January 2012 Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine

Issue 6 - JANUARY 2012

Meden Valley Making Places Closes After Eight Years Of Success An award-winning regeneration company that has rejuvenated empty homes and transformed former mining communities across Meden Valley is finishing on a high after reversing ‘two decades of decline’.

Meden Valley Making Places (MVMP) was established in March 2003 to tackle housing problems, such as a lack of demand and a glut of derelict properties, across Mansfield and Bolsover.

The not-for-profit company was launched as a six-year project and was originally due to close in 2009.

However, MVMP’s regeneration schemes proved such a success that its remit was extended until this year and it officially closed, on schedule, on Friday 23 December.

A final evaluation report, carried out independently by AMION Consulting, has revealed the remarkable extent of MVMP’s impact over eight-and-half years.

The document praised the company - which has already delivered over half the final target of 1,302 quality homes - for providing much-needed housing, boosting house prices and helping its target communities onto ‘an upward trend’.

Consultant Margaret Jackson, who wrote the report, said: “MVMP has arrested the trends of decline within the settlements, which had been on-going for the previous two decades.

“Although it is still early to judge the full impact, nevertheless it is apparent that the key indicators of housing market failure in the area are on an upward trend.

“One of the most significant indicators of a healthy housing market is the price of houses in an area and there is evidence that house prices have improved substantially.”

MVMP concentrated on eight communities across the Bolsover District Council and Mansfield District Council regions– Creswell Model Village, New Houghton, New Terrace, in Pleasley, Shirebrook and Whaley Thorns in Bolsover, and Warsop Vale, Mansfield Woodhouse and Royal Estate, in Warsop, in Mansfield.

Continued on page 4

Calling all Builders’ Merchants

Get some BUILDERS into YOUR trade counter!

If you RUN a Nottinghamshire builders’ merchant and would like to carry copies of Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine in your trade counter, please let us know and we’ll get some magazines to you.

The magazine is attracting a lot of interest in the local trade and in the next few months we’d like to reach some of the building-based companies who are not already on our mailing list.

Call Mike Wilkinson on 01530 244069 or email your contact details to us at

info@nottinghamshirebuilder.co.uk

Happy New Year to all our readers!

Unique Development and Restoration Opportunity Bruton Knowles are inviting expressions of interest for a city centre development opportunity at Castle gate, Nottingham.

The property comprises numbers 43-59 Castle Gate and Severns House, Castle Road, Nottingham NG1 6AF. There are eight interconnected houses (43-57) and one ancillary part (59), with Severns House attached to the western end of the terrace.

The agents are seeking expressions of interest in the properties on an individual or collective basis, prior to a formal offer process. Offers will be required in writing by Friday 9th March 2012.

For more information, contact Sam Spencer at Bruton Knowles on 0115 988 1160.

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - JANUARY 2012

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 may not be the world’s greatest lover, but number seven’s not bad.

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - JANUARY 2012

NET on track to run two new tram lines The project to build lines Two and Three of Nottingham’s tram network is going ahead.

Published By: Builder Magazines PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT

Tel: (01530) 244069 Fax: (01530) 249557

Contact us by email at info@nottinghamshirebuilder.co.uk Visit the website at www.nottinghamshirebuilder.co.uk Over 3,500 copies distributed every month across Nottinghamshire by a combination of: •

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by Norwood Press Advert deadline 15th of month.

Published: 4th of each month

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

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

Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine, but no liability can be accepted for loss or inconvenience caused as a result of error or omission. Builder Magazines reserves the right to amend, shorten or refuse to publish articles and/or advertisements submitted for publication. All property details contained within this magazine are to be regarded as being for outline guidance only.

All potential interested parties are requested to check individual availability of premises for accuracy of details with the relevant selling agents before proceeding further.

To Advertise in Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine Contact Us On 01530 244069 Our advertising rates are on page 5

Following commercial and financial close and final Government sign-off, the contract has been awarded to Tramlink Nottingham, to take over the operation of the existing tram line (NET Line One) and to build and operate the extended network to Clifton via Wilford and Chilwell via Beeston (NET Phase Two).

A detailed construction programme is now being finalised and the first phase of construction work will start in January 2012. Services on the new lines are planned to start in late 2014.

Linden Homes’ new Nottinghamshire development begins to take shape A NEW 90 home development in the Nottinghamshire market town of Bingham is beginning to take shape.

Award-winning regional house builder Linden Homes has started work on the site at Tithby Road, where a range of two, three and fourbedroom homes will make up the development.

The homes have been carefully designed to meet the growing demand of new homes customers – and cater for a selection of needs and budgets.

The homes will be suitable for everyone from first time buyers and young professional to families.

While prices have yet to be released, it is expected the first homes at the Bluebell development will be due for completion in March 2012.

However, potential customers have the chance to be among the first to reserve in Bingham and beat the rush by snapping up a new home from plan.

While not everyone has the courage or confidence to buy a new home without the first brick being laid, the advantages are numerous, including: • Selecting a plot with a sought-after south facing garden • Choosing your preferred taste in kitchen tiles, kitchen cupboards and bathroom suites • Having a blank canvas from which to plan your new home • Reaping all the benefits of lower utility bills, better sound proofing and reduced maintenance bills that new homes can offer.

• New materials used in the construction process also mean that new homes are more energy efficient that their older counterparts.

• A 10-year National House Building Council (NHBC) warranty.

Former infant school for sale by auction SAVILLS are offering for sale BY AUCTION a Grade II Listed detached building formerly housing an infant school.

The property - Greasley Beauvale DH Lawrence Infant School, Eastwood Road, Beauvale, Eastwood, Nottingham NG16 2ET - stands within a prominent corner position and is arrow-shaped.

It is a fine example of a lates 19th century-built board school.

Previous pupils include the internationaly renowned writer, D H Lawrence. The Guide Price is £200,000-£250,000.

For sale at the next Savills Property Auction on Thursday 26th January 2012 at The Centenary Suite, Nottingham Racecourse, Colwick Park, Colwick Road, Nottingham NG2 4BE. For more information, or to request an auction catalogue, contact Savills on 0115 934 8023 or view the full catalogue online at: http://catalogue.auctions.savills.co.uk/nottingham/online-catalogue/

Don’t drink and drive - if you hit a bump you spill your beer.

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - JANUARY 2012

Why Property Offers a Better Alternative to Pension Rollercoaster in 2012 The pension issue simply won’t go away, the vast majority of the population are not saving for retirement and the UK has huge debts to pay off reducing pensions for public sector workers, is it any wonder that property offers a more stable alternative?

Jon Ainge from IPSBMV comments: ‘It used to be the case that pensions were the boring investment you made starting at the age of thirty when retirement was something your parents worried about. Not much has changed there, what has changed is the return you are likely to see on all those years of contributions and it’s not for the better. Most of that money you invest in the early years will find its way into equities, which as we know are in an unprecedented period of volatility.

As a result the ‘boring pension’ has been replaced with a rollercoaster ride to retirement.’

In 2011 alone the FTSE was down by nearly 4% in 2011 and bank shares were down 25% in the same period, so with further volatility expected in 2012 as a result of the sovereign debt crisis, the dramatic ups and downs of the world’s stock markets are likely to continue for at least a 5th year running.

Against this backdrop it is little wonder that property, which provides an excellent store of value in the long term has become the new ‘boring’ for those who simply want to maintain living standards in retirement.

Jon Ainge continued: ‘I would rather have somewhere boring to put my money and guarantee something to live on in retirement.

Even a £300,000 pension pot is likely to provide an annual income of just £18,000 per annum, not much even by today’s living standards.’

Not surprisingly, Department of Work and Pensions data from this year shows that only 40% of us are putting money into a private pension and just three in 10 people aged between 20 and 40 saving for retirement. This leaves 7 in 10 people with no plan A let alone a plan B for the future. On top of this less than four in 10 Britons are making their own provision for retirement.

For more information or opinion from Jon Ainge Director of International Property Success ltd ipsbmv.com contact brett@ipsbmv. com or call 07969 502781.

‘Sympathetic’ development on Lace Market escarpment gets the go-ahead An application for a new office block in Nottingham’s historic Lace Market has been given the go-ahead after lengthy negotiations with the developers to protect the iconic view.

The site, between High Pavement and Short Hill, includes the renovation of two Grade 2 Listed former warehouses that have been vacant for many years and a World War Two bomb site. Two Grade 2 Listed buildings on High Pavement currently used as offices make up the rest of the development site.

The development will create a total office floor space of 9544 sq m from a mixture of renovation and refurbishment of the offices and warehouses and partial demolition of some external and internal areas. It will also include a basement car and cycle park.

The City Council’s Development Control Committee was told that the location was one of the most sensitive in the city centre, with an iconic view of Nottingham from the south. Consultations and negotiations had been ongoing for more than a year to resolve concerns about the height, scale, layout and detailed design of the proposed building.

Developers Studon Holdings were granted planning permission subject to a financial contribution of £38,675 towards improving integrated public transport for the area. The total construction costs are estimated at £12 million and the development should create employment and training opportunities in one of the city’s higher-than-average unemployment areas. The total number of full-time construction jobs is estimated at 113 with 319 full-time jobs being created once the new offices are completed.

An archaeological survey will be carried out before work begins. Nottingham City Council’s archaeologist said there was potential for significant pre-Norman Conquest archaeology on the previously untouched site.

Among the objectors to the proposals were English Heritage and Nottingham Civic Society. English Heritage said the new building would be out of character with the area and the loss of a cave would take away part of an ‘idiosyncratic element of Nottingham’s historic environment.” The development has since been revised to retain the cave.

Nottingham Civic Society said the development was too high and would impact on views of Grade1 Listed St Mary’s Church.

However, the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment, (CABE) welcomed the designs, saying it worked well in relation to the layered view of nearby Malin Hill.

Chair of the City’s Development Control Committee, Councillor Chris Gibson, said: “The City Council has been considering applications for this site for more than six years and has worked for more than a year on this particular application to get a design that will sit comfortably in one of Nottingham’s most historic and attractive areas. We believe these plans sit sympathetically alongside St Mary’s Church and the nearby buildings.

“The development will bring new life to a very difficult site. It brings back into use a six-storey and a three-storey former warehouse which have been vacant for many years, as well as developing a site that has been derelict since World War Two. “It will also create much-needed jobs and training in an area of high need, both during the construction work and after the offices open as well as boosting public transport to the site for the workforce.”

Meden Valley Making Places - from page 1 Between 2004 and 2010, Land Registry data for the targeted areas showed a 185 per cent increase in house prices, compared with a 32 per cent national increase and a rise of less than 20 per cent in surrounding communities, the report said.

It also praised MVMP for its value for money, leadership and for achieving results twice as quickly as other ‘similar’ organisations.

“The fundamental strengths of the MVMP project relate to the nature of the organisation and the management and co-ordination of the project,” the report added.

“This has enabled the efficient delivery of the programme in approximately half the time of similar projects elsewhere.”

MVMP is a public sector company jointly owned by the Homes and Communities Agency, emda, Bolsover District Council and Mansfield District Council.

It was established after mining pit closures left whole communities across Meden Valley facing bleak futures, with many homes abandoned or neglected after falling into the hands of private landlords who could find noone to rent them.

By engaging and working closely with local authorities, residents and other key partners, MVMP has helped deliver thriving, sustainable communities.

Chief Executive Gary Kirk said: “I have personally been very proud to have been associated with MVMP, which has transformed the lives of a great number of people living in the districts of Mansfield and Bolsover.

“MVMP has been a partnership project that has truly benefited from the involvement of a wide range of stakeholders and I would like to say thanks on behalf of the MVMP staff team, the Board and Residents’ Community Forum to all those who have contributed over the past eight years.

“Local people have benefited from new and improved housing and choice; local employment and training; community networking and participation in community groups; as well as volunteering and taking part in local decision making.

“I sincerely believe MVMP has helped create longterm social, economic and environmental benefits for people across Meden Valley.”

I haven’t lost my mind. It’s backed up on disk somewhere.

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - JANUARY 2012

Freehold development site in Hucknall - for sale BY AUCTION SAVILLS are offering for sale BY AUCTION a vacant freehold development site extending to approximately 1.72 acres.

The land - at Papplewick Lane, Hucknall, Nottinghamshire NG15 8EF - forms part of an extended site known as Papplewick Grange, which lies just off the south-east of Papplewick Lane in a mainly residential area about half a mile north east of the town centre.

It lies within the Papplewick Lane urban extension which is being developed in phases as a result of an outline consent granted on 21st December 2005 (ref: 2004/0356).

Guide Price: £350,000-£400,000.

For sale at the next Savills Property Auction on Thursday 26th January 2012 at The Centenary Suite, Nottingham Racecourse, Colwick Park, Colwick Road, Nottingham NG2 4BE. For more information, or to request an auction catalogue, contact Savills on 0115 934 8023 or view the full catalogue online at: http://catalogue.auctions.

REMEMBER! We include details of development properties free-of-charge in editorial form.

Ravenshead detached has five garages and two drives

So, if you’re selling an interesting development property, email details to: info@nottinghamshirebuilder.co.uk

and we’ll give the property a free mention.

Tremendous!

