June 2013 leics builder magazine by Michael Wilkinson

Work starts at velodrome site

45 new affordable homes for Leicester Development opportunity for 19 apartments: £475k

Approved scheme INNES ENGLAND are offering for sale a development/ investment opportunity situated at 101 Knighton Fields Road West, Leicester LE2 6LH. The property currently comprises a single storey industrial building of brick construction under a pitched roof supported by steel trusses. It is divided into three units and has a combined total floor area of 4,691 sq.feet. Planning permission has been granted for a three storey development of 19 apartments with archway access through to a central courtyard area. Offers in the region of £475,000 are invited. For more information, contact Peter Hotchin at Innes England on 0116 255 5455 or email: photchin@innes-england.com

ASRA Housing Group has announced that work has started on a near £5 million scheme to build affordable homes on the site of a former velodrome in Leicester. Local firm Westleigh Developments has been appointed as the contractor for the development and will move on site within weeks to start work on a new £500,000 signalised traffic junction in Saffron Lane which forms part of the project. The site has lain derelict since the former national cycling stadium was demolished in 2008. Planning permission has already been granted for asra to build 45 affordable homes on the site - two four-bed properties, 13 three-bed houses, 20 two-bed homes including two bungalows and 10 one-bed flats. Some of the homes will be constructed for wheelchair use. The development will be completed by the middle of next year. Michele Walker, asra’s programme delivery manager for the Midlands, said: “We are delighted that work will soon be starting at asra’s exciting new Continued on page 3 .....>

Advert & Article Deadline is 15th of each month - Magazine out on 1st of each month

OUR ADVERTISING RATES ARE ON PAGE 38 - CALL 01530 244069 TO PLACE AN ADVERT

RG+P WIN CIVIC AWARD FOR SECOND YEAR IN SUCCESSION rg+p, one of the East Midlands’ leading multidisciplinary practices specialising in architecture, project management and quantity surveying, has won a prestigious Award for Architecture from The Leicester Civic Society, recognising the firm’s impressive development scheme, the Riverside CODE Building on Western Road in the city. It is the second time rg+p has won this award, as they were also delighted to receive it last year for the historic YMCA building on East Street – the rg+p team is particularly pleased to be acknowledged in this way, as to date no other architect has achieved this. The judges recognised the practice’s professional commitment to creating a building that is a landmark in its own right, achieves all its functional requirements whilst complementing the existing historic built environment of the city. James Badley, rg+p director and CODE project manager said: “The vision was to provide a landmark,

Site for a pair of semis in Notts. DAVID BLOUNT Estate Agents are asking £49,950 for a parcel of residential building land at Greenwood Drive, Kirkby in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire NG17. Planning permission (V/2013/0053) for a pair of semidetached dwellings was granted on 20th March 2013 by Ashfield District Council. For more information, contact David Blount Estate Agents on 01623 443333 or email: suttonsales@davidblount.co.uk

Civic Award (L-R) Bill Smedley, James Badley, Rob Argent, Tom Hart (all rg+p); Jamie Lewis and Rob Parker (both Jamie Lewis Residential). state-of-the-art building, to deliver sustainable accommodation for students whilst ensuring an element of the scheme sat comfortably within its historic environment. This is not easy and we are really pleased the Leicester Civic Society has recognised our efforts and attention to detail in this way. The fact that this is the second year running we have achieved this is a source of great pride to the whole

team.” Phase 1 of the multi-million pound project on behalf of Jamie Lewis Residential was completed in September 2012 and provides 168 units for student accommodation. It is a dramatic, modern structure which sits on the bank of the Old River Soar. rg+p was presented with the award at a ceremony and dinner at The City Rooms in Leicester.

Former Police Station in East Leake for sale

Site for a pair of semis in Polesworth HOWKINS & HARRISON are offering for sale a site with Outline Planning Consent (ref: PAP/2012/0330) for 2 semi-detached dwellings and associated garages at Kiln Way, Polesworth, Warks. The Guide Price is £100,000. For further information, contact Howkins & Harrison on 01827 718021 or email: atherstone@ howkinsandharrison.co.uk

LAMBERT SMITH HAMPTON are offering for sale a former Police Station at Main Street, East leake, Loughborough, Leics. LE12 6PS. The premises comprise a two storey building of brick construction under a pitched felt roof sat within a 0.302 acre site. The building provides a former Police Contact Point on the ground floor with further offices, kitchen, shower and WC facilities over two floors. Externally there is a rear garden, a range of small outbuildings and parking to the front for up to 8 vehicles. Offers are invited for the property in excess of £325,000. Viewing is strictly by prior appointment with the sole agent – contact Will Bradley at Lambert Smith Hampton on 0115 976 6611 or email wbradley@lsh.co.uk

Response to Sir Mervyn King’s warning Following Sir Mervyn King’s warning about the government’s Help to Buy scheme, Nigel Morton, residential property expert and Partner at Charles Russell LLP, said: “One of the difficulties with the housing market has been the withdrawal of high loan to value mortgages and the need of buyers to find deposits of at least 10% and really 20% of the purchase price to obtain competitive rates. “At first flush the Help to Buy scheme seems to be contrary to the direction the government had been moving the lenders. This had been to stop them and their customers from indulging in risky lending/borrowing. “As a pragmatic decision the introduction of the Help to Buy scheme seems designed to stimulate the house building industry which is a major driver in the economy and in turn to help make homes more affordable. “That must be welcomed but buyers must not allow the opportunity for credit to go to their heads”

Velodrome site ‘recycled’ From page 1 development on the old Velodrome site. “New homes - especially affordable ones - are as much-needed in Leicester as any other city in the country. There will be a diverse range of properties built as part of this development to suit all tastes, from spacious four-bed family homes to one-bed flats. “The site will always have a special place in the hearts of people in Leicester because of its historic past - but our development will make sure it has a special future too as the home of our next generation.” The total investment of £4.8million includes Growing Places funding for the provision of a new junction off Saffron Lane of £500,000 secured through the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) - and £1 million from the Homes and Communities Agency. City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “This scheme will create urgently needed new homes in Leicester at a time when there is very little housebuilding taking place. “It will also regenerate a derelict site and give a boost to the local building industry. “I am therefore delighted that the city council was able to provide the land for the scheme and look forward to seeing work starting on site.” Leicester’s adopted core strategy has identified a need for more than 25,000 new homes to be built in the city by 2026.

10 times out of 9, you’ll find me exaggerating about something.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069

Infrastructure rally stems April fall

THE STEEP declines in underlying construction activity seen during the first quarter of the year eased in the three months to April as the Glenigan index declined by 7% compared to April 2012. Declines in retail, health and other public sector starts were softened by gains in infrastructure and utilities starts, with rail, road and renewable energy projects driving the gains in these sectors. The Glenigan Index for the three months to April fell by 7% compared to April 2012, project starts have now fallen in every month of 2013 but April saw a marked improvement in a number of sectors. Underlying starts in both the civil engineering sectors increased compared to last year; underlying starts were up 9% in the infrastructure sector and 17% in the utilities sector compared to April 2012. Education starts also increased over the last month following good gains during the first quarter, starts were up 15% compared to April 2012. “While the overall index declined in April there was a marked improvement in project starts for some sectors. Gains in infrastructure starts were driven by road and rail projects in London and the South East, and renewable energy projects pushed up starts in the utilities sector, with wind farms in Scotland and Wales providing the largest boost.” “The gains seen in the civils and other sectors this month are encouraging signs, especially in light of the poor project starts during the first quarter and official data showing industry output fell 6% compared to the first quarter of last year.” commented Glenigan Economist Andrew Whiffin. Housing starts were weak once again this month, although the pace of decline in the private housing sector did slow, starts were 7% down on a year ago, compared to an 18% decline in March. Strong activity was recorded in the sector last year and the recent slowdown seems to point to house builders easing off of the development pedal. “The housing slowdown is likely in reaction to recent lending data that shows levels of mortgage approvals in the first quarter of the year are failing to surpass levels seen in 2012, despite continued government support for home buyers.” added Whiffin. Education starts have performed well since the start of the year, the sector has benefited from gains in refurbishment projects while new builds have remained firm. Further refurbishment work is due to come online later in the year as the first tranche of Priority Schools Building Programme projects start on site.

Club in Countesthorpe for sale

INNES ENGLAND are asking £400,000 for bespoke club premises in Countesthorpe. The 4,982 sq.ft. property has all mains services, plus a large car park and is potentially suitable for alternative uses or redevelopment, subject to planning. For more information, contact Peter Doleman at Innes England on 0116 255 5455 or email: pdoleman@innes-england.com

Don’t Waste Your LEAFLETS! Target Them! Get them into the hands of serious prospects by booking a leaflet insert in this magazine. Supply 2,300 of your single sheet leaflets/flyers (up to A4 size) and we will insert and distribute them inside the mailed-out copies of Leicestershire Builder for £125+VAT

Call Mike on 01530 244069 to book.

The leading cause of death in mice is scientists.

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

MINI DIGGERS DUMPER TRUCKS BREAKERS CUTTING TOOLS DRILLS Plant & Tool Hire • Sales & Repair GENERATORS HANDLING & LIFTING MACHINES HEATING & DRYING MACHINES TOWERS & LADDERS Competitive prices CARPET CLEANERS Friendly, helpful staff PRESSURE WASHERS Expert advice SANDING MACHINES SUPPLIERS OF BOTTLED GAS REPAIR SERVICE FOR MOST MAKES OF TOOLS

www.higear.co.uk 70 Commercial Square, Freemens Common, Leicester LE2 7SR Fax: 0116 254 3777 Email: sales@higear.co.uk

0116 254 3999 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 7.30am to 5.00pm Saturday 8.00am to 1.00pm

Hi-Gear at EH Smith Builders Merchants Mill Hill, Enderby, Leicester LE19 4AJ Fax: 0116 265 0985 Email: ehsmithleicester@higear.co.uk

0116 265 0936 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 7.30am to 5.00pm Saturday 7.30am to 12.00pm

NEW STORE NOW OPEN

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069

Thursday 11th July 2013

MADE IN COALVILLE by Leicestershire's leading windowmaker

coalvilleglass.co.uk For almost 40 years Coalville Glass & Glazing has been manufacturing the highest quality windows, doors and conservatories, right here in Coalville...

...for local builders and tradespeople ...for major national house builders throughout the UK ...for homeowners across Leicestershire and beyond.

Our friendly family business is Coalville’s only PVC windowmaker. With our own superbly equipped factory the Sheerframe products we make are:

High-performance Low-maintenance Stylish Environmentally sustainable Great value

Call us now for a free quotation:

Windows Doors Conservatories

Coalville Glass & Glazing Co Ltd. Old Station Close, Whitwick Road, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 3FH

It appears that someone invited a lot of old people to my high school reunion.

OUR ADVERTISING RATES ARE ON PAGE 38 - CALL 01530 244069 TO PLACE AN ADVERT

Opportunity to acquire 88-acre Diseworth site

Leicestershire chartered surveyor gains membership of Expert Witness Institute ONE OF Leicestershire’s leading independent firms of chartered surveyors has announced that one of its surveyors has been appointed as a member of the Expert Witness Institute (EWI). MATHER JAMIE is offering a unique opportunity to acquire a substantial site in Diseworth after bringing an 88-acre farm to the market. The leading chartered surveyor is giving investors and developers an opportunity to acquire Scaffacre Farm, located just off the A42, comprising a range of contemporary farm buildings and arable land. The site, which also has planning permission for a single storey dwelling, is now available as a whole or in two lots. Amy Johnstone of Mather Jamie comments: “We are offering a rare opportunity to purchase a substantial site located close to the village of Diseworth and are already receiving enquiries due to its potential. “Lot One extends to 84.40 acres and offers substantial arable land and a good range of buildings, including six modern purpose farm buildings which are suitable for a range of uses. “Lot Two, which extends to approximately 3.74 acres, has planning consent for a three-bedroom, single storey dwelling on the site. “Both lots have been classified as Grade Three agricultural land and have road frontage with good access points.” Scaffacre Farm is located on Langley Mere Road, 1.5 miles south of Diseworth and 2.2 miles north of the village of Belton in North West Leicestershire. The site benefits from excellent access to the M1 and A42. Langley New Wood, which neighbours Scaffacre Farm, is also now on the market, making an appealing package of farm and woodland for potential purchasers. The site is for sale by Private Treaty and viewing is by appointment only. Please contact Amy Johnstone at Mather Jamie on 01509 233433 or email amy.johnstone@matherjamie.co.uk for more information. For more information please telephone 01509 233433 or visit www. matherjamie.co.uk.

Geoff Milnes (FRICS, Dip HI) of Andrew Granger & Co (www. andrewgranger.co.uk) was awarded membership in recognition of several years’ experience in providing expert advice to solicitors and other professionals. Geoff, who is an RICS chartered surveyor and valuer, specialises in the valuation of residential property of all shapes and sizes, as well as providing reports on condition such as homebuyer reports and building surveys. As an expert witness, he provides valuations for a variety of purposes including matrimonial cases and retrospective valuations, as well as forensic reports on other surveyors’ findings and report content. Geoff has worked in the East Midlands for over 30 years in both the corporate and residential sectors. In his role at Andrew Granger & Co he deals with solicitors on a regular basis, providing CPR 35 compliant reports for submission to Court. He has appeared in Court on a number of occasions, both as a sole expert and a single joint expert. Geoff was recently used as an expert witness for two separate cases in Australia. “Geoff has a good relationship with many solicitors working as an expert witness across the country. We are delighted that he has been admitted into the EWI, which is a testament to his hard work and professional experience,” comments Andrew Robinson, Partner at Andrew Granger & Co. “Our department is one of the best qualified firms in the region, and we believe that our team’s unique set of qualifications and skills enable us to offer the very best advice for our clients.”

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

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

Advertising Rates: SEE PAGE 38 or visit www.buildermagazines.co.uk

If a double dip recession is so bad, why did they make it sound so delicious?

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069

Welsh Govt. to consult on rate relief IN APRIL, the Welsh Government announced it is consulting on possible measures in Wales to reduce certain rate reliefs and to bring empty property back into use. Peter Chapman, head of rating and compensation at Cluttons, has issued this quote as a response: “The Welsh government’s decision to consult on business rates demonstrates it is proactively exploring how the regime in Wales could be used to encourage economic development. The question must be asked; why can’t the UK government follow suit? “The select committee should certainly consider the proposals outlined in the Welsh consultation document and, specifically, the recommendation for 50 per cent rate relief to be granted for the first 12 months of occupation for a property which has been vacant for over a year and two years relief for retail property. This is particularly relevant for many high streets as retailers and small businesses across the country are crying out for rate relief. Not only would this relief encourage new start-ups, it would also stimulate local employment. “If the Welsh government can commit to supporting its businesses in this way, why can’t the select committee, which is addressing the wider question of business rates as a whole in June, embrace this proposal as a potential solution for businesses in England?”

