August 2013 leicestershire builder by Michael Wilkinson

Council ensures £80million Bus Station Scheme goes ahead Potential development site in Coalville: £350k LAMBERT SMITH HAMPTON are inviting offers around £350,000 for a potential residential development site. The site - Off Highfield Street, Coalville, Leics. LE67 3BL - currently comprises a disused highways depot and associated storage buildings. The 1.3 acre site is mostly covered by tarmac and consists of a number of brick, timber and steel clad buildings. The site is considered by the Agents to be suitable for residential development, subject to planning. Offers around £350,000 are invited for the freehold interest on a conditional or unconditional basis. A copy of a letter of comfort re planning is available from North West Leicestershire District Council upon request. For more information, contact Geoff gibson at Lambert Smith hampton on 0116 204 5977 or email: ggibson@lsh.co.uk

HINCKLEY’S long-awaited Bus Station Regeneration scheme will go ahead as originally planned – thanks to the intervention of the Borough Council. Councillors decided at a meeting of the authority on 16 July 2013 that they will help to facilitate the £80 million scheme by providing the developers, The Tin Hat Partnership, with a short term rolling loan secured by bank and inter-company guarantees of £7 million. This will enable Tin Hat to complete the whole scheme, including a supermarket for Sainsbury’s, shops, car park, bus station, a Cineworld cinema, family restaurants and ‘public realm’ improvements between March 2014 and spring 2015. In addition to the loan facility, the council will also make a capital investment of £4.5million in the purchase of the freehold of the Leisure Block which includes the Cineworld cinema. The cost of this investment will be funded from future rental and business rates income. Prior to making the decision, councillors were reassured, in a report commissioned from independent consultants DTZ, who answered questions from councillors, that in the current economic climate it has become commonplace for local authorities to accept reduced payments for land receipts or to invest directly in major regeneration schemes to ensure they go ahead.

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Government confirms its strong commitment to TrustMark in new Industrial Strategy TrustMark, the national quality badge for reputable tradesmen in the domestic RMI (repair, maintenance and improvement) sector, has received a strong vote of confidence today with the publication of the Government’s Industrial Strategy for Construction. The Industrial Strategy recognises the importance of the TrustMark scheme for its role in improving the reputation of construction and building positive perceptions of the industry. The Government has committed to supporting TrustMark, expanding the scheme to include a greater proportion of the industry, and promoting the new core criteria standards and the industry and consumer groups that support them. Currently there are more than 14,000 individual firms within TrustMark, providing more than 23,000 approved trade services covering a wide range of work in and around the home. The majority of TrustMark registered firms are SMEs. They are vetted, inspected and monitored within the scheme by 28 scheme operators including major trade associations, certification bodies and retailers. Liz Male, chairman of TrustMark and a member of the new Construction Leadership Council which will drive forward implementation of the Industrial Strategy, said: “The Industrial Strategy categorically states Government’s

commitment to TrustMark. It is also rightful recognition of the forward-thinking industry bodies and consumer groups who created the scheme and have remained committed to promoting its Government-endorsed standards. “TrustMark scheme operators have the capacity and will to bring in many thousands more firms into the scheme, so that the benefits of the TrustMark badge can be extended to all the reputable tradesmen in the domestic RMI sector. “What they need now is a greater push on increasing consumer awareness of the benefits of using TrustMark-registered firms, so that really good local firms see why it makes sense to be part of this scheme. This is our top priority now, working closely with Government and the many consumer advice bodies that signpost people to the good guys. “We will work together to improve the image of tradesmen among the general public, because it matters. The domestic RMI sector is economically very significant, accounting for £27 billion spend per year, so we need a sector where increasing levels of work are commissioned with increasing levels of trust and confidence. It’s the bit of construction which touches our day to day lives in a very intimate way because it’s about our homes. Customers’ experiences of this part of construction - good or bad – also have a huge bearing on their image of the wider industry, and this

impacts on our ability to attract and retain talent in the industry. “At last the role of the domestic RMI sector is being recognised for its crucial position with UK construction and our industrial strategy for the future.” TrustMark is a not-for-profit company, a registered social enterprise operating under licence from Government. TrustMark’s members are currently conducting a comprehensive review of the scheme’s core criteria, the first such major review since the scheme began in 2005. To stay up-to-date with developments at TrustMark, sign up for its free e-newsletter at www. trustmark.org.uk

Derbyshire property with ‘considerable potential’ FISHER GERMAN Chartered Surveyors are offering for sale a three/four bedroom detached farmhouse requiring modernisation. The property – Woodseats Farm, Sepycoe Lane, Longford, Ashbourne, Derbyshire DE6 3DR – has approximately 1.29 acres of gardens and 7.95 acres of grazing land. There is also a range of timber and steel portal framed buildings. The guide price is £600,000. For more information, contact Fisher German on 01530 412821 or visit the website at www. fishergerman.co.uk

Plot for substantial house in Gumley JAMES SELLICKS Estate Agents are offering for sale a building plot with consent for a substantial detached house. The plot – adjacent to Fenleigh House, Main Street, Gumley, Leicestershire – is being offered at a guide price of £250,000. For more information, contact James Sellicks on 01858 410008 or email: mh@jamessellicks.com

Leicestershire Builder Magazine Published By: Builder Magazines PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT Tel: (01530) 244069 Fax: (01530) 249557 Email: info@buildermagazines.co.uk Web: www.buildermagazines.co.uk Over 3,500 copies distributed every month across Leicestershire & Rutland by a combination of: • By Post to SUBSCRIBERS and a rotating free mailing list (2,200 copies) • Through trade counters of local merchants (1,300 copies) SUBSCRIPTIONS: £20 PER YEAR (No VAT) TO SUBSCRIBE: CALL 01530 244069 and leave your details, or subscribe via our Website. We’ll invoice you later. Printed in Ellistown by: Norwood Press

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Some things are better left unsaid. If only I could determine which things.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • AUGUST 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069

Building plot with views of Rutland Water

New guidance to navigate the “minefield” of EU procurement Red Tape The British Property Federation, Local Government Association and Local Partnerships have joined forces to develop an innovative new guide, designed to navigate the legal maze of European procurement rules governing land and development deals.

STRUTT & PARKER are offering for sale an exceptional building plot with planning permission for an architectdesigned house with views of Rutland Water. The plot – at 33 Weston Road, Edith Weston, Oakham, Rutland – extends to 1.1 acres and is partially located within Rutland Water’s Site of Special Scientific Interest. Full planning permission (ref: APP/2011/0370) was granted on 20th September 2011 for the erection of a two-storey dwelling house following the demolition of an existing bungalow(undertaken). Architect-designed, the detached dwelling will provide four bedrooms, three bathrooms and two reception rooms with an open plan family dining kitchen. The detached double garage block incorporates a fifth ensuite guest bedroom above. The Guide Price is £950,000. For more information, contact Strutt & Parker on 01858 433123 or visit the website at www.struttandparker.com

The Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) is the tendering process required by EC Directives for public sector procurement. The regime has proved the source of much confusion and this complex and evolving area of law is regarded by many as a real barrier to development in the UK. The new guidance, which has been developed with input from developers, leading procurement lawyers and local authorities is designed to provide high-level guidance to both contracting authorities and developers on the strategic choices open to them and identifies the most common structures used in land developments. Liz Peace, Chief Executive of the BPF, said: “Too many development deals are being held up by the confusion surrounding EU public procurement rules. This guidance offers practical step-by-step advice to both property developers and local authorities alike and cuts through the legalese and confusion that currently surrounds the EU public procurement regime.” A copy of the guide can be found at; http://www.bpf.org.uk/en/files/bpf_ documents/planning/22190_BPF_Flowchart_Landscape_AW.pdf

Development Prices rise and demand increases as opportunity in property market begins to recover Hucknall RICS June 2013 UK Residential Market Survey

The UK’s housing market continued to show signs of recovery during June, with rising house prices and increased demand, says the latest RICS Residential Market Survey (9 July 2013). •

21 per cent more Chartered Surveyors reported prices rose rather than fell in June, making this the strongest month for house prices since January 2010.

•

The outlook for future prices is also strong with a net balance of 23 per cent more respondents reporting that prices will rise rather than fall over the coming three months.

•

This rise in prices has mainly been fuelled by increasing numbers of prospective buyers returning to the market. Last month, a net balance of 38 per cent more chartered surveyors reported a rise in new buyer enquiries. In a clear sign that market confidence is gradually being restored, and that funding schemes are making a difference, demand from prospective buyers has now risen month on month since January and is currently showing its fastest rate of growth since August 2009 Reflecting this slightly more positive mood, surveyors also expect home sales to rise over the coming three months, with a net balance of 45 per cent more respondents (from 36 per cent in May) predicting sales will increase. This is the most positive reading in this series’ history, which began in April 1999. Despite the increasing appetite to purchase property and the added support to do so, the rental market continues to be important in providing housing. Overall demand for rented property actually rose slightly during June, to a net balance of 27 per cent (from 21 per cent). Peter Bolton King, RICS Global Residential Director, commented: “After what has seemed like a very long wait we are finally starting to see what looks like the beginning of a recovery in the housing market. It is important to remember that activity levels still remain depressed by historic standards but the various initiatives designed to encourage the provision of finance into the market do appear to be paying dividends. “Despite the increased interest in buying a property, our numbers continue to show that demand from would-be tenants remains firm and that rents are likely to continue to edge upwards over the next twelve months. As the cost of shelter moves higher, it is absolutely critical that the government continues to focus on its role in supporting the delivery of more new homes into the market.”

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SAVILLS are offering for sale a residential development opportunity at Top Wighay, Hucknall, Nottinghamshire. The 3.3 hectare (8.15 acre) site includes 1.46 hectares (3.36 acres) of net developable land. Indicative drawings have been prepared showing 52 residential units on the western portion of the site. For sale freehold. Offers are invited. For more information please contact Andrew Galloway at Savills Nottingham on 0115 934 8112 / agalloway@savills.com

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • AUGUST 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069

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Historic Ulverscroft redevelopment opportunity: £1.65m WELLS MCFARLANE Estate Agents are offering a truly unique opportunity to restore a magnificent six-bedroom Grade 1 Listed building set in the grounds of Ulverscroft Priory ruins, together with a three bedroom and two bedroom cottage, both having been extensively modernized. The property sits in just over 4 acres and includes a large section of the original moat and paddocks. The Priory was founded by Robert, Earl of Leicester and was first mentioned in a papal document of 1174. With its 13th Century Church, former Prior’s Lodgings and cottages it is believed to be the largest monastic ruins in Leicestershire. The site is steeped in local history, most notably that King Henry VIII ordered it to be demolished, but in 1536 on arriving at the Priory, King Henry’s men found the Priory to enjoy a good reputation locally and it received a grant of continuance on the payment of £166 13s 4d. Unfortunately, in 1539 at the hands of Dr London, the Priory was surrendered and was dissolved. Its more recent history has been as a farmhouse and has had the two cottages modernised and let out and the Prior’s House has become dilapidated. With the help of English Heritage, considerable works to support the structure were erected in 2007, together with detailed recordings of the structure, timbers etc. English Heritage are very supportive of a proposal to restore the Prior’s House back to its former glory and considerable drawings are available showing the potential layout. The two cottages are let out on Assured Shorthold Tenancies, both enjoying full central heating and modern kitchens and bathrooms. The grounds remain consecrated and each year the current owners invite the local parishioners to an open-air service. For more detailed information about the redevelopment opportunity and copy reports and drawings, contact Wells McFarlane on 01455 553888.