When the new patient was settled comfortably on the couch, the psychiatrist said:’Since this is your first session, perhaps you should start at the very beginning.’

‘Of course,’ replied the patient.

‘In the beginning, I created the heavens and the earth.’

BAIRSTOW EVES are offering for sale a 4 Bedroom Detached House, Kirkby Road, Ravenshead, Nottingham, NG15 9HF. An unusual feature of the property is that it has five garages and two separate driveway entrances, and would be ideal for a business from home, (subject to permission).

Offers in the region of £450,000 are invited.

For more information, contact Bairstow Eaves on 01623 594 044.

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Booking deadline: 15th of each month A man needs a mistress, just to break the monogamy.

Thursday 26th January 2012 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 Wednesday 22nd February 2012 - BAGSHAWS RESIDENTIAL - at Pride Park Stadium, Derby DE24 8XL - 11.30 start - tel: 01332 361308 - email: auctions.derby@ sequencehome.co.uk - www. bagshawsauctions.co.uk Thursday 22nd March 2012 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 Tuessday 3rd April 2012 BAGSHAWS RESIDENTIAL - at Pride Park Stadium, Derby DE24 8XL - 11.30 start - tel: 01332 361308 - email: auctions.derby@ sequencehome.co.uk - www. bagshawsauctions.co.uk Thursday 17th May 2012 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 Wednesday 30th May 2012 BAGSHAWS RESIDENTIAL - at Pride Park Stadium, Derby DE24 8XL - 11.30 start - tel: 01332 361308 - email: auctions.derby@ sequencehome.co.uk - www. bagshawsauctions.co.uk Tuesday 10th July 2012 BAGSHAWS RESIDENTIAL - at Pride Park Stadium, Derby DE24 8XL - 11.30 start - tel: 01332 361308 - email: auctions.derby@ sequencehome.co.uk - www. bagshawsauctions.co.uk Thursday 12th July 2012 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 Wednesday 12th September 2012 - BAGSHAWS RESIDENTIAL - at Pride Park Stadium, Derby DE24 8XL - 11.30 start - tel: 01332 361308 - email: auctions.derby@ sequencehome.co.uk - www. bagshawsauctions.co.uk

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - JANUARY 2012

Buy To Let Opportunities Part F 2010 – where to start: an introduction for house With Barratt In Newark INVESTORS looking for the ideal buy to let property should consider securing one of the quality new homes on offer at Barratt East Midlands’ Riverside Walk development in Newark.

And for those who choose to invest in one of these superb new homes, Barratt is offering special discounts on selected plots to ensure that investors achieve excellent value for money.

Ideally located on North Gate, Riverside Walk offers tenants a convenient location within walking distance of the pretty market town yet close to the superb local transport links including Newark Railway Station just two minutes walk away that makes it an ideal destination for commuters too.

The properties currently for sale at the development include a mix of one no. two bedroom Coach house known as The Ashton plus the four bedroom 2 bathroom townhouses known as The Woodcote. Both types are perfect for investors looking for an easy to maintain, hassle free property that will appeal to tenants.

Jan Ruston, Sales Director at Barratt East Midlands, comments “Demand for rental properties is continuing to rise and we have seen a significant increase in the number of sales to investors who are keen to capitalise on this strong demand.

“We have a superb range of buy to let properties available at Riverside Walk so those looking to invest their money in bricks and mortar, I’d strongly recommend you consider investing in the only five star rated major homebuiler.”

First time investor, David Wright, has absolutely no regrets about investing in a buy to let property with Barratt. He comments “Barratt was recommended to me by a friend who has already purchased at a number of the company’s developments throughout the East Midlands and I was pleasantly impressed when I looked around the Barratt development as the quality of the build is very high and the properties themselves are immaculate.

“As a first time property investor, I was attracted to a new build as I wouldn’t need to do any work to the home meaning tenants could move in straight away. In addition, they come with a 10 year NHBC guarantee plus if you buy with Barratt, you get an additional five year fixtures and fittings guarantee too which provides investors with even greater peace of mind.

“I honestly believe that you cant beat investing in bricks and mortar and I’ve got one thing to say to others who may be considering investing in property – as long as you’ve got the finances, do it! I have no regrets and I’m even considering investing in more properties.”

Riverside Walk is located on North Gate in the historic market town of Newark-upon-Trent. Residents here will benefit from the superb range of local amenities on offer within the town whilst the A46 and A1 provide quick and easy access to the north and south.

To make an appointment to view the properties at Riverside Walk call 01636 605 422.

For more information call the sales hotline on 0844 811 3377 or log on to the website at www.barratthomes.co.uk

Residential development land for 6 dwellings in Selston: £330k REEDS RAINS Estate Agents are offering for sale a parcel of prime residential development land at Nottingham Road, Selston, Nottingham.

The site has planning consent for the erection of six executive detached dwellings enjoying a delightful cul-de-sac location with the benefit of open views to rear.

The site measures approximately 1.12 acres and has the benefit of a block paved driveway approach off Nottingham Road.

Offers in the region of £330,000 are invited.

For more information, contact Reeds Rains on 01773 769961 or email: eastwood@reedsrains.co.uk

builders and designers

NHBC Foundation publication helps understand changes to Part F 2010 NHBC Foundation, in collaboration with the Zero Carbon Hub, has launched Part F 2010 – where to start: an introduction for house builders and designers, to help house builders and designers understand the October 2010 edition of Approved Document F, commonly known as Part F 2010.

The 2010 edition of Approved Document F sets out the various strategies that should, if executed correctly, ensure robust ventilation regardless of the level of fabric airtightness. As with previous versions of Part F, its focus is ventilation for providing fresh air for health and wellbeing, odour control, airborne pollutants and excess humidity.

The NHBC Foundation guide follows a similar format to Part L 2010 – where to start: an introduction for house builders and designers, by examining the implications of the changes to the regulations and is a starting point for design and specification of new homes. Outlining the four system types that can provide ventilation, and with examples of typical house and apartment types, the guide presents options from which the designer and house builder can explore the most effective solutions for their new homes.

The guide outlines the key changes from Approved Document F 2006, and documents additional guidance in Part F 2010 for builders and designers. It concludes with concerns around installation, and notes the challenge for the industry to develop education and training to ensure adequate ventilation performance.

Neil Smith, Group Research and Innovation Manager, at NHBC commented: “Good ventilation is essential in all homes for health, comfort and to minimise condensation and mould growth. As new homes become more energy efficient and are constructed to achieve higher levels of airtightness these issues come to the fore. This guide, written for the NHBC Foundation by Richards Partington Architects, unravels Approved Document F and explains simply and clearly the choices designers and builders have when complying with the latest requirements.

“NHBC Foundation received an exceptional response to the Part L guide back in March, and we hope this sister publication exploring this part of the updated Building Regulations will be just as informative, and just as popular.”

For more information and to download the free guide, please visit www.nhbcfoundation.org/partF

Part-converted barn for sale in Great Ponton ESCRITT BARRELL GOLDING are offering for sale a part-converted former cattle store and farm outbuilding at Cringle Way, Great Ponton, Near Grantham, Lincs.

The property is constructed of stone under a pantile roof and at present the attached property is in the midst of undergoing renovations by the present owner. It is being brought to the market to allow any purchaser to finish to their own taste.

The asking price is £200,000. For more information, or to arrange a viewing appointment, contact Escritt Barrell Golding on 01476 590211 or email: grantham@ebgproperty.co.uk

I love to give home-made gifts. Which one of my kids do you want?

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - JANUARY 2012

Window firm expands NEW Century Windows has expanded its Nottingham factory and also taken a 40,000 sq ft unit in Poulton Drive.

Regional awards success for VINCI Construction UK ‘Get Into’ graduates

New Century Windows, which was set up in 1997 in Mansfield, already has a factory on Daleside Road where it manufactures its own glass and window products.

The company originally supplied UPVC windows, doors and conservatories to the construction industry and operated from a 2,000 sq ft industrial unit, manufacturing 60 windows a week.

Now, the firm employs around 100 people across both of its sites and on average produces 800 windows, 1,500 sealed units and 20 conservatory roofs a week.

The firm also manufactures aluminium bi-folding doors, shop fronts and curtain walling for commercial projects.

Michael Collins and Adrian Wilson, both recent graduates from VINCI Construction’s ‘Get Into’ programme have been awarded for their work within the construction industry by The Prince’s Trust.

Both have been able to turn their lives around with the help of VINCI Construction UK

Pub reopens after refurb ... with new name

in partnership with The Prince’s Trust.

A GEDLING pub which has undergone a £300,000 facelift has re-opened with a new name.

The Chesterfield Arms in Main Road has been renamed The Gedling Inn following feedback from residents.

The pub, part of the Flaming Grill pub chain, had been named the Colliers Arms by owners Spirit Pub Company to give it a fresh start and celebrate the heritage of Gedling’s mining past.

But concerns were raised by residents and it was decide to let them suggest a name.

Heb’s auction breaks records HEB disposed of 78 per cent of the properties on offer at its December auction, which saw the highest attendance ever for the city property agents.

The auction room was full to capacity, with a record number of bidders turning out to see what Heb had on offer.

Heb says it has seen a great year in auctions and has raised almost £9 million sales from 2011 alone.

The next Heb auction is on Wednesday February 15 at Nottingham Gateway Hotel, Nuthall Road, at 2.30pm.

Michael, aged 24, from Gotham just outside Nottingham, was one of 21 UK finalists shortlisted for the Young Builder award in the category for 16-24 year olds in training or employment. In the end he walked away with a commendation for his efforts. On winning the award Michael said: “I tried several times to get a Construction Skills Certification Scheme card but it never really happened. The last couple of weeks of the course were really good. I wasn’t expecting a job out of this – so I’m chuffed. In all honesty it’s helped to turn my life around and at the end of the day my achievements being recognised with this award is a great added bonus.”

Adrian has grown up with many difficulties in his life and as a young adult found himself consistently in and out of trouble and, until this project, had only ever worked in short term temporary employment.

In 2006 he was sent to prison. Having been released in 2009 Adrian was on the verge of returning to his old life. He then saw an advertisement for The Prince’s Trust Get Into Construction programme in a local newspaper and decided to apply.

Since then, through the help of both VINCI Construction UK and The Prince’s Trust, Adrian has turned his life around. He now works full time in the construction industry and has now been awarded the East Midlands Breakthrough Award.

On that success Adrian commented: “The Prince’s Trust gave me confidence in myself and my abilities, and helped me recognise my strengths. The course made me feel like I had done something right for a change.”

Tommy Walsh (right) and a very pleased Michael Collins Chris Hamer, Managing Director, VINCI Construction UK Building Division – North commented: “Here at VINCI Construction UK we take real pride in our ability to help young people in this country back to work.

In this instance we, in partnership with The Prince’s Trust, have been able to help two young men turn their lives around and it’s fantastic for them that their efforts have been recognised with these awards.”

Adrenalin is my drug of choice.

With the announcement the Government are to create a £1bn job fund to help young unemployed back to work these success stories are a timely reminder of how businesses such as VINCI Construction UK can work in partnership with charitable organisations to bring about real change in people’s lives and help bring young people back into employment.

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - JANUARY 2012

A60 junction open for business ahead of schedule A busy road junction which at peak times left motorists waiting for up to 20 minutes has undergone a major improvement scheme and been reopened – four weeks ahead of schedule.

Nottinghamshire County Council spent £490,000 improving the junction of Forest Lane and the A60 Nottingham to Mansfield road, near Papplewick, by installing traffic lights to control traffic.

The junction is one of the busiest junctions in the county and before signalisation traffic surveys were recording queues on Forest Lane of over 60 vehicles and delays of more than 20 minutes per vehicle.

Accidents Driver frustration caused by the delays contributed to a higher than normal rate of accidents at the junction, with a total of 17 personal injury accidents recorded there in the period 2004 to 2010 – most of them involving motorists turning right out of Forest Lane colliding with northbound vehicles on the A60.

Work began on the scheme on 16 October 2011 and was expected to last until 9 January 2012, but the junction reopened on 13 December.

The Council contributed £170,000 from its Local Transport Plan budget to the £490,000 scheme, while £320,000 came from the Government’s Growth Point Initiative which is designed to provide support to local communities whilst assisting largescale and sustainable growth, including new housing.

How many new homes for Mansfield?

Mansfield District Council is asking for people’s views on how many new homes should be built across the District over the next 20 years.

Between 20 December and 31 January, people will be asked to choose one of four options they think is right for the District as a target for the number of homes to be built in the coming years. There is also an opportunity as part of this consultation to put forward an alternative suggestion.

The District’s target up to 2026 of 10,600 homes, as set out in the East Midlands plan, will need replacing due to Government proposals to abolish these regional plans. This means that the Council needs to set a new target for the next 20 years.

Once set, the housing target will be included in the Council’s Core Strategy, which sets out the long term vision, objectives and strategy for future development of the District. When complete, the Core Strategy and the other Local Development documents will provide the planning policy background against which we will determine planning applications and take forward our regeneration programmes and projects.

The options put forward take into account the future demand for housing in Mansfield based on various scenarios and an idea as to the amount of land that would be needed.