Barleythorpe cottage and land with planning for 6 houses: £1.1m MURRAY Estate Agents are offering for sale a stone semi-detached cottage plus a 1.423 acre parcel of residential building land with full planning permission for 6 substantial properties. The land is within the former walled gardens to Barleythorpe Hall, at Barleythorpe, Rutland and the cottage address is 36 Main Road, Barleythorpe. The Guide price is £1.1 million. For more information, contact Murrays on 01572 755555 or email: oakham@murrayestateagents.co.uk

Another low for the High Street RICS UK Commercial Market Survey, Q1 2013 The amount of empty shops on Britain’s high streets climbed again during the early part of the year with fewer and fewer businesses looking to open new premises, says the latest RICS UK commercial market survey. During the first three months of the year, 21 percent more chartered surveyors claimed the amount of unoccupied shops across the UK had gone up, rather than gone down. Unsurprisingly, this was met with a fall in the amount of retailers looking to lease new premises, as a net balance of 13 percent more respondents reported drops in demand. With the high street still suffering – and no apparent respite in sight – expectations for future rents continued to slip, and a growing number of surveyors believe retail premises to be losing value (net balance -17 percent). Across the country, every part of the UK saw the amount of unoccupied retail space rise, with London recording the most noteworthy increase in the first three months of the year, followed by the Midlands. Meanwhile, the subdued trend in demand is visible in most regions suggesting little prospect of an early turnaround. Meanwhile, other areas of the commercial property market – such as office and industrial space – saw demand for premises strengthen slightly with no major increases in empty floor space. This is reflected in the suggestion in the survey that rents in these parts of the market should, at worst, be little changed going forward and could even begin to edge upwards. Simon Rubinsohn, RICS Chief Economist, commented: “The high street has been struggling for some time now and the pressure doesn’t look like easing up on retailers and landlords any time soon. The generally gloomy economic picture means that pricing remains intensely competitive. And though fears of a triple dip recession have now dissipated, the flat trend in wage growth will continue to act as a drag on the high street. “Significantly, other areas of the commercial property sector are beginning to look a little healthier, with tenant demand for office space and industrial units edging upwards. However, it remains to be seen whether this improvement can be sustained in the absence of a more meaningful pick-up in economic activity.”

Successful development at Kimcote LANDMARK Planning has secured full planning permission for the construction of a five bedroom detached house in the village of Kimcote, near Lutterworth. The application was considered acceptable in all other respects by planning officers at Harborough District Council, but was recommended for refusal on the grounds of sustainability and therefore contrary to the adopted Plan. In approving the application, Members of the Planning Committee, observed that there are a lot of small villages in the District and if oneoff development is not allowed, there will be no organic growth in them. Lance Wiggins, Associate Director at Landmark Planning said ‘Kimcote is one of a number of villages that are not considered sustainable in the Council’s adopted Core Strategy. In presenting the scheme to the Committee I demonstrated that the village is within easy reach of all of the day-to-day services that the new occupiers would require. Branding a large number of small villages as unsustainable disallows applicants the chance to demonstrate that their proposals are acceptable on their merits. The Committee accepted my argument that new development would add to the vitality of the village and sustain rural services and facilities nearby’.

Great news for Brooksby College as it wins £10m grant WORK ON a £13.5 million project to transform a Leicestershire college is set to start in July after a £10 million grant was secured from the Government, according to a report in the Leicester Mercury. The work at Brooksby Melton College will include reducing the number of sites it uses from four to two, in Melton and Brooksby. Almost £2.5 million towards the project was pledged earlier this year through a Government enhanced renewal grant and in May a further £10 million was awarded under the college capital investment fund. Brooksby College is adding nearly £1 million from its own funds. As part of the transformation, the college’s Melton campus, in Asfordby Road, will be enhanced with the creation of a dance studio and facilities for media students and those with disabilities. The King Street campus in Melton will close. The Brooksby Campus will remain, with the creation of three buildings close by to accommodate motor vehicle, engineering, horticulture and floristry students. But the Spinney campus in the village will close. College bosses have yet to decide what will happen to the empty sites. An animal and equine centre at the Brooksby Campus, which was opened by the Princess Royal, Princess Anne, in August last year, will also be improved. Contractors for the work have yet to be appointed.

Selling plots or development properties? GET A FREE MENTION! We include brief details of development properties free-of-charge in editorial form. So, if you’re selling an interesting development property, email details to:

info@buildermagazines.co.uk

Your call is very important to us. Please enjoy this 40 minute flute solo.

and we’ll give the property a free mention. Tremendous!

TM & © DC Comics. WB SHIELD:TM & © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s12) images are for illustrative purposes only

OUR ADVERTISING RATES ARE ON PAGE 38 - CALL 01530 244069 TO PLACE AN ADVERT

F I T F O R A SU P E R H E R O THE NEW DAILY BRINGS OUT THE SUPERHERO IN YOU! Super powerful, with the new 205 HP engine - Super ecological, with full range euro 5 and EEV engines - Super comfortable, with pneumatic suspensions and a cabin designed around your needs - Super capacious, up to 17.2 m3 - Super strong, payload up to 4.7 tons - Super solid, thanks to its steel beam chassis - Super versatile, with more than 7,000 configurations.

Quartz Close, Warren Park Way, Enderby, Leicester, LE19 4SA

0116 226 5100

Sites at: Birmingham Boston Cambridge

Coventry Norwich Nottingham

Peterborough Sheffield South Normanton

www.iveco.co.uk

Stoke-on-Trent West Bromwich Wolverhampton

www.guesttruckandvan.co.uk info@guests.co.uk

Offer is not applicable to any Dealer quotations issued prior to 1st April 2013. Offer is not cumulative with any other Manufacturer special offer available in the period. Iveco reserves the right to terminate the offer at any time without prior notice. A full set of Terms and Conditions relevant to each of the specific campaigns can be found at www.ivecovehicles.co.uk

To all of those people who said that I would never amount to anything, I can now truly say, ‘How did you know?’

OUR ADVERTISING RATES ARE ON PAGE 38 - CALL 01530 244069 TO PLACE AN ADVERT

Award for best use of tile in the leisure or hospitality sector goes to ... Parkside Tiles! AT THE annual Tile Awards ceremony in April, which is a little like the OSCARS for the tile industry, PARKSIDE TILES of Leicester, received the award for ‘The best use of tiles in the leisure or hospitality industry’. The award was made for the tiles supplied by Parkside for the new Nando’s Restaurant in Newbury. Clare Long, a Director of Parkside Tiles, was understandably delighted with the accolade. She said: “Last year we were nominated for the same award, but were pipped at the post in the same category by the tiles supplied for the Olympic swimming pool! “We are immensely proud of this award. We are a local company, having been supplying tiles for domestic and commercial projects from our Leicester branches for the past 30 years - we are celebrating our 30th birthday this Spring with some attractive offers for our customers! The Tile Association website (http://www.tiles.org.uk/events/winners2013/ leisure.shtml) carries the following piece about Parkside Tiles’ winning entry: “Having already supplied tiles for numerous Nando’s restaurant projects throughout the UK (including the Leicester restaurant at Meridian Park), Parkside Tiles were approached by the restaurant designers to supply tiles for the brand new Nandos Restaurant at Newbury. “Each Nandos is unique in design and has its own identity. As well as supplying tiles for the toilets and server areas, Parkside were asked to provide some bespoke mosaic tiles for the columns in the main restaurant inspired by African beads. “In the main restaurant area they supplied bespoke floor tiles on an Arabesque theme. The result is a joyful mix of colour and traditional colours with a modern twist!

Completion of 27 family homes in Coalville WITH RESEARCH from the National Housing Federation revealing that less than half the new homes needed for families in the East Midlands are under construction, news that a brand new affordable housing scheme has been completed in Coalville has been welcomed. The Leys, a £3.6m partnership project between Loughboroughbased contractor and developer, William Davis Ltd; affordable housing provider, East Midlands Housing Group (EMH Group) and North West Leicestershire District Council, comprises 27 new homes and apartments. Situated on Broom Leys Road on the edge of the town, the new properties at The Leys are available for affordable rent and shared ownership, the latter being sold by EMH Group’s sales arm, hello homes. Built on the site of the former

KEYS TO THE LEYS: Presenting a symbolic ‘key’ to a new home: (l-r) Guy Higgins, managing director, William Davis Ltd; Chan Kataria, chief executive, EMH Group, new resident, Stephanie Coles and her daughter, Lillie and Richard Blunt, leader, North West Leicestershire District Council.

Minnesotas public house (previously The Fox & Goose), funding for the scheme was provided by EMH Group, North West Leicestershire District Council and a Homes and Communities Agency social housing grant.The Leys is part of a wider regeneration scheme which has also seen William Davis construct a retail unit, leased by SPAR convenience stores, on Long Lane.

Coalville site with development potential: £300k LAMBERT SMITH HAMPTON are offering for sale a 1.04 acre site at North Avenue, Coalville, Leics., LE67 3QX which has residential development potential, subject to planning. It is a virtually cleared site consisting of 1.04 acres comprising approximately, 0.3 acre garages site, 0.2 acre car park, with the remainder of the site being open space. It is considered to be possibly suitable for housing development subject to planning consent. Offers based on a guide price of £300,000 are invited for the Freehold interest, on a conditional or unconditional basis. A copy of the Land Registry Title Register is available upon request. A copy of a letter of comfort on the planning from The North West Leicestershire District Council is also available upon request. Further information is available by contacting the sole agents: Geoff Gibson of Lambert Smith Hampton on 0116 204 5977 or email: ggibson@lsh.co.uk

When a cowboy breaks his leg, I think his horse should be allowed to shoot him.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ JUNE 2013 â&#x20AC;˘ Tel: 01530 244069

Council supports 100 first-time buyers MORE than 100 homes have been bought by first-time buyers, thanks to support from Leicestershire County Council. The council has been able to help 106 people obtain low-cost mortgages, totalling ÂŁ12 million. Last September, the county council agreed to lend Lloyds TSB ÂŁ10 million, enabling it to offer low-cost mortgages to up to 400 first-time buyers. Under the scheme, buyers have to find a deposit of just five per cent. Today, the council revealed that the first ÂŁ4 million of its investment has: â&#x20AC;˘Led to 106 house purchases being completed, with mortgages worth ÂŁ12 million â&#x20AC;˘Led to 182 mortgage applications being approved, worth ÂŁ20 million County council leader Nick Rushton said: Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m delighted that more than 100 first-time buyers have got a home, thanks to support from the county council. We know first time buyers are struggling, so it makes sense to lend the bank some of our reserves, to help them get on the property ladder. This helps people into homes, boosts the economy and enables the council to get its money back, with interest, from the bank.â&#x20AC;? How the scheme works: â&#x20AC;˘ The council lends money from its reserves to the bank â&#x20AC;˘ The money allows the bank to offer mortgages of up to ÂŁ142,500, reducing the size of deposit that first-time buyers have to find to just five per cent â&#x20AC;˘ After five years, the bank repays the money, plus interest, to the council For further details, or to apply for a mortgage, see staff at any Lloyds TSB branch in Leicestershire.

/HLFHVWHU 2IILFH

'H 0RQWIRUW 6WUHHW /HLFHVWHU /( *%

Buildersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Problems SOLVED Contract commencement date changed Problem: I am the Managing Director of a specialist contractor and have a problem with a main contractor. We both signed a sub-contract for a construction project we had won in late 2012, and it stipulated a start date of 1 February 2013, and set period in which to complete the work. I then received emails from 2 different members of the project management team postponing the start date, with one stating the new start date as 18 February 2013 and another one stating 22 February 2013, both as a result of delays caused by other trades. We started work but the project has taken a lot longer than everyone anticipated due to other trades hindering progress. We are now being accused of failing to commence the work as per the original start date. The main contractor has stated in a letter that we should have commenced on 1 February 2013 and because of our â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;breachâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, it intends to recover costs for the delays. Because I have documented evidence from the main contractor changing the start date, would this make the original signed contract null and void? Would it be the responsibility of the main contractor to issue a new contract to sign with the new start date on? Can we still be bound by this contract despite one of the major terms being altered greatly on record? Thanks in advance.

Richard, Great Glen.

Response: Hello Richard. Since the contract is signed, save for exceptional circumstances (i.e. subject matter is illegal, frustration etc), mutual rescission etc., both parties have entered into a legally binding contract and hence are bound by the terms therein. This means that the commencement date of 1 February 2013 is an expressed term under the contract and if you do not commence on this date you are in breach, unless the date for commencement has been validly Michael P. Gerard changed. Although you have not mentioned whether the contract is a standard or a bespoke form, it is obvious that the main contractor has issued instructions to delay commencement which you have accepted by virtue of your conduct (i.e. starting later than the commencement date expressed in the contract without dissent). I would therefore suggest that the contract start date has been delayed to the start date evidenced in the latest of the two communications that were issued by the main contractorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s staff. Further, if you can show that your progress was hindered by events out of your control, culpability of which was that of the main contractor, it must follow that your work did not cause a delay to the date for completion. A contracting party cannot derive a benefit from its own negative act/s or omission/s. Best of luck. ÂŠ Michael P. Gerard MSc, PGDipLaw, PGDipBar, FCIOB, MCIArb, MAE The advice provided is intended to be of a general guide only and should not be viewed as providing a definitive legal analysis.

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

%ODE\ 2IILFH

/HLFHVWHU 5RDG %ODE\ /( *5

&RDOYLOOH 2IILFH

%HOYRLU 5RDG &RDOYLOOH /( 3'

â&#x2122;Ś Land Purchase â&#x2122;Ś Joint Venture Agreements â&#x2122;Ś Planning Agreements â&#x2122;Ś Contract Disputes â&#x2122;Ś Access / Drainage Rights â&#x2122;Ś Options â&#x2122;Ś Plot Sales â&#x2122;Ś Leases )RU IXUWKHU LQIRUPDWLRQ DQG DGYLFH FRQWDFW HLWKHU $QGUHZ (DJOH DW RXU /HLFHVWHU 2IILFH RU 5XVVHOO 'RZOLQJ DW RXU %ODE\ RIILFH

Meeting disappointment head-on. Or as I like to call it, waking up.

YOUR HANDY NEW LANDSCAPING CENTRE Formally EP Builders Merchant site

Marshalls Tegular Block Paving

SPECIAL OFFER

Stonemarket Yorkstone Buff 600mm x 600mm

EX VAT

£ £

EX VAT

16.50 19.80

PER M2

INC VAT

6 8

£ .79 £ .15

EACH

INC VAT

Leicester’s leading landscaping specialist New Landscaping Display Great deals on everything you’ll need for the job – trade and public Expert advice from the Gibbs & Dandy team

Terms and conditions apply, offers available from Gibbs & Dandy Leicester from 20th May through to 31st July, subject to availability.

St Thomas Road | South Wigston | Leicester | LE18 4TA Tel. 0116 278 2352 e: leicester@gibbsanddandy.com

SPECIAL OFFER

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ JUNE 2013 â&#x20AC;˘ Tel: 01530 244069

! "

%+"#" , ",) - !" ./ %%0" 11 " #%( " 11 ! ##" , 11 *"2" ,$ 11 *" "$) $ 11 ! '3" , & " ,

!" # $ !! % & ! '" " ' " #%($ %% $ "%$ )% * % $ # % $ + % " $

#$%& '($)*%+ ,,

If time is money, then how come someone like me who has all the time in the world is still broke?

