsurveyingLEICESTER-BASEDholdingcompanyGroup,hassecured

a significant loan from independent asset manager BOOST&Co, to facilitate major expansion plans.

The funds will initially be used for the acquisition of My Home Needs Limited, a leading surveying business in the property industry.

In addition to the acquisition, the funding will also assist in refinancing existing debt, as well as providing significant growth capital for business expansion.

As part of this growth, the investment will also create opportunities to recruit additional surveying staff across the business, as well as training existing staff in surveying and valuations work.

The SML Group is one of the UK’s leading specialist surveying companies, providing services to the insurance, financial services, real estate, rail and property development sectors. Its foundations were firmly established through a dedicated subsidence monitoring business, but it has since become a holding company for multiple firms dedicated to the land, building and valuations surveying

BOOST&Cosector.chose to work with

SML Group due to its fantastic management team and its broad spectrum of services across a range of business sectors and its ambitious future growth plans.

BOOST&Co is a leading provider of growth capital for innovative, fast-growing UK SMEs. The independent asset manager offers loans ranging from £2m to £10m, covering a wide range of sectors. It has funded more than £500m across more than 130 deals to date and provided close to £200m under the government’s CBILS initiative to support SMEs during COVID-19.

The site – at Coalpit Lane & Yew Tree Road, Retford DN22 8AY – has been included in the Bassetlaw Local Plan under the Elkesley Neighbourhood Development Plan. The plan proposal suggests that at least 8 affordable homes should be provided.

The asking price is £1,785,000.

For more information, contact W A Barnes on 01623 554084 or visit www.wabarnes.co.uk

Matt Vincent, Principal at BOOST&Co, says: “BOOST&Co is excited to be working with Tom and the SML team as they embark on the latest stage of their impressive growth journey.

“The progress SML has made in its expansion has been great to see, and the My Home Needs acquisition represents a significant milestone in the evolution of the business. We look forward to working with SML as its expansion plan continues.”

Mr Bond (c/o Agent: Rebecca Walker, Chapman Design LLP, Lelleford House, Coventry Road, Rugby, Warks. CV23 9DT) –Demolition of existing building and structures and erection of 5 dwellings and an apartment building comprising 4 apartments together with associated works – at 86 Railway Terrace, Rugby, Warks. CV21 3EZ.

Corby

Mr David Burns (c/o Agent: Mrs Julie Warwick, JMW Planning Solutions Ltd, 11 Bracken Drive, Wolvey, Hinckley, Leics. LE10 3LS)

– Demolition of existing industrial site and redevelopment of site for new industrial/warehouse buildings with associated parking, landscaping and servicing – at Corus Tubes, Weldon Road, Corby, Northants. NN17 5UE.

Mr Philip Callington (c/o Agent: Miss Samantha Griffiths, HSSP Architects Limited, Pera Business park, Nottingham Road, Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE13 0PB) – Proposed new commercial development - on the former Red Kite Management Services Site, Brunel Road, Earlstrees Industrial Estate, Corby,

LimitedDevelopmentsMulberryNorthants.Commercial(Midlands)

(c/o Agent: Pegasus Group, Pegasus House, Querns Business Centre, Whitworth Road, Cirencester, Glos. GL7 1RT) –Erection of logistics warehouse with associated offices, car parking, landscaping, engineering, drainage and infrastructure works, including creation of new access onto Corby North Orbital Road – at Gretton Road, Weldon, Northants.

Sharyn Hackett (c/o Agent: Mr Paul Ingle, Portess & Richardson, 193 Lincoln Road, Peterborough PE1 2PL) – Proposed alterations/ extensions to the school buildingto provide increased classroom sizes and alternative access to the boys’ cloakroom/WCs – at Dansholme County Junior School, Motala Close, Corby, Northants. NN18 9DT.

Leicestershire architects instructed on £6m project in Saudi Arabia

Labour Party right to prioritise home retrofit,energysays FMB

RESPONDING to the Labour Party’s calls for a national energy efficiency plan, the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has called on all parties to back a long-term retrofit strategy as a matter of urgency.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “The best way to save money on household energy bills is to use less of it, so insulating our 29 million leaky and energy inefficient homes should be priority number one for the incoming government. We need a long-term national retrofit strategy, including proper support for training to ensure local tradespeople have the green skills needed to insulate homes in communities right across the parties,allbackingrequiresprojectinfrastructure“Thisconcluded:Berrycountry.”majorfrompoliticala

national mission, and local delivery. Small builders are key to making it a success and the FMB stands ready to work with all parties to deliver and do our bit to tackle the soaring cost of living.”

Plans in for major mixed use scheme in Leicester

IMA Architects has been instructed by FABEC, a Saudi Arabian architectural design company, on a project that will see the creation of a new luxury holiday park in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The new project is IMA’s first scheme in Saudi Arabia. It will see the development of 30 luxury chalets – each complete with a private swimming pool – alongside first-class public amenities, from dining and entertainment establishments to gym and office facilities. The scheme is expected to be completed in 2024.