Council’s are required to set targets for housing growth and are being encouraged by the Government to be ‘progrowth’ and ‘pro-development’, particularly in relation to job creation. An intention to promote a growth agenda is expressed in the Sustainable Community Strategy (SCS) 2010-2020 produced by the Mansfield Area Strategic Partnership (MASP). The SCS states that a strategy for growth will be pursued for housing and for employment development to provide the basis for economic growth improved quality of life for local people, to attract new jobs as well as provide high quality housing to attract and retain skilled workers.

At a meeting of the Council on 13 December 2011, Councillors selected their favoured option which was the highest option (11,100 new homes between 2011 and 2031 - an average of 555 dwellings per year). However, Councillors stressed that public consultation was important and the views would help to inform their final decision.

Mansfield’s Executive Mayor Tony Egginton said: “It is really important people have their say and take part in this consultation. Your views will help us to set the figure for how much new housing is acceptable within our District, therefore determining how Mansfield will develop over the coming years.”

People can take part in the consultation by visiting www.mansfield.gov.uk/dwellingrequirement. Information stands will also be held in Mansfield town centre during January - dates will be available on the Council’s website soon.

For further information please visit www.mansfield.gov.uk/dwellingrequirement or call Mansfield District Council’s Planning Policy team.

The four options are: • Base level - 4,413 (about 221 new homes being built per year): This option is based upon limiting new dwelling numbers to less than what has been achieved in the past. Forecasting suggests that this level of new homes would not be sufficient to cater for an increase in the resident workforce. However it may help focus house building on previously developed land and would require the least amount of Greenfield development.

• Low level - 5,643 (about 282 new homes being built per year): This option would allow sufficient land for house building to continue at similar levels to that achieved over the last 10 years. However forecasts suggest there would be insufficient housing to provide for an increase in the workforce.

• Medium level - 7,828 (about 391 new homes being built per year): This option is based upon encouraging developers to build approximately 25% more new houses each year. Although it should provide enough new homes for an increase in population, forecasting suggests it may still fall short in terms of allowing enough new homes to be built to cater for an increased workforce.

• High level - 11,100 (about 555 new homes being built per year): This option is based upon encouraging the development industry to almost double house building completions, by releasing much more land for development. Should new houses be built at these levels, forecasting indicates there would be enough to cater for both an increased population and an increased workforce.

Ibstock launches interactive merchant training programme Recognising the importance of training and knowledge sharing, leading brick manufacturer, Ibstock, has launched a new training programme specifically developed to provide builders merchants with everything they could ever need to know about brick.

Including features such as a DVD, popular brick samples and a post training quiz, the company’s new programme has been purposefully designed with the builders’ merchant in mind.

Tony France, Director of Builders Merchants Sales at Ibstock, commented; “Training is crucial for merchants; the more knowledge they have, the more confidence they have, and in turn, the more sales they will make.

“Delivered to merchants by the dedicated Ibstock BM Account Management team and covering topics such as an introduction to Ibstock Brick and the production process, right through to brick identification and special shapes, we are confident that our new training programme will provide a solid foundation of knowledge to help builders’ merchant staff to help their customers identify the right brick for their requirements and in turn, maximise revenue.”

For more information please visit: www.ibstock.com

Site for 5 bungalows in Hucknall BAIRSTOW EVES are offering for sale land with outline planning for 5 detached bungalows.

The land - at Papplewick Lane, Hucknall, Nottingham, NG15 8EF - is available at an asking price of £375,000.

Call for more information on 01159 063 240.

I didn’t believe in reincarnation in my last life - why should I in this?

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - JANUARY 2012

2012 Homebuilding Show will feature live auctions The National Homebuilding & Renovating Show returns for the 21st year welcoming its millionth visitor through the doors.

Following the phenomenal success of last year’s National Homebuilding & Renovating Show, the organisers are planning an even bigger event to attract self-builders and renovators on 29 March – 1 April 2012 as it celebrates its 21st birthday.

The event will feature for the first time ever a live auction of plots and properties around the UK. It will also have 10 per cent more exhibitors, 15 per cent more floor space and a host of new and inspiring zones such as a dedicated Eco Home Zone, four master class and seminar theatres, life-size SIPs and oak frame structures.

In 2011, the show attracted over 430 specialist exhibitors from sectors such as kitchens, bathrooms, home electronics, garden and leisure, ecological products and flooring with more than 32,000 people attending the show over four days.

The National Homebuilding & Renovating Show will be held at NEC, Birmingham from 29 March – 1 April 2012.

For more information about exhibiting, contact managing director Stuart Baylis on 01527 834405, email stuart.baylis@centaur.co.uk or visit the show’s website www.national. homebuilding.co.uk

Government’s plan for a self-build revolution is on the horizon The third market research report for Q3 2011 from Homebuilding & Renovating magazine includes some interesting statistics on self-build: •

The total number of UK selfbuild completions rose by 2.6 per cent on the previous quarter, according to the market research report for Q3 2011 from Homebuilding & Renovating magazine.

• The total number of self-build completions was 2,839 for Q3 2011 compared with 2,765 in Q2 2011.

• Currently the number of self-build completions for the 2011-12 financial year is on target to reach 11,000, representing just under 9 per cent of all UK new home completions for the period.

• The total number of selfbuild homes completed in the UK for the 12 months to 31 September, 2011 was 12,260 (calculated using figures from HMRC²) and the self-build sector contributed approximately 40 per cent of all new detached units in the UK for Q3 2011.

• The Plotfinder Index recorded a fall in the average UK building plot price of 8.0 per cent for the quarter compared to a year earlier from £197,286 to £182,082.

Analysis by Michael Holmes, Editor-in-Chief of Homebuilding & Renovating magazine: Holmes says: “This rise in self-build completions brings confidence to the self-build industry, especially when the UK market has been stagnant since 2008. It supports the Government’s

plans to boost self-build and we could see a new turning point in 2012 given the Government’s new ‘custom build homes’ strategy revealed recently in its Housing Strategy for England. If these plans come to fruition, it could double the size of the market, creating up to 100,000 additional custom built homes over the next decade and 1,000s of new jobs. The Scottish Government has announced similar plans to revolutionise self-build in Scotland.

“Earlier this year housing minister, Grant Shapps stated that he wants self-building to be a viable option for everyone in the UK and not just a preserve for the rich. If the housing market remains stable and lending continues to ease, with more stage payment products becoming available, the self-build market should gradually return to the completion levels seen in the years up to 2009, which saw annual totals of 16-18,000.”

This growth suggests that the mortgage famine that began in 2008 is starting to ease, and is further supported by an increase in the number of lenders entering the self-build market thanks to an innovative new mortgage indemnity guarantee developed by BuildStore Financial Service.

The mortgage indemnity guarantee insures lenders against losses in the event of having to repossess a self-build project during the construction phase, thus reducing the perceived risk for

this type of lending. Grant Shapps wrote to all lenders recently asking them to look at improving funding for self-build mortgages. Research

by Datamonitor, the business information provider, indicates that mortgage advances for self-build properties will rise from less than £800m in 2011 to £1.9bn by 2015.

In addition, the UK Government revealed its long awaited housing strategy for England in November, with PM David Cameron and Deputy PM Nick Clegg pledging to ‘provide help to people and communities who want to design and build their own homes’.

To help kick start this self-build revolution, the Government has pledged to maximise all opportunities for custom homebuilders to access land which central Government is releasing as part of its accelerated public land disposals programme. The plan is to maximise the use of the innovative Build Now, Pay Later model to make self-building more accessible.

Further information in the magazine’s report highlights a decline in the number of new homes completed in the UK (excluding self-build projects) which fell by 20.7 per cent for the same period, according to figures produced by the National House Building Council (NHBC), which recorded 45,500 completions in the second quarter, of which approximately 4,560 were detached houses and bungalows.

Don’t fall foul of new tax penalties!

The deadline for submitting tax returns is rapidly approaching.

Tax returns should be submitted by 31 January and any tax due also paid by that date. This year it is particularly important that anyone in Leicestershire who is self employed or needs to complete a tax return meets that deadline because HMRC have changed the way that penalties are charged.

This year, for the first time, there will be an automatic, non cancellable, penalty of £100 – even if there is no tax to pay. This will be applied even if the return is only one day late.

Previously any penalties for late submission would be cancelled if there was no tax to pay.

This led to a situation where many people, knowing there wouldn’t be tax to pay, didn’t bother submitting their tax returns on time. Taking that attitude this year could prove to be very expensive. The first penalty is £100 and then, after three months, additional penalties of £10 per day start being added.

Continued non submission will result in even more penalties being added. These are penalties for non submission of tax returns. If tax is actually owed there will be additional

penalties if the tax isn’t paid by the deadline.

Subcontractors in the building trade are one particular group who are often late submitting tax returns.

They may be anticipating that CIS deductions will mean that they don’t owe any tax and, in previous years, that would have resulted in no penalties being charged. This year is different and penalties will be charged for just being late.

Kellie Chetwynd, an accountant at Central Business Services of Sileby, Leicestershire commented, “We think there are going to be a lot of unpleasant surprises for local residents

I planned to live forever. So far so good.

who aren’t taking action to ensure their tax returns are submitted on time. This is always a busy time of year for accountants so the best advice is for anyone needing to do a tax return to act sooner rather than later if they need help in completing their tax return.

“It is already too late to submit a paper return so electronic filing is essential.” People who are likely to need to complete and submit a tax return include anyone who is self employed, landlords (even if they haven’t made a profit), anyone with benefits or expenses to declare and company directors.

10

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - JANUARY 2012

Housing planning permissions drought continues

Figures released in December in HBF’s latest Housing Pipeline report reveal that approvals for just 32,900 homes across England were granted in Q3 of this year, a 10% decrease on the same period last year.

This number is half the 60,000 permissions required to build the homes needed to meet demand – and half the permissions granted each quarter in 2006 and 2007.

These figures demonstrate clearly why Government must stand firm on its proposals for planning and commitment to growth, if the other positive measures announced recently to boost house building are to have a chance of succeeding.

The report, compiled for HBF by Glenigan reveals: • Approval for just 32,900 units were granted in Q3 – 10% down on Q3 2010 - against a requirement of 60,000 • Number of social units approved in Q3 down 58% on Q3 2010 • Overall no of units approved in first 9 months of 2011 down 17% on 2010 • Quarterly average in 2011 now 33,280 compared to 38,500 in 2010 • Quarterly average in 2006 and 2007 was 64,500 Planning permissions granted now will, in the main, be built during the next three or four years. At a time when fewer homes are being built in England than at any time since the 1920s, the figures reveal the potential for intensifying the country’s housing crisis.

The social effects of continuing to undersupply homes are obvious: five million people languish on local authority waiting lists, millions more live in over-crowded and substandard accommodation, whilst first-time buyers have all but disappeared – further stagnating the housing market. An additional 140,000 homes a year are needed to meet demand. Economically, delivering these could create half a million jobs.

The Government is currently considering responses to its consultation on the National Planning Policy Framework that will provide the nuts and bolts of its new planning system. Its draft proposal empowers local people, businesses and charities to shape growth in their communities.

It strikes a balance between economic growth, a presumption in favour of sustainable development and existing environmental protection.

Stewart Baseley, Executive

Chairman of the HBF, said: “These figures demonstrate clearly why Government must stand firm and deliver a robust planning system that provides enough land to meet the nation’s housing needs. Its recent Housing Strategy contained some very positive measures, but if they are to bear fruit, the planning system must be fit for purpose.

“Continuing to under-deliver housing is storing up huge social and economic problems for the years ahead and it must be addressed.

“Building the homes we need would take millions off social housing waiting lists and enable beleaguered first time buyers to buy their own home. It could also create half a million new jobs, so giving the country a huge economic boost.”

Allan Wilén, Glenigan’s Economics Director, commented, “The flow of residential approvals remains extremely weak. Whilst the number of units approved during the third quarter of 2011 was off the two year low seen during the previous three months, approvals were still 10% down on a year ago and running at half the level seen prior to the recession. ”

Free tools to help stop scaffolds being built by non-skilled operatives Scaffolding by its nature can be a high risk occupation if it is not carried out in accordance with the latest standards and in compliance with the correct skills.

The only recognised training scheme for scaffolders is the CISRS (Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme), within this scheme there are currently 8 different cards that identify what the particular individual can (and cannot) do with regards to the construction/assembly of a scaffold structure. The 8 cards range from Labourer and Trainee through to Advanced Scaffolder and Scaffold Inspector.

In accordance with CDM (Construction Design Management) Regulations 2007 all clients and contractors must be legally satisfied with the “competence of those engaged” in any works, including scaffolding. To help inform clients and contractors on the scope of any of the 8 CISRS cards available in the UK today two new aids have been launched.

Free Site Poster CISRS have launched an easily read and informative A2 poster that clearly explains the scope of work that any individual holding a CISRS card can carry out.

Designed to be an ideal aide-memoire to any site the poster provides a simple to follow explanation ensuring that any individual’s card can be verified prior to any scaffolding works commencing.