OUR ADVERTISING RATES ARE ON PAGE 38 - CALL 01530 244069 TO PLACE AN ADVERT

Government unveils office conversion detail THE DEPARTMENT for Communities and Local Government has confirmed details of its plans to make it easier to convert commercial buildings for alternative use. As expected, London boroughs including the City of London, Camden, Islington, Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Southwark, Lambeth, Wandsworth, Westminster, Newham, and Kensington and Chelsea, will be restricted from converting commercial buildings into homes. Restricted borough councils outside of London include; Vale of the White Horse, Stevenage, Ashford (Kent), the district councils of Sevenoaks and East Hampshire, and Manchester City Council. In its press statement, the CLG said: “New permitted development rights will enable offices to be converted to homes. This is an opportunity for office owners and developers to bring outdated and underused buildings back to life and create much needed new housing.” Essential Living, the UK’s first platform dedicated to the design, development and management of private rented sector housing, is planning an office-to-residential conversion in Maidenhead, Berkshire. The Londonbased firm, which has $500m of backing from global real estate investment firm M3 Capital Partners, plans to deliver 5,000 units over a decade. It is the first business to design and develop homes specifically for renters. Essential Living believes there is huge opportunity in transforming office blocks that blight communities into new housing. But the firm also believes that ministers are right to implement safeguards to avoid a future undersupply of offices which would unbalance the London property market. Darryl Flay, chief executive of Essential Living, said:“These changes show that ministers are committed to cutting red tape and working developers to better serve communities. As Mary Portas underlined, many retail units are now defunct and we should be looking to encourage developers to re-use old buildings – whether they’re empty shops of office blocks. “There’s a clear need for new housing that is centrally located near transport links that serves the demands of modern professionals. We’re dedicated to filling that need with a quality rented homes that will finally enable renting to be something we do out of choice not simply necessity.” Communities Secretary Eric Pickles said in the CLG press release: “There is huge untapped potential in the many disused existing buildings we have and we’re determined that every one of them is put to good use. “By simplifying the process and relaxing some stringent rules we can provide a helping hand to those eager to boost their high streets or rural communities by cutting the time and costs needed to start up new businesses. “These reforms will provide a boost to the exciting free schools programme. It will make it easier for parents and community activists to convert buildings into new schools. “We’re also providing a great opportunity for outdated, redundant or underused offices to be brought back to life by converting them into homes, protecting the green belt and countryside at the same time. This will also increase footfall and provide knock-on benefits to the wider community.”

Sustainable offices prove a major draw for planning consultancy A PLANNING consultancy specialising in natural resources has relocated to sustainable offices in Normanton-on-Soar in a deal overseen by Mather Jamie. Geoplan Limited has moved into one of the high quality barn conversions at Cedars Office Park, which is part of the Paget Estate and benefits from a number of eco features, including photovoltaic panels, underground clean air ventilation with heat recovery and underfloor heating powered by a woodchip biomass boiler, with woodchip sourced from woodlands on the Paget Estate. Amy Johnstone of Mather Jamie comments: “Cedars Office Park is a high quality barn conversion scheme comprising five units, which benefits from an attractive rural setting and a number of highly desirable environmentally friendly features. “These eco features have proved to be particularly attractive to businesses wanting modern offices with lower occupation costs, as well as those who are conscious of their carbon footprint. “Reclaimed materials have been used in the construction of the offices and this, combined with modern insulation methods, enhances its sustainability.

New Medical Centre opens in Loughborough

ROSEBERY Medical Centre, on Rosebery Street in the heart of Loughborough, has been officially opened by the Public Health Minister, Anna Soubry and MP for Loughborough, Nicky Morgan. In a recent ceremony, Ms Soubry and Mrs Morgan were joined by project partners from Loughborough-based contractor and developer, William Davis Ltd and Charnwood Community Medical Group to open the centre by ringing the school bell, in acknowledgement of the building’s former life and celebration of its new role. The Grade II listed building, which dates back to Victorian times, was originally built in 1897 to house Rosebery Primary School and remained in this guise until the school’s closure in 2006. In 2011, William Davis began work on a £1.2m refurbishment to provide a new home for the patients of the former Storer Road Surgery, part of Charnwood Community Medical Group. Comprising a new doctors’ surgery, consultation rooms, pharmacy and increased patient

RINGING ENDORSEMENT: Rosebery Medical Centre is officially opened with the ‘ringing of the school bell’ (l-r) The Public Health Minister, Anna Soubry MP; Guy Higgins, managing director, William Davis Ltd; Paul Hanlon, business manager, Charnwood Community Medical Group and Nicky Morgan, MP for Loughborough.

car parking, the scheme also included seven, two bedroomed terrace town houses on behalf of Nottingham Community Housing Association, all of which are now let. Speaking after the opening ceremony, Guy Higgins, managing director at William Davis said: “As a long-standing business based in the town, it is very rewarding to be involved in such a distinctive local project. With the building being such a popular landmark and the general public voicing a strong opinion that it had a future, we have taken great pride in its restoration whilst honouring its heritage, which was particularly significant as our chairman, Mr Eddie Davis was once a pupil at the school.

I love sleep. My life has the tendency to fall apart when I’m awake ...

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069

To Let/Joint Venture Opportunity

St Catherine’s & Highpoint Conference Centre SAVILLS are offering TO LET a conference centre and former care home at 165 Glenfield Road, Leicester LE3 6DP. The site of the property – known as St Catherine’s & Highpoint Conference Centre - extends to approximately 1.15 hectares (2.85 acres) and is surrounded by residential dwellings. The site is to let as a whole or two separate lots: Lot A, St Catherine’s extends to approximately 0.6 ha (1.6 acres). The brick built former care home provides accommodation over three floors plus part basement stores. There are a number of extensions to the side and rear of the main building. The property has landscaped gardens to the front, with areas of hard standing and gardens to the rear. Lot B, Highpoint Conference and Training Centre is approximately 0.5 ha (1.24 acres). Formerly St Catherine’s Chapel, the Centre is predominantly of solid brick construction set over four floors. Further additions include a double height glazed atrium and a central block courtyard. Parking and landscaped gardens are provided to the rear of the site which is accessible off Ambrose Road. St Catherine’s (Lot A) consists of 30 bedrooms, dining room, administrations offices, lounge, staff rooms, managers office,

The CLA is celebrating two major lobbying successes resulting in reduced planning regulations which will make it easier to bring both agricultural and office buildings back into productive use at a time when the rural economy needs it most. It says that new measure will reduce bureaucracy, time and cost for economic development in the countryside.

doctors room, television room, laundry room, guest bedrooms together with various WC’s/ bathrooms. There are 14 surface level car parking spaces located to the front of the property. The total accommodation extends to approximately 965.9 sq m (10,397 sq ft). Highpoint Conference Centre (Lot B) consists of 29 bedrooms and a variety of further rooms including a 1 bed flat, various training rooms and offices, IT rooms, lecture theatre, restaurant, kitchens, staff room, bar/lounge, locker rooms, storage. There is parking to the front of the property and a large car park to the rear. The total net internal floor area is approximately 1,970 sq m (21,200 sq ft). The buildings (Use Class C2) comprise of a former Care Home

and established Training Centre. The site has no specific planning allocations and St Catherine’s is a building of local interest. Interested parties are advised to enquire directly with the LPA as to the suitability of any alternative uses: Leicester City Council, New Walk Centre, Welford Place, LE1 6ZG+44 (0) 116 252 7000 Lot A has indicative plans (available on request) showing St Catherine’s potential for conversion into 20 residential apartments alongside the erection of 13 new build dwellings in the gardens. A Joint Venture opportunity is envisaged with this route. Price on application. Contact Victor Ktori at Savills on 0115 934 8171 or email: vktori@savills.com

‘Help to Buy’ begins to boost property market RICS April 2013 UK Residential Market Survey DEMAND for property rose to its highest level in over three years during April, as the government’s announcement on the ‘Help to Buy’ scheme began to make an impact on the UK’s housing market, says the latest RICS residential market survey (14 May 2013). Last month, new buyer enquiries rose to their highest level in over three years, with 25 per cent more chartered surveyors reporting demand for property rose rather than fell. The latest jump in enquiries (from 13 per cent more in March) strongly suggests that along with the existing ‘Funding for Lending’ scheme, ‘Help to Buy’ is attracting interest even if the mortgage guarantee element of the product is not due to come into effect until next year. As demand increased so did supply,

Significant lobbying successes on planning for CLA

with new instructions to sell rising in April, albeit more modestly (to a net balance of 8 per cent). With not enough housing to meet increased demand, prices are finally beginning to improve, and the survey recorded its first positive reading for house prices since June 2010. Newly agreed sales improved too, with 19 per cent more surveyors reporting sales rose rather than fell during April (from 11 per cent more in March). Meanwhile, average sales per surveyor over the past three months were at 17.1. The past two months readings on sales are at their highest levels for three years. Despite the improving picture for mortgage lending, many are still relying on the private rented sector, with demand for rented property continuing to outstrip supply*. The result is that 18 per cent more surveyors expect rental prices to rise

rather than fall. That said, respondents to the survey anticipate rents rising by less than two per cent over the next year. This plateau may be in part due to a healthier housing market and increased access to mortgage lending. Peter Bolton King, RICS Global Residential Director, commented: “It is encouraging to see government initiatives are having an impact on the property market. Help to Buy in combination with the Funding for Lending scheme appears to be giving the market a shot in the arm. Thankfully, sales are expected to pick up over the coming months, albeit from historically low levels. “However there are some understandable concerns that the measures will also lead to higher prices. In view of this, it is critical that developers are as good as their word and speed up the delivery of new stock ’’

The Association has lobbied successive governments for nearly a decade to allow the use of agricultural outbuildings to be converted to new uses that will benefit rural areas, such as shops, restaurants, small hotels and leisure facilities and offices without the need for planning permission for change of use. It has also argued that rural offices that are commercially unviable should be allowed to be converted to much-needed rural housing under permitted development rights. Ministers from the Department for Communities and Local Government have now announced that both these proposals will come into force on 30 May. CLA Midlands regional director Caroline Bedell said: “This announcement means that farms and rural businesses will be able to convert existing buildings which are presently empty or unfit for purpose, to suit modern purposes and benefit the rural economy. “Allowing agricultural buildings of 500m2 or less the flexibility to change into a range of new business uses will help to stimulate rural economic growth. It will help underpin farming businesses currently under extreme pressure by creating new jobs and businesses at a time when they are greatly needed in the countryside.” “In respect of rural offices, many CLA members are currently paying empty property rates because of a lack of business tenants, so allowing a change of use from office to residential will reduce costs and provide much-needed homes in rural areas. The Government has recognised the common sense in this argument, and while over 1,000 authorities applied for exemptions to the proposals, only 17 were successful, making it possible to ensure many of our buildings can now be used to their best advantage. “Both measures are extremely welcome and the news could not come too soon. Our quarterly CLA/ Smiths Gore Rural economy index is about to be published, and we expect to see a drop in optimism among rural businesses. Anything that can help the rural economy to grow is to be welcomed.”

It’s all about perspective. The sinking of the Titanic was a miracle to the lobsters in the ship’s kitchen.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ JUNE 2013 â&#x20AC;˘ Tel: 01530 244069

Bi Fold Door Suppliers to the Trade!

Supp

? On site surveys ? Aluminium & uPVC ? Manufactured in any colour ? Super fast turnaround ? Guaranteed free delivery ? Fitting service available

lied W

SEVEN

ithin

Work ing D ay

Unit 9, Abbey Court Ind. Estate. Wallingford Road, Leicester LE4 5RD

Telephone: 0116 266 5088

www.midlandbifolds.co.uk

Fax: 0116 266 5055 Email us: sales@midlandbifolds.co.uk

I used to use expensive, illegal substances to blur the lines of reality. Now, I just take off my glasses.

OUR ADVERTISING RATES ARE ON PAGE 38 - CALL 01530 244069 TO PLACE AN ADVERT

Essential Living comments on new Labour policy paper on the housing crisis and PRS THE LABOUR Policy Commission has published a paper, ‘The Housing Crisis: House building and a private rented sector (PRS) that works for Britain’s families’, which lays out a number of suggestions the Labour Party feel would lead to increased house building and improve the housing crisis. The paper presents two options to increase building in the UK: Make changes to the • planning system to increase incentives on developers to build more homes. Avoid changes to the • planning system because this could risk creating uncertainty for developers. On the PRS, the paper expresses concern over rogue landlords providing poor quality homes and a lack of security of tenure for families. They propose two options to improve the PRS: Explore expanding voluntary accreditation schemes for letting agents. Voluntary accreditation schemes have failed and Labour should assess the different models of regulating letting agents. Scott Hammond, Executive Director of Essential Living, commented:“We welcome this report and agree that growing demand for rented homes means we need serious thought around making development more viable. From an investment point of view, certainty is everything but ensuring schemes are viable is also vital. “The fact that agents - who handle tens of thousands of pounds of landlords’ and tenants’ cash - remain unregulated is astounding, and does indeed need to be addressed. “Ultimately, we do need to consider a planning approach recognising the fact that rental developers will take a long term interest in communities by reducing development levies. Renting by its very nature if more affordable than buying and we must do everything we can to enhance quality if we are serious about supporting growth.”

Quarter 1 New Home Registrations reach five year high THE NUMBER of new homes registered with NHBC in the UK during the first quarter of this year has reached 31,739 – the highest level for this period since 2008. The figure represents a significant overall 22% increase on last year, when 25,998 new homes were registered in Q1 2012. The rise has been fuelled by an increase in public sector registrations of 43% in Q1 this year compared to the same period last year. The main driver for this rise has been the Government’s £2.2 billion Affordable Homes Programme which aims to deliver 170,000 new homes by April 2015. The NHBC statistics also reveal an enormous 61% increase in new houses being registered in London in the first quarter of 2013 compared to Q1 last year. The landmark Battersea Power Station redevelopment helped boost the figures as more than 800 new properties were registered during the first phase of the project. Over the next 15 years, more than 3,000 new homes will ultimately be built on this iconic London site. As the leading warranty and insurance provider for new homes in the UK, NHBC’s housing registration statistics are a key leading indicator of activity in the new homes industry. Commenting on the Q1 figures, NHBC Commercial Director Richard Tamayo said: “New home registrations in the UK have reached a five year high for Quarter 1 rising 22% on the comparative period, boosted by a very strong performance in the Greater London area. “This rise in new homes being registered – particularly affordable homes – is very encouraging news for Britain’s house-building industry which has been through a very difficult time in recent years. These figures may be an indication that much-needed confidence is returning to the industry, although they should be viewed in the context of overall new homes volumes remaining significantly below historic levels.”

Melton boxer sponsored by local mini piling firm MELTON-based heavyweight Paul Butlin has agreed a sponsorship deal with Mark Yates of Midland Mini-Piling & Foundations. Paul, who has been boxing for 15 years, has fought all over Europe against some of the top names in the sport. His next fight takes place in Inverness on 5th July against 6’7” highlander Gary Cornish - an up-and-coming young Scottish fighter who is being tipped for stardom. Cornish has won all 14 of his fights so far, six of them by knock-outs. But Paul Butlin’s new sponsor Mark Yates believes that Paul could cause an upset. Mark says: “Gary Cornish is obviously a talented fighter and will take a lot of stopping. But Paul is very experienced and will relish a long hard battle against the new kid on the block. “The fight is due to be screened live by Sky TV, so tune in on 5th July and cheer on one Leicestershire’s sporting stars.” Mark Yates is a director of Midland Mini Piling & Foundations Ltd, and he is passionate about supporting his local community. He says: “I live in Melton Mowbray and when I was offered the opportunity to sponsor Paul - who is representing my home town in one of the toughest sports events - I jumped at the chance. “Come on Paul - you can do it!”