Working in partnership with Saudi Arabian architectural company

FABEC and structural, mechanical and electrical engineers PHI from Jordan, IMA was assigned to the design development phase of the project. FABEC designed the conceptAnthonystage.Day, director at IMA, added: “We are delighted to have won the contract for this project, and to extend our presence and expertise into the Middle East. It has been a real pleasure to work alongside our international partners, sharing different design and construction ideas, and we hope that this signifies the start of our business profile in the region.”

PLANS HAVE been submitted for a major new mixed use scheme in Leicester.

The development would involve the demolition of existing buildings at the adjacent sites of 150 St. Nicholas Circle and 3-5 Bath Lane, Leicester.Theapplication proposes the construction of a mixeduse development of student accommodation, ground floor retail accommodation and top floor private rental apartments, with associated communal, amenity and ancillary space.

The 4, 7 and 9 storey building would host 108 student studios, two three bed cluster flats and 11 four bed cluster flats, as well as two one bed private rental apartments.

Northants.North

Bellway Homes Limited (c/o Agent: Richard Cooke, Marrons Planning, Bridgeway House, Brdigeway, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warks. CV37 6YX) – Outline planning application for the erection of up to 450 dwellings, a community, retail and/or health facility and improvements works to the existing A6/Bedford Road roundabout – at land east of the A6, Rushden, Northants.

NMT Developments (c/o Agent: Nick White, 11 Tylecote Close, Marston Moretaine, MK43 0QA) – Change of use of existing vacant ground floor retail unit to residential and two storey rear and side extension to enable 4 one-bed flats to be constructed – at 37 High Street, Irthlingborough, Northants. NN9 5TE.

Mr & Mrs Paul Gibbons (c/o Agent: Ms Lucy Ward, Harris McCormack Architects, Arc Haus, Peterborough Road, Wansford, PE8 6JN) – Erection of 3 detached dwellings with private gardens and new access drive off Orchard Way –at land off Orchard Way, Easton on the Hill.

Briggs & Hulland Ltd (c/o Agent: Steve Bratby, VJS Projects Ltd, 2nd Floor, 181 Queensway, Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK2 2DZ) –Demolition of existing public house and erection of three-storey mixed use building consisting of 2 retail, 2 offices and 10 two-bed apartments with associated access, car parking, refuse storage and landscaping –at 105 High Street, Rushden, Northants. NN10 0NZ.

Charmaine Chituri (c/o Agent: Jon Sidey, Sidey Design Associates, 10 Market Square, Higham Ferrers, Northants. NN10 8BT) – Subdivision of ex-retail and commercial building into 3 dwellings and one retail unit – at 15-17 Church Street, Rushden, Northants. NN10 9YT.

£10m of loans made available to fund major infrastructure projects in Leicester and Leicestershire

JOBS, HOMES and business space will be created as £10m is made available for loans which accelerate the creation of new infrastructure in Leicester and Leicestershire.

The Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) is inviting expressions of interest in loans made available through the Growing Places Fund (GPF).

Previous GPF loans have been used to help deliver schemes including The Gresham, in Leicester city centre, and the £20m Leicester Waterside regeneration project.

GPF is a UK-wide loan scheme aimed at providing capital for major infrastructure projects.

Loans are made through a £730m Government-backed national investment fund, with expressions of interest invited from developers, local authorities and other Applicantsapplicants.

must demonstrate how their loan would contribute towards achieving objectives set out in the LLEP’s Economic Growth Strategy.

The Economic Growth Strategy sets out a number of objectives, through to 2030, under four core pillars of innovation, productivity, inclusivity and sustainability.

Growing Places funding is used for the building of homes, office and commercial developments.

It could contribute to site access, clearance, broadband and transport infrastructure, utilities, refurbishment of buildings and

Amore.total of £17.5m of GPF has already been loaned for projects in Leicester and Leicestershire.

It has helped to create 1,786 jobs, 371 homes and more than 200,000 square metres of new or refurbished floorspace.

Developed sites have so far attracted 46 businesses, while new cycleways and roads have also been created.

SUCCESSFUL LOANS HAVE INCLUDED:

• £4m to support the transformation of the Grade II-listed former Fenwick’s department store in Leicester

into The Gresham aparthotel, commercial units and almost 12,000 sq ft of new coworking space.

• £1.2m towards the £20m Leicester regenerationWatersideproject, to transform a 150-acre former industrial site into a thriving neighbourhood with hundreds of new homes and commercial workspaces. The project is expected to create 455 jobs.

• £4.4m over 2,000theinfrastructure.used2014Point,investmentsthreeatOptimusinGlenfield,betweenand2017.Fundsweretofundonandoff-siteThesitehaspotentialtocreateuptojobs.

Large plot for sale in Castle Donington: £215k Guide

SAVILLS are offering for sale a rare and exciting opportunity for a self-builder or developer to create a stunning 5 bedroom, 5 bathroom house extending to 2700sqft, set in 0.5 acres.

The proposed development – at land south of The Spittal, Castle Donington, Derby - will comprise a5 bedroom house with 5 en-suites, a cinema room, a large open plan kitchen/living area, a double garage with bike/bin store and its own private wooded area.