The poster is available free (subject to stock availability) and can be requested directly by contacting CISRS at telephone number 0844 815 7223 or via email at enquiries@cisrs.org.uk

Free On-Line Video Toolbox Talk To explain in more detail the criteria for each CISRS card, a short but detailed online video presentation is available to watch from the CISRS website www. cisrs.org.uk. The video duration is approximately 15 minutes and details the course criteria and the scope of each CISRS qualification. To accompany the video a free online test is available to take after viewing the video to ensure that the user has fully understood the content.

David Mosley, CISRS Training Scheme Manager states “The main reason why some scaffolds are seen erected unsafely is due to lack of training. Hopefully clients and contractors will use these two new tools to help them understand the CISRS scheme and enable them to prevent non-skilled scaffolders erecting dangerous scaffolds.”

RICS Housing Market Survey Key findings of the RICS Nov UK Housing Market Survey: Buyer demand for property in the UK rose during November, but economic uncertainty continues to hold the market back from any meaningful recovery, says the latest RICS UK Housing Market survey (13 December 2011).

Seven per cent more surveyors reported new buyer enquiries rose rather than fell during November. This was the third consecutive monthly increase for the series, which is a good indicator of buyer demand in the market. Although the pick-up in interest signalled by the results is still modest, this is the first time since the spring of 2010 that the series has been in positive territory for three months in a row.

The improved tone to buyer demand was also reflected in an improvement in the level of sales transactions. Newly agreed sales rose, with 14 per cent more respondents reporting sales increased rather than decreased (from 9 per cent more in October). Alongside this, the average number of sales per surveyor (per branch) climbed to 15.4 in the three months to November. Although still very subdued, this is the best level since September 2010.

During November, surveyors were again asked about the factors which they felt were holding back activity in the housing market. Most cited was uncertainty in the economy and this reason was given by 89 per cent of respondents (compared to 79 per cent three months ago). Availability of mortgage finance came in at 70 per cent, while fear of house price falls remained steady at 42 per cent.

The house price balance continues to be negative, with 17 per cent more chartered surveyors reporting price declines rather increases in November – although this is an improvement from October’s reading of -24 per cent. Significantly, close to three-fifths of surveyors indicated that prices had not changed over the month and of those reporting a fall; the vast majority indicated that it had been in the 0 to 2 per cent range.

Two silkworms had a race. It ended in a tie.

Looking ahead, it remains a broadly similar story to that signalled for much of 2011. Price expectations remain barely changed at -21 per cent while the net balance for sales expectations is still in positive, albeit low, territory at + 5 per cent.

Commenting, RICS housing spokesperson, Alan Collett, said: “It is encouraging that buyer interest has edged upwards in the face of the endless diet of negative news from Europe and the turmoil in financial markets.

However, a meaningful recovery still seems some way off.

“While the proposed mortgage indemnity scheme is clearly likely to provide some assistance for the market and is to be welcomed, its focus on the new build sector will inevitably mean that it only offers support for a relatively small share of the market.”

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - JANUARY 2012 11

Low carbon affordable homes for BSP Consulting Civil and structural engineering company BSP Consulting has completed work on Derwent Living’s first Level 5 Code for Sustainable Homes L-R: Film Director Ken Loach and Peter Cormack, Chief development.

Executive of Derwent Living The low carbon scheme at Mickleover in Derby has now been officially opened by film director Ken Loach, Derby North MP Chris Williamson and the Mayor of Derby, Councillor Les Allen.

The properties come with a number of eco-technologies as standard, and features include new environmentally friendly construction methods such as insulated render walls and triple glazed windows with carbon neutral wooden frames. Other features include photovoltaic panelling, hot water solar panelling, rainwater harvesting and highly efficient A-rated eco-gas boilers.

A Level 5 rating is one of the highest ratings available under the Code for Sustainable Homes, which is an environmental impact rating for housing in England and Wales.

BSP Consulting, with offices in Derby, Nottingham, Leicester and Sheffield, was civil and structural engineer for the development at Vicarage Road which consisted of one three-bed house, two two-bed houses and four twobed apartments.

The company was launched in Nottingham in 1999 and its offices are in Oxford Street, Nottingham, Pride Park, Derby, De Montfort Street, Leicester and Vincent House, Solly Street, Sheffield.

‘Enviable Machine’ Savills Is Crowned UK Property Adviser Of The Year Nottingham-based property firm Savills has won the accolade for UK national property adviser of the year at a national awards ceremony run by Estates Gazette magazine.

The leading UK real estate publication held its annual ceremony, hosted by comedian Marcus Brigstocke and BBC News’ Louise Minchin, at the London Park Lane Hilton. Savills Chairman, Mark Ridley, collected the award on behalf of the commercial business.

According to the judges: “Savills is an enviable machine, churning out impressive fees and profit levels. It addresses client issues, has a great culture and with a strong residential arm has firepower across the board.”

Victor Ktori, head of Savills Nottingham office, adds: “This award is a testament to the dynamic teams and exceptional individuals across the UK that make up a powerful workforce. We are proud that at Savills we achieve great results yet retain a unique culture which attracts the best people in the industry.”

In addition to the award, this year Savills was the only UK property adviser to be voted by Estates Gazette readers as best in class across four regional categories.

Rushcliffe Mr R Stanley (of 6 Thelda Avenue, Keyworth, Nottinghamshire NG12 5HU) - Erect one pair of semi-detached houses - at Nos 4 & 6 Thelda Avenue, Keyworth, Nottinghamshire NG12 5HU. Mr Glenn Delaney (of Notts Sports Properties Ltd, 1 Holme Road, Lady Bay, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 5AA) - Construction of building for changing rooms, medical rooms and office - at Nottingham Rugby Club, Holme Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 5AA. B B & A E Ward (c/o: Fields Farm, Asher Lane, Ruddington, Nottinghamshire NG11 6JX) Application to extend the time limit for implementation of planning permission 07/01477/FUL for a change of use of farm building to form 4 light industrial units - at Fields Farm, Asher Lane, Ruddington, Nottinghamshire NG11 6JX Mr C Bailey (c/o Agent: Mr R Fox, CPB Architects, 44 The Ropewalk, Nottingham NG1 5DW) - Construct building comprising 7 apartments and formation of parking area - at Bella Court, Wilford Road, Ruddington, Nottinghamshire.

Miller Homes East Midlands (of 2 Centro Place, Pride Park, Derby DE24 8RF) - Construction of 8 dwellings - at land south of Mallow Way, and Mill Hill Road, Bingham, Nottinghamshire NG13 8TZ.

Newark & Sherwood Mr Adrien Tolly (c/o Agent: Mr Ian Hurst, DMI Services, 8 Marton Road, Chilwell, Nottinghamshire NG9 5JY) - Erection of B1 light industrial unit, with associated car park - at land north of Ansec Business Park, Off Burma Road, Blidworth, Nottinghamshire.

B M Arden (c/o Agent: Paul Dunham Associates, 19 Townsend, Soham, Cambridgeshire CB7 5DD) Conversion, alterations & extension of property to form 3 dwellings and retention of retail unit - at 148 High Street, Collingham, Newark, Notts.

NG23 7NH. Nottingham Trent University (c/o Agent: Mr James Hollyman, Harris Lamb Limited, 75-76 Francis Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham,

An escalator can never break, it can only become stairs.

West Midlands B16 8SP) Demolition of 2 semi-detached houses used for university residential purposes and two flat-roofed portable buildings and the erection of a new university library building - at Brackenhurst School of Land-based Studies, The Nottingham Trent University, Brackenhurst Lane, Southwell NG25 0QF. Gilder Group (c/o Agent: SDA Architects Ltd, Victoria Foundry, Marshall Street, Leeds. West Yorkshire LS11 9EH) - Car showroom, workshop & MOT facility - at Newark Volkswagen, Northern Road, Newark on Trent, Nottinghamshire NG24 2ET

Mansfield Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Ltd (c/o Agent: Mr R Crolla, Indigo Planning Ltd, Toronto Square, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS1 2HJ) Amendment to planning permission 2010/0413/ST consisting of the demolition of existing petrol filling station and erection of replacement petrol filling station, car wash, car parking, access and landscaping - at Sainsbury’s Supermarket, Nottingham Road, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire NG18 4AF. Mr & Mrs S Lynn (c/o Agent: Ellis Riley & Son, 40 Hamilton Drive, Warsop, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire NG20 0EX) Change of use of existing buildings to form 4 dwellings and the erection of a detached barn and stable block - at Debdale Hall Farm Buildings & Stables, Debdale Lane, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire NG19 7EZ. Runwood Homes Ltd (c/o Agent: Ron Hudson Designs, Runwood House, 107 London Road, Hadleigh, Benfleet, Essex SS7 2QL) - Erect 2 storey extension to existing elderly persons’ home and internal upgrade - at Braywood Gardens, Milbrook Drive, Carlton, Nottinghamshire NG4 3SR.

Broxtowe Mrs D Taylor (c/o Agent: Mr Brian Rackstraw, 17 Derby Road, Stapleford, Nottingham NG9 7AN) - Demolish bungalow and detached garage and construct 3 dwellings - at 449 High Road, Chilwell, Nottingham NG9 5EA. Continued on page 13

12

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - JANUARY 2012

Apprentice appointed at local workwear supplier TAGplus has appointed local boy Reiss Stenson via the NE Group apprenticeship scheme.

With previous experience in staff recruitment selection and practical skills acquired from his time in electrical installations Reiss brings valuable talents to the TAGplus team.

Commenting on the appointment Service & Sales Director Ian Cairney commented: “We are impressed with the aptitude and mature attitude displayed by Reiss.

His commitment to tasks and positive work ethic dovetail with our expectations and passion for excellence of service delivery” New appointee Reiss remarked: “I’m delighted and excited to have been given this opportunity and share the high ambitions TAG has for the future.”

The recruitment was brokered through Eastwood based NE Group - Employment Engagement Officer Julie Girling commented:“It’s been a positive pleasure working with TAG and to have successfully placed another young person on his way to full-time employment.

Being independent of all training providers has enabled us to tailor a bespoke package with TAG. “Pitman training will provide ‘Back to Work’ support whilst the North Notts College Business Administration course has been selected to complement the Apprenticeship training route.”

Ian continued:“We are confident that the apprenticeship route - with real-life experience complemented by formal coursework and associated qualifications - will positively affect our ability to exceed expectations of clients both existing and new”

Government ‘must make significant changes to improve draft NPPF’ A default answer of ‘yes’ to development should be removed from the National Planning Policy Framework says the Communities and Local Government Committee in its review of the draft framework.

The phrase ‘significantly and demonstrably’ must also be removed from the presumption that all planning applications should be approved unless the adverse effects ‘significantly and demonstrably’ outweigh the benefits, say the MPs because it adds a further barrier to the achievement of truly sustainable development.

Launching the report of an inquiry that examines the draft NPPF, Clive Betts, Chair of the Communities and Local Government Committee said: “The way the framework is drafted currently gives the impression that greater emphasis should be given in planning decisions to economic growth. This undermines the equally important environmental and social elements of the planning system. As currently drafted the ‘default yes’ to development also carries the risk of the planning system being used to implement unsustainable development.

“The document omits any reference to ‘brownfield development first’. We welcome the Government’s openness to reinstating the familiar and well understood term ‘brownfield development’ in the NPPF. For similar reasons the NPPF should be revised to reflect the ‘Town Centre First’ policy.”

The Committee warns that, as currently drafted, the NPPF defines the phrase ‘sustainable development’ inadequately and often conflates it with ‘sustainable economic growth’.

“We take reassurance from the fact that Ministers have accepted that

a cogent case has been made for expanding and strengthening the definition of sustainable development within the NPPF. To assist the minister we offer a more inclusive definition of sustainable development” adds Clive Betts. (The text is at paragraph 67 of the report.)

“The Prime Minister has been clear that he believes ‘that sustainable development has environmental and social dimensions as well as an economic dimension, and that the Government fully recognises the need for a balance between the three’*. We also believe that a ‘presumption in favour of sustainable development’ should be a golden thread running through the planning system. We therefore welcome the planning minister Greg Clarke’s reassurance that he is minded to make changes to address this risk.

The Committee also concludes the NPPF should unambiguously reflect the statutory supremacy of Local Plans, in accordance with the 2004 Act. MPs therefore call for the NPPF to require local planning decisions to be taken in accordance with the presumption in favour of of sustainable development consistent with the Local Plan.

In its review of the draft NPPF, MPs make clear recommendations about how to resolve potential conflict between the framework and Local Plans. The Committee also shares the Government’s view that it is unacceptable that so many parts of England have yet to develop and adopt a new Local Plan.

MPs also warn that clarity within the NPPF has suffered in the pursuit of brevity. Left unchanged, inconsistent drafting could create gaps in planning policy or guidance that MPs predict will lead to a huge expansion in the size of Local Plans as local authorities attempt to plug those gaps.

“The Government wants to simplify the planning system, make it more receptive to all forms of sustainable development, and is keen to ensure effective decisions are reached more quickly. Yet as currently worded the framework would introduce several ambiguities that are more likely to slow down the planning process.

Gaps or contradictions in the document are likely to fuel a system of ‘planning decision by appeal’ instead of the local decision making that ministers advocate,” adds Clive Betts.