Savills Summer Auction A sizzling summer Savills auction took place at the end of June at Nottingham Racecourse, with many lots selling well over the guide price. A knowledgeable and eager crowd attended the sale, which included a wide variety of lots – from homes to chip shops and a toilet block. The star lot of the show was the former Haven Residential Home in Louth, Lincolnshire, which sold for £390,000, from a guide of £185,000 - £200,000. Another popular lot, the former caretaker’s home in Edward Close, Hucknall, also enjoyed keen bidding, selling eventually for £77,000 (with a guide £55,000 - £60,000). West Bridgford proved a popular location with both residential and rental sectors of the market; a student investment property, pre-let for the academic year 2013 – 2014, in Balmoral Avenue sold for £235,000. Smaller terraced housing also sold well, with Acton Avenue, Basford reaching a sale price of £62,500 while 65, Latham Street, Bulwell sold for £58,000. Auction director Bob Crocker, commented: “As we approach the half year mark, buyers’ appetite for traditional investment auction lots remains strong. We are also seeing many more buyers looking for a home of their own at auction this year, which is continuing to swell the numbers attending sales. Our next auction taking place on the 22nd August and we have already taken a number of interesting lots, so we anticipate this strong momentum should continue to the year end.” The highlight of the Commercial lots was the sale of the former Haven care home in Louth, Lincolnshire. This attracted a high level of competitive bidding in the room. Guided at £185,000 to £200,000, the property had attracted a mix of both care home providers and developers looking at a residential conversion. The property attracted a significant level of pre-auction interest, with multiple block viewings and was eventually sold on the day to a care home operator at £390,000. Paul Giles of Savills commercial auction team comments : “The sale was on behalf of LPA Receivers, who needed to realise the maximum sale price within a relatively short period of time. This was an excellent result. Not only have we far exceeded the price which the client could otherwise have achieved on a Private Treaty basis, but it also resulted in an unconditional cash offer with completion in 28 days”. Also acting on behalf of LPA Receivers, a fully fitted fish and chip shop on Main Street in Mexborough sold for £55,000 to a local fish and chip shop operator. A surprising result, achieved just prior to the auction itself, was the sale of two former toilet blocks at the Idlewells Shopping Centre in Sutton in Ashfield, guided at £5,000 to £10,000. Mr Giles said: “We received instructions from local agents Fisher Hargreaves Proctor on behalf of their clients Helical Bar in London to offer for sale the two former toilets within the bus depot area of the scheme. As expected, they generated a significant level of interest prior to auction but with offers far exceeding the guide, the client decided to exchange contracts with a London based investor who was looking for an investment project”. Acting on behalf of Namulas Pension Trustees, the commercial team also secured the sale in the room of 16/22 High Street, Hucknall. This is a substantial town centre retail unit with its own car park and newly constructed storage building at the rear. It generated good levels of bidding in the room and was sold for £125,000 to a local investor who has plans for refurbishing the building and potentially splitting it to create smaller units. For a catalogue for Savills forthcoming auctions go to www.auctions.savills. co.uk or telephone the direct auction line on Nottingham 0115 934 8080.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • AUGUST 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069

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Two building plots for sale in Tilton

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Blueprint Interiors in Diseworth is recruiting another experienced project manager to join its busy design team. The commercial interiors company is seeing increased demand for its planning, fit out and design capabilities and has recently secured several new contracts and repeat business from regional and national clients. Blueprint is also making a name for itself in the emerging academies sector; helping schools which have converted to academy status enhance their office and reception areas. To meet the needs of prospective clients, Blueprint is now looking to appoint a project manager with at least five years’ experience, preferably in construction’ fit out and refurbishment work. The chosen candidate will be responsible for delivering contractual commitments on secured projects as well as identifying and specifying project opportunities. He or she will also create and deliver project programmes with the pre-contracts manager, building strong relationships with subcontractors and preferred suppliers. Blueprint managing director Robert Day said: “We have a strong team of talented designers, project managers and administrators who work hard to provide our clients with cost-effective, high quality solutions for all their design and fit out needs. “With inquiry levels increasing however, we’ve identified the need for another highly cable, experienced project manager to assist with our growing workload.” Blueprint Interiors, based at The Walnut Yard at Langley Priory, includes business adviser Cooper Parry, PERA, Giant Cycles and Ashby School among its clients. The firm, which employs eight people, may also be looking to employ a site manager in line with continued demand.

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ANDREW GRANGER & Co are offering for sale an outstanding development opportunity comprising two building plots set within approximately 6.35 acres. The plots – at Oakham Road, Tilton on the Hill, Leicestershire – enjoy stunning views over rolling open countryside. Plot 1 has planning permission (ref: 12/01232/PCD) for the demolition of existing buildings and erection of a 4-bed dwelling of approx. 1,884 sq.feet fronting on to Oakham Road with gardens and parking to rear. Plot 2 has planning consent (ref: 13/00133/OUT) for a spectacular architect-designed detached country residence of approx. 2,400 sq.feet occupying a backwater setting with views over the paddock land. The two plots are available for sale by private treaty as a whole at a Price Guide of £400,000. Offers will be considered for each plot individually. For more information, contact Andrew Granger & Co on 01858 431315 or email: sales@andrewgranger.co.uk

Ecology on site to be protected as new housing planned MORE housing could be developed on the edge of the city – and a new open space created –thanks to an agreement being proposed between the city and county councils.

The councils own adjacent pieces of land in Aylestone, which together are known as Franklyn Fields. The land was designated for housing, before being identified as a potential park and ride site some years ago. They want to enter into a collaboration agreement, which would enable them to promote the joint sale and development of the land. The councils will be looking for low-rise, low-density housing and would require all new dwellings to be sustainable. They would require the existing ecology on the site to be protected. They will also want to ensure that pedestrians and cyclists have extensive access to the area, especially to the Great Central Way, Aylestone village and to local bus stops. Access to the development would be from Franklyn Road. Leicester City Mayor Peter Soulsby (pictured right) said: “It’s important that we enable residential development on appropriate sites, and this site has the potential to provide greatly needed homes. “It’s also important that the existing ecology on the site is protected and we are committed to doing this. The site could also provide an attractive and accessible open space.” If the agreement is approved, the site will be advertised on the open market and offers invited. The marketing of the site would begin as soon as the collaboration agreement is approved, which is expected to be later this summer.

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

New charter to streamline planning process A NEW charter, which will help streamline decision making on major planning applications, will be introduced in Leicester. Leicester City Council wants to encourage developers of large schemes to sign up to voluntary planning performance agreements. A planning performance agreement sets out what is required of the applicant and the local planning authority to help ensure that an application can be determined to an agreed timeframe. The agreement would be a voluntary agreement between both parties. Where developers do opt to enter into a planning performance agreement with the city council, planning officers will work in partnership with the applicant from the pre-application stage. This can help improve the quality of applications submitted and make the whole process clearer and more efficient for the applicant. It also means that in the case of complex applications, both parties can agree a timeframe for determination. City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “As part of our commitment to encouraging economic development across the city, it is important that developers have confidence in the planning process and that we work closely with them to help streamline the decisionmaking process for complex, largescale applications. “Adopting a more collaborative approach will help identify and resolve any problems early in the planning process, reducing the risk to the developer and helping us to ensure that the best possible scheme is achieved.”

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • AUGUST 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069

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Public views on Harborough masterplan published Feedback from the local community on a ‘masterplan’ which will help shape a key area of housing development near Market Harborough has been published. A series of consultation events took place between March and April 2013 to gather public feedback on a masterplan for land to the north west of Market Harborough known as the Strategic Development Area (SDA). Harborough District Council’s Core Strategy identifies Market Harborough as the main focus for additional development. The principal means of accommodating housing and employment growth will be in the form of the SDA. Key to delivering the SDA was the preparation of an overall ‘masterplan’. The masterplan identifies where development will go, where open space will be protected, access to and from the area, as well as supporting infrastructure. The feedback from the consultation has been now been published and can be viewed on the council website at www.harborough.gov. uk/sdamasterplan Following the consultation, recommendations from the SDA project board and a revised masterplan will be presented to the Harborough District Council’s Executive on 3 September 2013 and to Full Council on 16 September 2013.

Landlord involvement in saving high streets welcomed The British Property Federation (BPF) has welcomed the launch of a Government consultation that could see landlords increase their investment in the UK’s high streets by allowing them to contribute to Business Improvement Districts (BIDs). A key recommendation of the Portas Review, the proposed change would allow property owners to match the funding that retailers put into BIDs - a vehicle that allows traders to come together to fund improvements to their area - and be able to vote and have a voice on proposals such as planning and strategic decisions that affect their property. Currently landlords are able to make voluntary contributions to BIDs, but have no right to vote on proposals.

Residential development opportunity in Mansfield Savills are offering for sale a 3.6 acre parcel of development land at Sandy Lane, Mansfield, Notts. The land is allocated for housing and is just 1.4km from Mansfield town centre. Indicative drawings are available that show the site’s potential for 44 residential units. Offers are invited for the freehold. For more information please contact Andrew Galloway at Savills Nottingham on 0115 934 8112 / agalloway@savills.com

RICS Construction Market Survey, Q2 2013

The long road to recovery begins

The UK construction sector finally seems to be turning a corner with new projects beginning to rise in almost every part of the country, says the latest RICS construction market survey. Since the start of the downturn in 2007, the amount of construction going ahead across the country has dropped considerably and the sector has suffered substantially as a result. Since the start of 2013, however, activity has slowly begun to pick up. During the second quarter of the year a net balance of 21 percent more surveyors reported rises in workloads, the most positive reading in over six years. While consistently falling activity has meant that projects are still generally speaking thin on the ground, this upturn may suggest that the worst could now be over for the sector. Encouragingly, this more positive mood is expected to become more visible over the coming twelve months with 59 percent more respondents predicting workloads continuing to rise rather than fall once more. With every pound spent on construction in the UK generating almost three pounds of wider economic growth, this will undoubtedly be seen as good news for UK PLC. Across the country, activity saw the biggest rise in London, the South East and the Midlands. Northern Ireland registered the lowest reading (net balance -4 percent) yet this still represents a considerable improvement on recent years. Looking ahead, it is also positive news for profits and, consequentially, employment prospects in the construction sector with both registering a very positive net balance reading of 34 percent. Once again, this is the most optimistic the sector has been in a number of years and the industry will be hoping that this is the start of the long road to recovery that we have long been waiting for. Simon Rubinsohn, RICS Chief Economist, commented: “It is clearly good news that the amount of construction taking place across the country seems to have turned a corner. But this modest improvement comes after a long period of contraction and many businesses in the sector are still struggling to keep their heads above water. “Securing finance for development is still a big challenge and, despite the government’s attempt to revamp the planning system, the feedback we are getting suggests that this issue also remains a major obstacle to getting projects under way.”

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • AUGUST 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069

Two plots in Nottingham DAVID JAMES Estate Agents are offering for sale two residential building plots at 30 Midland Road, Nottingham NG4 2HA. the site comprises a cleared area, formerly resiential, which is rectangular in shape and extends between other residential properties. Planning permission (ref: 2003/0410) was granted on 24th February 2003 for the demolition of the existing derelict building and construction of 3 new dwellings. A second application was then submitted and passed for 8 apartments with off-street parking (ref: 2011/0467 - dated 7th July 2011). The new proposal is to split the site in half and have a pair of threebed semis within each plot. The agents believe this to be a good alternative to the 8 apartments and do not anticipate any objections from the Council if a planning application was submitted. Asking price: £65,000 per plot. For more information, contact David James Estate Agents on 0115 987 8957 or visit the website at www.david-james.com

Building plot in Rushden MIKE NEVILLE Estate Agents are offering for sale by Informal Tender a building plot with Outline Planning Permission for an executive 4-bedroomed detached house. The plot - at 283 Wellingborough Road, Rushden, Northants NN10 9XN - is being offered at a Guide Price of £100,000. Offers are invited by way of Informal Tender with a closing date of 12 noon on Friday 23rd August 2013. For more information, contact Mike Neville Estate Agents on 01933 316316 or email: sales@ mikeneville.co.uk

Builders’ Problems SOLVED

Retention of title Problem: Last year my carpentry company carried out some work for a shop fitting company. All of the work was completed in October 2012 at which point I issued my invoice for just over £23,000. However, to date I have received approximately £10,000, and the shop fitting company does not seem too willing to pay the rest! I have since found out that other sub-contractors are also having a problem in getting paid. The actual shop where the work was done has told me that it has paid the shop fitting company. I told the shop that under my company’s terms and conditions, we still own the goods that we provided as part of our contract until they have been paid for in full, and I threatened that we would remove them. I then received a letter from the shop’s solicitors telling me that if I attempted to remove the goods they will claim against us. What can I do? Are the goods that my company supplied still my company’s goods until paid for or, as it seems, is it just a pointless thing to include in our terms?

