June 2018 leicestershire builder online by Michael Wilkinson

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Leicestershire wins big at RICS Awards, East Midlands OVER 23 of the East Midlands’ most impressive and community beneficial property schemes battled it out for top honours at he recent RICS Awards 2018, East Midlands where four of Leicestershire’s most innovative projects took home awards, including the much-desired Project of the Year Title.

William Davis Homes is Leicestershire Apprentice Employer Of The Year

The annual RICS Awards, East Midlands - held at The Belfry in Nottingham on 3 May - celebrate inspirational initiatives in the region’s land, property and construction sectors. BBC Look East news presenter, Janine Machin was the host for this year’s sell-out ceremony which attracted hundreds of local property professionals. Continued on page 3 ...>

Development opportunity in Kibworth ANDREW GRANGER & Co are offering for sale a development opportunity at 4 Station Street, Kibworth Beauchamp, Leics. The property comprises a substantial four-bedroomed 19th Century detached residence of character with extensive outbuildings occupying a plot of approximately half an acre. The site benefits from a previous planning consent (Ref: MR/00962/ KB) for a business use to the rear of the existing property. It is considered that additional development could be achieved on the site within the former sand quarry at the western end of the site, the garden area and the workshops; subject to the agreement of an appropriate access arrangement with the Local Highways Authority and planning. Price Guide: £750,000. For more information or to arrange a viewing, call Andrew Granger on 01858 431315 or visit www.andrewgranger.co.uk

AWARD: (L-R) Jake Dominy, apprentice LOUGHBOROUGH-based bricklayer; Gary Long, M&E and housebuilder, William Davis apprentice manager and Dave King, Homes was named the 2018 bricklaying apprentice master, William Apprentice Employer of Davis Homes are presented with the the Year in the Leicester Leicester Mercury Business Awards Mercury Business Awards. Apprentice Employer of the Year

trophy by sponsors and judges, The company was recognised Amelia Sheldrick and Charlotte for its long-running and hugely Moreland, Training for Business. successful apprenticeship scheme, which has been employing up to ten apprentices annually since the 1960s. William Davis Homes was one of three finalists in the apprentice employer category, which was sponsored and judged by Training for Business, a specialist provider of business-based apprenticeships. Continued on page 5 ...>

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

New homes development for Loughborough’s elderly scoops National Site Award

A DEVELOPMENT of homes that has delivered a brand new community for older people in Loughborough has been recognised as one of the UK’s most considerate sites by a national industry award. The collection of homes on Derby Road, developed by leading housebuilder Westleigh, won a silver award at the Considerate Constructors Scheme’s National Site Awards 2018. This is the second time that the development has received a National Site Award, having won a bronze at last year’s event. Comprised of a total of 62 apartments, Waterside Court, a £7 million Extra Care Centre at the development, includes a shop, hair salon, film theatre, commercial kitchen and communal dining restaurant for the benefit of elderly residents, as well as staff offices.

(L - R) Karl Mann, Senior Groundworks Manager, Jason Mann, Senior Production Manager, Mark Dixon, Senior Site Manager, Barry Creamer, Assistant Site Manager, and John Merry, Site Manager The National Site Awards have taken place annually since launching in 1998 and are presented to those developments across the country which are deemed to have made the most significant contributions towards improving the image of construction. The scheme places particular emphasis on the measures that a site has put in place to be more considerate to surrounding neighbourhoods, the general public, workforces and the local environment.