The Committee queries the test for ‘viability’ to be applied under the NPPF. As currently worded, this risks allowing unsustainable developments to go ahead if measures to make them sustainable are, at the same time, deemed to make them unviable for the developer.

MPs also call for a sensible transition period with a clear and realistic timetable. This should give local authorities time to put Local Plans in place where they have not already done so. Transition arrangements must also reassure local authorities, communities and developers on the status of Local Plans that are in place, close to adoption, or have recently been completed.

“The published, final NPPF will be a significant document, with far-reaching consequences. It must be balanced, comprehensive and adequately linked to other relevant central and local Government policy documents. Now is the opportunity to take on board the suggested changes we are recommending, based on the evidence we have received, to produce a well crafted, effective document, used to inform planning decisions made locally across England that will address social, environmental and economic demands on land supply on an equal basis.” says Clive Betts.

Clowes Developments enters into a Forward Purchase Agreement at Castlewood Business Park, Sutton in Ashfield

TAGplus new recruit Reiss Stenson’s first day at the office

Clowes Developments has completed a forward purchase agreement with Standard Life Investments Funds Limited on a 477,263 sq. ft. distribution warehouse at Castlewood Business Park.

The facility has been pre-let to the Co-operative Group Limited on a 20 year lease.

The new warehouse property, which will be completed in October 2012,

will be state of the art, with 360 degree circulation and two main service yards with depths of 50m and 99m, allowing full cross docking operation. The building has an eaves height of 15 m, 80 dock level loading doors and a range of support facilities including Vehicle Maintenance Units and a Recycling Centre.

Castlewood Business Park is a 112 acre master planned development, acquired from Wilson Bowden, which is fully serviced and capable of providing over

2 million sq. ft. of logistics facilities.

Castlewood is located adjacent to Junction 28 of the M1, at its intersection with the A38.

TRW Real Estate and Flint Bishop acted for Clowes Developments in the forward purchase agreement, and Drivers Jonas Deloitte and Pinsent Mason represented Standard Life Investments Funds Limited. For the letting, the Co-operative Group Limited were represented by TRW Real Estate and FHP represented Clowes Developments.

Never buy a portable tv in the street from a man who is out of breath.

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - JANUARY 2012 13

Local street furniture manufacturer secures safety accreditation Nottinghamshirebased street furniture manufacturer, Townscape Products Ltd, has been accredited by the Contractors Health and Safety Scheme (CHAS).

Continued from page 11 Broxtowe Borough Council - Demolish multi-storey car park - at Styring Street, Beeston, Nottinghamshire.

CHAS is the leading noncommercial organisation for health and safety pre-qualification in the UK and assesses companies on their health and safety policy statement and organisation.

CHAS accredited companies must also demonstrate the application of the core H&S criteria in their management of projects and processes.

Townscape Products managing director, Jonathan Goss, said: “Becoming CHAS accredited saves a great deal of time for buyers who require prequalification of a supplier’s health and safety credentials.

“We take health and safety very seriously and many buyers of our products and services, which include main contractors and local authorities nationwide, often specify CHAS approved suppliers. This award will save buyers time and resources and is a reflection of the investment we have made in our safe working procedures.”

Townscape Products manufactures and supplies a range of street furniture including bollards, seating, bins, covered walkways, shelters and a range of vehicle defence security products.

The company manufactures approximately 95 per cent of its products at its Sutton-in-Ashfield factory using steel, stainless steel, aluminum, cast iron, concrete, polymer, and timber.

Creating an attractive gateway to Mansfield Woodhouse An empty site, which greeted people arriving at Mansfield Woodhouse train station, is to receive a £970,000 makeover which includes a new business unit development, improvements to the landscaping and a public footpath through to the site.

The piece of land, adjacent to the train station, had been used as a station car park but is now an empty site.

Work started in December to construct the new offices and is expected to be completed in June 2012. This will then be followed with new lighting and improvements to the footpaths. The adjoining industrial estate will also be screened off and new trees will be planted.

There will be six individual office units of 72 sq m each, which will be available to rent and are an expansion to the nearby Woodhouse Enterprise Centre.

The regeneration project aims to provide a positive, safe and attractive gateway to Mansfield Woodhouse for passengers arriving by train.

The majority of the development has been funded through Regional Development Fund (ERDF) together with Local Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI) and contributions from Mansfield District Council. The work is being carried out by A and S Enterprises.

Cllr Kate Allsop, Portfolio Holder for Economic Regeneration at Mansfield District Council, said: “This new development will massively enhance the appearance of the area and provide a more pleasant greeting to passengers arriving at Mansfield Woodhouse train station. It will also provide small and medium sized businesses with modern, high quality employment accommodation in an important area of Mansfield, as well as providing good employment opportunities for local people.”

Andy Sulin, Managing Director of A&S Enterprises said: “We are pleased to have been entrusted with this prestigious building contract and working in partnership with Mansfield District Council.”

Savace Ltd (c/o Agent: Mr Robert Thompson, 8 Eldon Chambers, Wheeler Gate, Nottingham NG1 2NS) - Variation of condition 8 of planning ref: 09/00308/FUL (maximum 32 bedroom units) to 42 bedroom units - at Bramcote Hills Care Home, 36 Sandringham Drive, Bramcote, Nottinghamshire NG9 3EJ. W Westerman Ltd (c/o Agent: Mr Neil Arbon, Gleneagles House, Vernongate, Derby DE1 1UP) Outline application, for residential development for up to 450 dwellings with all matters reserved except for access - at Field Farm, Ilkeston Road, Stapleford, Nottinghamshire NG9 8JJ.

Bassetlaw Grange Electrical Services (UK) Ltd (c/o Agent, 54 Book Shop Chambers, King Street, Southwell, Notts. NG25 0EN) - Demolition of farmhouse & barns and erect one detached dwelling and a pair of semi-detached dwellings - at Corner House Farm, 2 Lound Low Road, Sutton, Retford DN22 8PN. Mr Joe Clayton (c/o Agent: Mr T J Woods, 3 The Grove, Worksop, Notts. S81 0LE) - Erect 3 apartments and single storey staff block - at Former Garage Site, Grange Close, Misterton, Notts.

Ms Amanda Henton (c/o Agent: Mr Robert Saxton, 68 Bentley Road, Bentley, Doncaster DN5 9TA) - Erect 2 semi-detached dwellings - at land at Larkfield House, Blyth Road, Ranskill, Retford, Notts.

DN22 8LR. Mr J Williamson (c/o Agent: Mr R Smallwood, The Elms, Manor View, Caunton, Newark, Notts.

NG23 6AW) - Erect 7 two-bedroom dwellings - at land at corner of Bolham Lane, Moorgate, Retford, Notts. DN22 6SU. Mr Hargreaves (c/o Agent: Mr Player, 2 St Peters Gate, Nottingham NG1 2JG) - Erect 19 two-bedroom dwellings - at Site of former Boundary Day Centre, Watson Road, Worksop S80 2BL. Applicant (c/o Agent: Mr Allebon, Manor Farm, Kersall, Newark, Notts. NG22 0BJ) - Erect

Never tell a lie unless it is absolutely convenient.

8 bungalows and associated garages - at land off Bramley Way, Misterton, Notts.

Nottinghamshire County Council (c/o Agent: David Rixson, Sterling Court, Norton Road, Stevenage, Herts. SG1 2JY) Prior notification for demolition of vacant school buildings - at Manton Primary School, Kingston Road, Worksop, Notts.

Mr A Cramer (c/o Agent: Mrs Sue Clegg, The Coach House, Monk Fryston Hall, Monk Fryston, Leeds LS25 5DU) - Reserved matters application following planning application 01/08/00094 for residential development to erect 28 dwellings - at Former Retford Oaks School, Retford, Notts. DN22 6LR Mr Walker (c/o Agent: Miss Fitzgerald, 11 Paradise Square, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S1 2DE) - Outline application for a residential development of up to a maximum of 80 dwellings and 72 bed residential care home/ senior living units - at Former Dormer Tools Ltd, Shireoaks Road, Rhodesia, Worksop, Notts.

Ashfield Westleigh Developments Ltd (c/o Agent: Brian Dearlove Partnership) - Residential development to erect 22 dwellings - at land at Occupation Road, Hucknall, Notts.

Sutton Supply Stores Ltd (c/o Agent: Ian Baseley Architects) - Outline application for residential development and demolition of existing building - at 5-9 Market Street, Huthwaite, Notts.

JMS Developments Ltd (c/o Agent: Julian Owen Associates Architects) - Two semi-detached dwellings and one detached garage - at Hilltop Farm, Eyres Close, Skegby, Sutton in Ashfield, Notts.

Mr Parker (c/o Agent: MIC Design) - Demolish existing building and erect 3 dwellings - at 19-21 Derbyshire Lane, Hucknall, Notts.

Mr Beckett (c/o Agent: Green 2K Design) - Outline application for residential development - at 29 John Street, Sutton in Ashfield, Notts.

Continued on page 15

14

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - JANUARY 2012

LUCKY TILE TRIO WIN TOP PRIZES IN EMC TILES “WEBER WEDNESDAY” DRAW Three lucky winners have walked off with top prizes in EMC Tiles “Weber Wednesdays” draw.

The super prize draw was the successful conclusion to a series of four highly popular monthly events – which have attracted scores of tiling professionals to EMC’s Trade Centre at the Southglade Business Park, Hucknall Road, Nottingham.

The winner of the first prize, an iPad2, was builder Barrie Simms.

Darren Newnes of Dial-a-Tiler won the second prize of a Track Day opportunity to drive a dream car.

Andy Foster of Grout and About won the third prize of a Christmas hamper.

David Starbuck, of David Starbuck Ceramics won the competition to guess the number of tile spacers in a bucket.

The “Weber Wednesdays” featured trade demonstrations of Weber products with advice on all the latest developments and techniques.

The events started at 7-30 am with a free breakfast and attracted up to 60 professional tile fixers at a time.

The final event on December 7th had mulled wine and mince pies as a seasonal touch.

EMC Tiles Trade Division Manager, Philip Slawson said: “We are the region’s leading supplier of Weber and other premium products to trade professionals. These events have proved to be exceptionally popular and have been a great opportunity for our trade customers to keep up with all the latest news and products from Weber.

“The super prize draw had scores of entries and we would like to pass on our congratulations to all the lucky winners.”

Government ‘back-track’ on office-to-residential conversion idea Cluttons, leading property consultants and charte red surveyors, has criticised government back-tracking on officeto-residential conversion.

The UK is suffering a severe shortage of new residential development. The Chancellor’s Budget announcement offered an easy-win in the provision of new housing, allowing owners of offices to convert their buildings into residential accommodation without the need for further planning consents.

The case has been clearly made – particularly outside London – that as many as 25,000 new homes could be created by converting redundant office blocks.

However, since this announcement, councils have lobbied ferociously to have

the plans downgraded from secondary legislation which would have forced them to comply. The proposals will now only form part of the forthcoming National Planning Policy Framework, essentially putting the proposals for the creation of housing firmly on the back burner.

In London, Cluttons’ data shows that although 82 per cent of proposed conversions from officeto-residential received planning consent between 2001 and 2010, many London boroughs (through their Local Development Frameworks) have now put a stop to these conversions.

Malcolm Chumbley, Head of UK Development agency, Cluttons, said: “Caving-in to councils and their lobbyists will cause a serious dent to muchneeded extra housing. Plans to bring redundant buildings back

into alternative use will now be thwarted and we hear that the proposed relaxation of regulations will form part of the evolving planning policy framework.

Councils can simply turn a blind eye.

“The government should not back-track. It is simply not good enough. Eric Pickles himself said: ‘...it is in everyone’s interests to make it easier to turn run-down old eyesores into much-needed new homes.’

“Cluttons will be writing to the Secretary of State once again urging him to bring forward legislation at the first opportunity.

In many parts of the country, the need for residential property severely outweighs requirements for offices. This situation needs to be acknowledged. The government is missing a trick here.”

Teamwork is essential - it allows you to blame someone else.

Affordable homes completed in Gringley

by Acis

Work has been completed on 17 new affordable homes in villages in Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire by Lincolnshire based housing association Acis Group.

Acis owns and manages over 5,300 homes across Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire.

The developments were located in the Nottinghamshire village of Gringley-on-the-Hill and the South Yorkshire village of Kilnhurst in late November.

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - JANUARY 2012 15

Coffee Time Crossword Gentle Exercise for your Brain!

Continued from page 13 Mr Jackson (c/o Agent: Paul Gaughan Building Consultants) - Application to replace extant planning permission V/2009/0568 - Outline application for 3 dwellings - at Rosedale, Roberts Lane, Hucknall, Notts.

Nottingham City Adelaide Properties (East Midlands) Ltd (c/o Agent: Paul Gaughan Building Consultants, Rosscarbery House, 4 Coronation Street, Ilkeston, Derbyshire DE7 5QH) - Erection of 5 three-bed terraced houses - at land adjacent to The Queen Adelaide, 99 Windmill Lane, Nottingham NG3 2BH.