Thomas, Ashby Response: Hello Thomas. The term that you are attempting to rely upon to remove ‘your’ goods is called retention of title. A ROT clause is also referred to as a Romalpa clause, which is the reference to the court case of Aluminium Industrie Vaassen B.V. v. Romalpa Aluminium [1976]. The case was an important decision as it introduced the concept of ‘extended reservation of title’ into English law, and although the past few decades has seen an attrition

of the principles laid down, it nevertheless continues to have far reaching effects in commercial law. In construction and engineering contracts, there are many different parties involved and the goods could have passed to many buyers before the original seller encounters a problem. It can be a difficult task to decide who actually owns the goods, and ownership will often pass at quite an early stage – and before goods are paid for. Unless otherwise stated in the contract, for the sale of goods title passes from the seller to the purchaser when the parties intend it to pass (section 17 Sale of Goods Act 1979), which is normally upon delivery. Many construction contracts will be for the supply of labour and materials and hence, will be governed by the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982, under which title again passes when the parties intend it to pass. A ROT clause will only ‘bite’ providing it is written into the contract. A seller cannot reclaim its goods simply because it has not received payment, even if the goods have not been sold-on or used. Subject to certain criteria being met, the courts will uphold a valid ROT clause providing it can be demonstrated that an agreement has been properly made between the seller and purchaser. There are many types of ROT clauses including: a) simple or reservation of title clauses; b) debt clauses; c) charge clauses; and d) mixed or processed clauses. Simple or reservation of title clauses aim to preserve the seller’s title to the unpaid goods, but it is imperative for the seller to have a unique identification mark on the goods. With a debt clause / all monies clause there is no need for the seller to identify the goods, as it remains the owner of the goods if any debt owed to it by the

Michael P. Gerard purchaser is unpaid. However, the effectiveness of a ROT clause will often depend on what the buyer has done with the goods. If, for example, annexation has taken place the materials will become the property of the land owner, regardless of whether it has paid for the goods and the supplier cannot remove the materials. I am unaware of the wording of your clause and hence it is vital that you engage the services of a lawyer that is competent in commercial law who can consider the facts of your case including the wording in the contract and the effect thereof. That said, my recommendation is that you should be focussing your efforts to secure the monies against the shop fitting company and refer the matter to adjudication. This will not affect any claim you may have for the unpaid goods. © Michael P. Gerard MSc, PGDipLaw, PGDipBar, FCIOB, MCIArb, MAE The advice provided is intended to be of a general guide only and should not be viewed as providing a definitive legal analysis.

Author background Michael is a Barrister, Chartered Builder, Registered Adjudicator & Accredited Expert in quantum and planning matters. He is Managing Director of Michael Gerard & Co www.michael-gerard.co.uk, a company of chartered building consultants and quantity surveyors who provide a specialised service in the areas of construction law, quantum, programming, business recovery and insolvency support to the construction industry. Michael is also a consultant with Silver Shemmings LLP, a London practice of solicitors specialising in construction.

Miller Homes Offering A Welcome Boost To Local Sports Clubs! Miller Homes is giving local sports clubs across the country a chance to win £500. Following on from the success of a pilot initiative run last summer, the leading UK house builder is urging local clubs and organisations within its eight regional areas to enter the competition

by collecting an application form from their local Miller Homes development. To be in with a chance of winning entrants have to say in no more than 200 words why their sports club deserves to win the money, how it will benefit the club and what it will be spent on.

Details of the initiative will be distributed at a local level among sports clubs and associations; however community leaders and club managers can also pick up an entry form at any one of Miller Homes’ marketing suites across the country. To find your nearest Miller Homes

development, please visit the Miller Homes website at http://www. millerhomes.co.uk/Locations.aspx The closing date for entries is Sunday 1st September 2013, giving applicants plenty of time to prepare a winning application.

I look forward to paying off all my debt and finally getting back to just being broke.

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AR Demolition Ltd Specialists in demolition and site clearance Method Statements and risk assessments carried out for each individual contract All works carried out under CDM regulations CSCS Operatives CCDO Operatives CCPS Operatives High reach excavators Low Loader Hire Plant Hire Excavations AR Demolition Ltd 36 Main Street, Carlton, Nuneaton, CV13 0EZ www.ardemolition.co.uk Please contact us on: 01455 291221 info@ardemolition.co.uk

I Googled- “Missing medieval servant”, it came up with “Page not found”.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • AUGUST 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069

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

If I ever get arrested and I’m allowed one phone call....I’m calling a locksmith.

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Whitwick site for 12 dwellings MATHER JAMIE are offering for sale a residential development site with Outline Planning Consent (ref: 11/00034/OUTM) for 12 dwellings. There is no requirement for affordable housing attached to the consent. The 0.77 acre site – at the rear of 61-65 Grace Dieu Road, Whitwick, Leicestershire LE67 5AN – is a former coal yard and is located on a mainly residential street. There is a completed Section 106 Agreement dated 11th July 2011 and the contributions total £16,897.74. This figure is for reference only and is subject to an increase in accordance with indexation. Offers are invited for the freehold. For more information, contact Robert Cole at Mather Jamie on 01509 233433 or email: Robert.cole@matherjamie.co.uk

RICS comments on latest construction output data

Private housing starts rise for second month in a row

Commenting on the latest ONS construction output data, Simon Rubinsohn, RICS Chief Economist, said: “Output during the second quarter is running 2.2 percent above the level recorded in the first three months of 2013. If maintained, this will represent the biggest quarterly gain since the autumn of 2010.

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“The key driver of the improving trend in construction this year has been the housing sector, which was highlighted in the last RICS construction market survey. Interestingly, today’s data suggests that there may have been a pick-up in public sector developments alongside the more widely recognised increase in private sector home starts. The only other area of new build to show any material growth is infrastructure. “Significantly, the data will strengthen hopes that initial stab for Q2 GDP published later this month will show an acceleration in economic activity in the second quarter of the year with growth quite possibly jumping from 0.3 percent to 0.6 percent. Despite this, concerns remain about the sustainability of the recovery and Mark Carney will be keen to follow up his initial remarks following the July MPC meeting with some forward guidance on interest rates in the wake of the August meeting.”

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Strength in private housing and civil engineering starts continues in three months to June Weak industrial and public sector activity keeps index of year-on-year growth at just 1.6%

The total value of project starts in the UK construction industry saw a 1.6% year-on-year rise for the three months to June, according to the latest figures from industry experts Glenigan. The gains in this month’s Glenigan Index, a key indicator of activity in the construction industry, were largely driven by rising activity in the private housing and civil engineering sectors. Last month’s Index showed a fall of 2% in new building project starts in the three months to May but there was an 11.7% year-on-year rise in on-site starts in the private housing sector, while the three months to June saw a 12.3% jump in private housing starts compared to the same period in 2012. Infrastructure starts in June were also particularly strong. A number of large road projects commenced, pushing starts in the sector 40.6% above the level seen in the three months to June of last year. Utilities starts also remained strong during the period, showing a 29.4% year-on-year increase, but the Index was negatively impacted by a fall in starts in industrial, health and education projects. “We have seen gains from some sectors in June but we are still recording significant weakness in industrial, health and education starts,” Glenigan economist Andrew Whiffin said. “Industrial starts have declined in every month of this year and in our latest data the pace of decline picked up with starts down 50.8%.” Weakness in health and education construction also pushed the overall value of starts down this month. Health starts declined by 12.7% and education starts by 14% compared to the three months to June last year. “Health and education starts continue to suffer from reduced investment levels and this is being reflected in the declining value of project starts we are seeing,” Mr Whiffin commented. “We do expect education starts to pick up as more projects from the Priority Schools Building Programme come through the pipeline later in the year and throughout 2014.” Underlying social housing starts also fell in the three months to June, down 3% on the same period last year. Little improvement is expected in the sector over the next 12 months as Budget cuts restrict the amount of newbuild projects breaking ground. Yorkshire and the Humber (40.9%), Northern Ireland (36.9%) and London (17.2%) showed the most progress in project starts for the quarter compared with the same time last year. The West Midlands saw a year-on-year drop of 69.1% in construction starts for the quarter, while Scotland (-37%), the East Midlands (-33.7%) and the North East (-25.5%) also experienced falls in activity. The monthly Glenigan Index is based on extensive research of every construction project started in the UK over the previous three-month period and provides an indicator of developing activity in the industry.

BARWELL CENTRE Development / Retail site Situated Stapleton Lane / Kirkby Road / Top Town Over £1,000,000 planned to improve position surrounding address by authorities. £250 million Barwell extension recently passed planning application to include 2500 homes. A major scheme on the site is at a 4 year stage with H&BBC. All plans available on approach.

Price: £650,000 - offers considered. All enquiries please email franbarker123@ hotmail.co.uk

If I look tired at the end of the day, it’s because I just spent eight solid hours looking busy.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • AUGUST 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069

Persimmon Announces Search For 225 Young People To Join The Business Persimmon Homes has announced it is recruiting for 225 young people to join the business. The new jobs will be spread across Persimmon’s 24 regional businesses in England, Wales and Scotland and includes 125 bricklaying and joinery apprentices, 50 trainee sales advisors and 50 graduate/trainee technical staff. Current chief executive, Jeff Fairburn (47), began his own career at the age of 17 on a Youth Training Scheme in the construction industry and many of the current directors in the business also began their careers straight from school. “This is a fantastic opportunity for young people to join a thriving business,” said Jeff. “We work hard on our training programmes and enjoy sharing our knowledge with young people and progressing them through the business. You never know, one of these young people may be our future chief executive in years to come!” A new report carried out by Persimmon has found that young adults may be basing their futures on inaccurate perceptions that could affect their job expectations,

salaries and career paths. Despite the staggering increase in fees and lack of prospective job opportunities, Persimmon’s research shows that 70% of 12 to 18 year olds still hope to go to University. Findings show that young adults have negative expectations of apprenticeships, which can lead to them making uninformed education and career choices. The research conducted shows that over 6 in 10 (61%) young adults aged 12 to 18 believe that going to University will help them to secure a job more easily. Contradicting this, the latest unemployment figures show that 950,000 young adults* in the UK are still out of work and further studies show competition is so fierce that employers receive 56 applications for each graduate vacancy. 1 in 10 young adults admit to having no idea about what an apprenticeship is, nearly a fifth (19%) think apprenticeships are suited to those who are not smart enough to go to University, 13% believe apprenticeships require someone to work for free and

Did You Know...? In addition to Leicestershire Builder, we also publish TWO local monthly magazines delivered through letterboxes. Groby Spotlight covers Groby & Field Head (3,500 copies) The Herald covers Markfield, Thornton, Bagworth, Stanton (4,000 copies) Local magazines, particularly ones containing a lot of local news and information, provide a quick, cost-effective advertising medium for local builders, decorators, roofers, window installers, etc.

nearly a quarter (24%) are under the impression that they are only available for a small selection of industries. Jeff says: My own experience of starting work at 17 has been a positive one. We’re delighted to be giving young people the opportunity to join us.” Young people can find out more by visiting www.persimmonhomes. com/jobs.