Large plot in Whitwick FINE & COUNTRY Estate Agents are offering for sale a large residential building plot with full planning permission (ref: 12/00381/ FUL) for a two-storey detached dwelling and detached double garage. The plot – at 203 Leicester Road, Whitwick, Leics. LE67 5GP – is elevated with views over the rooftops to the south. The Guide price is £175,000. For further details, contact Fine & Country on 01509 891398 or email: jane.peake@fineandcountry.com

Development site for 5 town houses in Mansfield W.A.BARNES Estate Agents are offering for sale a development site with planning consent (ref: 2012/0186/ST) for 5 town houses. The cleared site - at Dallas Street, Mansfield, Notts. NG18 – is irregular in shape with a frontage of 42 metres and a rear width of 24 metres. The minimum depth is 35 metres and this increases to a maximum of 40 metres. The site area is 1,186 sq.metres (0.293 acres). The asking price is £140,000. For more information, contact W.A.Barnes on 01623 554084 or email: sales@wabarnes.co.uk

Redevelopment opportunity in Burton Joyce RICHARD WATKINSON & Partners are offering for sale a redevelopment site comprising an existing bungalow with planning consent for demolition and erection of a replacement two-storey dwelling providing 2,000 sq.ft. of accommodation, set further back on the plot. The site – at 108 Bridle Road, Burton Joyce, Notts. – has a frontage of 24 metres and a depth of 73 metres which gives a total plot area of 0.43 acres. The Guide Price is £300,000. For details, contact Richard Watkinson & Partners on 01949 836678 or email: bingham@ richardwatkinson.co.uk

I’m always astounded by the things my wife thinks I want to hear about.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069

Former mill with lapsed planning in Nottingham HEB Estate Agents are offering for sale a former two-storey mill situated at 69/71 Beauvale Road, The Meadows, Nottingham NG2 2EW. The property has previously been granted planning permission for residential conversion, but this has now lapsed. The gross internal floor area is 2,415 sq.feet. Offers in the region of £70,000 are invited.For more information, contact Matthew Hilton at heb on 0115 950 6612 or mobile: 07971 910268 or email: mhilton@heb.co.uk

Site for 3 dormer bungalows at Overseal HOWKINS & HARRISON are offering for sale a 0.4 acre parcel of building land with full planning permission (ref: 9/2012/1065) for 3 dormer bungalows. The site is situated down a private drive off Valley Road, Overseal, Derbyshire. The Guide Price is £210,000-£215,000. For more information, contact Howkins & Harrison on 01827 718021 or email: atherstone@ howkinsandharrison.co.uk

Canalside Coventry site for 5 units SHORTLAND HORNE Estate Agents are asking £150,000 for a residential development site at Spring Road, Courthouse Green, Coventry CV6 7FP. The land comprises the site of a former detached cottage, now demolished, with extensive frontage at the rear overlooking the Coventry Canal. Detailed planning permission (ref: 51138/A plus Appeal ref: APP/ U4610/A/09/2107458) has been granted for 3 terraced houses and 2 maisonettes. For further details, contact Shortland Horne on 024 7622 2123 or email: sales@shortland-horne. co.uk

Top ten things to watch out for when applying for planning permission “Applying for planning permission can be a daunting experience, but it needn’t be that way if some thought is put into potential pitfalls that can be avoided,” says Michael Holmes, spokesperson for The Southern Homebuilding & Renovating Show (29 June – 30 June 2013, Sandown Park, Surrey). Holmes outlines top ten things to ensure applying for planning permission is a smooth process: 1. Approach the neighbours before submitting your application so notice from the local authority does not come as a surprise. Try and consult them early on and discuss your ideas and try to get them onside. It will help if they do not object. Take on board their view as far as is reasonable. 2. Remember, planning is politics, so you need to campaign for your cause. Approach the parish council with your plans early on, at around the time you are ready to apply and try and get their support for the scheme. Take on board their views if possible and reasonable, and be prepared to show some compromise. 3. Take pre-application advice from the planning department early on to avoid aborted design fees. Take onboard local planning policy, but look for precedents that may support your application, but bear in mind that planning policy is guidance only, and rules can be stretched and manipulated. 4. Applications for listed building consent should always involve professional planning advice, and may need advice from an historic building consultant. Clearly, identifying all repairs (standard rate VAT) and all alterations (zero rate VAT) can help reduce costs by minimising VAT. 5. It can pay to apply for a little more than you really want or expect to build so that you have something to sacrifice should you need to compromise. 6. Don’t make any contentious applications around the time of local or national elections. No one wants to stick their neck out to support a scheme that will be unpopular with the local community and potentially lose their political support - and all development is unpopular with someone! 7. If your scheme is recommended by the planning officers for refusal, withdrawing the application and making some amendments can be a better tactic than allowing it to be refused and then trying to appeal. Don’t waste time and money fighting a hopeless cause. 8. Take a tactical approach. If one or two aspects of the design are contentious, remove them, get approval for the main scheme, and then reapply for the more controversial aspects later – there is no fee for reapplying the first time. You could also apply for minor amendments to the scheme by writing to the local authority. 9. Consider combining what you can achieve using Permitted Development Rights (www.planningportal.gov.uk) to extend and alter your home with what can be achieved through planning permission. The sum can be greater than the two halves. 10. If the application is contentious, get the advice of a professional planning consultant. Do not assume your architectural designer is also a planning expert, subtle differences in approach or wording can make all of the difference, and secure success rather than refusal, and unlock the true value of your property.

Visitors can get expert advice from Michael Holmes at The Southern Homebuilding & Renovating Show taking place from 29 June – 30 June 2013. For more information visit http://surrey.homebuildingshow.co.uk/. Tickets are £12 if booked in advance and £16 on door.

HEALTH, SAFETY & ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANCY & TRAINING > Management Systems > Construction Design & Management > Risk Assessment > Noise Assessment

> NEBOSH > IOSH > First Aid > Plus many more

Tel: 01455 559 903 www.longland-safety.co.uk You can learn a lot about a person just by watching them through binoculars 24 hours a day.

OUR ADVERTISING RATES ARE ON PAGE 38 - CALL 01530 244069 TO PLACE AN ADVERT

£1.8m raised at latest Savills auction A CROWDED sale room bid over £1.8million for residential, commercial and rural lots at the latest Savills auction which took place at Nottingham Race Course on Thursday 16th May 2013. The star residential lot was a traditional detached house in the Lady Bay district of West Bridgford. (Pictured right). The property attracted interest from developers, home owners and investors and achieved a sale of £192,000 from a guide of £80,000 - £100,000. Other residential highlights included the sale of 12 Hillfield Road, Stapleford, a three bedroom semi-detached property, sold on behalf of the County Council for £81,000. Bob Crocker, director of residential auctions at Savills Nottingham, comments: “This auction saw an uptake in viewings, with of over 50 viewings in the pre-auction marketing period. Many of these were parents looking to invest on behalf of first time buyers. With our next sale on 27th June 2013, we have already listed a number of properties, both in and around the city and county.” Of the commercial lots, a four storey office building at 7 Derby Terrace on The Park Estate, Nottingham generated high levels of interest from investors and owner occupiers alike. Offered at a guide of £185,000 on behalf of a Frank Hodson Trust the property sold for £223,000. Paul Giles, associate director of commercial auctions at Savills Nottingham, comments: “Over the past 12 months we have sold a number of period office buildings similar to 7 Derby Terrace, all of which have attracted high levels of interest and selling over the guides. What is interesting is that the auction sales are often achieving stronger prices than the traditional private treaty method and we are seeing both buyers and sellers attracted to the quick turnaround of auction sales.” Other commercial highlights include two sales on behalf of high street retailer Boots. Savills sold 71 Bracebridge Drive, a retail investment let to Sue Ryder producing £18,000 per annum and with 33 years remaining The site is located opposite Leicester Sta•on on the long leasehold interest. The property achieved a strong sale price With Panoramic views over Leicester of £146,000 off a guide of £100,000. Meanwhile, a retail investment on Within easy access of the Leicester University Campus and a short Silver Street in Coningsby, Lincolnshire which comprised two retail units producing £12,025 per annum, sold for £100,000. walk to the centre of Leicester. The site comprises of an open area of land with secure gated access For further details of Savills June sale and an auction catalogue, telephone 0115 934 8080. Ini•al discussions have been held with Leicester City Council and

Leicester City Centre Unique Development Site

subject to Planning permission the site would oﬀer accommoda•on for up to 50 students. Oﬀers over £250,000 subject to contract For further details please contact Mr Pren•ce on 07581 319708

If you enjoy reading Leicestershire Builder Magazine, please pass it on to a friend or colleague when you‛ve ﬁnished with it. Thanks!

Or admin@veronltd.com

Your local consulting engineers, here to help

Laurus House l First Avenue l Centrum 100 l Burton upon Trent l DE14 2WH Call: 01283 551249 Email: info@grm-uk.com Visit: www.grm-uk.com

Phase l Desk Top Studies

Site Investigations

Mining Risk Assessments

Environmental Services

Drainage & Flood Risk Assessments

Foundation Solutions

Independent Validation Services

No problems, only solutions

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069

NEED OFFICE SPACE?

WWW.RAYNSWAYPROPERTIES.CO.UK

0116 269 4002

Lovell secures silver Considerate Constructors award THE TEAM from housing refurbishment specialist Lovell which carried out a major housing improvement programme in Leicestershire for Three Oaks Homes has won a national award. The Lovell team has been presented with a silver Considerate Constructors Scheme National Site Award for its work on this large-scale homes improvement programme in the Blaby district which was completed in October 2012. The independently assessed Considerate Constructors Scheme accolade recognises construction teams displaying excellent standards of consideration towards their neighbours, their workforce, the general public and the environment. The large-scale programme of work by Lovell for Three Oaks Homes included installing new kitchens, bathrooms and heating systems and carrying out electrical upgrading work and external improvements. An inspector for the Considerate Constructors Scheme said that the Lovell team had delivered “an exemplary service with dedicated resident liaison officers, considerate and efficient site personnel”. The inspector’s report also noted that resident satisfaction questionnaires were 99 per cent positive, with the project team receiving an average of 30 compliments each month from residents about the support provided by resident liaison officers and the operational team’s conduct. Richard Rae, head of maintenance at Three Oaks Homes, comments: “We are delighted that Lovell has been recognised for the consideration they showed during this long project. Thanks to our strong partnership, our fiveyear investment programme was delivered a year early and with as little disruption as possible to our residents.”

Potential residential development site in Nottingham FHP Property Consultants are offering for sale a potential residential development site at Bestwood Park Drive, Rise Park, Nottingham NG5 5EJ. The 1.62 acre site previously comprised a Kwik Save retail unit but this has been demolished and therefore this site is surplus to requirements. No residential planning consent exists on the site but the agents have had discussions with the Local Planning Authority regarding a change of use to residential. The Vendor is prepared to enter into a conditional contract and the agents are seeking offers on a ‘Subject to Planning’ basis in the region of £750,000. The sale will be subject to VAT. For more information, contact David Hargreaves at FHP on 07876 396003 or email: davidh@fhp.co.uk

Superior building plot for sale in Stoughton ANDREW GRANGER & CO. are offering for sale a superior building plot with full planning permission for the erection of a 4-bedroom detached barn-style residence of approximately 2,000 sq.feet. The plot - at Stoughton Lodge Farm, Stoughton, Leicester - forms part of a small select rural development enjoying spectacular views over open countryside. The price guide is £225,000. For more information, contact Andrew Granger & Co. on 01858 431315 or email: sales@andrewgranger.co.uk

PLE

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

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

Just lately when I go out, some bird with long legs starts following me. I think I’m being Storked.

OUR ADVERTISING RATES ARE ON PAGE 38 - CALL 01530 244069 TO PLACE AN ADVERT

Opportunity for residential housing partners to invest in the future expansion of Cambridge THE UNIVERSITY of Cambridge, as Principal Developer of its £1 billion mixed-use scheme at North West Cambridge, is seeking market housing developers in this rare opportunity to work collaboratively to create an urban extension befitting the city. Setting new standards of quality and sustainability, the North West Cambridge development will be the first development at this scale in the country to be built to the Code for Sustainable Homes Level 5 (residential) and BREEAM Excellent (all other buildings). The masterplan for the 150-hectare mixed-use development includes 3,000 homes (50% created and retained by the University as affordable homes for staff), 2,000 student bedspaces, a local centre with a supermarket and retail units, primary school, nursery, community centre, doctors surgery, hotel and senior living, as well as substantial landscaping and open space for recreation and leisure. The development is part of the University’s longterm growth needs. Roger Taylor, Project Director for the North West Cambridge development, said: “The University secured planning consent for the scheme in February 2013, which includes the Section 106 agreement. The University’s commitment to community-building allows development partners to focus on house-building for the next generation - delivering exceptional quality in design and pushing the boundaries of sustainability. It is a superb opportunity for developers, large and small, to be an integral part of the first phase of Cambridge University’s single largest capital development in its 800-year history.” Phase One at North West Cambridge includes four lots for market housing developers, presenting opportunities to develop a mix of apartments and houses from 65 units to up to 400. The University has a flexible approach to the configuration of these lots, and will respond to the credentials of each developer on merit and ambition. North West Cambridge will be an exemplar of sustainable living. In addition to the ambitious building and design plans, the landscape and infrastructure intentions for the development will encourage people to lead sustainable lives through carefully considered measures, including a Green Travel plan. The University will provide site-wide features and infrastructure such as an energy centre, and water and waste management systems that will enhance the site’s sustainable characteristics. The majority of the public realm will be managed by the University’s Estate, with over a third of the site being designed as open, green space with extensive tree planting and other measures to enhance the local biodiversity and ecology of the site. Works on infrastructure will begin this year with completion of Phase One due from late 2015-2016. A developers briefing will be held on 4 June 2013 in Cambridge. Development partners should register at www.nwcdevelopment. co.uk for the next steps. For more information about North West Cambridge, visit www.nwcambridge.co.uk.

Castledine & Co. Environmental Consultants We offer:

Specialist Planning Assistance Contaminated Land Risk Assessments Phase 1 Desktop Study and walkover Phase 2 intrusive Survey and testing

Flood Risk Assessments All work carried out to satisfy the requirements of Development Control Free initial advice on the best way forward A complete service from initial survey to securing regulator approval Down to earth solutions for Developers

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

England is the only country that runs more efficiently through a world war than a snow storm.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069

SEVEN TIPS to help you start building a family property portfolio VICKI WUSCHE is author of ‘Property for the next Generation’. Here are her tips to help you start creating a family property portfolio.