ACROSS 1. Weaving fibre 5. Groan 7. Fleshy 8. Car hooter 9. Chair 10. Permit 11. Pink-eyed rabbit 13. Balanced 14. Spiced sausage 18. Most cunning 21. Installed (carpet) 22. Mocking, ... fun at 24. Stomach sore 25. Bullets 26. Carpentry clamp 27. Overturn 28. Cloth scraps 29. Tendons

DOWN 1. Cooks again 2. Toadstools 3. Mexican friend 4. Hunting trips 5. Unsolved situation 6. Stimulates 12. Pen name, ... de plume 15. Blood disorder 16. Laborious 17. Frozen water spikes 19. Zodiac sign 20. Fierce feline 22. Digs 23. Actor, ... Costner © Lovatts Publications Pty Ltd SOLUTION ON PAGE 21

A man is in a bar talking to his friend. ‘Last night, while I was out drinking, a burglar broke into my house.’

‘Did he get anything?’ asks his friend.

‘Yes,’ says the man, ‘A broken jaw, six teeth knocked out, and a pair of broken ribs. My wife thought it was me coming home drunk.’

Mr David Smith (of 217 Melton Road, Edwalton, Nottingham NG12 4AF) - Change of use from office to residential - at 15 George Street, Nottingham NG1 3BH. Nottingham City Homes (c/o Ms Sharon Brookes, Beechdale Court, Western Boulevard, Nottingham NG8 2LH) - Estate improvements including construction of new access road, alterations to the front and rear gardens of 7 houses - at 1-3 Lyttton Close and 10-13 Eastham Close, Nottingham.

Mr Simon Varley (c/o Agent: Jonathan Bramley, Bramley-Maye Design, 2 Charleswold Court, Thurlby Lane, Stanton on the Wolds, Keyworth, Notts. NG12 5BS) - Erection of 8 new dwellings - at Site of 22 Sceptre Street, Nottingham.

J & R Developments Ltd (c/o Agent: Dino Labbate, Swish Architecture Ltd, 5 Grangelea Gardens, Bramcote, Nottingham NG9 3HR) - Change of use from hostel to 8 self-contained apartments - at 9 7 9A Castle Street, Nottingham NG2 4E. Nottingham City Council (c/o Agent: Stephen Moore, Franklin Ellis Architects, The Old Pumphouse, 5 The Ropewalk, Nottingham NG1 5DU) - Erection of new school building plus demolition and removal of some existing buildings - at Farnborough School Technology College, Farnborough Road, Nottingham NG11 5JW. Mr N Marette (of 200-204 North Sherwood Street, Nottingham NG1 4EN) - Erection of 8 self-contained apartments - at Car Park Site of 192 North Sherwood Street, Nottingham.

Continued on page 17

Warsop bungalow in need of refurbishment BAIRSTOW EVES are offering for sale a 3 Bedroom Detached Bungalow requiring refurbishment.

The property - at Sherwood Street, Warsop, Mansfield, NG20 0HH - is an unfinished project and would be ideal for somebody as a business project or to design the interior as they would like.

The bungalow has an extensive rear garden which must be viewed to appreciate the size of the plot on offer.

The asking price is £140,000.

For more information, contact Bairstow Eves on 01623 594 042.

Some people say I’m superficial, but that’s just on the surface.

16

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - JANUARY 2012

Builders’ Problems SOLVED A poor performing sub-contractor has resulted in work being lost Problem: I own and manage a small general building company and recently began working on an extension for a developer client.

About 6 weeks into the build the client had my company provide quotations for around £60,000.00 worth of work and we were due to start the client’s next development before Christmas 2011.

My company employed a bricklayer to undertake the work on the first extension. All was well, and a payment schedule was agreed. 4 weeks in and the bricklayer starts dragging his feet, his work was poor and eventually I sacked him and had to rectify his work. He demanded payment of £4,000.00 on the spot or he would knock down the extension down.

I explained that I would be paying him minus the remedial work we had to undertake. He is currently owed £1,200.00.

My company’s agreement with the client is for stage payments with the first being paid once the building is to ridge level. However, due to the brick work problem we are behind schedule.

A few days ago, the bricklayer arrived at my client’s offices and demanded the £4,000.00 from them, stating that he would otherwise knock the building down.

Subsequently, the developer has now withdrawn all further work with my company and has refused to pay the instalments and possibly claim against my company over the whole issue.

My company is still continuing with the work but because of this bricklayer my company has lost a great deal of money which I want back! The developer’s Architect and myself pulled the work at the point where the standard of the bricklayer slipped. This went directly to the client and relations remained good. However, after the bricklayer’s visit to the client’s offices the relationship is now just about polite. Can I claim against the bricklayer?

Thank you.

Ray, Nottingham

Response: Hello Ray. Although you have mentioned “employed” and “sacked”, I suspect the bricklayer was in fact a subcontractor as you have stated that you agreed a payment schedule and then when he was ‘dismissed’, you have set-off monies for the cost of remedial works against what was owed.

However, irrespective of the bricklayer’s employment status, I cannot see how you would have a good cause of action against the bricklayer for the type of losses you have alluded to.

If the bricklayer was a subcontractor, then notwithstanding any expressed terms and conditions that may exist in relation to carrying out the work to the extension (and providing you have terminated his engagement correctly), the losses you have incurred as a result of his breach under the initial contract, you could claim. This could include for delays and of course the cost of rectification of the sub-standard work. However, such claims would be limited to the effect of the initial contract that the bricklayer is employed under, but could not include for any losses you may have sustained against other, separate contracts, which is what you wish to do.

If you wish to claim for any losses you have incurred on the other separate ‘contracts’, then you would have to bring a separate action against the bricklayer but, even in the absence of further information, I do not consider you would have a good cause. In any event, I believe you would be pursuing the wrong party.

Your outline does not state whether you have actually entered into any binding contracts for the quotations you have provided of £60,000.00. If you have in fact entered into binding contracts, then the developer client cannot unilaterally withdraw from those contracts, otherwise you would have a good cause of action against the developer for breach of contract and that is where your

Thomas Cook to close 200 stores THOMAS Cook plans to close 200 stores including outlets in Beeston, Ripley, Long Eaton and Grantham.

Five jobs will go at the Thomas Cook-owned Co-operative Travel in Long Eaton and six each at the Thomas Cook stores in Beeston, Ripley and Grantham, a spokesman told the Nottingham Evening Post.

The 170-year-old group, founded in Loughborough, came close to collapse last month after recording losses of almost £400 million.

It will close 200 loss-making stores over the next two years as their leases expire – 125 more than previously announced – after completing a recent merger with the Co-op’s high street travel arm.

cause of action lies – against the developer. You cannot simply choose to pursue the bricklayer because you not wish to pursue the developer.

If on the other hand you have merely submitted quotations which have not been accepted, then what is your loss? Until any of your offers have been accepted, you have not entered into any binding contracts and hence, you cannot claim you have suffered a loss.

Your offers are speculative and to attempt to adduce the necessary level of evidence to prove that the bricklayer is responsible for [at best] a theoretical loss, would in my opinion be a waste of time and money.

In any event, I find it difficult to accept that an experienced developer would allow such a trivial event cloud his judgement on whether your company should be awarded further work if your company enjoys a first class reputation. You have already demonstrated your worth by

mitigating the problem, and this alone should encourage the developer to continue to use you.

One final observation is that in future you need to be careful to ensure that terminating a subcontractor’s engagement is actually done lawfully, otherwise it could be a very costly mistake. I would therefore suggest you invest in a few hours and seek an appropriate professional’s advice, who will also take the time in explaining some of the principles of contract law together with acts and regulations that have an impact on construction contracts, especially the Housing Grants, Construction & Regeneration Act. © 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.

Car park closes to make way for new bus station

Mansfield’s Station Road car park will be closed from 3 January 2012 to make way for the town’s new bus station.

The new bus station will be located at the Station Road Car Park, just 180 metres (195 yards) from the Market Square and within the heart of the town centre. It will be much closer to the railway station and will benefit the five million passengers using the old bus station each year and, hopefully, encourage more people to travel by public transport.

The building will be light and airy, with extensive use of glass. It will be fully enclosed and have a comfortable waiting area with plenty of seating, toilets, a baby changing area, shops and refreshments.

It will include a staffed travel information office, electronic timetable information, CCTV cameras linked to the town centre system and automatic doors separating the waiting passengers from buses.

Work on the bus station is due to be completed in Spring 2013.

A single fact can ruin a good argument.

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - JANUARY 2012 17

Rare development site in Nottingham’s M1 corridor INNES England has been instructed to market Access 26, a rare development site in Nottingham’s M1 corridor.

Acting on behalf of McCann, the Nottingham property agency has already received a positive reaction to the site, which comes at a time when industrial development opportunities in the region are in short supply.

The 4.16 acre site is ideally located adjacent to the A610 dual carriageway within five minutes drive of Junction 26 of the M1 motorway and is the last available development plot on the successful business park which has already attracted occupiers including 3663 logistics and Warburton’s.

Buildings are available to purchase or rent on a design and build basis to suit occupiers specific needs within the 20,000sqft to 60,000sqft size range. The site already benefits from planning consent for the development meaning the completed buildings can be delivered in a relatively short timescale.

Craig Straw of Innes England says: “For some considerable time now there has been a lack of industrial development opportunities in the Nottingham area and this has been reflected in subdued transaction levels held back by the lack of available good quality accommodation. There has already been a really good response to the site primarily from owner occupiers drawn from a range of sectors.”

The scheme is one of the first in the region for developers McCann, who already have an excellent track record in the infrastructure and civil’s market.

John McCann says: “Access 26 is a strategic location for businesses seeking excellent links to the region’s main arterial roads. Our design and planning team has carried out detailed pre-construction work, providing a platform for speedy negotiation with prospective occupiers.

“Early interest in the site from potential occupiers has been extremely encouraging. Accordingly, we have pressed the button on detailed preconstruction work to make sure that the development can marry with our customers needs. With a major resource and fleet of plant and equipment within McCann, we are able to move quickly on the infrastructure works required.

Simon Gardiner from Lumen Management Services, who will manage the scheme’s delivery, added: ”We are extremely encouraged by the firm interest shown in the site but not surprised. It is clear that good secondary existing stock has been taken up, leaving little or no new strong strategic land for expanding organisations.”

For more information contact Craig Straw on 0115 924 3243 or email: cstraw@innes-england.com

Tollerton plot for a pair of semis BONFIELDS Estate Agents are offering for sale a plot of land with planning permission for 2 three-storey semidetached dwellings.

The land - at Bentinck Avenue, Tollerton, Nottinghamshire NG12 - has a Guide Price of £150,000-£170,000.

For more information, contact Bonfields on 0115 851 2211 or email: sales@bonfields.com

Electronic Templating for The Worksurfacing Industry

• • • •

18 years Experience Contact Mark Seabrook 0772 309 2474 www.seabrookdigital.com

Continued from page 15 Geldards LLP (c/o Agent: Mark Goodwill-Hodgson, Inclusive Design Ltd, Minerva House, Spaniel Row, Nottingham NG1 6EP) Outline application for residential development - at Site of Trent Works, Wilford Crescent, East Nottingham.

Mr Ahmed (c/o Agent: Mr Phil Routledge, Aspect Designs Ltd, 11 Ringstead Close, Nottingham NG2 7UJ) - Change of use from former community building and flats to ground floor restaurant/ takeaway and retail and creation of 4 residential flats - at 630 Radford Road, Nottingham NG7 7EX. Mr A Khan (c/o Agent: Mr A Raoof, 35 Windmill Lane, Sneinton, Nottingham NG2 4QB) - Erection of religious and community centre following demolition of existing garage - at 16-18 Sneinton Dale, Nottingham NG2 4HA. Sycamore Developments (c/o Agent: Ian Gidley, IG Land & Planning, 1 Thornton Close, Crick, Noorthamptonshire NN6 7GE) - Outline planning application for residential development - at Western Section of Former Coach Station, Land off Bulwell Lane, Basford, Nottingham.

London and County (Nottingham) LLP (c/o Agent: Robert Foley, Gaskell Building Surveying Ltd, 104 Victoria House, Mansfield Road, Nottingham NG1 3HD) - Change ofuse of 2nd & 3rd floor from C1 Hotel to student accommodation comprising 2 eightbedroom units - at 3 & 4 Poultry, Nottingham NG1 2HW.

Mr D Singh Landa (c/o Agent: Mr S Charlton, 10 Rufford Avenue, Bramcote, Nottingham NG9 3JH) - Erection of three-storey building and two-storey extension over shop to create new storage area and 3 self-contained apartments - at land adjacent to 2B Birkin Avenue, Nottingham NG7 5AF. Medina Green Limited (c/o Agent: Alison Dudley, Zenith Planning & Design Consultants, 30 Padleys lane, Burton Joyce, Nottingham NG14 5BZ) Demolition of former public house - at Man of Trent, Clifton Lane, Nottingham NG11 8NA Framework Housing Association (c/o Agent: Geoff Carter Architects, Mohan Business Centre, Tamworth Road, Long Eaton, Notts. NG10 1BE) - Conversion of hostel to 6 selcontained apartments - at 74-76 Noel Street, Nottingham NG7 6AU. The Renewal Trust (c/o Agent: David Boden, Boden Associates, 61 High Road, Chilwell, Nottingham NG9 4AJ) Erection of single storey allotment centre - at Hungerhill Allotments, Ransom Road, Nottingham.