If you’re interested in advertising in one of our village magazines, please contact Mike on 01530 244069. For advertising rates, or to read the latest issues visit the websites at:

www.grobyspotlight.co.uk www.markfieldherald.co.uk

Time called on former maltings factory as work starts on energy efficient homes Demolition work has commenced on a former maltings factory in the heart of BurtonUpon-Trent, Staffordshire. Most recently a factory for home brew wholesaler, Ritchie Products, the site will be transformed by Loughboroughbased contractor and developer, William Davis Ltd into a courtyard development of 14 new homes. Comprising a mix of two, three and four bedroom family homes, the £1.5m scheme is situated on a prominent site within the town, at the junction of Horninglow Road North and Rolleston Road. Working on behalf of Orbit Homes (2020) Ltd, William SITE CLEARANCE: Demolition work is underway (l-r) William Davis Ltd’s site manager, Paul Slack Davis will create the new homes, all for social rent, and contracts manager, Idris Jones review plans for the 14 new homes in Burton-Upon-Trent. to respond to local housing needs outlined by East Staffordshire Borough Council. scheme for us as it marks our well as stringent control of thermal of the properties will provide for The properties have not only return to Burton-Upon Trent after a bridging, families can expect a greener home for our residents, been designed to complement number of years. We are pleased to significantly lower heating bills. whilst also helping them with lower those within the locale, utilising be working with Orbit to implement fuel bills.” Steve Lambley, head of traditional materials such as stone, a ‘fabric first’ approach across this development, Orbit Homes said: As the scheme’s location has good but will also be built to Orbit’s site, meaning the actual buildings “Orbit is delighted to be working transport links into the town centre, Warm Homes Standard, meaning will be inherently sustainable, and with William Davis on this new site all the new homes will benefit from they will be super thermally look forward to the creation of the in Burton-Upon-Trent. The scheme secure cycle storage to encourage efficient. exceptionally low energy homes.” will provide local housing for local sustainable travel. Stephen Fisher, business Under the Warm Homes Standard, families and has been part-funded Scheduled for completion in April development manager at William which includes very high levels by the Homes and Communities 2014, the scheme will be managed Davis said: “This is an important of insulation and air tightness as Agency. The thermal efficiencies by Orbit Heart of England.

Some lads tried to get into my car last night so I attacked them with a baseball bat. I’m not cut out to be a taxi driver.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • AUGUST 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069

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Have your say in improving local planning services Through its programme ‘Better Business for All’, the Leicester and Leicestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) are inviting you to have your say in how local planning services could be improved. Regulation is often cited by business as being a burden and therefore a barrier to growth. The LLEP are determined to reduce this burden and to achieve this have developed the Better Business for All programme. Over the last 2 years, through the Better Business for All programme, the LLEP has been working with business leaders and services such as Environmental Health, Fire and Trading Standards in Leicester and Leicestershire to improve the way in which regulation is delivered. At the request of local business leaders the programme has been extended to cover planning services. LLEP Board member Dennis Kent leads the Better Business for All programme “We have already seen a real difference in the way in which regulators are interacting with businesses in Leicester and Leicestershire as a result of Better Business for All. It is right that we now extend the programme to include Planning services and I am positive that there will be benefits for both local businesses and the services themselves” Whilst we cannot change planning policy or influence the outcome of planning applications we can seek to improve the way in which services are delivered, including the attitude of officers and their understanding of business pressures and the access to, and availability of advice. To ensure that the right changes are made to services to improve the ‘planning experience’ for local businesses the LLEP needs to hear your views. Businesses of all sizes that have experience of the planning process, or are involved in the building trade, are invited to complete a short online survey.

Martin Traynor, Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce is very supportive of the extension of the programme to include planning “businesses often tell us that they have had a bad experience when trying to get planning permission and that Council Officers don’t understand the impact of time delays on a business. The Better Business for All programme gives us an opportunity to change that. However to make sure that the change is right for local businesses we really need people to complete the online survey with their views” Maxine Aldred, Federation of Small Business commented “Businesses now have a real opportunity to shape the way in which planning services are delivered. We can’t change planning policy but local planning services are very keen to hear how they can improve their interaction with local businesses. I would encourage businesses to respond to the survey if they want to see real improvement.” Jim Worley, Head of Regulatory Services at Melton Borough Council is leading on the programme for local authority services “We really want to hear what businesses want from the planning process in Leicester and Leicestershire. What can we do better? We want to support business growth and we see this as the first steps in our journey to improved services” Results obtained through the anonymous business surveys will be used to inform discussions regarding current and proposed service delivery. Through the feedback provided, planning managers will be able to understand both areas of concern

and examples of good practice, to assist with delivery of future planning services across Leicester and Leicestershire. To access the survey please visit: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ PlanningForBusiness If you would like to provide additional feedback or be involved in the project, please contact Heena Prajapati or Narinder Pooni using the below details: Email: bbfa@llep.org.uk Tel: 0871 384 3185 Web: http://www.llep.org.uk/ betterbusinessforall

Development site in Nailstone £800k guide FOXBENNETT Estate Agents are offering for a development site at Yew Tree Farm, Nailstone, Leicestershire. The development consists of the farmhouse, which is in need of some modernisation, two building plots, and planning consent for conversion of traditional barns into a single dwelling. The price guide is £800,000. For more information, contact FoxBennett on 0116 281 4931 or visit the website at www.foxbennett.co.uk

Development opportunity in Barwell: £190k

WARDS RESIDENTIAL are offering for sale a development opportunity at 148 Kirkby Road, Barwell, Leicestershire LE9 8FS. Planning permission has been obtained (ref: 12/00968/FUL) for demolition of the existing house and erection of a four-bed detached house and a three-bed detached house on the plot. The asking price is £190,000. For more information, contact Wards Residential on 01455 251771 or visit the website at www.wardsresidential.co.uk

I hate being left out almost as much as I hate being included.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • AUGUST 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069

Barns for conversion in Burton Latimer SIMPSON & PARTNERS Estate Agents are offering for sale a development opportunity for 4 barn conversions in a Conservation Area at Church Street, Burton Latimer, Northants. The Kettering Borough Council planning reference is KET/2013/0126. The Guide Price is £275,000. For further information, contact Simpson & Partners on 01536 722355.

Barns with consent for conversion: £175k

ALASDAIR MORRISON & partners are offering for sale a range of traditional outbuildings, built of Lincoln red bricks, situated at West Street, Brant Broughton, Lincs. The barns have full planning consent (ref: 12/1148/FUL) for conversion to create a spacious 3-bed detached dwelling, and will enjoy private gardens with open countryside views. The asking price is £175,000. For more information, or to arrange a viewing appointment, contact Alasdair Morrison & Partners on 01636 700888 or email: sales@amorrison.co.uk

rg+p launches in London

One of the most rapidly expanding architectural practices, rg+p, has officially launched its London office at a reception ahead of the Venture Cup ‘Prologue’, the precursor to the world famous, offshore powerboat race. rg+p London opened its Shoreditch office as part of a major investment and expansion of the rg+p group, which has its head office in Leicester. The company currently employs four staff in London and 30 in Leicester. Bill Smedley, managing director of rg+p London said: “With a number of existing clients and projects in London and a healthy pipeline of work in the area, it was the perfect opportunity to launch the London office. We have taken on three new staff already and we hope we’ll continue to grow over the next few years.” Over 60 guests, clients and VIPs gathered at Wood Wharf for the official launch event, which was

POWERING FORWARD: (L-R) Bill Smedley, managing director & Tom Hart, director, rg+p London. a joint venture with Construction Racing, part of the Honda Powerboat team. Tom Hart, director of rg+p London added: “The launch event was a great success and Canary Wharf provided the perfect setting to raise our profile within the Capital. The finale to the proceedings was the highspeed ‘drive by’ by the rg+psponsored D-250 powerboat, which was enjoyed by all our guests as well as hundreds of spectators who had gathered in the Venture Cup Event Village. “The London office presents an exciting challenge for the team but it’s one we embrace so we can continue to do what we do best; design and deliver fantastic buildings.” rg+p London’s office is on Rivington Street, Shoreditch and the company is currently working on residential and commercial projects in Watford, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

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Interesting portfolio of 10 properties for sale HOWKINS & HARRISON are offering for sale a redevelopment and investment opportunity situated in Hurley, North Warwickshire. The portfolio comprises 10 properties which are available as a whole but which could also be split into lots, subject to negotiation. The proprties are situated close together on Orchard Close, Hawthorne Road and High Street in Hurley. The properties offer a prospective purc haser the chance to add value to these properties as well as earning a regular income stream from the investment. The properties are semidetached, of pre-fabricated concrete skinned construction comprising a mixture of 3 and 4 bedroomed homes. The properties are in need of repair and maintenance throughout and would benefit from new windows, fixtures and fittings. Eight of the properties are subject to Assured Shorthold Tenancies and have tenants in place. The remaining two properties are sold subject to Assured Tenancies. A summary of the rent statement for the investment portfolio can be requested from the agents. The Guide Price for the whole is £720,000. For more information, contact Howkins & Harrison on 01827 721380.

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Swadlincote land for 12 houses: £350k guide FRANK INNES Estate Agents are offering for sale a 0.49 acre parcel of building land with planning consent for 12 two and three bedroom terraced houses. The site – at Dominion Road, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE11 0AY – is being offered with a Guide Price of £350,000. For more information, contact Frank Innes on 01283 591 101 or visit the website at www.frankinnes.co.uk

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • AUGUST 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069

Triangular site in Oswin Road, Leicester for sale

New Website Explains Everything You Need To Know About Selling Property Hou`seSellingAdvice.com makes it easy to find out about every aspect of selling a property.

Thursday 22nd August 2013 SAVILLS - at The Centenary Suite, Nottingham Racecourse, Colwick Park, Colwick Road, Nottingham NG2 4BE - 2.30pm start - tel: 0115 934 8020 - visit: www.savills.co.uk/ auctions Thursday 5th September 2013 - CPBIGWOOD - at Aston Villa Football Club, Holte Suite, Aston, Birmingham B6 6HE - 11am-6pm tel: 0121 233 5046 - www.bigwood. uk.com Thursday 5th September 2013 GRAHAM PENNY - The Pedigree Suite, Derby County F.C, Pride Park Stadium, Derby - 11.30am start - tel: 01332 242880 - www.grahampenny. com Wednesday 11th September 2013BAGSHAWS RESIDENTIAL - at Derbyshire County Cricket Club, Grandstand Road, Derby, DE21 6AF - 11.30 start - tel: 01332 361308 - email: auctions.derby@ sequencehome.co.uk - www. bagshawsauctions.co.uk Thursday 12th September 2013 - COTTONS - at Aston Villa FC, Villa Park, Birmingham B6 6HE - 11am start - tel: 0121 247 2233 or email: auctions@cottons.co.uk Thursday 12th September 2013 - GRAHAM PENNY - Nottingham Racecourse, Colwick Park , Nottingham - 11.30am start - tel: 01159 588 702 - www.grahampenny. com Thursday 3rd October 2013 - READINGS - at The Underwood Suite, Leicester Tigers R.F.C., Welford Road, Leicester LE2 7TR - tel: 0116 2227575 or email www. auctionhouse.uk.net Thursday 10th October 2013 SAVILLS - at The Centenary Suite, Nottingham Racecourse, Colwick Park, Colwick Road, Nottingham NG2 4BE - 2.30pm start - tel: 0115 934 8020 - visit: www.savills.co.uk/ auctions Thursday 17th October 2013 GRAHAM PENNY - The Pedigree Suite, Derby County F.C, Pride Park Stadium, Derby - 11.30am start - tel: 01332 242880 - www.grahampenny. com Wednesday 23rd October 2013BAGSHAWS RESIDENTIAL - at Derbyshire County Cricket Club, Grandstand Road, Derby, DE21 6AF - 11.30 start - tel: 01332 361308 - email: auctions.derby@ sequencehome.co.uk - www. bagshawsauctions.co.uk

ANDREW & ASHWELL are inviting offers, for and on behalf of the Administrators of JR Realisations Ltd, for a retail warehouse, sales and storage unit located on a triangular site of 1.8 acres. The property – 50 Oswin Road, Leicester LE3 1HR – is constructed to two storeys and due to the site topography, both levels have been made accessible at ground level, effectively creating an upper and lower ground floor. The total net internal floor area is 26,981 sq.feet. The upper ground floor level is used purely for retail sales and is relatively open plan with an eaves house of 4 metres. The lower ground floor provides a caravan display /sales area with ancillary storage. Externally, the majority of the site is tarmacadam/concrete surfaced and used for both display and car parking. Offers are sought for the freehold interest. For more information, contact Mike Allwood at Andrew & Ashwell on 0116 254 1220 or email: info@andash.co.uk (Viewing is strictly by appointment with the joint agents.)