Thursday 6th June 2013BAGSHAWS RESIDENTIAL - at Derbyshire County Cricket Club, Grandstand Road, Derby, DE21 6AF - 11.30 start - tel: 01332 361308 - email: auctions.derby@ sequencehome.co.uk - www. bagshawsauctions.co.uk Tuesday 11th June 2013 - AUCTION HOUSE RICHARD GREENER - at the Hilton Northampton Hotel, 100 Watering Lane, Collingtree, Northampton NN4 0XW - 11am start - tel: 01604 230222 - www. auctionhouse.uk.net Thursday 18th June 2013 - HEB - at The Gateway Hotel, Nuthall Road, Cinderhill, Nottingham NG8 6AZ - 2.30pm start - tel: 0115 950 6611 - www.heb.co.uk Thursday 27th June 2013 - SAVILLS - at The Centenary Suite, Nottingham Racecourse, Colwick Park, Colwick Road, Nottingham NG2 4BE - 2.30pm start - tel: 0115 934 8020 - visit: www.savills.co.uk/auctions Thursday 4th July 2013 CPBIGWOOD - at Aston Villa Football Club, Holte Suite, Aston, Birmingham B6 6HE - 11am-6pm - tel: 0121 233 5046 - www.bigwood. uk.com Thursday 4th July 2013 - GRAHAM PENNY - Nottingham Racecourse, Colwick Park , Nottingham - 11.30am start - tel: 01159 588 702 - www. grahampenny.com Thursday 11th July 2013 - COTTONS - at Aston Villa FC, Villa Park, Birmingham B6 6HE - 11am start - tel: 0121 247 2233 or email: auctions@cottons.co.uk Thursday 11th July 2013 - GRAHAM PENNY - The Pedigree Suite, Derby County F.C, Pride Park Stadium, Derby - 11.30am start - tel: 01332 242880 - www.grahampenny.com

1. You don’t have to live where you own, you don’t have to own where you live. If you cannot afford to buy your dream home in your dream area then how about buying a property in a cheaper area that you can afford and then using the income to help you rent your dream home in the perfect location. Who says you have to live in the property you own? 2. Never sell a house – convert the mortgage and rent it out for a profit If you need (or want) to move – don’t sell your property. Instead, explore the cost benefit of renting your property and moving to a more suitable property that fits your needs that maybe you don’t actually buy – you just rent. As long as you check that you meet the local and legal requirements to rent a property (and here a letting agent’s advice is invaluable) you could save on estate agent fees incurred through selling and profit on the income through renting. 3. Property investment is a sensible business decision that can help your family become more financially secure Property investment is a professional and profitable business if undertaken with care and expert guidance. There is a lot of legislation and it changes all the time, however there are organisations like the NLA (National Landlords Association) and the Landlord Accreditation Scheme that can offer advice, guidance and education. When you work out the interest you are earning on your savings compared to the interest that can be earned though property investment, especially if you buy outside of London where return on investment (ROI) can reach 10-20% (depending on the investment strategies used), it makes sense to explore what property investment can do for your family

Electronic Templating for The Worksurfacing Industry

Tuesday 23rd July 2013 - READINGS - at The Underwood Suite, Leicester Tigers R.F.C., Welford Road, Leicester LE2 7TR - tel: 0116 2227575 or email www.auctionhouse. uk.net Wednesday 24th July 2013BAGSHAWS RESIDENTIAL - at Derbyshire County Cricket Club, Grandstand Road, Derby, DE21 6AF - 11.30 start - tel: 01332 361308 - email: auctions.derby@ sequencehome.co.uk - www. bagshawsauctions.co.uk

and your financial security. 4. Save your family money and buy smaller properties outside of London for rental purposes and use the income to create the lifestyle you want. Research by Santander states that four out of five young people cannot afford to buy without help from their parents. Don’t let your children remain trapped at home. Rather than encouraging them to buy their own home, encourage them to buy an affordable rental property that will give an income so they live (rent) in their dream home. In her book ‘Property for the Next Generation’ Vicki not only explains how she taught her daughter to buy her own home without any money from the bank of mum and dad. ‘It’s about buying where you can afford and not being wedded to the idea that you have to live in the property that you buy’ explains Vicki. 5. Recognise that your children might not want your house when you pass on. Young people are faced with growing technological change and with that new ways of working, and living. As parents we have grown up thinking that passing on our house to our children is a gift and a legacy. In fact it might well prove a burden when inheritance tax and costs of selling are taken into account. Investing in property while your children are young and prices relatively low compared to future prices in 10 or 20 years when you children are actually ready to leave home seems to make sense. But where to buy? What university will they attend? These are misleading questions – instead invest in property in a location that makes financial sense and then hold on to the property for as long as the strategy and your personal circumstances dictate.

• •

• 18 years Experience Contact Mark Seabrook •

0772 309 2474 www.seabrookdigital.com

Hearing aid for sale. Give me a shout if you’re interested.

6. Check everything, do your research and never hand over money to anyone in exchange for the promise of properties to come. You might not have the skill or the time to identify where the hot spots and best return on your investment will be. And you may not be up to date on all the latest legislation. This is where the advice of a professional property sourcer can be useful. However be wary of “systems” or “clubs” that asked you to join a membership in order to access deals, and never handover money in return for a promise of properties in the future. Always do your homework, understand the nature of the investment, ask questions and get independent financial advice. 7. Start preparing now – don’t wait. Vicki worked out that £150,000 in a pension (after 10 years of contributions) is only going to provide her family with £7,200 per annum. But by investing £150,000 wisely in property she can get between £1,400 and £2,400 net income per month. The income will start now and every month until retirement and then for years beyond, providing the properties are well managed. By taking responsibility for your own financial future, getting good advice and doing your homework you can create more income for your family now and create a secure income for your retirement whenever you want to take it. The bonus of the extra family income might be to help your children leave home or get on the property ladder through their own property portfolio. Property investment can be a great business idea as long as you know the rules and comply with the law. Check out our website TheSourcersApprentice.com for free resources designed to help and support you.

About Vicki Wusche Vicki Wusche has gone from single mother on limited income, to financially free with a property portfolio worth £2m, in just 20 months. Vicki has been investing in property herself for many years and runs a successful business sourcing property for other investors and teaching people how to invest in property. She is author of three property investment books and has helped her daughter buy her own property using the techniques she teaches in her book ‘Property for the Next Generation’. See: www. PropertyForTheNextGeneration.com and www.VickiWusche.com

OUR ADVERTISING RATES ARE ON PAGE 38 - CALL 01530 244069 TO PLACE AN ADVERT

Residential development opportunity in Mountsorrel

LAMBERT SMITH HAMPTON are offering for sale the Former Mountsorrel Day Centre at Marsh Road, Mountsorrel, Leicestershire, LE12 7JP. The 1.2 acre site previously was used as a day care centre which will be offered with vacant possession. Outline Planning consent has been granted for a proposed residential scheme comprising of 4 x 3 bed semi-detached, 3 x 3 bed detached and 7 x 4 bed detached houses. Offers in excess of £550,000 for the freehold interest. Viewing is strictly by prior appointment with the sole agent - Geoff Gibson of Lambert Smith Hampton – on 0116 204 5977 or email: ggibson@lsh.co.uk

SipBuild UK delivers school extension in five week lead time

SIPBUILD UK manufactured and built a new classroom and series of extensions at Meadowside CP School in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, in just five weeks using Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs). Meadowside CP School needed to increase the capacity of its classrooms to meet the demand for places created by the credit crunch baby-boom without disrupting term-time activities. SipBuild UK managing director Chris Duckworth said: “This was an ideal project for SIPs and the results have been amazing. We were on site within five weeks and built an entirely new classroom within five days. This allowed other contractors to get on site and complete the roofing, rendering, wiring and plumbing without disrupting the school calendar. “Extensions to existing buildings, to provide integral cloakroom and toilet facilities for each year were completed over a further four build periods as the classrooms became available around the school holidays. “SIPs are a great way to increase classroom capacity quickly while ensuring a quality-build and reducing heating bills.” The classrooms are colour co-ordinated using a shot through render system fixed onto battens and the SIPS wall panels. The project was completed in April 2013.

‘Failed for forward chain letter to 5 friends’ is what I want my tombstone to read.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069

Looking for office space?

Flexible office accommodation available in Melton Mowbray JONES LANG LASALLE are offering TO LET flexible offices at Crown House, Scalford Road, Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE13 1JA. The property comprises a modern concrete framed building with accommodation over three floors, with the first and second floors being immediately available by way of a new lease. The first floor office are totals 1,575 sq.feet, and the second floor office area is 4,288 sq.feet, making a total of 5,863 sq.feet available. For more information, contact Matthew Robertson at Jones Lang Lasalle on 0115 908 2120 or email: Matthew.robertson@eu.jll.com

Treat yourself to a theatre!

Development site close to Derby City Centre

Narborough office property with potential for further development

LAMBERT SMITH HAMPTON are offering for sale Drury House, 50 Leicester Road, Narborough LE19 2DF. Drury House comprises a three storey detached property with a separate detached coach house/stable block, both originally residential but now converted to offices for the operational requirements of the NHS. The property is approached by a large forecourt with excellent car parking, thereafter a central secure entrance into a foyer area with stairs off leading to a range of large rooms over 3 floors fitted as offices. The property currently has planning consent for B1 (offices) but would be suitable for a variety of uses, including residential conversion, subject to planning. The land to the rear of the property has potential for further development subject to planning consent. The property falls within the Narborough village conservation area. Offers in the region of £450,000 are invited for the freehold with vacant possession. For more information, or to arrange a viewing (strictly by prior appointment with the sole agent), contact Jane Taylor of Lambert Smith Hampton on 0116 204 5976 or mobile 07711 484874 or email: jtaylor@lsh.co.uk

Lee Circle properties auctioned in London SAVILLS are inviting offers for the Former Hippodrome Theatre at Green Lane, Derby DE1 1RT. The property comprises a substantial detached building of significant height and presence designed by architects Marshall and Tweedy. The building was constructed in 1914 and was originally used as a music hall and theatre. However it was most recently trading as Walkers Bingo Hall. The site offers a unique development opportunity with frontage onto Macklin Street and Green Lane. The premises includes the former Hippodrome Building and car park accessible via Macklin Street. The agents have been informed that the property on the site is Grade 2 Listed and currently benefits from consent for D2 (Assembly and Leisure) use. However the site is deemed to be suitable for a range of alternative uses, subject to obtaining the necessary planning consents. Offers are invited. Viewing is strictly by appointment with the joint agents. For more information, contact Victor Ktori on 0115 934 8171 (email: vktori@savills.com) or Ian Davidson on 0207 659 2094 (email: info@davidsonacquila.co.uk ).

AS THIS issue of Leicestershire Builder goes to press, two rundown buildings in Lee Circle, Leicester will be going under the hammer in London. The site is being sold in two parts, with guide prices of £250,000 and £200,000. The property has planning permission for two seven-storey apartment blocks with a total of 96 flats.

Guide Price: £250,000+

Guide Price: £200,000+

I’ll worry about being replaced by a computer when they make one that grovels.

OUR ADVERTISING RATES ARE ON PAGE 38 - CALL 01530 244069 TO PLACE AN ADVERT

Stockists of Deceuninck Fascias & Soffits Window trims, sealants, cleaning products, etc. Door barrel and letterboxes available Low price Guttering Windows, doors and conservatories available at trade prices Polycarbonate and glazing bars

WE ARE OPEN 8am-5pm Monday to Thursday 8am-4.30pm Friday 8am-12 noon Saturday

NOW STOCKING UNDERGROUND DRAINAGE AT VERY COMPETITIVE PRICES

Tel: 01530 811500 Fax: 01530 811579 Email: sales@windowmate.net Unit 9, Ravenstone Road Ind. Est., Coalville, Leics. (Behind Travis Perkins)

My wife left me with my 6 year old and my 3 year old ... and as if thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not bad enough, she left the 6 year old in charge.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069

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

Tel: 0116 2853 777 Leema Technologies Limited. The Warehouse, 1a Stamford Street, Leicester LE1 6NL

I never change the clock in my car. Six months of the year, I’m an hour late. The other six, I’m two hours late.

OUR ADVERTISING RATES ARE ON PAGE 38 - CALL 01530 244069 TO PLACE AN ADVERT

Nuneaton development opportunity: £600k Leicester City OM International Services (c/o Agent: James Bradley, RG+P Ltd, 130 New Walk, Leicester LE1 7JA) Extension of time limit for implementation of planning permission 20100113 for demolition of houses at 46 & 48 Swithland Avenue and erection of 8 dwellings - at 46/48 Swithland Avenue and land at rear of 2-12 Swithland Avenue and 77-89 Abbey Park Road, Leicester.

SAVILLS are offering for sale a freehold development opportunity with potential for alternative uses, subject to planning.

Mr P Dobson (c/o Agent: AJS Architectural Services, 41 Braunstone Avenue, Leicester LE3 0JH) - Two semi-detached houses with rear dormers - at land adjacent to 30 Conaglen Road, Leicester.

The site - Former Abbey Metals Site, Weddington Road , Nuneaton CV10 0AJ - provides approximately 1.70 acres (0.699 hectares) of development land. The current fire damaged units on site are due to be demolished. Unconditional offers are invited for the freehold interest in the land as a whole no less than £600,000. For more information, contact Charles Spicer at Savills on 0121 634 8407 or email: caspicer@savills.com

Capita Health & Wellbeing (c/o Agent: Capita Symonds, Croxton’s Mill, Little waltham, Chelmsford, Essex CM3 3PJ) - Change of use from office to health & disability assessment centre - at Wellington House, 22-32 Wellington Street, Leicester.

Flying Start For East Midlands Firm Of Chartered Surveyors A NEWLY launched firm of chartered surveyors and commercial property consultants has got off to a flying start after winning a hat trick of prestigious instructions. Leicester based Phillips Sutton Associates has won contracts to let the former Howes Percival offices on Bede Island Business Park with 22,000 sq ft of space; 15,500 sq ft of offices at Charnwood Court for Bunbury Holdings in Leicester city centre and a 60,000 sq ft warehouse on Swift Park, Rugby. The contracts are three of several landed by Phillips Sutton just a few weeks after launching its commercial property service from offices in Leicester Road, Blaby. Sam Sutton (pictured above), Director of Phillips Sutton Associates said: “We are providing a bespoke director level service to our clients and this approach is being well received in the local property market. “We are providing a comprehensive commercial property service including lettings, sales, investment, development and asset management. “In spite of the continuing economic difficulties the East Midlands continues to provide excellent opportunities and already we have attracted a healthy portfolio of clients based locally and abroad who are investing in the region.” More information on Phillips Sutton Associates can be found at www.phillipssutton.co.uk

Jelson Ltd (c/o Agent: Mr.Sam Maitland, 370 Loughborough Road, Leicester LE4 5PR) - Erection of 8 dwellinghouses - at land off Bridgemere Close (adjacent to 17 & 18), Leicester. GS Developments (Leicester) Ltd (c/o Agent: Brian Dearlove Partnership, Unit C Edward House, Grange Business Park, Enderby Road, Whetstone, Leicester LE8 6EP) Demolition of building and erection of 2 three-bed houses - at 168 Avenue Road Extension, Leicester. Leicestershire Braham Samaj (c/o Agent: SKM Design, 8 De Montfort Mews, Leicester LE1 7FW) - Demolition of building and erection of community centre/place of worship - at 15 Belgrave Road, Leicester. Mr Jack Tar Singh (c/o Agent: John Rickman, 16 Oakenshaw Close, Leicester LE4 2J) - Demolition of public house and erection of single storey MOT testing station and car tyre centre - at 72 Sanvey Gate, Leicester. Mr M Arshad (c/o Agent: Malik Enterprises, 30 Carlton Drive, Wigston, Leicester LE18 1DF) - Single storey rear and two storey side extension to factory - at 42 Percy Road, Leicester. Edelman Enterprises LLP (c/o Agent: The Drawing Room (Architects) Ltd, 130 Moat Street,

Wigston, Leicester LE18 2GE) Residential development for six storey building comprising 11 flats - at land adjacent to 11 Yeoman Lane, Leicester. Mr A Manne (c/o Agent: Michael Collins Architect, 118 South Knighton Road, Leicester LE2 3LQ) - Erection of 3 one-bed flats - at 2 Sylvan Street, Leicester. Marcus King & Co (c/o Agent: Nathan Associates, The Studio, 3 Nelson Close, Ettington, Warks. CV37 7SL) - Change of use of first and second floor from office to 8 flats - at Kobe House, 18-30 Charles Street, Leicester. Queen Street Apartments Ltd (c/o Agent: Hawkins McGowan Architects, The Studio, 33 Cornhill Grove, Wolverhampton WS11 1AH) - Change of use from factory and five-storey extension to provide 8 studio flats on the first to fourth floors and a management office on the ground floor - at Former Courtauld Factory, 21 Queen Street, Leicester. Mohammed Alam (c/o Agent: A.A.Parr, Chartered Architect, 9 Tilton Drive, Oadby, Leicester) - Change of use from house to 2 self-contained flats - at 28 Lancaster Road, Leicester. Leicester Miller Education Company (c/o Agent: Daniel Lister, Miller Construction, 6060 Knights Court, Solihull Parkway, Birmingham Business Park, Solihull, West Midlands B37 7WY) - Two storey and single storey extension to school - at Ashfield School, Broad Avenue, Leicester. Impact Ducting Sales Ltd (c/o Agent: Corporate Architecture Ltd, 35 Leicester Road, Blaby, Leicester LE8 4GR) - Demolition of part of existing factory and erection of two-storey office and workshop area - at 45 Oakland Road, Leicester. Karl Watson Contracting (c/o Agent: HSSP Architects Limited, PERA Innovation Park, Nottingham Road, Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE13 0PB) - Change of use from a vault to builder’s merchant and offices - at 2 Sheene Road, Leicester. West London Properties (c/o Agent: James Badley, RG+P Ltd., 130 New Walk, Leicester LE1 7JA) - Eight storey building comprising 28 flats on upper floors and 3 retail units on ground floor - at Site of Spread

Continued on page 30

I tell women what they want to hear. Usually something like ‘Well, I’m gonna go now.’