The University of Nottingham (c/o Agent: Nils Feldmann, Marchini Curran Associates, 1 Sampsons Yard, Halifax Place, Nottingham NG1 1QN) - Erection of new cafe at Car park of sports centre, Jubilee Campus, University of Nottingham, triumph Road, Nottingham.

Building plot for sale in Kirkby in Ashfield BAIRSTOW EVES are offering for sale a building plot at Diamond Avenue, Diamond Avenue, Kirkby-In-Ashfield, Nottingham, NG17 7LX. This land has planning consent for the erection of a detached chalet house with the work already commenced to include footings together with tree roots barrier work to prevent damage to the trees at the entrance and this work has been passed by Ashfield District Council and NHBC. All services are available on Diamond Avenue, and ducting has been installed beneath the tree root protection for gas, water, electricity from Diamond Avenue.

Offers in the region of £95,000 are invited. For more information, contact Bairstow Eves on 01623 594 043.

If there’s one thing I can’t stand, it’s intolerance.

18

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - JANUARY 2012

iNet Provides The Foundation To Morgan Tucker Project

Morgan Tucker, the Nottinghamshire-based consulting engineers has received £10,000 innovation support funding (ISF) to design and develop a new modular solution for constructing foundations.

The funding was awarded by the Sustainable Construction iNet (iNet), the East Midlands-wide organisation, which identifies and assists businesses developing innovative techniques for use in construction. The funding meant Morgan Tucker could undertake the research and development (R&D) project, employ a new member of staff and safeguard the current team.

Morgan Tucker utilised the ISF to develop a modular system which helps remove some of the technical unknowns relating to working underground, which can be a very costly and time consuming part of any build programme. The company identified that a modular system would not only save construction firms time and money but also reduce the carbon impact of unnecessary excavation work and subsequent onsite traffic.

“The iNet funding has given the whole company a renewed confidence and allowed us to allocate resources to the R&D project. Innovation requires a helping hand and iNet was able to help us develop the idea and talk to potential manufacturers and end users”, said Matthew Tucker, managing director, Morgan Tucker.

Barrie Billinghay, innovation advisor, iNet added: “Matthew and his colleagues at Morgan Tucker are an inspiration to innovators and it’s encouraging to see a busy practice investing in innovation and R&D.” iNet assists small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) involved in sustainable construction to develop innovative construction products and services that will help the construction industry reduce its CO2 impact.

Having assisted over 100 businesses since its inception in 2008, iNet is in a strong position to offer funding, business advice or networking opportunities for SMEs in the East Midlands. iNet is based at the iCon Centre in Daventry, a purpose-built business hub featuring best-practice design with sustainability. Interested parties should contact the iNet on info@construction-inet.org.uk or telephone 01327 304800.

Building land for 3 dwellings: £75k BAIRSTOW EVES are offering for sale a parcel of building land at Stanton Hill, Albert Street, SuttonIn-Ashfield, NG17 3GF The land has conditional Outline Planning Permission for three dwellings.

The site has an approximate area of 0.12 acres and a frontage of approximately 66’. Plans for the construction of a block of 3 two bedroom properties with downstairs cloakroom and off street parking are available for inspection at the agents’ Sutton in Ashfield office.

Price: £75,000.

For more information, contact Bairstow Eves on 01623 594 040.

New scheme to support 100,000 new mortgages at 95% loan to value Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group plc (JLT) through a joint initiative of a number of its operating companies: Lloyd & Partners Limited, JLT Specialty Limited and JLT insurance Management (Guernsey) Ltd has been appointed by the Home Builders Federation (HBF), to manage and develop the new mortgage indemnity scheme.

Set up jointly with the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML), the scheme will see mortgages on new build homes underwritten by house builders and the Government.

By taking away the risk of default losses from lenders, the scheme allows lenders to offer 95% loan to value (LTV) mortgages on new homes..

Steven Rance, Partner, JLT , said, “This risk management solution, created in response to the reduced availability of mortgage funding for homebuyers with small deposits, will reduce lender risk at higher LTV ratios and so allow lenders to offer 95% LTV mortgages for new home buyers at more competitive rates.

“The UK’s major lenders and house builders are all supporting the scheme which is being backed by the Government and is expected to launch in March. This is an extremely timely and exciting development for lenders, builders and the UK housing sector”.

Before the launch JLT will be developing the legal framework, scheme structure, bank accounts and systems with this initial scheme expected to run for 3 years.

Stewart Baseley, Executive Chairman of the Home Builders Federation said, “The lack of high loan-to-value mortgages has been a major constraint on new home sales for the last four years. The indemnity scheme should provide a significant boost to new home sales over the next three years.

Everyone involved in the scheme is now working very hard to ensure customers and home builders gain maximum benefit. HBF is therefore pleased to have appointed JLT whose experience and expertise will be crucial to the scheme’s success.”

A man walks into a bar and sees a cow serving behind the counter.

‘What are you staring at?’ says the cow. ‘Never seen a cow serving drinks before?’

‘It’s not that,’ replies the man, ‘I just never thought the moose would sell this place.’

Tough Times Boost Hotel Development Market For McBains Cooper Property and construction consultancy McBains Cooper says that the tough economic climate appears to be actually boosting the hotel development market.

Richard Fewings of McBains Cooper says there has been no fall off in enquiries from hotel developers over the past 12 months, and, if anything, they’re on the increase.

McBains’ hotel team is seeing a distinct pattern emerging: four-star business and conference venue hotels in and around London, and three-star “crash-pad” hotels across the rest of the country.

“The downturn is, ironically, working well for the hotel market: hotels are becoming essential tools of business and client development, with more people spending more time away drumming up business, and more companies bringing their people together for motivational, intelligence-sharing or brainstorming meetings all aimed at making the most of every opportunity,” said Richard Fewings.

“Business-focussed hotels are benefitting

from high fuel charges and rail fares: staying over away from home, just outside major cities, between meetings, often costs a fraction of the price of the fuel to go to and fro.

“Anybody in business who has to travel to London from around the country also knows that the most time-efficient fares – peak-time travel – cost around £240 standard and £350 first class, Leeds or Manchester-London return, for instance.

“But the key is the new breed of superefficient hotels, high on sustainability and recyclable energy. Yes, hotels are closing, but they’re largely older hotels which are in the right place but have a legacy of age-old design which can make some of them many times more expensive to run per square foot compared to something designed and developed today.

“Older hotels were edifices and landmarks, luxury was built-in, crafted

and carved, and are often difficult to modernise. Modern hotels are largely pre-packaged, fast to go up, massively efficient.”

One example is McBains Cooper’s newest project – it has been appointed to provide M&E, cost management and project management on a multi-million pound hotel project in Shepherd’s Bush, London, for Kosmopolito Hotels.

The seven-storey, four-star hotel will sit behind the listed façade of a former cinema building and will include 242 bedrooms, a restaurant, bar and gym.

“This is an exciting project, because we have a listed façade, but a core structure which will use the newest techniques and materials, creating something both attractive and efficient,” said Richard Fewings.rand.

Work is a fine thing if it doesn’t take up too much of your spare time.

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - JANUARY 2012 19

Resurfacing between M1 J24 and A453 Work will start on 22 January between the M1 Junction 24 and the Crusader Island on the A453 to resurface the road.

Work should be finished by 20 February assuming reasonable weather.

The road will be closed over night for the duration of the work and diversions will be clearly signposted.

Pension Funds to Boost Investment In UK Infrastructure The National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) and the Pension Protection Fund (PPF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government to facilitate the development of a new pension infrastructure platform to help pension funds invest more in infrastructure.

Chancellor George Osborne announced this morning (Sunday) that an agreement had been reached with UK pension funds to help develop a new investment platform.

The NAPF represents 1,200 pension funds and its members hold around £800bn in assets, while the PPF protects 12 million pension scheme members and currently has an investment portfolio of over £6bn.

A new investment platform could allow UK pension funds to pool their resources and allow them to invest in key UK infrastructure assets and projects in a new way.

The National Infrastructure Plan states that the UK needs over £200bn of new infrastructure investment over the next five years - the vast majority of which will need to be provided by the private sector.

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If you’ve enjoyed reading this issue of Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine, please pass it on to a friend or colleague after you’ve finished with it. Thanks!

New Technical Guide To Architectural Panels Released by Panel Systems A comprehensive new guide to architectural panels has been released by Panel Systems.

The guide contains detailed technical information, including edge detail drawings to suit all project requirements and technical specifications.

It also includes a U-value calculation table, which enables the contractor or specifier to ascertain the correct thickness of core insulation required to meet their given U Value.

The guide also contains a core selection data table which means architects and contractors can quickly and easily identify insulation materials with specific product characteristics, such as fire retardancy, acoustic properties and compressive strength.

The guide demonstrates over 35 years of experience by Panel Systems in manufacturing composite panels with a range of different edge details, thermal performance and façade materials, including hotels, schools and commercial and residential buildings.

The brochure outlines the bespoke capabilities of panel systems and details a wide range of available facing materials such as powder coated aluminium, high pressure laminate and plastisol steel.

To download a brochure, please visit the downloads section of the website at http://www.composite-panel.co.uk/compositepanel.html

PTS lends support to leading industry exhibition PTS will be the headline sponsor of the 2012 PHEX exhibition in support of its vital role in opening communication between merchants and installers.

Launched in 1993, PHEX is held at a number of locations across the UK and is specially designed for local plumbing and heating installers. PTS has exhibited for a number of years but chose to become the headline sponsor in recognition of how wellrespected PHEX is within the industry.

Nicky Clegg, Head of Marketing at PTS, said: “Since its launch, PHEX has gained respect from the industry and is attended by leading manufacturers and trade associations. PTS has always been a proud supporter of the show as it talks directly to local installers and keeps them up to date with the latest products and technologies in the plumbing and heating sector.

Talking to installers and finding out exactly what our customers want is an essential part of PTS’ strategy so our sponsorship of PHEX was a perfect fit.”

PHEX 2012 is being held at Wembley on 24th-25th April 2012, the Ricoh Arena 15th-16th May 2012, Old Trafford 10th-11th October 2012, Stamford Bridge 14th-15th November 2012.

Clowes complete a 1 million square feet major Distribution Unit for Marks & Spencer at EMDC, Castle Donington Marks & Spencer took occupation of their new distribution unit with its own Rail Freight Terminal in December, on time, following a twelve month construction programme.

A massive fitting out contract is now under way to make this the E commerce centre for their operations for the UK and Ireland.

The building which is 100 feet high benefits from cross docking facilities and has an excellent BREEAM rating as well as being Carbon Neutral.

Clowes employed Isherwood McCann Architects from Leicester and BWB Engineers from Nottingham as the principal designers with Winvic Construction from Northampton as Main D&B Contractors.

EMDC can still accommodate another ‘Big Shed’ of over 500,000 square feet as it is now firmly established as a prime Midlands Distribution site. Further information can be found at www.clowesEMDC.com

Support your local Search and Rescue Unit. Get lost.

20

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - JANUARY 2012

DWA Architects specify Forticrete’s Rustic Gemini for new multimillion pound care home

Linden Homes First To Offer 95 Per Cent Mortgage Indemnity Scheme

Award winning EcoPlus Gemini roof tiles from Forticrete have been specified for a new multi-million pound, 105 bed care home in Kettering, to complement the 19th century architecture of a Grade ll Listed Victorian villa which lies on the grounds.

FOLLOWING the Government’s recent announcement of its 95 per cent mortgage indemnity scheme for first time buyers, Linden Homes has become the first house builder to launch the incentive at its developments across the country.

As project architects, DWA Architects required a roofing solution that would seamlessly blend with the handmade plain clay roof tiles on the 19th century dwelling. The rustic colour of Forticrete’s Gemini roof tile provided the answer they were looking for.

The Kettering care home is just one of three Avery Health Care homes constructed by DWA Architects that have utilised Forticrete’s Gemini roof tiles, with a fourth currently under construction in Hatfield.

For more information on Forticrete’s award winning EcoPlus Gemini twin interlocking tile, or on any of the Forticrete range of products, visit: http:// www.forticrete.co.uk/.

New law for public sewers The Government changed the law altering what is defined as a public sewer in October 2011.

Many sewers are now the responsibility of Severn Trent Water. If you are proposing to build an extension the new legislation regarding public sewers may affect you.

As a result of this new law, you are only responsible for drains within your boundary which only serve your property. In most cases a public sewer will be a drain entering your boundary from a neighbour’s property.

This change is worth noting if you’re planning to build an extension, or a new property within 3m of a public sewer. Rushcliffe Borough Council has produced an information sheet to explain the changes law and how it affects building work. Download it from: http://www.rushcliffe.gov.uk/ media/rushcliffe/media/documents/ pdf/newsandpromotions/Building% 20Over%20Guidance%20new.pdf

£11.4 million CoRE Project lifts off The new Centre of Refurbishment Excellence (CoRE) in Longton, Stokeon-Trent was launched on December 14.