Created by property professionals, every aspect of property selling is covered on one website. The frustrations experienced trying to find out about the various ways of selling, and the best resources available, are now a thing of the past. The creators of this new website have been involved in property sourcing, management and Estate Agency for many years. They hit on the idea after seeing so many questions about house selling on various property internet message boards and forums. Too often, the responses to these were inaccurate, misinformed or biased. As co-founder Richard Watters explained: “Even when we replied to individual questions on internet forums we realised we were only helping a small number of people. Our aim now is to provide an accurate and comprehensive online facility to give people all the information and advice they need when selling a property”. See www.housesellingadvice.com

Fisher German joins forces with InfraServ Chartered surveyors Fisher German have joined forces with Lister InfraServ to further develop their specialist utilities and infrastructure team.

This will take the firm to a 15 office network throughout England after terms were agreed to merge the assets of Kentbased chartered surveyors Lister InfraServ with Fisher German LLP. The merger creates a new Fisher German office which is perfectly placed geographically to enhance and expand the service currently provided to the utilities and infrastructure sector across the south east of England. The merger brings Lister InfraServ’s principle director Giles Lister into the Fisher German Partnership and he will TEAM – The Lister InfraServ team (from left to right): James White, continue to run the new office under this Heather Dunlop, Pip (the dog), James Ingram, Giles Lister, Isabella arrangement. Jackson and Henry Burrows. Lister InfraServ, based just outside Canterbury, has six employees and specialises in delivering land agency services to the utilities and infrastructure sector. The firm already has a number of direct relationships with utility clients and supplies sub-contracted services to the industry through main contractors. Fisher German was introduced to the business in 2008, following a successful award of a framework contract from National Grid. Lister InfraServ had already been providing services to National Grid. A sub-contractor arrangement was agreed the following year and the relationship between the two businesses has developed since then. Andrew Jackson, Managing Partner from Fisher German, said: “The merger was a natural progression of existing working relationships. “Our ambition for Fisher German is to double in growth by 2020, this is one step forward to taking us there,” he said. “We already have a fantastic working relationship with the team at Lister InfraServ and we are looking forward to building on those relationships as we work towards a bright future for Fisher German.”

What if birds are just alien cameras?

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Development opportunity in Bilsthorpe SAVILLS are offering for sale a parcel of development land at Eakring Road, Bilsthorpe, Notts. NG22 8PZ. This 3.95 hectare (9.77 acre) site has been highlighted in the local plan as an ‘important gateway location’. It is currently allocated for mixed use development with a residential focus and has excellent connections to Mansfield, Newark, Ollerton and Nottingham. For sale freehold. Price on application. For more information please contact Andrew Galloway at Savills Nottingham on 0115 934 8112 / agalloway@savills. com

Site for a holiday park at Barton in the Beans FOXBENNETT Estate Agents are offering for sale a secluded area of land with permission to develop into a holiday park comprising 6 timber log cabins. The site – at Goose Meadow, Off West End, Barton in the Beans, Leicestershire – is being offered at a Guide Price of £300,000. For more information, con tact FoxBennett on 0116 281 4931 or visit the website at www.foxbennett.co.uk

Sealed Bids, A Buyer’s Guide Sealed bids are a device used when demand significantly exceeds supply, especially for ‘special’ property. Agents don’t only use sealed bids for the top dollar property; it’s a method of sale used across all price brackets. And they inevitably produce a feeling of despair in a buyer’s heart. Rachel Johnston of Stacks Property Search says, “For vendors who h ave a great deal of interest in their property, sealed bids are a good way of allowing the property to reach its true value. Interested buyers are invited to submit their best and final offer by letter, email or fax by a particular time and date. We are seeing a growing trend for sealed bids in 2013, and - for buyers - it’s hard to see many benefits. “It’s a daunting situation for a buyer, and it can be difficult to know how to progress. The first thing you need to know is that the highest bidder won’t necessarily win the property; the vendor and agent will weigh up all the information and make a choice on the basis of the size of the offer AND the situation of the buyer. Bear in mind too that the agent/vendor are free to do anything at a later date - it’s not a legally binding decision, so if someone else comes in with a higher or better offer, it may all change. It can be a good thing for a buyer - it allows you to see the property at something approaching leisure, then you can work out how much you’re prepared to pay and what your bid should be.” How can you best approach a sealed bid situation? Stacks Property Search & Acquisition’s advice is: • • •

•

Read the ‘rules’ that will be issued by the estate agent • Quiz and badger the agent to get information. It helps to know how many other bidders there are, where they carefully, and adhere to them come from, what else they’ve been looking at. Agents Try and get the vendor to accept an offer before it cannot discuss bids — but they can reveal how many goes to sealed bids bidders there are, and what offers were made before Your bid needs to be the top price you would be the auction. All this may help you assess how the bids comfortable paying. Base it on this, rather than are likely to turn out on what you think you need to pay to secure the • Don’t miss the deadline, but equally, don’t get it in too property. early. We recommend driving your offer to the agents The bid itself is important, but equally important office just before the deadline, obtain a receipt and if is the dressing of your offer, demonstrating your possible sit there while they open it commitment, proceedability, ability to exchange • You will be at an advantage if you’re using a buying quickly, flexibility of terms. Your bid won’t only be agent. Buyers who use an agent to represent them judged on the amount; it will also be judged on how will already have parted with a retainer, so vendors easy you’re going to make it for the vendor. The and estate agents know they are definitely serious. more information you have about the vendor, their They also realise that the deal is more likely to motivation and needs, the better, then tailor your reach completion, because the search agent will be presentation to fit. overseeing everything for his client. Get a survey done before the date for sealed bids, so your offer doesn’t have to be subject to survey. Again, • Don’t expect an immediate result - you may well not hear the outcome for three or four days, so spare this will make your bid very attractive. yourself the pacing and stressing Attach a list of advisors (solicitors, finance providers etc) which will further reassure the vendor;

1930’s fire station converted into smart new 6th Form National construction and property consultancy Leicester-based Pick Everard is working for the Education Funding Agency (EFA) through Willmott Dixon on the £5million Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form at the heart of Norwich city centre. Construction started on site in July following a visit by education minister Lord Nash. Pick Everard architects will sensitively transform the 1930’s Grade II listed buildings; converting a former fire station, a civic weights & measures building and tower into a sixth form free school specialising in maths and sciences. A multidisciplinary Pick Everard team was appointed through Scape by the Inspiration Trust, provides architecture, civil and structural engineering and mechanical and electrical consultancy. Pick Everard Eastern Region Director Paul Darlow comments, “Our involvement at the very early stages of this new free school project and being in close contact with planners and Conservation Officer has been essential given the listing and proposed change of use. Using our design expertise in education, we can breathe new life into these grand, city centre civic buildings.”

The last time someone wanted me for my body I was filling out an organ donor card.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • AUGUST 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069

Kegworth development site for 16 dwellings MATHER JAMIE are offering for sale a residential development site with Outline Planning Consent (ref: 06/01849/ OUT) for the development of 16 dwellings, to include the conversion of an existing Victorian building. The 0.5 acre site – at Station Road, Kegworth, Leics. DE74 2FR – is located along a mainly residential street and has direct road frontage onto both Mill Lane and Station Road. There is no affordable housing element attached to the planning consent. There is a completed Section 106 agreement in respect of the consent and the contributions total £26,350. Offers based on a guide price of £500,000 are invited for the freehold. For more information, contact Robert Cole at Mather Jamie on 01509 233433 or email: robert.cole@matherjamie.co.uk

Push for Custom Build Homes in the Midlands Midlands based housebuilder Fairgrove Homes is putting its weight behind a national push for new homes to meet the shortfall in the housing market, by joining forces with a number of other developers to promote the Government’s new ‘Custom Build’ scheme. Between 250,000 and 300,000 new homes are needed each year for the next 20 years if demand continues, according to NASBA (National Self Build Association) which is why this new scheme has been introduced to kick-start a slow market. Fairgrove Homes is one of a handful of private developers who are supporting NASBA by providing information for a new practice guide aimed at the private sector market, with the intention of providing guidance, advice and support for private sector builders and developers. The Minister for Housing announced a £30M investment fund to help support the growing self-build market last year, and in addition he promised more land released for sale to meet this growing demand. Essentially builders will be backed by the government and will see more land available, and home buyers will benefit as they will only need to pay tax on the land itself, not on the finished property. Fairgrove Homes was one of the first private developers to launch the scheme to the market, as Managing Director Steve Midgley explains: “Any new scheme takes a while to bed-in however we are now seeing definite interest in Custom Build properties, as buyers recognise they can save money as they pay a lower stamp duty land tax. There is also the opportunity to have a ‘customised’ home, with different house models to choose from – it’s perfect for those who want a say in the design of their new home and don’t want to get their hands dirty with a self-build option.” Custom Build properties are now available on a number of Fairgrove Homes sites, located in Hucknall, Nottinghamshire, Morton, Derbyshire and a new site set to open in the next few months in Doncaster. For more details log onto www.fairgrovecustombuild.co.uk or telephone 0115 944 6700.

Leicester City Leicester City Council (c/o Agent: Joe Player, Maber Architects, Suite 3A, 24 De Montfort Street, Leicester LE1 7GB) – Single storey extension to provide visitors centre – at land between 4-6 St Martins and 15 New Street, Leicester. Mr Tom Biring (c/o Agent: Ink/ Drawn Ltd, 9 Welford Place, Leicester LE1 6ZH) – Conversion of existing first floor offices and first and second floor extension to form 14 selfcontained flats – at 8 Buckminster Road, Leicester. Mrs Sheila Dayah (c/o 140 Regent Road, Leicester LE1 7PA) – Change of use from halls of residence to residential nursing home – at Eastfield Hall, 7 Stanley Road, Leicester. Mr L De Reinzo (c/o Agent: Chris Rogers, Anthony Rickett Architects, Wood Farm, Everdon, Northants. NN11 3BH) – Extension of time limit for implementation of planning permission 2011390: details of layout, scale, external appearance and landscaping for 3 houses – at 19 Spencefield Lane, Leicester. Mr F Surtees (c/o Agent: Desford Architectural Design Ltd, 16 Parkstone Road, Desford, Leicester LE9 9HY) – Change of use from day centre to residential, demolition of single storey extension at rear, plus new roof to existing garage – at Manor Croft, 147 Ratcliffe Road, Leicester. P & J (Leicester) Ltd (c/o: River House, 30 Church Road, Wanlip, Leicester LE7 4PJ) – Extension of time limit for implementation of planning permission 20100471: erection of 15 houses with associated landscaping – at Thurncourt Garage, Thurncourt Road, Leicester.

Bride Street Capital LLP (c/o Agent: Staniforth Architects Ltd, The Warehouse, 1A Stamford Street, Leicester LE1 6NL) – Change of use from student halls of residence to 9 self-contained flats – at 20 Elms Road, Leicester. Majlis E Dawat Ul Haq (c/o Agent: Saphire Building Design Consultancy, 117 Leicester Causeway, Foleshill, Coventry, West Midlands CV1 4HL) – Demolition of buildings and erection of two storey building with minarets for place of worship and education centre – at 124-130 Earl Howe Street, Leicester.

Hinckley & Bosworth Mr Daniel Kitching (c/o: 38 Almeys Lane, Earl Shilton, Leics. LE9 7AJ) – Erection of 2 apartments – at 38 Almeys Lane, Earl Shilton, Leics, LE9 7AJ). Mr Jeff Penman (c/o: Unit 2, Marina Court, Tungsten Park, Maple Drive, Hinckley, Leics. LE10 3BF) – Erection of 2 industrial buildings – at Maple Drive, Hinckley, Leics. Mrs Helen Dodd (c/o Agent: Mitchell, Johnson-Marshall, Hill Barn, Main Street, Hunningham, Leamington Spa, Warks. CV33 9DY) Erection of 2 detached houses – at Land at 20 Church Lane, Fenny Drayton, Nuneaton, Warks. CV13 6BA. Rainier Properties Ltd (c/o Agent: William Brearley, Cerda Planning, Suite 322, 3rd Floor, Fort Dunlop, Fort Parkway, Birmingham B24 9FD) – Erection of 135 dwellings – at Sketchley House, Watling Street, Burbage, Hinckley, Leics. LE10 3HZ.