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069

DYNAMIC DUO APPOINTED AT M-EC Continued from page 29 eagle Public House, 144 Charles Street, Leicester. Mr Nikesh Popat (c/o Agent: Dennis Dziko, 72-74 Western Road, Leicester LE3 0GE) - Change of use from offices to student accommodation comprising 30 studio flats plus extensions to rear - at 136-138 New Walk, Leicester. Dr Mohamed Roshan (c/o Agent: Summers Inman LLP, 6 Thorpe Way, Grove Park, Enderby, Leics. LE19 1SU) - Demolition of single storey medical centre - at Coleman Road Surgery, 184 Coleman Road, Leicester. Mr Manish Radia (c/o Agent: RG+P Ltd, 130 New Walk, Leicester LE1 7JA) Change of use from dwelling to 9 self-contained flats - at 34 Knighton Drive, Leicester. Mor Foods Ltd (c/o Agent: Marrons Solicitors, 1 Meridian South, Meridian Business Park, Leicester LE19 1WY) Change of use of factory to food store - at 3-7 Woodbridge Road, Leicester.

Rutland Simon Hooper (c/o Agent: Miss Justine Bailey, Smiths Gore, Stuart House, City Road, Peterborough PE1 1QF) - Erection of 2 dwellinghouses - at 36 Weston Road, Edith Weston, Oakham, Rutland LE15 8HQ. Spire Homes (LG) Ltd (c/o Agent: Miss Chloe Renner, Bidwells, John Ormond House, 899 Silbury Boulevard, Central Milton Keynes, MK9 3XJ) - Construction of 38 dwellinghouses and demolition of existing lock up garages - at Sites off Branston Road, Uppingham, Rutland.

Melton Borough Melton Borough Council (c/o Agent: S.Marchant, Masefields, Studley Point, 88 Birmingham Road, Studley, Warks. - Up to 3 new family homes on a former residential garage court - at Garage Block between 60 & 62 Queensway, Melton Mowbray, Leics. Melton Borough Council (c/o Agent: M.Brabbs, Masefields, Studley Point, 88 Birmingham Road, Studley, Warks. - Outline application for 7 new dwellings - at Garages behind 2-12 Rudbeck Avenue, Melton Mowbray, Leics.

Melton Borough Council (c/o Agent: M.Brabbs, Masefields, Studley Point, 88 Birmingham Road, Studley, Warks. - Outline application for 2 family homes on a former garage forecourt - at Garages between 161 & 163 Edendale Road, Melton Mowbray, Leics. T Denman & Sons (Melton Mowbray) Ltd - (c/o Agent: David Granger Design Ltd, The Old Dairy, Mill Street, Packington, Ashby de la Zouch, Leics. LE65 1WN) - Erection of 2 dwellings - at Land adjacent to 48 High Street, Waltham on the Wolds, Leics.

Hinckley & Bosworth Mr Martin Wells (c/o Agent: Clive Williams, BWD Ltd, 9/11 Regent Street, Hinckley, Leics. LE10 0AZ) - Change of use from health club to 3 dwellings - at 10-12 The Lawns, Hinckley, Leics. LE10 1DY. Mr & Mrs C Kirchin (c/o Agent: George Burton, GB a&e Ltd, Ryton Organic Gardens, Wolston Lane, Ryton-on-Dunsmore, Rugby, Warks. CV8 3LG) - Erection of 2 dwellings - at 24A Britannia Road, Burbage, Hinckley, Leics.

N.W.Leics. Taylor Wimpey North Midlands Ltd (c/o: Chase House, Park Plaza, Cannock, Staffs. WS12 2DD) Erection of 190 dwellings, public open space, landscaping, associated road infrastructure, land remediation and groundworks - at Former Hepworth Works, Land off Hepworth Road, Blackfordby, Leics. M Hoult Builders (c/o Agent: C A Underwood, The Barn, Church lane, Ravenstone,Coalville, Leics. LE67 2AE) - Erection of 2 single storey dwellings and garaging - at Land rear of 37 Silver Street, Whitwick, Coalville, Leics. LE67 5EW. Mr Matthew Inman (c/o Agent: James Bompas, Iceni Projects, Flitcroft House, 114-116 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0JR) - Development of 605 residential dwellings including a 60-unit extra care centre, a new primary school, a new health centre, a new nursery school, a new community hall, new neighbourhood retail use, new public open space and vehicular access from the A511 and Woodcock Way - at Money Hill Site, North of Wood Street, Ashby de la Zouch, Leics. LE65 1EL.

Continued on page 33

IBSTOCK-BASED consulting development engineers, M-EC has added to its rapidly growing team with two new appointments, Gaetano Pellegrino and Manos Mavrogiorgis, taking the total of new recruits to seven in the last six months. The first new addition, Gaetano Pellegrino, NEW TEAM MEMBERS: (L-R) Manos joins the Hydrology team as a specialist Mavrogiorgis, graduate transport flood risk/hydrology engineer & Gaetano Pellegrino specialist engineer. With over flood risk/hydrology engineer. eight years’ experience, Gaetano will be responsible for river/flood modelling, flood risk assessments and drainage strategies for high risk sites and will work alongside team leader, Neil Onions. M-EC’s second new appointment, joining the transport team as a graduate transport engineer, is Manos Mavrogiorgis. After relocating to the UK from Athens, Greece, Manos completed his MSc in Transport Engineering and Planning before starting his new role. Reporting to Tim Rose, Manos will work on a range of assignments including transport statements, travel plans, site access advice/design, off-site highway improvements and sustainable transport appraisals. M-EC’s managing director, Eddie Mewies concluded: “Despite difficult market conditions, M-EC continues to grow, winning work across Leicestershire and the wider East Midlands; as a result, we felt the time was right to appoint Gaetano and Manos. Both recruits are enthusiastic, committed and professional so will complement the team perfectly. Looking ahead, we have a healthy forward order book so this, coupled with our new team members, means the future looks bright for M-EC!”

Charles Frears campus changes hands for £2.9m DE MONTFORT University has sold its Charles Frears campus in London Road, Leicester to the University of Leicester for £2.9 million, according to a report in the Leicester Mercury. The site had previously been up for sale with a guide price of £5 million, and an unnamed developer - with plans to build homes on the 7-acre site - was close to exchanging contracts with De Montfort University in August. But the negotiations fell through and the site was re-offered for sale. It is understood that the building will be used for teaching purposes rather than as student residences.

Woodville site for 14 dwellings: £350K NEWTON FALLOWELL are offering for sale a parcel of building land with Outline Planning Permission for 14 dwellings. The land – which was formerly used as nurseries – is situated off Court Street, Woodville, Near Swadlincote, Derbyshire and occupies an area of approximately 4,673 sq.yards. The Guide Price is £350,000. For details, contact Newton Fallowell on 01283 217772.

On the magicians’ final exam, they’re all trick questions.

OUR ADVERTISING RATES ARE ON PAGE 38 - CALL 01530 244069 TO PLACE AN ADVERT

The last guy who broke my heart was hard to get over. At least until I shifted the truck into four-wheel drive.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069 RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY PART OF MANOR FARM, MAIN STREET, KILBY, LEICESTERSHIRE. LE18 3TJ

FOR SALE

The Lindens Public House, Halstead Road, Mountsorrel, LE12 7HF

Freehold Residential Development Site Planning Permission for 9 Two Storey Dwelling Houses Prominent Village Location No Off Site Contributions An exciting residential development opportunity including two barns for conversion, outline planning consent for a new dwelling and a separate 1.97 Acre (0.80HA) paddock.

0.25 Hectare (0.65 Acre) Site

PRICE GUIDE: £625,000

For Sale by Private Treaty as a whole or in separate Lots. Full Information Pack available upon request or through the Mather Jamie website.

For further details contact:

Viewing by prior appointment with the Agents only. Robert D Cole BSc (Hons) MRICS FAAV Email: robert.cole@matherjamie.co.uk

Gary R Kirk BSc (Hons) MRICS Email: gary.kirk@matherjamie.co.uk

3 Bank Court, Weldon Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 5RF www.matherjamie.co.uk Tel: 01509 233433

Email: jmp@apbleicester.co.uk

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 remember that Paul McCartney song like it was Yesterday.

OUR ADVERTISING RATES ARE ON PAGE 38 - CALL 01530 244069 TO PLACE AN ADVERT

Development opportunity for 14 apartments in Northampton Richard Greener Estate Agents are offering for sale BY AUCTION a residential development opportunity at St Lucia House, 54 The Avenue, Cliftonville, Northampton NN1 5BT.

Wells McFarlane appoints Senior Surveyor Wells McFarlane has recently added to its experienced team with the appointment of Michelle Mills as Senior Surveyor. Michelle has recently relocated to Leicestershire from Cambridge where she worked as Head of Office Agency at Bidwells Head Office. With over 10 years’ experience in Agency, Property Management and Valuations, Michelle brings a wealth of experience to her new role and will be based at Wells McFarlane’s Lutterworth office.

Bloor Homes Ltd East Midlands Division (c/o Agent: Max Whitehead, JS Bloor (Services) Ltd, Ashby Road, Measham, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE12 7JP) - Carrying out residential development of up to 800 dwellings with associated highway works, including demolition of existing buildings, drainage infrastructure, formation of two new accesses onto Grange Road, a local centre, new primary school, public open space, play areas and landscaping approved under planning permission 12/00376/OUTM without complying with Condition 28 - at Land north of Grange Road, Hugglescote, Coalville, Leics. LE67 2BQ. Mr Stuart Garner (c/o Agent: Jonathan Naden, EKV Design Ltd, The Enterprise Centre, Bridge Street, Derby DE1 3LA) - Change of use of Donington Hall, coach and stables and Hastings House to a mix of uses including offices, general industrial, residential and assembly & leisure uses - at Donington Hall, Park Lane, Castle Donington, Derby DE74 2SB.

Oadby & Wigston Raj Aggarwal (c/o Agent: Paul Thurlby, Gordon White & Hood, Beresford House, 1 Newtown Street, Leicester LE1 6WH) - Demolition of existing retail and storage premises and redevelopment with 16 flats, a new retail unit and associated external works - at The New Deli, 55-57 Queens Drive, Wigston, Leicester LE18 2DG.

Blaby District WELCOME TO LEICESTERSHIRE: Wells McFarlane’s new Senior Surveyor, Michelle Mills.

Continued from page 22

Continued from page 30

The property comprises a modern detached two storey building with an internal floor area of approximately 8,695 sq.feet. Planning consent (ref: N2012/0766) was granted by Northampton Borough Council on 6th July 2012 for conversion to 14 apartments. This property is being offered for sale at the Richard Greener property auction on Tuesday 11th June 2013 at The Hilton Northampton Hotel, 100 Watering Lane, Collingtree, Northampton NN4 0XW - 11am start. The Guide Price is £395,000-£445,000. For more information, contact Richard Greener Estate Agents on 01604 230222 or email: auctions@richardgreener.co.uk

Abraham Property LLP (c/o Agent: Peter Thompson ADT, 49 Leicester Road, Broughton Astley, Leics. LE9 6QE) - Erection of 2 blocks each containing 4 one-bed flats - at Land to the east of 24-34 Evelyn Road, Braunstone Town, Leicester LE3 3BA.

Charnwood Mr Stephen Saunders - Erection of 2 detached dwellings and associated garages - at Land off Wysall Lane, Wymeswold, Leics. Loughborough University (c/o Agent: GVA) - Demolition of 2 modular buildings - at University Road, Ashby Road, Loughborough, Leics. Mr D Smallman & Mr A Smith (c/o Agent: Ancer Spa Ltd) - Site for residential development for up to 34 dwellings - at 237 Bradgate Road, Anstey, Leicester LE7 7FX. Davidsons Developments Ltd - Erection of 99 dwellings (Reserved Matters) - at land north of Groby Road, Anstey, Leicester. Midlands Co-operative Society Ltd (c/o Agent: HTC Architects) - Erection of retail unit with 4 apartments above - at 23 Loughborough Road, Quorn, Leics. LE12 8DU. Mr Richard Reynolds (c/o Agent: Nigel Dutton Design) - Erection of 2 dwellings - at land to the rear of 36 North Street, Rothley, Leicester LE7 7NN. Wrenbury Properties Ltd (c/o Agent: Redfern Kirton Design) Erection of 9 dwellings and associated garages - at land adjacent to 10 Dimmingsdale Close, Anstey, Leicester LE7 7DN. William Davis Ltd (c/o Agent: Stephen George & Partners) - Erection of 85 dwellings and associated works - at land south of Tickow Lane, Shepshed, Leics.

Thurmaston Magpies Under-15s flying high after Raynsway donation Young footballers in Thurmaston have received a £500 donation from commercial property provider Raynsway Properties which will allow them to hone their skills in new training kits and purchase new equipment. The funding boost from the Leicester based company will allow the Thurmaston Magpies under15s team to buy training wear, raincoats and new equipment, all of which are essential to keep the team on top form. The donation also continues Raynsway’s ongoing commitment to the Magpies, which has seen them sponsor various teams at the club in previous seasons.