CoRE opens to students at the start of January 2012. The centre has been built in a partnership between the internationally renowned Building Research Establishment (BRE), Stoke-onTrent City Council and Stoke on Trent College. E.ON, a leading UK energy company has supported the project as a founding sponsor.

The £11.4 million CoRE project will provide a one stop, national centre of excellence for the construction industry, and allied trades, as they work towards a low carbon future.

The new building will serve as a training centre and as a showcase for up to the minute building solutions.

Tommy is chatting to his friend in the pub. He looks at his watch and says,’My wife will be on the plane by now.’

‘Is she going on holiday?’ asks his friend.

‘No,’ replies Tommy. ‘She’s taking half an inch off the bottom of the kitchen door.

‘Step Up’, which is exclusive to Linden Homes, offers affordable interest rates for buyers who have saved a five per cent deposit on houses at its developments in Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire.

The product offers a rate of 4.99 per cent, fixed until April 2015, on a 95 per cent loan to value mortgage. Buyers with a 10 to 15 per cent deposit will benefit from even more attractive rates of 4.49 and 3.99 per cent respectively, which are also fixed for the same period.

Alongside this, Linden Homes is launching a new mortgage product in association with Hitachi Capital (UK) PLC, which has been created to help buyers bring a bigger deposit to the table when applying for a mortgage.

Named ‘Deposit Assist’, the product means buyers can secure up to 15 per cent of the purchase price. It works by the way of an unsecured top-up loan, whereby the buyer takes a 15 per cent unsecured loan to build on their five per cent deposit. Repayable over 12 years, the loan gives access to 95 per cent lending at a market-leading blended rate of 5.55%, available on houses and apartments up to £300,000. Borrowers can repay the loan at any time, without incurring a penalty.

Recently, the government axed stamp duty relief for first time buyers in favour of what it calls more effective measures will be provide greater value for money. These better value measures include its new initiative to make 95 per cent lending available to first time buyers from High Street lenders nationwide.

Ian Baker, Linden Homes Group Managing Director, said these exclusive new mortgage products are designed to work alongside the government’s measures to help thousands of people across the UK struggling to access affordable lending – particularly first and second time buyers.

He said: “At Linden Homes, we have been working hard with a number of lenders to bring 95 per cent lending to the market in certain areas of the country. Following the government’s recent announcement, we are thrilled to be the first housebuilder to launch an affordable mortgage product for first and second time buyers at our developments which will now be available nationwide.

“Affordable, responsible lending is critical in helping to boost not only the housebuilding industry, but the wider economy. These new financial enablers, as well as our schemes launched earlier in the year, are just another example of Linden Homes’ commitment to easing pressures in the marketplace and to provide access to affordable lending.”

Linden Homes is Galliford Try’s award-winning housebuilding division and is the sixth largest residential developer in the UK, specialising in high quality, individually designed schemes across the country.

Currently developing around 2,200 homes annually, Linden Homes holds a landbank of 10,000 plots, 80% of which are on brownfield sites.

Pera welcomes £25m Higher Apprenticeship Programme One of the UK’s leading training firms has welcomed the announcement of the Government’s £25 million higher level apprenticeship programme.

December’s announcement will see an ambitious £18.7 million programme to create 19,000 highly skilled apprentices and is being supported by around 250 employers, including Leyland Trucks, Unilever, TNT, and Burberry.

Money is the root of all evil. Send £9.99 for more info.

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - JANUARY 2012 21

Persimmon Homes Signs Agreement To Build 1,985 Affordable Homes One of the UK’s leading housebuilders has secured funding from the Homes and Communities Agency to build 1,985 affordable homes across England over the next three years.

Persimmon Homes has been awarded funding of £20.64 million to build the homes as part of the Government’s National Affordable Housing Programme (NAHP).

Persimmon Homes is the first major housebuilder to be awarded the funding, which is designed to increase the supply of affordable homes in England.

Dr Ashley Lane, group partnerships director for Persimmon Homes, said the funding was great news for both the business and local communities across England.

“Construction will begin in 2012 and we are currently evaluating a number of schemes throughout England.

“Our objective is to engage with local authorities and housing associations to deliver low cost homes for both shared ownership and social rent.”

NEW LEASE OF LIFE FOR VILLAGE HALL

FAMILIES in a north Nottinghamshire village are enjoying a bigger, brighter, bolder community centre thanks to £60,000 worth of improvements.

Fundraising and grants, including £16,000 from Lafarge Aggregates & Concrete UK, has seen the village hall at Sturton-le-Steeple transformed into a modern events venue.

New modular staging, state-of-the-art lighting and sound equipment and fully kitted-out catering facilities mean the hall is now a favoured location for conferences, dinner/dances and training events as well as the more humble aerobics classes and mum and toddler groups.

Dave Langmead, one of the volunteers on the hall’s management committee, said: “The hall has always been very well used but it was beginning to show its age and was not really providing the sort of modern facility needed in the area.

“We wanted to really blitz the place and transform it into an amenity which could be used by outside businesses and groups for conferences, galas and many other events.

“The thinking behind this was to bring in valuable funds which would then enable us to keep costs down for local people who wanted to use the hall and its facilities.”

Over the last three years the management committee have spearheaded fundraising and garnered donations and grants from organisations and businesses such as Lafarge, which gave its money through the Landfill Communities Fund.

The investment enabled the committee to completely redo the interior of the hall, repair the roof, upgrade all kinds of equipment and increase the size of the main hall by a fifth.

An official opening ceremony is scheduled for next year but in the meantime villagers are relishing their new facility.

David added: ”We are immensely grateful to Lafarge for their generous donation which enabled us to completely remodel the inside of the hall, providing a modern amenity of which we can all be proud.”

David Atkinson, senior planning and estates manager at Lafarge said: “We are pleased our grant has been able to make such a difference to the village hall, providing a fantastic new venue for local people.

“Supporting our local communities is a massive priority for Lafarge and we were delighted to be able to help the Sturton-le-Steeple management committee with this endeavour.”

Send us your trade news!

If you have some interesting news about your firm, drop us a line and we’ll mention it in a future issue.

Whether it’s about new staff appointments, projects you’re particularly proud of, fundraisers that you’ve been involved with, or local teams or events that you’ve sponsored - our readers would like to hear all about it!

Spread the word around the nottinghamshire building community!

Email details to: info@ nottinghamshirebuilder.co.uk

Coffee Time Crossword Solution

New lease from leading organisations to support British high street

New lease provides support to small high street businesses RICS has announced the launch of a freely available lease which will support small high street retail businesses.

The lease, which will launch in the New Year, is a sector initiative from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the British Retail Consortium (BRC) to simplify the leasing process for landlords and small business tenants. The lease will provide a simple, easy to use contract which will make clear to all parties the agreement they are entering into.

Making the wrong decisions when negotiating a lease can

have catastrophic results for small business. As part of RICS response to the findings of the Land and Society Commission to deliver the government’s plans for localism, RICS has worked to ensure these businesses have fairer terms in their lease.

Aimed specifically at small high street retail businesses, the lease will be a stand alone short term contract with no rent review or break clause.

It will allow stability on property costs for small businesses and start ups. A key benefit for businesses will be flexible terms for occupiers contained within the lease. These terms will also speed up the contract negotiation process, which

currently can take weeks. Other benefits include the opportunity for small businesses to present a business case with clear and stable property costs when requesting financing.

RICS spokesperson, Paul Bagust, said: “Businesses need to be more aware of their property decisions, which can impact negatively if made incorrectly. RICS is all too aware how challenging these economic times can be for small business owners. We’ve listened to the views and opinions on the challenges facing small firms and sole practitioners and worked with the BRC to produce this lease which we hope will make a huge

I’ve got two wonderful children - and two out of five isn’t bad.

difference to those businesses that need it most.”

British Retail Consortium Director of Business, Tom Ironside, said: “It’s in everyone’s interests for new businesses to be able to open on the high street with as little difficulty as possible.

“Clearly taking on property is one area which can be quite daunting for new, small businesses. This model lease should take a lot of worry out of the process for both landlords and tenants. This could make a real contribution to supporting new retailers wanting to open in towns and cities across the UK.”

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Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - JANUARY 2012

The offices that eBay built Online shopping is on the rise, but one Leicestershire business took it to the extreme when transforming a disused children’s play barn into a state of the art business centre – courtesy of eBay. The Welland Lodge public house on the outskirts of Market Harborough had lain empty for sometime before the Welton family chose to relocate and extend their thriving natural health practice Archway House on the site. The project was a challenge – but offered massive potential with an 8 acre site that included its own lake, wood and ample free parking.

Once the first part of the project was completed and the Archway House Natural Health Centre was up and running, attention turned to phase two - the Arc Business Centre (www.businessarc.co.uk). With advice from local estate agents Andrew Granger &Co, it was decided to create four units of approximately 106 sq m each to supply a gap in the market.

Making use of the environment Plans were drawn up with a list of materials needed to create the highest possible spec for the site. “We had a definite vision for the centre and were determined that the offices would stand out from others on the market,” Alec Welton explains. “We wanted to make the most of the beautiful setting, so the design included features such as balconies overlooking the rural landscape. However, creating such high spec offices in a tough economic climate is an expensive business and if the Arc was to fulfil our vision, we needed to source materials inventively.”

Benefiting from the downturn Because of the downturn in new property builds, many construction companies had surplus first class materials which were being sold via eBay. As a result, Alec was able to secure 42 brand new timber windows for £34 each, originally intended for a high end housing development, saving £17,000 on merchants’ prices. “We were flexible with our designs so we could accommodate the building to suit if the right materials became available at the right price,” Alec adds. The 480m2 of 38mm chipboard floors, all the doors, lifts, Velux windows, engineered beams for the floor, insulation (400m2) and much more, came from eBay. Even the distinctive wooden exterior cladding which adds character (all 200m2) of it), was bought on eBay at 10% of the best wholesale price.

Further savings were made by buying a second hand scissor lift rather than hiring one. The lift was used on site for 12 months and then sold on eBay for almost the same price. Another notable bargain was the reinforced glass used for the staircase. “We wanted a material that was strong - but that would let in the light. Wooden barriers didn’t feel right and blocked out too much light. Instead we managed to snap up 27 panels in perfect condition for 99p rather than the £3,000 they would have cost new as nobody else bid.” Of course, not everything could be sourced this way. The carpet was chosen for it non allergy properties whilst the outside spiral staircase came from Italy and made to order to fit the balcony.

Realising a vision When the units were officially opened in December with an event for 60 local business owners, few realised the effort and painstaking research that had gone into the four walls around them. “It was so rewarding to see people in the space,” Alec concludes. “We feel that all the hard work and attention to detail has paid off. These really are the offices that eBay built!”

For more information about the Arc Business Centre and rental opportunities, contact Andrew Granger & Co on 01858 439 090

TurboCAD Pro Platinum 18 offers precise drafting, modelling and detailing Innovative CAD solution from Avanquest to turn 3D designs into associative 2D construction drawings are now available for trial download from www.turbocad.co.uk/trials Avanquest Software Publishing has released TurboCAD® Pro 18 and TurboCAD® Pro Platinum 18, two powerful and cost effective CAD software solutions. Developed by IMSI/Design, the programs include a robust set of 2D drafting and 3D modelling tools that enable users to design and prepare construction and installation plans for a wide range of industries and disciplines.

TurboCAD Pro 18 and TurboCAD Pro Platinum 18 include a set of sophisticated tools for creating presentation ready home plans, technical drawings, designs and illustrations to exact specification. Users interested in downloading a free trial version can do so from www.turbocad.co.uk/trials.

Prices: TurboCAD Pro 18: £914.04 TurboCAD Pro Platinum 18: £1,016.17 Free trial version available for download from: www.turbocad.co.uk/trials Call 01480 359405 for special offers and pre-sales advice

Latest MARKIT PMI Figures Sarah Bingham, Economist at Markit and author of the UK Construction PMI® said: “PMI data signalled a positive end to 2011 for the UK construction sector, with output rising again on the back of another increase in new business.

“The survey suggests that the sector should make a positive contribution to the economy in the final quarter of the year, helping avoid a possible slide back into contraction. The data so far suggest that gross domestic product probably stagnated in the final three months of the year. However, UK Service PMI data released tomorrow will allow for a more accurate estimate of overall GDP. “House building, commercial construction and civil engineering all saw higher activity in December.

However, the sustainability of the overall rise in output remains uncertain, with confidence about the year ahead still relatively subdued. Optimism continues to be hindered by concerns regarding low client confidence and worries over wider economic and market conditions.”

Commenting on the report, David Noble, Chief Executive Officer at the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply, said: “Despite the overall growth in construction output and relatively milder weather conditions, December’s PMI painted a mixed picture and therefore offered little to raise the spirits.

“Civil engineering was the star performer with the strongest increase on the previous month but this must be viewed in the context of volatile activity flows at the end of the year, and it’s still too early to measure the impact of some of the big Government spending projects announced in the Autumn Review statement.

“Overall expectations for the coming year were generally hopeful but continue to be skewed by wider economic uncertainties. Though there were modest increases in employment, it’s likely that many firms were hiring through necessity rather than optimism about any pick up in business in the next couple of months.”

Some people can stay longer in an hour than others can in a week.

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - JANUARY 2012 23

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