Continued on page 29

My wife is driving me to drink. I hope she remembers to pick me up when I’m done.

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I went into the kitchen this morning and said to the wife, “Is that coffee I smell?” She said, “It is and you do.”

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • AUGUST 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069

£1.5m investment set to create blockbuster for Loughborough cinema 3R Construction & Property Development has teamed up with Odeon Cinemas and letting agents, Mather Jamie, to oversee a £1.5m expansion of Loughborough’s Odeon Cinema. Odeon Cinemas has submitted planning for this major investment to Charnwood Borough Council, which includes four new screens, a new foyer to include Coffee Republic and links through into two restaurants/ bars, creating a complete leisure and dining offer at the Cattlemarket cinema. The new bars, restaurants and screens will be created using existing unoccupied space within ASHA House, adjacent and to the rear of the cinema. Odeon acquired the cinema in November 2011, converted all screens to digital and recently introduced a Croma Pizza Restaurant with over a 100 covers, which is trading above expectations. Andy Edge, Commercial Director for Odeon comments: “This project will be of great benefit to the town and is part of an on-going investment by Odeon Cinemas to improve facilities and match the experience at larger cinemas within the circuit by providing new and attractive leisure and restaurant offers.” Around 30 new jobs are expected to be created by this expansion due to the number of new outlets and the increased number of cinema goers. Kailash Suri of 3R Construction & Property Development, owner of the Odeon Cinema, ASHA House and Sital House, comments: “The aim of the project is to provide Loughborough’s cinema goers with a better experience by offering a greater choice of films, premier seating and a range of high quality restaurants, cafes and bars.” “In 2014, we will increase the cinema’s number of screens to a total of nine, allowing Odeon Loughborough to offer a wider variety of films and alternative content such as music and live theatre, and retaining popular films for longer”, adds Andy Edge, Commercial Director for Odeon. Work on the expansion is expected to take up to 16 weeks and those interested in occupying any of the new restaurant premises are encouraged to register their interest with Mather Jamie. Alex Reid of Mather Jamie comments: “Loughborough town centre is set to become more leisure based, with this investment drawing more people into town and increasing the number of users of both the cinema and its current facilities. “It will help to create a more vibrant and attractive town centre, particularly at night, and more people will be drawn to using the restaurants and bars as part of a full leisure experience.”

Well, that was awkward. I was just about to hug someone extremely attractive and I walked right into the mirror.

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Building plot in Melton

Continued from page 26 Miss Amy Watts (c/o: 17C Davidson House, Meridian East, Meridian Business Park, Leicester LE19 1WZ) – Erection of 65 dwellings and associated works including two balancing ponds, formal play area space and public open space – at land at Station Road, Market Bosworth, Leics.

Melton

Land, Back Lane, East Langton, Leics. Oliveti Construction (c/o Agent: Marrons Solicitors, 1 Meridian South, Meridian Business Park, Leicester LE19 1WY) – Partial demolition of existing buildings and extensions to and conversion of joinery workshop and storage building to form 2 dwellings – at The Old Hall Cottage, Ashby Lane, Willoughby Waterleys, Leics. LE8 6UB.

Melton Mowbray Town Estate (c/o Agent: HSSP, Pera Innovation Park, Nottingham Road, Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE13 0PB) – Erection of 2 new dwellings and car parking – at Land adjacent to 121 Saxby Road, Melton Mowbray, Leics.

Seven Locks Housing Ltd (c/o Agent: Pelham Architects, 12-14 Pelham Road, Sherwood Rise, Nottingham NG5 1AP) – Erection of 2 dwellings and demolition of existing garages – at 26 Hillcrest Avenue, Kibworth Beauchamp, Leics. LE8 0NF.

Mr I Greaves (c/o Agent: D.Burns, Pump Cottage, Stanton, Ashbourne, Derbyshire DE6 2BZ) – New milking parlour and feeding area – at Meadow View, Nottingham Lane, Old Dalby, Leics. LE14 3LX.

Mr Mike English (c/o Agent: Tim Bale, JED Design (AS) Ltd, 27 Knights End Road, Great Bowden, Leics. LE16 7EY) – Erection of two storey side extension and a single storey rear extension plus conversion of dwelling to form 4 self contained flats – at 24 Feilding Way, Lutterworth, Leics. LE17 4NS.

Mr S Mair (c/o Agent: Andrew Granger & Co, Phoenix House, 52 High Street, Market Harborough, Leics. – Redevelopment of the former lionville Brickworks and construction of a fishing lake plus 10 luxury log cabins and café/clubhouse – at Lionville Brickworks, Field Nos 6475 and 7262, Eastwell Road, Scalford, Leics. Mr Ian Arnold (c/o Agent:Rich Chaney, Williams Architects Ltd, The Old Bakery, 2A Freeman Grove, West Bridgford, Nottingham) – Construction of a food production facility and associated external works – at MC Waste Services, 1 Pate Road, Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE13 0RG. Mr I Hardwick (c/o Agent:HSSP, Pera Innovation Park, Nottingham Road, Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE13 0PB) – Extension of time relating to application 10/00624/ EXT & 07/00263/EXT – Residential development – at Newfields, 23 Middle Lane, Nether Broughton, Leics. LE14 3HD.

Harborough Lord Onslow (c/o Agent: Corporate Architecture Ltd, 35 Leicester Road, Blaby, Leicester LE8 4GR) – Erection of 3 dwellings – at Hall Farm, Main Street, Gumley, Leics. LE16 7RU. Messrs S Marlow Thomas, P Marlow Thomas & Mrs Vanessa Peach (c/o Agent: Tenacity Planning Consultants, Branbury Farm, Ashby Road, Gaddesby, Leics. LE7 4WF) Erection of 2 dwellings – at Paddock

1616 Limited (c/o: 19 Almond Way, Lutterworth, Leics. LE17 4XJ) – Demolition of existing building and erection of 5 dwellings – at Smiths Timber & Joinery Co Ltd, Misterton Way, Lutterworth, Leics. LE17 4AB. Mr Rajan Uppal (c/o Agent: Stephen George & Partners, 170 London Road, Leicester LE2 1ND) – Erection of 4 dwellings (reserved matters) – at Land at Gatehouse Lane, Caldecott Road, Great Easton, Leics.

Rutland David Miller Homes Ltd (c/o: 50 Brand Hill, Woodhouse eaves, Leics. LE12 8SS) – Construction of 10 dwellinghouses – at 130 Braunston Road, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6RU. Vinecot Holding Ltd (c/o Agent: B R Rackstraw Ltd, 17 Derby Road, Stapleford, Nottingham NG9 7AN) – Conversion of stone outbuilding to 2 flats – at 19 The Green, Exton, Oakham, Rutland LE15 8AP. Cottesmore Hunt Management Committee (c/o Agent: RUT 5 Limited, Unit 4, Riverside, Riverside Industrial Estate, Market Harborough, Leics. LE16 7PT) – Alterations to steel framed building to form 2 residential flats – at Eastfield Farm, Cottesmore road, Ashwell, Oakham, Rutland LE15 7LJ.

Continued on page 30

BENTONS are inviting offers in the region of £250,000 for a building plot known as Plot 4, Hamilton Place, Hamilton Drive, Melton Mowbray, Leics. The plot has Detailed Planning Consent for a substantial five-bed detached family home which, when completed, would have an asking price in the region of £535,000. The plot is situated within an attractive gated development of only four executive homes, and the plot includes considerable infrastructure costs including planning, building regulations approval, drainage services, foundations and ground floor slabs together with the formation of the access roadway. For more information, contact Bentons on 01664 563892 or email: sales@bentons.co.uk

Councils: Move rather than close facilities to release development funding Moving rather than controversially closing popular local authority-run or supported facilities such as libraries or theatres could help unlock hidden development funding sources and allow business to get at the money the banks say is there but strangely unavailable. Ian Barker, Partner and Head of Real Estate at Manchester law firm Berg, says that it’s never going to be easy extracting funding from currently super-cautious sources, but it’s definitely there - and local town halls are crucial to tipping the balance. “Developers, their advisers, even the public, should be doing everything they can to persuade their local authority to commit to putting something public sector-based in developments which have stalled, because anything with a government covenant is fundable - and once the government has committed, then funding for neighbouring commercial development is a great deal easier to get,” said Ian Barker. “Better still, moving rather than closing such a facility may actually release funding resource, maintain and improve that facility, and open up funding possibilities for the commercial sector involved in same-location development. “Equally, town halls should be encouraging suggestions from local people, businesses and professional advisers relating to developments that could be kick-started by bringing in local authority or fundable projects. “Ironically, if a local authority does close a popular and well-performing facility - which has a lot of loyalty from the local population - and moves it to a new development, then that loyalty is going to follow. If there’s footfall, then that becomes attractive to potential funders of neighbouring commercial development. “It might also be a privately-operated service, retail outlet or leisure facility that is considered to be an important element of community life - whether it’s important geographically, or to a particular section of the community. “There are quite a few examples of this across the country - everything from cafes and theatres to quango offices. The common factor is that government covenant.”

Tupperware lids are like snowflakes, no two are alike.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • AUGUST 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069

Three plots for sale in Normanton on Soar

Continued from page 22

Continued from page 29 Mr Paul Frost (c/o Agent: Fairhurst Consultancy, 41 Wartnaby Road, Ab Kettleby, Leics. LE14 3JJ) – Redevelopment of waste management site with 4 or 5 residential properties – at Arnescote Farm, Stapleford Road, Whissendine, Oakham, Rutland LE15 7HF. Mr Jason Edwards (c/o: 35 Leicester Road, Blaby, Leicester LE8 4GR) – Construction of a petrol filling station on vacant land off the A606 Oakham Bypass – at Hackamore Way, Barleythorpe, Rutland.

MATHER JAMIE are offering for sale a residential building site with Outline Planning Permission for 3 detached twostorey houses. The site – at 44 Far Lane, Normanton on Soar, Leics. LE12 5HA – is situated close to open countryside but bordering a railway line. It is presently occupied by a fibre glass moulding business trading from an old workshop building. Offers are invited – for more information contact Michael Tebbutt at Mather Jamie on 01530 244069 or email: mike.tebbutt@matherjamie.co.uk

Building plot in Midway JOHN GERMAN Estate Agents are selling a superb freehold building plot extending to 672 sq.metres with commanding rural views.

N.W.Leics. Unnamed Applicant (c/o Agent: Miss Caroline Chave, Caulmert, Cattermole Buildings, Market Place, Codnor, Derbyshire DE7 9QA) – Proposed residential development of 400 dwellings, formation of access to Burton Road, A1 shop, D1 medical centre, C2 residential care home, single form entry primary school, pumping station infrastructure and open space provision (resubmission) – at Holywell Spring Farm, Burton Road, Ashby de la Zouch, Leics. LE65 2LP. Dr J Jolleys (c/o Agent: Rob Woolston, rg+p, 130 New Walk, Leicester LE1 7JA) – Demolition and removal of existing dwelling and attached flat and GP surgery and the erection of 4 detached dwellings with drives, garages and amenity space – at Country House, Stoney Lane, Coleorton, Coalville, Leics. LE67 8JJ.