Thurmaston Magpies FC runs 16 teams from under5s up to under-17s, plus a girls’ team, and is based at the Asda Sports Ground behind the Asda superstore in Thurmaston. Mark Gibbard, Manager of the Thurmaston Magpies under-15s who play in the Leicester & District League, comments, “Everyone at the Magpies is absolutely delighted that Raynsway has once again pledged their support to the club with this generous donation. It will enable us to maintain our great form within the team and the training kits and raincoats also provide great motivation and team spirit. It’s great to be supported by a successful local company and we would like to thank Tom and the

team at Raynsway for their continued involvement and support, it really does make a great difference, not just for the club, but for the community as a whole.” Tom Watkinson, Managing Director of Raynsway Properties, comments, “We are proud that we have been able to once again get involved with the Magpies and especially at such an exciting time for the under 15s. Maintaining such a strong team means plenty of ongoing training and we are thrilled to be able to play our part by donating funds towards new training gear. We wish them and all the teams at the club the very best of luck for the rest of this season and beyond.”

I leave notes on people’s windshields telling them I smashed their car and did an amazing job fixing it.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069

Development opportunity in Melton SAVILLS are offering for sale a development opportunity at Asfordby Road, Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE13 0HN. Gated and secure, the site extends to approximately 0.58 ha (1.43 acres) and is currently cleared development land. The site slopes toward the River Eye which along with Egerton Park and playing fields, bounds the site to the south creating a tree lined vista. Asfordby Road creates the northern boundary with residential dwellings at either side to the east and west. The site currently has Reserved Matters approval for the erection of 45 apartments which will be accessed off Asfordby Road. A recent application has been submitted in order to extend this permission. Details of the application can be obtained from the Melton Mowbray Borough Council website; ‘www.melton.gov.uk’ and using reference: ‘10/00880/REM’. In 2007 the site gained Full Planning Permission for the erection of 19 houses (ref: 07/00298/FUL). This permission has subsequently lapsed. Offers are sought in excess of £500,000. For more information, or to arrange a viewing appointment, contact Andrew Galloway at Savills on 0115 934 8112 or email: agalloway@savills.com

Detached industrial unit in Scudamore Road JONES LANG LASALLE – on the instructions of the administrators of Jessops - are offering for sale a detached industrial unit at 98 Scudamore Road, Leicester LE3 1TZ. The property comprises a traditional industrial unit of with two-storey offices at the front. The total floor area amounts to 80,068 sq.feet and the site extends to 1.922 acres. The Guide Price is £1 million. For more information, contact James Keeton at Jones Lang Lasalle on 0115 908 2141 or email: James.keeton@eu.jll.com

Braunstone Hall plans announced AS reported in the Leicester Mercury in May, Leicester’s historic Braunstone Hall is to be converted into a hotel, restaurant, wedding venue and conference centre in a £2m renovation scheme. The Grade II listed building, owned by Leicester City Council, has been falling into disrepair since it closed as a junior school in 1996 and has suffered from vandalism. Leicester businessman Naresh Parmar has now agreed a 125-year lease for the 18th century mansion in Braunstone Park subject to his proposals being granted planning permission. Mr Parmar, who has previously restored the City Rooms in Leicester city centre and Belgrave House told the Leicester Mercury: “I am very pleased. I have been hoping to be able to get this sorted since 2008 but with changes of council and such like it hasn’t happened. Mr Parmar said he hoped to submit a planning application in the late summer, start work on the renovation in January and open the venue, with 20 to 24 hotel rooms, in 2015. He plans to put up a pavilion with a cafe and public toilets for park users. City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said the city council would be putting £500,000 into Mr Parmar’s scheme.

Davidsons achieves 500th completion and opens new Leicestershire developments

Leicestershire based homebuilder, Davidsons have reached their 500th legal completion with a sale at their ‘Grange Meadows’ development in Long Eaton, near Nottingham.

CELEBRATING: (back row left to right) Jason Glover, James Wilson, Tony and Louise Marriott, Stephanie King and (front row) Tamzin and Harvey Marriott, at Davidsons Long Eaton development.

To mark the occasion Davidsons Managing Director, James Wilson, Operations Director Jason Glover and Sales Director, Stephanie King presented champagne and flowers to the purchasers, Tony and Louise Marriott and children Harvey and Tamzin.

Davidsons new Leicestershire developments will be at Anstey and Ibstock. ‘St James Gate’ at Anstey is due to open at the start of June and will have two showhomes – a 5 bedroom and a 4 bedroom. Work recently began at ‘Baker’s Croft’ in Ibstock and will open from a showhome later in the summer. Last month the company offered apprenticeships in house building, in partnership with the David Wilson Foundation, a charity set up and funded by David Wilson, which promotes education for young people in Leicestershire to assist in delivering apprenticeship schemes. The apprenticeships are in joinery, brickwork, design and quantity surveying and will be based at the new Anstey and Ibstock developments. Davidsons have recently been rated as a 5 star builder in the latest HBF/NHBC customer satisfaction survey – the highest rating. This is a particularly significant achievement, because previously only national builders have been eligible for the survey. They are also now a member of the Government Help to Buy scheme, designed to help purchasers struggling to buy. More information on Davidsons or the David Wilson Foundation is available at davidsonsgroup.co.uk and davidwilsonfoundation.com

Davidsons, who have a number of developments across the East Midlands, recently opened their first development in Peterborough and is set to open two new developments in Leicestershire over the summer. The company was started 5 years ago by James Wilson from a room above his garage. Mr Wilson said “The business was founded on the basis of a passion to build great homes, and to constantly improve. Reaching our 500th completion is a significant milestone - it’s very special and all the team have made a fantastic contribution. We’re expanding and looking forward to our 1000th”. Mr Glover said “It’s been a challenging market since we set up but there has been a definite upturn, particularly over the last few months. The development at Long Eaton has sold exceptionally well and there are only a few homes left. We are hoping the new Leicestershire developments will sell as well.”

Why aren’t lawyers sworn to tell the truth along with everyone else at the proceedings?

OUR ADVERTISING RATES ARE ON PAGE 38 - CALL 01530 244069 TO PLACE AN ADVERT

FREE! Bosch GWS660 4.1/2” Mini Grinder When you buy 50 x

the tool hire store that sells you more Hitachi DV18DVC/JD 18v Cordless Combi Drill     

13mm Keyless Chuck Soft Grip Handle 3 x 1.2Ah Batteries Battery Charger Carry Case

eries

att 3xB

Ask us about Our Price Promise*

4.1/2” Metal Grinding Disc’s

*Terms & Conditions apply.

£ 0.99p each disc*

GSH11E 11Kg Demo Hammer

Code: 2608600218FP

   

Power 1,500 Watt Impact Rate 900-1,890/min Force 6-16.8J SDS-Max System

Tool Hire & Sales Mini & Micro Diggers

Dumpers

Screwdriver & Bit Set

3 KVA Transformer

£ 86.80*

£ 389.00*

Material Lifts

Space Heaters Calor Gas Sales

CALL YOUR LOCAL BRANCH:-

LEICESTER 0116 266 2456 34/36 Gipsy Lane Leicester LE4 6TD

LOUGHBOROUGH 01509 267 377 26 Derby Road Loughborough LE11 5BX

We will not be beaten on price for sales or hire. Terms and Conditions apply, ask for details. *All prices exclude vat at the prevailing rate. Offers available while stocks last. E&OE

My exercise program consists of having a lot of stairs in my home and forgetting things.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069

FOR & E TRADY DI

SPECIALISTS IN THE DESIGN AND MANUFACTURE OF TIMBER ROOF TRUSSES Our friendly staff are on hand to offer free advice, design and planning services to help guarantee the success of your project Walker Road, Forest Business Park, Bardon Hill, Coalville, LE67 1TU

t: 01530 516990 harlowts.co.uk harlowbros.co.uk

Local One-Stop Developer Services WYG

is a leading consultancy practice offering multidisciplinary services at competitive prices. With significant experience and local knowledge, we can help to remove risk, take you through planning and onto site quickly and efficiently. x x x x x x x x x

Site Appraisals and Feasibility Studies Ground Investigation & Remediation Strategies Transport Assessments, Travel Plans & Road Safety Audits Flood Risk Assessments Environmental Appraisals & Protected Species Advice Highway, Buildings & Infrastructure Design Dedicated Utilities Consultancy Low to Zero Carbon and Renewable Energy Advice Planning support

Free initial consultation

www.wyg.com

Contact: Alistair Gregory

0116 234 8000 alistair.gregory@wyg.com

Seems like I can’t go anywhere in my house without somebody recognizing me.

OUR ADVERTISING RATES ARE ON PAGE 38 - CALL 01530 244069 TO PLACE AN ADVERT

Residential development Kamal and Richard qualify opportunity in Narborough as chartered surveyors

Two staff at a firm of estate agents in Leicestershire have passed their final exams to become fully qualified chartered surveyors.

LAMBERT SMITH HAMPTON are inviting offers around £750,000 for Ashcroft Hostel, Huncote Road, Narborough LE19 3GN. The site currently houses Ashcroft Hostel, a residential care home facility with associated land and parking which has now been vacated. The property is available either for its existing use or for residential development. An outline planning application (ref: 12/0897/1/OX) has been submitted in respect of the site for the demolition of the existing care home in favour of a scheme of 14 residential dwellings accessed from Huncote Road. For an information pack please contact the agents. Offers are invited for the freehold interest on a conditional or unconditional basis, based upon a guide price of £750,000. For more information, or to arrange a viewing (strictly by prior appointment with the sole agent), contact Jane Taylor of Lambert Smith Hampton on 0116 204 5976 or mobile 07711 484874 or email: jtaylor@lsh.co.uk

Kamal Phull and Richard Gadd from Andrew Granger & Co (www. andrewgranger.co.uk), who both qualified in the same week have brought the company’s total number of chartered surveyors to twelve. Kamal and Richard both received the results of their Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) exams in April, confirming their membership of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Whilst Richard specialises in rural work, Kamal’s areas of expertise include residential survey and valuation work. Working in the company’s Professional Services team in Leicester, Kamal joined Andrew Granger & Co in 2008, returning after completing a year long placement in 2006. Since beginning his studies in Real Estate Management in 2004, Kamal has gained over four years of professional experience. Richard has been working professionally in the industry for three years since graduating from Harper Adams University with a degree in Rural Enterprise and Land Management. After joining Andrew Granger & Co in 2011, he has been working from Loughborough as part of the company’s rural department. “Both Richard and Kamal have worked extremely hard to pass their exams and we are very proud of both of their achievements,” comments Rupert Harrison, Joint Managing Partner at Andrew Granger & Co. “As a company, we now have a total of twelve chartered surveyors who work across planning, rural, commercial and residential sectors, who all have to adhere to the high standards of professionalism upheld by the RICS.”

Green Deal could stall without SME support Small building companies need fairer access to the Green Deal (GD) market if the shortage of installers is to be addressed, warns the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to the latest statistics from the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC). Almost 19,000 GD assessments were carried out as of the end of April 2013, yet there are only 942 GD installer companies approved to carry out this work – nowhere near enough to deliver energy-efficiency improvements to Britain’s 26 million existing homes by 2050. Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “There are more than 240,000 companies in the construction industry that employ fewer than 14 people. These companies are often best placed to carry out Green Deal work, but because it is difficult to access the market, they are reluctant to train the number of approved installers needed to retrofit Britain’s building stock.” To help address this, the FMB today launches its ‘Strategy for the Low Carbon Building and Refurbishment Market’ (Download, PDF 513 KB), which is aimed at encouraging and supporting its members to engage with and participate in this rapidly growing market. Berry continued: “Our new strategy will help increase opportunities for SMEs in the low-carbon refurbishment market. Today’s statistics from DECC show our strategy is well timed. The Green Deal has now been open for business for almost four months and demand for work under the initiative appears to be growing, but it still feels like a missed opportunity to the majority of SMEs in the industry who haven’t seen any sign of transformation in the energy-efficiency market.” Berry concluded: “As part of our strategy, the FMB will not only continue to call for the incentives needed to create consumer demand for energy-efficiency work, but will also ensure that FMB members have timely access to relevant high-quality training and certification services to enable them to develop their businesses to be able to respond to low-carbon work opportunities.”

CPBigwood records near £8m auction haul A host of properties sold for way above their guide price at the May 2013 CPBigwood auction. Some 100 lots were offered, 82 sold and a total of £7.9 million was raised. Jonathan Hackett, partner and head of auctions for CPBigwood, said: “Even though prices were strong it didn’t take away from there being some stunning deals in great locations – for example, Earlswood, Moseley, Edgbaston, Wylde Green and Bournville. “It was another excellent result for us and emphasises the strength of the auction market at a time when private sales are still somewhat sticky. “With good demand for rented properties landlords are snapping up suitable flats and houses knowing they can get a return of 6-7 per cent annually, much better than bank interest.”

I hate wearing glasses, but I need them to drive. So I got a prescription windshield.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069

CONTRACTS SIGNED FOR £18M EXTRA CARE SCHEME IN CRADLEY

Work will commence on a landmark, £18m Extra Care scheme in Cradley, West Midlands after contracts were signed between Loughboroughbased contractor and developer, William Davis Ltd and Midland Heart, the largest housing and care organisation in the Midlands. The scheme, which is being developed in partnership with Dudley Council, will transform the land of the former Cradley High School, off Slade Road, into an 120 bed affordable apartment complex for the over 55s. Comprising a mix of one and two bedroom properties for rent and sale, the contemporary development will also include communal facilities such as a restaurant, shop, gym and well-being facility. Designed to achieve a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating, 10% of the scheme’s energy will be provided from renewable/ low carbon sources through the installation of a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) unit. Guy Higgins, managing director, William Davis said: “This contract

SIGNATURE: (L-R) Guy Higgins, managing director, William Davis Ltd and Carl Larter, director of assets, Midland Heart sign the constructors contract for the £18m Extra Care scheme at Cradley, West Midlands. signing marks the first milestone in the creation of a significant new development for Cradley. Delivering a scheme of this size requires experience, of which we have a proven track record, and enthusiasm, of which we have plenty! William Davis was selected for their experience in delivering large construction projects, especially in the affordable housing sector, including Broad Meadow, Midland Heart’s existing Extra Care scheme in Russells Hall, Dudley. Carl Larter, director of assets at Midland Heart said: “Appointing William Davis ensures we are another step closer to providing independent accommodation and an inspiring lifestyle to transform the lives of local older people. This will be Midland Heart’s third Extra Care scheme in the borough with a further two to follow in accordance with Dudley Council’s Extra Care housing strategy.”