Phase Two of Parker Drive Trade Park is released A MAJOR new Design and Build opportunity for Trade Park/Industrial occupiers is to be built at Parker Drive in Leicester. Developer Trafalgar Global Limited has instructed commercial property agents Andrew + Ashwell and APB (Leicester) LLP to promote the site for general industrial, trade, warehousing and distribution uses. The 1.62-acre site, on the corner of Parker Drive and Menzies Road, forms Phase Two of the development, following the recent letting of 35,000sq.ft., to Selco Builders’ Warehouse. The site is located off the A6 Leicester to Loughborough road, in one of Leicester’s prime industrial areas close to the city centre. Parker Drive offers excellent access to the A50 and Junction 21/22 of the M1, as well as Leicester’s inner and outer ringroads. The site can deliver up to a 27,500sq.ft. (2,555sq.m.) building or potentially be split in to smaller units to suit specific requirements with substantial yard and parking areas. Malcolm Grayson, Director at Andrew + Ashwell, said: “The release of land at Parker Drive Trade Park offers exciting opportunities for companies seeking bespoke premises, presenting a range of possibilities for design and build that will help drive their expansion.” Reg Pollock of APB said “With the recent letting to Selco Builders Merchants this shows that Parker Drive is one of the prime Trade Park/ Industrial areas in Leicester. We have received interest in the site from a number of blue chip companies either looking for new locations or moving from secondary sites.”

RICS Awards - from page 1 The highly acclaimed Project of the Year accolade – which is presented to the scheme which demonstrates overall outstanding best practice and an exemplary commitment to adding value to its local area – was awarded to Get Busy Living Centre in Melton Mowbray. In addition to the Get Busy Living Centre scooping the overall title – and Community Benefit category award – Melton Cattle Market scooped the Regeneration title as they bowled judges over with their passion for not only improving their own facilities and now meeting DEFRA requirements but for the impact this has and will have on the local economy of Melton Mowbray. Taking home the Design through Innovation award was the latest development at the Loughborough University. STEMLab provides over 3,500m2 of modern energy efficient teaching areas and not only further promotes Loughborough University as one of the leading 20 researchled universities in the country but embraces the very principle of ‘Design through Innovation’ DMU’s Mill Lane and Gateway Public Realm – which transformed a former public highway th)Wrough the main campus into an attractive, vibrant and usable pedestrianised area – took home the Infrastructure award. All category winners will go on to compete against other regional winners at the national RICS Awards Grand Final on 2 November 2018 in London, for the chance to be crowned the overall UK winner in their respective category. SEE ALSO PAGE 22 ...>

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

William Davis Homes - from page 1 Charlotte Moreland, managing director at Training for Business commented: “This was an incredibly tough category to judge with a high calibre of entries however William Davis Homes stood out immediately as clear winners. Their support, enthusiasm and sheer dedication to apprenticeships is second to none and it was truly inspiring to see proof that these apprenticeships lead to a long term career with the company.” Now in its fifth year, the Leicester Mercury Business Awards are designed to reward the city and county’s most dynamic individuals and businesses; those who are making positive contributions to the local community and economy. William Davis Homes has been building top quality homes in Leicestershire and across the Midlands for more than 80 years, with apprentices at the heart of its workforce. Gary Long, M&E and apprentice manager, collected the award together with bricklaying apprentice master, Dave King and final year apprentice bricklayer, Jake Dominy. Gary said: “Winning this award and gaining recognition from our peers in the Leicestershire business community is simply fantastic. We’re exceptionally proud of what our scheme has achieved; we estimate we have trained almost 500 apprentices over the last 50 years and this has undoubtedly had a positive impact on our success. This award is a superb endorsement of our commitment to championing young people.” This year, William Davis Homes extended its apprentice intake to include construction groundworkers, meaning the triple HBF 5 star housebuilder is offering up to 13 placements. Gary added: “We’re busy reviewing applications for our 2018 intake so it’s great news for aspiring tradespeople that they know they will be joining an award-winning scheme!