The accommodation is to be arranged over three storeys, with the lower ground floor holding an entrance hall, cloak room, double bedroom with en-suite and large media/cinema room.

Planning permission (reference 17/00194/FUL) was granted in 2017. Initial drainage channel has been excavated, rendering the site as active and therefore the 2017 grant of planning remains in place. Guide Price is £215,000.

For more information, or to arrange a viewing, contact Luke Billson at Savills on 0115 934 8020 or visit www. savills.com

BUILDERS’ PROFITS FALL AS ECONOMY FALTERS, WARNS FMB

BUILDERS are feeling the pinch, seeing their profits tumble as the pressures in the economy mount. Small, local builders are facing an uncertain few months ahead with growing concerns about insolvencies, as they tackle increasing inflation, the knock-on effects of the war in Ukraine and a customer base looking to tighten its belts.

In the most recent State of Trade Survey from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), a staggering 49% of small builders have had a negative impact on their profit margins in the last quarter. For many small, local tradespeople, these margins are often fairly tight even in the good times. The FMB warns that without clear political and economic direction, during the summer under the caretaker government, the industry will face an uncertain future.

Price rises are unrelenting with 98% of builders experiencing material cost increases and 81% passing on these costs to customers. Material shortages and struggles to find skilled labour still plague the sector causing job delays for the majority of FMB members. 71% of builders have delayed jobs due to a lack of materials and 61% are delaying work owing to a shortage of skilled tradespeople. Enquiries for new work are also down, at their lowest levels since the pandemic.

The FMB State of Trade Survey, which is released quarterly, is the only survey of its kind to track the experience of small to mediumsized (SME) construction firms in the UK. The latest survey for Q2 2022 found:

Impact on net profits

49% of small, local builders have seen a negative impact on profit margins owing to the current economic climate.

Market conditions

71% of small builders have delayed jobs because of a lack of materials.61%ofFMB members have delayed jobs due to a shortage of skilledSignificantlytradespeople.fewerFMB members

report a rise in enquiries, across all areas of work, compared to the last quarter.Housebuilding enquiries are down sharply, tracking in negative territory for the first time since the pandemic.

Skills

42% of FMB members are finding it difficult to hire bricklayers, up 2% on last quarter.

42% of builders are struggling to hire carpenters/joiners, down 3% on last quarter.

Prices

98% reported an increase in material costs in Q2 2022.

95% of respondents expect material costs to increase in Q3 2022.81% of builders have put up their prices for work.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “The statistics in this quarter’s FMB State of Trade Survey make for some grim reading. The industry appears to be at a turning point, and without any movement from a government stuck in paralysis, things will only get worse. The new government in September must hit the ground running and deliver ambitious solutions to stabilise the economy. One such solution might be to remove VAT on repair, maintenance and improvement work so that cost savings can be passed on to the consumer.”Berrycontinued: “The FMB’s survey also shows that long-term issues persist with materials and skills shortages continuing to delay building work. These issues and rising economic uncertainty don’t leave small, local builders in a good position. Many will need to put up prices to say afloat, but are faced with customers who are unwilling to spend as the costs of living spiral.”

210 NEW SCHOOL PLACES ARE CREATED IN CASTLE DONINGTON

A TOTAL of 210 new primary school places have been brought to Castle Donington after contractor Seddon completed its 47-week construction of a brand new school for the area.

The new school was vital for the tri-consortium of housebuilders – Miller Homes, Redrow and Clowes Developments – to gain planning permission for the new 895-home development, with the school’s construction a key requirement implemented by Leicestershire County Council as part of section 106 agreement conditions.

Seddon has delivered the £4.2m project in time for the new school year, a huge win for the local community, facilitating the demand for new school places as a result of the development.

UK statisticstransactionspropertymonthlynotes

THE LATEST YEAR on year comparisons for UK residential transactions should be treated with caution. This is because substantially higher transactions in June 2021 resulted in un-seasonally low amounts in July 2021, in turn inflating the rate of year-on-year increase when compared to July 2022.

UK residential transactions were significantly increased in June 2021 because the threshold to qualify for the temporarily increased nil rate band of residential Stamp Duty Land Tax, commonly referred to as “Stamp Duty holiday”, was reduced from £500,000 to £250,000 on 1 July Changes2021.

such as this in taxpayer behaviour leading up to a taxable event is known as “forestalling”.

The estimate of UK residential transactions in July 2022 is broadly in line with historic levels observed in July before the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The latest transactions data demonstrates the following:

• the provisional non-seasonally adjusted estimate of UK residential transactions in July 2022 is 110,970, 32.9% higher than July 2021 and 7.2% higher than June 2022

• the provisional non-seasonally adjusted estimate of UK nonresidential transactions in July 2022 is 10,380, 3.8% higher than July 2021 and 5.1% higher than June •2022the provisional seasonally adjusted estimate of UK residential transactions in July 2022 is 104,470, 36.7% higher than July 2021 and 3.2% higher than June 2022

• the provisional seasonally adjusted estimate of UK non-residential transactions in July 2022 is 10,460, 6.4% higher than July 2021 and 7.1% higher than June 2022.

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

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