Preventing drivers being distracted by phones Romex World, an innovative technology company specialising in workforce management solutions has developed a new Driver Distraction Prevention (DDP) application which can be installed on to employees’ telephones. This DDP application will cut-off and block all voice calls and lock the keypad to prevent any texting (or emailing) less than 1 minute after the start of a business journey. Employees will receive an announcement via their phone if there is missed message requiring them to stop in a safe place and take the message. According to the Health and Safety Executive’s “Driving at Work” publication (INDG382), the biggest cause of occupational fatality is driving on business. There are more than 20 people killed and a further 250 seriously injured every week. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) state that “Drivers who were using a mobile phone were 9 times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident.” The National Safety Council (NSC) in the USA note that “text messaging creates a crash risk 23 times worse than driving while not distracted” (US Government Distraction). For many companies the biggest problem is how to identify which drivers are putting themselves and the company at risk and how to measure the success (or failure) of efforts to reduce risk. Through this software, companies can realise their work related road safety policy and manage risk and compliance with changes in legislation simply and effectively. This system is implemented by simply sending the application onto the employee’s GPS enabled mobile phone. There is no need to install any hardware in any vehicles – whether that of the company or the employee’s vehicle. In addition to obvious aspects such as speeding and fatigue, Romex application monitors other actions undertaken whilst driving – in particular the use of mobile phones. With an ever increasing mobile workforce Driver Distraction Prevention is a regular topic of discussion in the media, with solicitor Nick Freeman (‘Mr Loophole’ renowned for getting his clients off speeding charges) stating recently: “The law is woefully inadequate and punishment for texting whilst driving should be on a par with drink driving.” In May 2012, Coca Cola were fined more than $21 million when one of their employees was operating a company vehicle whilst on the phone and caused an accident. For further information on Driver Distraction Prevention please visit www.Romex world.com or call 0808 123 0 321

Advertise in the Builder attract more customers! Advert Size

Four plots for sale in Donisthorpe: £500k NEWTON FALLOWELL are offering for sale 4 building plots with planning permission granted for the construction of 2 five-bed dwellings and 2 four-bed dwellings. The land – at Ashby Road, Donisthorpe, Derbyshire DE12 7QG – has rolling countryside views to the rear. The asking price is £500,000 For additional information, contact Newton Fallowell on 01530 414666.

Dimensions

Colour

Mono

Sixteenth Page

47mm wide x 65mm high

£22.50

£15.00

Eighth Page

97mm wide x 65mm high

£45.00

£30.00

Quarter Page

97mm wide x 130mm high

£90.00

£60.00

Half Page

194mm wide x 130mm high £165.00

£105.00

Full Page (A4)

194mm wide x 268mm high £290.00

£190.00

VAT at 20% must be added to all of these prices. Approx. 10% Discount if you advertise in 3 or more consecutive issues To Place Your Ad, call 01530 244069 or email: info@buildermagazines.co.uk

My wife’s carrying our first child. I told her ‘He’s nine; he should be walking by now.’

OUR ADVERTISING RATES ARE ON PAGE 38 - CALL 01530 244069 TO PLACE AN ADVERT

POWER TOOL REPAIRS NO PROBLEM!

Agent Of The Year Genuine Factory Parts Used Factory Trained Technicians Quick Repair Turnaround

£10 OFF A REPAIR WITH THIS AD * * Not valid for warranty work. Including vat. Bring this ad in with you • • • • •

Collection Delivery Battery Re-formats Professional Advice Lend & Mend Hire Facilities

We are easy to find with free parking: ECA, Unit 26 Oswin Road, Brailsford Industrial Park, Leicester. (Near ARC Car Wash, off Hinckley Road A47)

PROFESSIONAL POWER TOOL REPAIRS FOR ALL MAIN BRANDS

Got Sat-Nav? Just put our post code in! LE3 1HR Telephone Our Workshop Now on:

0116 2470402

My grandfather was shrewd. People threw small mammals at him till he suffocated.

38021 bb library ads_leicestershire_Layout 1 22/01/2013 11:34 Page 1

EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR BUILDING OR HOME IMPROVEMENTS SPECIALIST SUPPLIER OF

BRICKS & BLOCKS PLUS

BUILDING MATERIALS TIMBER & SHEET MATERIALS LANDSCAPING PRODUCTS PLASTERBOARD & DRYLINING CEMENT & AGGREGATES IRONMONGERY & FIXINGS ROOF WINDOWS INSULATION DECORATING TOOLS & ACCESSORIES DRAINAGE & RAINWATER

KITCHENS & BATHROOMS Over 130 branches offering national coverage!

Buy online: www.buildbase.co.uk

OUR ADVERTISING RATES ARE ON PAGE 38 - CALL 01530 244069 TO PLACE AN ADVERT

Mather Jamie reaches New BRE software helps new heights following simplify EPCs and sporting sponsorship Green Deal assessments BRE has drawn upon its 90 years of experience in the built environment to create the first modules of a suite of software to help Domestic Energy Assessors (DEA) and Green Deal Advisors (GDA)

Commercial, agricultural and development property specialists, Mather Jamie, are taking inspiration from the Leicester Riders’ recent sporting success after their first year of supporting the stars of British basketball. Leicester Riders recently completed the most successful campaign in the club’s history after scooping a treble of trophies in the British Basketball League, including the BBL Play-Off, BBL Championship and BBL Cup. Like its sporting partner, Mather Jamie is also celebrating recent success after being named the East Midlands’ fourth most active agent in the office category and Leicestershire’s third most active agent by commercial property publication the Estates Gazette. Director, Martin Ward, of Mather Jamie commented: “As keen basketball fans, we are delighted to lend our support to the Leicester Riders and are thrilled to see our local team reaching new heights with a treble of trophies.” Alex Reid, Director, added: “We have taken inspiration from their sporting success and celebrate our own successes as a company after leaping into fourth place in the Estates Gazette’s most active agents ranking for the East Midlands. “As the only single office company to appear in both surveys this is

TROPHY TREBLE - Front row from left to right: Robert Cole, Andrew Bamber, Martin Ward and Alex Reid (Directors) with Leicester Riders coach Rob Paternostro. Back row from left to right: Players Barry Lamble (Captain), Anthony Rowe and Jamell Anderson. a great achievement for Mather Jamie and demonstrates the outstanding reputation we have carved out over the last 20 years in business for providing high quality Director led service in our niche markets of commercial and agricultural property and residential development of land.” Russell Levenston, Director of Leicester Riders, comments: “This year has seen an incredible season for the Leicester Riders and without successful business sponsors Mather Jamie the achievements of the club would not be possible.” Established in 1991 and based in the East Midlands, Mather Jamie Chartered Surveyors is an independent mixed commercial and agricultural practice with a long established and unrivalled reputation for delivering reliable advice and expertise on residential and commercial developments. For more information please telephone 01509 233433 or visit www.matherjamie.co.uk.

The core of the software is made up of three modules, which have been developed in response to calls for a more efficient and connected way to assess energy and also better understand green deal potential. Nick Withey, DEA South Wales said: “I have just run my first EPC through the new BRE software. The program is very user friendly and quickly guides the user through the data inputs in a simple and logical step by step process.” He added: “The software also contains an impressive management tool for the logging and tracking of EPCs, which will definitely save me time in the management of my instructions.” One of the modules is a pre-assessment tool that provides the industry with a new method for conducting green deal pre-assessment which is designed to reduce risk and allows companies to increase their effectiveness, save time and money. Users are guided via helpful instructions and illustrations through a brief set of questions to quickly capture and understand Green Deal potential. Assessors can then use the information to help identify the homes with the best opportunities for success, thereby making each Green Deal visit more effective for them and their clients. The other two elements deal with existing dwellings EPCs and occupancy assessment (OA) and will expand BRE Global’s automation support for their DEA and GDA members. Both are available free of charge to appropriately licensed BRE Global DEA’s and GDA’s. Both modules contain a single login process and visual guides to help clearly identify next steps to draw up a simple EPC summary which identifies potential savings. The suite of software will also be expanded in June to include an ECO calculator module and GDA iPad app. For more information please contact Clare Bott: bottc@bre.co.uk

Summary of the software:

• • •

•

• •

•

• •

•

Site for 3 bungalows in Woodville NEWTON FALLOWELL are offering for sale a parcel of building land with Full Planning Permission (ref: 9/2011/1003/FM) for 3 bungalows. The Guide Price is £190,000. For details, contact Newton Fallowell on 01283 217772.

•

The new existing dwelling EPC module provides: a single login for the entire process, clear easy to follow screens, easy-to-follow checklist showing what still needs to be completed, direct lodgement to and retrieval from the National Register, facility to upload and store photographs with each EPC, software fully compliant with DCLG regulations, registered software name rdProSAP. Existing dwelling EPC module is available free of charge to all BRE Global DEAs Occupancy assessment (OA) module provides: visual check list approach for ease of use and tracking, EPC summary information with potential savings, standard and actual energy, integrated photograph storage to ease file management and auditing, on/off toggles which can be used with customers to create an easily adaptable Green Deal plan, easy comparison with EPC recommendations,

I taught my dog to beg. Today he came back with £12.50.

•

• •

•

easy navigation between OA and any EPC inputs on same workbench, select measures on and off the EPC to optimise customer choice and savings, simple one click XML import support for Landmark and EST Registers, software fully compliant with DECC regulations, registered software name oaProSAP. OA module is free of charge to GDA members of any BRE Global Green Deal Organisation Pre-Assessment module uses a reduced question set to quickly capture and understand Green Deal potential, guides users by a series of helpful illustrations and instructions, reduces risk for providers and the general public by providing reassurance around technologies and expectations, reduces abortive survey costs, provides a Green Deal administration area to identify priorities of further actions with each client. available for purchase and can be branded to suit requirements.

d Search Puzzle 42

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069

JELD-WEN ANNOUNCES 2013 CPD PROGRAMME

The Derby Wordsearch Win A £25 Voucher to spend at

JELD-WEN, the UK’s leading manufacturer of timber windows, doors and stairs has launched its latest RIBAendorsed CPD programme, including a new 21st Century Timber Stairs seminar.

Frankie & Benny’s New York Italian Restaurant

H R V J R D O Q R M I H D O V

W I S L P F N F O O C S E E E

Y M G B W I Y T L A V I Z L P

E T T H K C I C O A S R I I B

C H H S C V A R U P J P R L P

R R I G A H P M S Y B E O A N

E R P T I P A F E U V R H G S

K Q O W A L P P E L D C T N I

P R S W T Y H L A F O Y U Y H

S E E T H E S T A R S T A B H

P N E Z J K N J R X R T B O C

http://puzzlem

E C R O F K R O W O U A H X C

P O U R M O I F L R N A L P B

B I H O F C J N J U R B B Z U

V Q J D C X K U H V N L K J L

Name: ..............................................................................................................

AUTHORIZED CAMELOT Address: ............................................................................................................. GALILEO HIGHCHAPARRAL .............................................................................Postcode: ............................. KRISKIN If you can find the last 12 DERBY WINNERS in the MOTIVATOR Wordsearch grid above, you could win yourself a £25 NEWAPPROACH Voucher to spend at Frankie & Benny’s New York Italian NORTHLIGHT Restaurant. POURMOI AllSEETHESTARS you have to do to go into the draw is find - and mark a line through - the names of the last 12 horses to win the Derby. These SIRPERCY can run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!). WORKFORCE Send your marked entry forms to: DERBY DOZEN, Leicestershire Builder, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to arrive by Friday 21st June 2013. Please remember to fill in your name and address. The sender of the first correct entry drawn out of the Editor’s Jockey Cap will win the Frankie & Benny’s £25 Voucher. Good luck!

Delivered on a nationwide basis, the programme comprises 3 free onehour courses; a timber windows session, commercial doorset briefing and the newly-launched timber stairs seminar. The schedule is designed to keep specifiers up to date with the latest technical developments within JELD-WEN’s range, as well as legislation relating to window, door and stairs specification. Presented by JELD-WEN specialists, the CPD programme delivers key information on design, construction, technology and engineering. The stairs course provides an overview of timber stairs, good and bad practices and details of the new British Woodworking Federation (BWF) Stair Scheme, in addition to building and fire certifications and sustainability. Topics covered in the timber windows course include quality and performance of U Values, energy ratings, CE marking and the latest Building Regulations updates, while the doorsets course covers doors and frame technology, technical requirements and the benefits of designs and materials. The programme also covers extended product warranties and environmental aspects, including why Chain of Custody certification is an important element of demonstrating sustainable use of building materials. Ian Purkis, Technical Director at JELD-WEN, says: “Our CPD seminars are an invaluable resource for architects and building designers, offering the latest advice on accurately specifying doors, windows and stairs to meet the latest legislation and performance requirements. We are expecting unprecedented interest in our 2013 CPD programme, particularly with the addition of the new timber stairs seminar.” For more details, or to book a place on the next CPD seminar programme visit www.jeld-wen.co.uk/professionals/training/cpd-training

Site for 7 houses in Hinckley: £385k WARDS Residential are offering for sale a development site at Canning Street in Hinckley. Planning permission (ref: 11/00627/FUL) was granted on 12 September 2012 for the erection of 2 pairs of semi-detached houses and a block of 3 terraced houses. The asking price is £385,000. For more information, contact Wards on 01455 251771 or email: info@wardsresidential.co.uk

Seven acres of residential land for sale in Mansfield FHP and FHP Living Land & New Homes have been

instructed sell a site of 7 acres in Mansfield. attoDiscoveryEducation.com Created by Puzzlemaker The site, which is on the edge of Mansfield Town Centre, is the former

Here are the 12 Classic Winning Horses you have to find:

CAMELOT • POUR MOI • WORKFORCE SEE THE STARS • NEW APPROACH • AUTHORIZED SIR PERCY • MOTIVATOR • NORTH LIGHT KRIS KIN • HIGH CHAPARRAL • GALILEO Last Month’s Wordsearch Winner:

Mrs L Marriott of The Green, Twycross

Congratulations! Your Frankie & Benny’s Voucher will be with you soon.

Crown Packaging site and includes the famous Clock Tower which has recently been refurbished. An Outline Planning Consent exists for a maximum of 70 dwellings on the site, together with public open space. Of the 70 dwellings, 57 will be located in the valley surrounded by dramatic rock outcrop, with 13 dwellings and the second part of the site accessed from Recreation Street. The Outline Planning Consent was secured by Pegasus Urban Design. Steve Gillott of FHP said: “This is a dramatic setting with the River Maun running through the site and the rock outcrop creating a unique environment within walking distance of Mansfield Town Centre. David Hargreaves of FHP said that offers in the region of £1.25 million were required for this excellent opportunity. FHP and FHP Living Land & New Homes are retained as the sole agents for the site owners.

The man who created the design for deckchairs died last week. It took four attempts before they got him in the coffin.

Blakes Building Profiles

iginal The Or

Brickie’s Best Friend

Celebrating 40 years of improving brickwork standards with quality and service.

O Repay their cost in only TWO WEEKS work O Ensure 100% accuracy at all critical building points O Easily erected in minutes Don’t risk disappointment, insist on ‘Blakes’, the pioneers in profile development.

Blakes Building Profiles Ltd

Unit B6,7,Newbury Industrial Centre,Park, Faraday Road,Tree Newbury, BERKS. RG14 2AD Unit House, Calleva Aldermaston, Berkshire RG7 8NN Unit A,Jupiter Castle Industrial Park, Pear Lane, Newbury,

www.blakesbuildingprofiles.co.uk www.blakesbuildingprofiles.ltd.uk BERKS. RG14 2EZ

Tel/Fax: (0118) 981 2872

Your Local Blakes Stockists are: Rollings Builders Merchants, Local stockist: TRADE TOOLS OF LEICESTERTel: 0116 283 1200 Cannock Street, Leicester. Tel: (0116) 276-0275

Porcelain Tiles from £9 / m 2 exc. VAT

Natural Stone from £12 / m 2 exc. VAT

Black Porcelain - 600 x 300mm

Classic Travertine - 610 x 406mm

www.floorsofstone.com - 01509 234000 Floors of Stone Ltd, 38 Jubilee Drive, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 5XS

I had plastic surgery last week. I cut up my credit cards.