The plot is situated at The Midway Farmhouse, 554 Burton Road, Midway, Derbyshire DE11 0DP. Planning permission (9/2010/0984/FM) and Listed Building Consent (9/2010/0985/L) has been granted for the erection of a superior detached house of individual design. The Guide Price for the plot is £175,000. For further details, contact John German on 01283 512244 or email: burton@johngerman.co.uk

Building Plot for Sale in Barwell, Leicestershire (LE9)

For 3 Bed Detached Dwelling + Detached Garage. Good size level plot, good access, all services on site

Price: £45,000

Tel: Jon (Mobile): 07784 264540

Mr David Baker (c/o Agent: Stephen Needle, S & S Architecture Ltd, 27 Emmanuel Road, Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands B73 5LY) – Demolition of existing public house and erection of 4 detached dwellings – at The Spade Tree, 2 Main Street, Newton Burgoland, Coalville, Leics. LE67 2SE. Unnamed Applicant (c/o Agent: Oasis Urban Design & Architecture, The White House, 10-12 High Street, Eckington, Sheffield S21 4DN) – Demolition of former soap factory building and erection of 37 dwellings with landscaping, access roads and ancillary works – at Former Soap Factory, The callis, Ashby de la Zouch, Leics. LE65 2HG. Unnamed Applicant (c/o Agent: Nick Cooper, HSSP Architects Limited, Pera Innovation Park, Nottingham Road, Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE13 0PB) – Erection of 4 new industrial units – at Enterprise House, Ashby Road, Coalville, Leics. LE67 3LA.

Blaby Mr Paul Mac (c/o Agent: GB A&E Ltd, Ryton Organic Gardens, Wolston Lane, Ryton-upon-Dunsmore, Rugby, Warks. CV8 3LG) – Erection of 7 dwellings – at Land at The Depot, Church Farm, Station Road, Elmesthorpe, Leics. Mr J Smith (c/o Agent: Malcolm A Goodall, The Drawing Room (Architects) Ltd, 130 Moat Street, Wigston, Leicester LE18 2GE) – Erection of 3 detached dwellings – at land adjacent to and at rear of 10 West Street, Enderby, Leicester LE19 4LS. Morcott Development Company (c/o Agent: Michael Davis, 5 Orchard Cottage, Long Row, The Square, Newton Harcourt, Leics. LE8 9FQ) – Erection of 6 dwellings with car parking, including demolition of existing dwelling – at 17 Princess Street, Narborough, Leicester LE19 2DH. Jelsons Ltd (c/o Agent: BRP Architects, 1 Millers Yard, Roman Way, Market Harborough, Leics. LE16 7PN) – Proposed residential development for 126 dwellings with associated access, landscaping and infrastructure (Reserved Matters) – at Land off Winchester Road, (North of Blaby Golf Course), Blaby, Leicester. Mr R Duvall (c/o: Morris Homes Ltd, Altrincham Road, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5NW) – Residential development of 86 dwellings and associated landscaping and infrastructure (Reserved Matters) – at Land north of Clickers Way, Elmesthorpe, Leics. Brelades (Midlands) Ltd (c/o Agent: Peter Thompson Adt, 49 Leicester Road, Broughton Astley, Leics. LE9 6QE) – Erection of two storey apartment building to provide 4 one-bed flats – at Land east of 21-23 The Oval, Stoney Stanton, Leicester. Brelades (Midlands) Ltd (c/o Agent: Peter Thompson Adt, 49 Leicester Road, Broughton Astley, Leics. LE9 6QE) – Erection of apartment building for provision of 8 one and two bedroom flats – at Land south of 20-30 Valley Drive, Braunstone, Leicester.

Continued on page 33

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • AUGUST 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069

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Children from The Hall Primary School in Glenfield recently took their lessons out of the classroom to gain some hands on experience when they visited a new homes development on Kirby Road in Glenfield. The development, named Glenfield Park, is currently being developed by Barratt Homes in partnership with its sister company David Wilson Homes and when complete will provide 250 new homes. The children, aged seven and eight, toured the Glenfield Park development with their teachers and the site construction team. They learned about technical processes such as laying foundations, the machinery used on sites and put their construction skills to the test by having a go at bricklaying. Dressed in high-visibility jackets and hard hats, the children also enjoyed a lesson in site safety and learned that whilst building sites may look like an exciting place to play, they also pose serious dangers. The visit was coordinated by the housing developers in conjunction with Construction Futures, an award winning initiative that secures training opportunities on construction sites. Glenfield Park is the first development Construction Futures has supported in Leicestershire, with a range of further educational site visits, apprenticeships and training placements set for the site. Rob Hutchings, Construction Director at Barratt Homes North Midlands, explains, “The children very much enjoyed their visit to Glenfield Park and learned many of the techniques used in building good quality homes. They were amazed at how many processes are involved to get the ground prepared for the homes to be built.”

Graham Penny Auctions to take place in Leicester Graham Penny Auctions has announced its expansion into Leicester with seven auctions per year taking place at the King Power Stadium – the first of which is on Thursday 24th October. The addition of the King Power Stadium to the existing calendar of auctions at Pride Park in Derby and Nottingham Racecourse will bring the total number of auctions in the East Midlands each year to 21. Graham Penny, auctioneer and director at Graham Penny Auctions, commented: “So far this year we have achieved a 100% success rate on sales of properties in Leicester so it was a natural step in our expansion plan to hold an auction in Leicester and emulate the leading position we now hold in Derby and Nottingham. “Entries are open for our Leicester auction and we’d encourage anyone thinking of selling to get in touch with us now. Auctions can be a great place to sell all kinds of properties including those in a state of disrepair, properties which have been inherited and need a quick sale or even properties that have been on the private treaty market for a while and are struggling to sell.” Graham added: “We have noticed that a number of properties in Leicester are going under the hammer with London-based auction houses so we wanted to offer a genuine alternative within the region. We have now established a long term commitment to Leicester and will shortly be opening an office in the city centre.”

Bitteswell Benefits From First New Almhouses in More Than 100 years Leicester-based contractor and developer, Moseley Brown has started the construction of two new Almshouses in Bitteswell, Leicestershire – the first to be built in the village for over 100 years. The £200k project comprising two one bedroomed apartments on the edge of the village, is being developed by Powell & Welch Almshouse Charity with funding contributions from Leicestershire County Council, Harborough District Council and the Homes & Communities Agency. When complete in January 2014 the affordable homes will provide accommodation for those most in need from within the village community and adds to the six existing Almshouses already available in Bitteswell. Steve Brown, Managing Director, Moseley Brown Developments said: “It’s great to see this project moving forward. These two new Almshouses mark a significant milestone in the provision of affordable housing in Bitteswell.” Project managing the new development, Richard Julian, Managing Director, Richard Julian & Associates said: “We’ve really enjoyed working alongside the Powell and Welch Almshouse Charity and it’s great to see local people achieving something so important for their community.” All going to plan:(l-r) Richard Julian, Managing Director, Richard Julian & Associates Ltd, Steve Brown, Managing Director, Moseley Brown Developments The new Almshouses will be built to Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3 Ltd, Pat Booth and Robert Manning, members of the Board of Trustees for the and when complete, will provide housing for people who, through no fault Powell & Welch Almshouse Charity and Reuben Saffer, Director, Saffer Cooper, of their own, find themselves in reduced circumstances. watch the new Almshouses in Bitteswell take shape.

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Continued from page 30 Ms Parvinder Ahluwalia (c/o Agent: Glynn Deakin, GD designs, 49 The Crescent, Cradley Heath, West Midlands, B64 7SS) – Erection of 2 six bedroom detached dwellings, including demolition of existing bungalow (revised Scheme) – at 162 Hinckley Road, Leicester Forest East, Leicester LE3 3JT.

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Residential development site in Castle Gresley JOHN GERMAN Estate Agents are offering for sale a former builder’s yard with Detailed Planning Consent (ref: 9/2011/0386/D) for a detached four-bedroom house with a garage.

Charnwood Mr J Latif (c/o Agent: DT Designs Ltd) – Conversion of former industrial building to 2 self-contained flats, alterations to roof & demolition of rear single storey extension – at Workshop at Rear of 69 Meadow Lane, Loughborough, Leics. LE11 1JU.

Mr Adam Page (c/o Agent: Big Tree Planning Ltd) – Creation of access following demolition of part of building, use of former employment land for siting for 10 permanent park homes and creation of additional parking for Charnwood Mill and residents of Nos 16-24 Sileby Road (revised Scheme) – at Charnwood Mill, Sileby Road, Barrow upon Soar, Leics. Messrs Davies (c/o Agent: Tenacity Planning Consultants) – Erection of 10 dwellings and conversion and extension of outbuildings to form 3 dwellings – at Home Farm, Main Street, Beeby, Leics. LE7 3BL.

Mr J Cheshire (c/o Agent: DPAS Ltd) – Erection of 2 town houses following demolition of garage – at 42 & 42a Old Way, Hathern, Leics. LE12 5HN.

Gladman Developments Ltd – Request for Screening Opinion for up to 215 dwellings, open space, recreational uses and associated landscaping – at Land off Tickow Lane, Shepshed, Leics.

Mr A Crawley (c/o Agent: M A Design) – Refurbishment of residential accommodation to form 3 flats – at 60-61 Baxter Gate, Loughborough, Leics. LE11 1TH.

Mrs J Watson (c/o Agent: Nigel Reeves Planning) – Outline planning permission for 2 two-storey dwellings – at 177 Colby Drive, Thurmaston, Leics. LE4 8LE.

Birstall plot: £120k

William Davis Ltd (c/o Agent: Pegasus Planning Group) – Residential development for up to 70 dwellings – at Land off Derby Road, Hathern, Leics.

Mr D Pawley (c/o Agent: PD Architecture) – Erection of 2 bungalows – at 135 Ratcliffe Road, Sileby, Leics. LE12 7PX.

BENTONS are asking £120,000 for a single building plot adjacent to 473 Loughborough Road, Birstall, Leicester.

Loughborough University (c/o Agent: GVA) – Erection of a sports hall and fitness suite – at Land adjacent to sports pitches, Holywell Way, Loughborough, Leics.

Detailed planning consent has been granted for a fourbed detached property. For more information, contact Bentons on 01664 563892 or email: sales@ bentons.co.uk

David Wilson Homes East Midlands & Thurcaston Park Trust (c/o Agent: Bidwells) – request for Screening Opinion for residential development of up to 150 dwellings and associated works – at land south of Barkby Thorpe Lane, Thurmaston, Leics.

The 4,420 sq.ft. plot – to the south of 44 Burton Road, YOUR PEOPLE Castle Gresley, Derbyshire – is being offered at a Guide Price of £125,000. For further details, contact John German on 01283 512244 or email: WWW .CO.UK burton@johngerman.co.uk

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Mr & Mrs B Newbould (c/o Agent: David Granger Design Ltd) – Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of 2 new dwellings with garaging – at 504 Bradgate Road, Newtown Linford, Leicester LE6 0HB.

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

I’m looking at my laughter lines and thinking... what was ever that funny!

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • AUGUST 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069

Plot for substantial country home in Barton under Needwood

Charity Superheroes take over BSS Head Office!

JOHN GERMAN Estate Agents are offering for sale a building plot with detailed planning consent for an architectdesigned two-storey family residence of traditional appearance, set in a stunning location. The 3.855 acre site is situated at Barton Gate, Barton under Needwood, Staffordshire. The Price Guide is £750,000. For further details, contact John German on 01283 512244 or email: burton@johngerman.co.uk

Four plots for sale in Queniborough: £400k

BENTONS Estate Agents are inviting offers around £400,000 for a prime parcel of building land with planning consent for 4 detached bungalows with garages. The land – adjacent to 47 Barkby Road, Queniborough, Leics. – has open views of countryside to the rear and is situated in a private setting, set well back from Barkby Road. For more information, contact Bentons on 01664 563892 or email: sales@bentons.co.uk

A 20-strong gang of masked superheroes took over the BSS Industrial head office in Leicester on Friday 5th July to raise money for its partner charity, Help the Hospices. The team from the leading distributor of heating and pipeline solutions, raised £140 for Help the Hospices, with all funds going to local cause LOROS (the Leicestershire and Rutland Organisation for the Relief of Suffering). First prize went to Marketing Assistant Philippa Beattie who dressed as the Princess of Power, She-ra. Frank Elkins, BSS Industrial

HEROES: (L to R) Antony Stevenson, Anna Urbanowicz, Malcolm Newton, Philippa Beattie, and Rachel Vann at the BSS head office in Leicester. Managing Director, said: “The Superhero Day was another example of the commitment our staff have to our partner charity, from branch to head office. Thank you to all those who took part and managed to complete a working day as their super alter-ego!” For more information on BSS Industrial and to find your nearest trade counter, please visit www. bssindustrial.co.uk or call 0116 262 3232. Follow BSS on twitter @ BSSIndustrial.

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Builders see workloads increase but recovery still not certain Overall builders’ workloads across Britain have begun to increase for the first time since the economic downturn began, according to the latest research from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). The FMB’s State of Trade Survey of member firms shows the net balance for workloads, expected workloads and enquiries in the second quarter of 2013 was positive across most of the UK for the first time since 2007. However, there was cause for alarm in Scotland where a negative net balance of 26 was recorded showing that conditions had deteriorated for SME builders during the three months to June. Overall though, the signs are that business confidence is starting to improve among SME builders. Brian Berry, the Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “After one of the toughest and most sustained economic downturns since the Second World War, it is encouraging to see conditions may be easing for Britain’s beleaguered builders. It is a testament to the resilience, work ethic and professionalism of SME builders, many of whom have had to cut their cloth accordingly and eat into their profits to maintain staffing and capacity in the hope that a better day would come.” Berry continued: “While these figures are a sign that the worst may finally be behind us, the building trade has a long way to go to get back to pre-2008 levels of employment and output, and there are many hurdles still to overcome. We must not be complacent, as consumer confidence is fragile at best. The FMB will continue its work to champion professional builders over the cowboys.” Berry concluded: “It is now more important than ever that the Government acts to secure this nascent recovery. Policies such as the Green Deal and Funding for Lending schemes, which should have given a boost to construction SMEs, continue to underperform and aren’t providing the improved access to finance and new work which they promised, while the FMB’s recent report into procurement practices showed that public contracts too often remain unsuitably packaged and difficult to access for most small construction firms. Help to Buy is still in its early days, but seems to be having a positive impact on the property market. Ministers must now do more to meet calls from house builders to reduce regulation in order to get more homes built.”

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • AUGUST 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069

Former Market Harborough auction house goes up for sale

A former auction house in Market Harborough is up for sale following the company’s relocation to new premises in the town. The property, which is located on Roman Way near the town centre, had previously housed Leicestershire based Gildings Auctioneers for 25 years. Marketed by Harborough based estate agents and chartered surveyors Andrew Granger & Co, the freehold property has onsite parking as well as grounds of a quarter of an acre. Chartered surveyor Andrew Granger of Andrew Granger & Co feels that with its potential for development, interest in the property is likely to be significant. “We are delighted to be acting as the agents for this property: it’s often difficult to find commercial premises of this size so close to the town centre – and with the added benefit of ample parking,” he comments. “Unlike some other towns in the UK, Market Harborough has maintained a healthy economy and housing market as well as a vibrant high street so we expect demand for such a well-positioned property to be high.” Currently vacant, the auction house comprises a reception area, four private offices, a kitchen, auction room as well as a safe room. There is a storage room in the main building, in addition to a separate two storey storage area. Offers in excess of £250,000 are expected. “With its size and location, this property offers great scope for either commercial refurbishment or residential redevelopment,” adds Andrew. A planning application for residential redevelopment submitted by Andrew Granger & Co has been approved subject to the completion of the Section 106 agreement relating to the supply of affordable housing. A family run company established over 30 years ago, Gildings Auctioneers have relocated to the north east outskirts of Harborough. The firm also has a salesroom in Leicester.

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GET A FREE MENTION! We include brief details of development properties free-of-charge in editorial form. So, if you’re selling an interesting development property, building plot or property for conversion, email details to: info@buildermagazines.co.uk and we’ll give the property a free mention. Tremendous!

SipBuild UK delivers part of £460,000 refurbishment of Dales Youth Hostel Castleford-based SipBuild UK has extended the educational facilities at Malham Youth Hostel as part of a £460,000 refurbishment project, which also added five en-suite bedrooms to the complex. The education building extension used Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) and SipBuild UK was on site for just three and a half days to deliver the watertight structure ready for contractors to finish the build. SipBuild UK managing director Chris Duckworth said: “Building in the Dales with sustainable materials for the Youth Hostel Association has been a great project. SIPs are the future of building in the UK, they offer superior strength, increased floor space and unbeatable energy efficiency.” Lucy Jones, associate partner at architects Harrison Ince said: “SIPs provided the correct material to realise the architectural vision for the new education building at YHA Malham. Due to the rural location of the premises, access to and around the site was restricted and SIPs offered a more concise construction process, which assisted with programme and weather implications (the build was carried out in the winter). Being an environmentally sustainable product was also appropriate to satisfy YHA’s environmental design standards.” The project was funded by the Youth Hostelling Association, the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority’s Sustainable Development Fund and through a legacy from the late Margaret Hardware, who first visited YHA Malham when she was walking the Pennine Way in 1968. YHA Malham is one of 24 Youth Hostels to have the Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Quality Badge, which recognises the Youth Hostel’s commitment to providing safe, exemplary learning experiences for children and young people. The YHA has around 160 Youth Hostels and camping barns throughout England and Wales.

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Scheme planned to bring empty homes back into use OWNERS of long-term empty homes in Hinckley and Bosworth may soon be able to sign up to an innovative new scheme that aims to make more homes available to rent - if it’s approved by councillors.

The scheme, which will be called ‘Tailored Housing Solutions’, has attracted over half a million pounds’ worth of funding from the Government’s Homes and Communities Agency. If approved, £522,000 of that funding could be spent bringing 40 privately-owned properties, which have been empty for six months or more, up to a standard suitable to let. A further £90,000 could be allocated to bring six properties in Hinckley town centre back into use. The scheme is also set to create two new Modern Apprentice positions in the council for students leaving college or university. Under the plans, owners of long-term empty homes will be able to lease their properties to the council for a minimum period of five years to a maximum of 10 years. The council will then arrange for the properties to be renovated to a decent standard and find suitable tenants to rent the properties for the duration of the lease. Meanwhile, six properties in the town centre that are currently empty and unsuitable for letting could also be renovated to a decent standard under the proposals. The properties - all of which are above shops in the town centre – are much-needed smaller units that, once renovated, will house up to 12 people currently on the council’s housing waiting list. The council will charge an affordable rent for every property brought into the scheme, making that property an attractive proposition to people in need of safe, decent, affordable and well-managed accommodation. The rent collected from the tenants will be used to pay off the cost of renovating the properties and whatever money is left over (less a seven per cent management fee) will be paid back to the owner of the property. If the scheme is approved, owners of empty properties can look forward to: A guaranteed set rent from the council for the duration of the agreed • lease period – even if the property becomes empty at any time. A hassle-free let – the council will manage the tenants and all repairs • on behalf of the owner A very fair management fee of seven per cent of the rental income • which will cover all ongoing management costs and ongoing repairs Getting their property back at the end of the lease with all of the repairs • carried out and ready to let or sell according to the owner’s wishes. Councillor Michael Mullaney, the Borough Council’s Executive Member responsible for Housing, said: “Homes that become empty can stay empty for a long time if the owners aren’t able to afford to refurbish them to a suitable standard for letting or sale. “We are pleased that the funding will now enable this council to work with the owners of these properties to improve them and provide some muchneeded affordable accommodation for people waiting for a home. “The scheme is also good news for people living close to an empty property as empty properties often let down an area by looking neglected and can become a target for vandalism and crime.” The scheme received the backing of the council’s Executive last month and is set to be considered by all councillors in July. If they approve the scheme, it could start as soon as the end of July. Anyone who owns an empty property that has been empty for six months or more and would like to find out more about the plans is urged to contact the council’s Private Sector Housing team on 01455 255 876 for more information.

Development land for sale in Leicester INNES ENGLAND are offering for sale development land at Abbey Meadows Research Business Park, at Abbey Lane, Leicester. The land has been identified by Leicester City Council as a Research Business Park, where planning permission will be given for development that contributes towards the creation of a Science and Technology based Business Park in the vicinity of the Space Centre. A total of approximately 4 acres of land is available, either as a whole or in part. For further information, contact Peter Doleman at Innes England on 0116 255 5455 or email: pdoleman@innes-england.com

New book on town planning in Birmingham to be published As part of a series of reprinted classic town planning studies, Routledge has just published a new book focusing on the planning and rebuilding of Birmingham in the 1940s and 50s. ‘When We Build Again’ is a reprint of two classic books, with a new introduction written by Peter Larkham, Professor of Planning at Birmingham School of the Built Environment, part of Birmingham City University. “The 1940s proved to be a crucial decade in British planning, with the destruction of wartime bombing providing an opportunity to deal with slums and overcrowding, inadequate roads, and provide better developments for hospitals, schools and employment,” said Professor Larkham. “Several hundred plans were produced for towns, cities and whole regions. Birmingham was influential in this movement and one of the earliest planning studies, affecting many of the plans to follow, was a detailed social study by Bournville Village Trust.” ‘When We Build Again’ outlines the Cadbury family’s long-standing involvement looking into housing condition s and quality in Birmingham, as well as looking specifically at the village of Bournville, set up and managed by the Trust. “The book will be of interest to those who are keen to know more about the study that the Trust were involved in, reviewing housing and living conditions across Birmingham,” said Professor Larkham. “The study shows the contribution of private initiatives to understanding how people lived, how they wanted to live and how better places to live and work could be built. In many ways, modern planning has lost some of this ability to communicate both the clear factual basis for action and the excitement and anticipation of the future.”

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • AUGUST 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069

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ARISTOTLE AYNRAND Address: ............................................................................................................. DAVIDHUME FRANCISBACON IMMANUELKANT .............................................................................Postcode: ............................. JEANPAULSARTRE IfJOHNSTEWARTMILL you can find 12 FAMOUS PHILOSOPHERS in the Wordsearch grid above, you could win yourself a £25 MARTINHEIDEGGER Voucher to spend at Frankie & Benny’s New York Italian PLATO Restaurant. RENEDESCARTES THOMASAQUINAS All you have to do to go into the draw is find - and mark a line THOMASHOBBES through - 12 well known philosophers. These can run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!).

Sustainable housebuilder Larkfleet Homes (www. larkfleethomes.co.uk) has hosted a special event at its Leighfield Park development in Oakham to officially open its on-site allotment gardens. Larkfleet currently offers allotment gardens to all residents at Leighfield Park to encourage a sustainable lifestyle and community. To showcase the allotments that are available to homeowners, a special ‘model eco allotment’ has been developed that demonstrates the potential they have for the cultivation of healthy wildlife ecosystems and home-grown, sustainable produce. Celebrity gardener Nick Hamilton, owner of nearby Barnsdale Gardens, was a special guest at

ALLOTMENTS: (l-r) Nick Hamilton, owner of Barnsdale Gardens and Karl Hick, Larkfleet’s managing director, with pupils from Catmose and Langham Primary schools: William Ind, Florence Lissaman, Max Burton, Tia Richards, Lily Wilson and Eleanor Garfoot the event and planted an English cherry tree with Karl Hick, Larkfleet’s managing director, to mark the allotments officially open. Pupils from Catmose Primary School and Langham Primary School also attended the opening event. In keeping with the ‘eco’ theme of the day, charity Froglife was on hand to provide educational activities for pupils that included pond planting and nature flag making.

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Send your marked entry forms to: TO BE IS TO DO, Leicestershire Builder, PO BoxCreated 8, Markfield, LE67 byLeics. Puzzlemaker at DiscoveryEducation.com 9ZT to arrive by Friday 16th August 2013. Please remember to fill in your name and address. The sender of the first correct entry drawn out of the Editor’s Beret will win the Frankie & Benny’s £25 Voucher. Good luck! Advert Size Dimensions Colour Here are the 12 Famous Philosophers you have to find:

ARISTOTLE • AYN RAND • DAVID HUME • FRANCIS BACON IMMANUEL KANT • JEAN PAUL SARTRE JOHN STEWART MILL • MARTIN HEIDEGGER • PLATO RENE DESCARTES • THOMAS AQUINAS • THOMAS HOBBES Last Month’s Wordsearch Winner:

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