Melton relief road decision welcomed by council LEICESTERSHIRE County Council has expressed delight at the announcement of a £49.5m Government contribution towards the building of a relief road for Melton Mowbray. The successful bid to the Department for Transport (DfT) Byron Rhodes displays the route of the Melton Relief Road Local Major Schemes Fund signals the green light for further preparation work ahead of a road-building programme starting in 2020. Work has already been carried out ahead of the bid announcement to develop designs, carry out traffic studies and work with partners and landowners. The county council has also worked closely with the borough council, who contributed around £400,000 to develop the proposals. The borough council’s Local Plan includes construction of over 6,000 new homes and development of 51 hectares of employment land around Melton Mowbray to 2036. A planning application will now be developed and submitted to Leicestershire County Council with further opportunities - following the previous consultation in September 2017 - for residents and businesses to comment on the proposals. The distributor road would link the A606 Nottingham Road to the north of the town, with the A606 Burton Road to the south. Evidence shows that, while the A607 from Leicester is the busiest route into the town, the greatest level of ‘through traffic’ is on the A606 corridor. In 2016, work was carried out to consider options for a distributor road. Evidence showed that an eastern route (A606 to A606) performed significantly better than a western route.

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The ECF Design and Marketing Suite showcases the latest products in a variety of room settings and is available free of charge to the thousands of fitters, national retailers, developers and OEM customers to use with their clients.

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Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re recruiting 2 Trade Account Managers to join our growing team ECF contracts sales team is now seeking Trade Account Managers for South Leicestershire, Warwickshire, Northants and Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. The successful candidates will have experience of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom sales especially into the contract market. In this role you will be responsible within your territory for generating and nurturing leads, and

developing them into long term relationships that helps builders and developers achieve additional value with high quality products. The successful candidates will be expected from time to time to work on customer sites helping to measure up to aid the generation of accurate plans and designs within customers budgets. You should also have an understanding of design software and be able to

interpret plans and designs through to quotes, be an excellent communicator and assist in product selection to our customers satisfaction. If you are a highly motivated self starter with a proven track record of building long term relationships with your own customer base then come and talk to us. In the first instance please send a covering letter/email and a comprehensive CV showing relevant industry experience to

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Site for 8 dwellings in Draycott New homes to revitalise former school in the Clay site in Loughborough MATHER JAMIE are offering for sale BY INFORMAL TENDER a freehold residential development site with Outline Planning Consent (ref: P/2015/01585) for up to 8 dwellings.

WESTLEIGH has begun work on transforming the former site of a Loughborough school into a brand new collection of homes for the benefit of property-seekers in the area.

The 1.18 acre site – at Stubby Lane, Draycott in the Clay, Staffordshire DE6 5BU – comprises a parcel of undeveloped pasture land lying to the north of Stubby Lane (B5017). An information pack is available to download from the dedicated website www.matherjamie.co.uk/landoffstubbylane Interested parties are asked to contact Mather Jamie to obtain a password in order to access this information. The site is being offered for sale as a whole by INFORMAL TENDER. Bids should be forwarded to Mather Jamie by post by 12 noon on Friday 15th June 2018 clearly marked ‘Tender – Land off Stubby Lane’. Vendors reserve the right to reject any or all offers. For more information, or to arrange a viewing, contact Amy Biddell at Mather Jamie on 01509 233433 or email: amy.biddell@ matherjamie.co.uk

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Beacon Place, a development of 30 two, three and four-bedroom homes close to Loughborough town centre, has breathed new life into the one-time Ashmount School site, which has stood unoccupied since the school relocated back in 2014. Alongside the new homes, Beacon How the development will look Place is making a number of financial contributions towards improving facilities and services that are available in the local community, as part of the S106 agreement for the development. These include an open space for youth and adult recreation, a children’s play area, and funding towards education, a library, bus stops and services.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

IHS Markit/CIPS UK Construction PMI®

House building recovery after snow disruption underpins modest construction rebound in April Key findings: • Construction activity rises at fastest pace for five months • Residential work expands at strongest rate since May 2017 • New orders increase slightly in April Summary: April data indicated a moderate recovery in construction output following the weather-related disruptions seen during March. House building was the main category of activity to experience robust growth in April. However, there were signs that underlying demand across the construction sector remained subdued, with total new work rising only marginally in April. The increase in new business was the first recorded by the survey so far in 2018. At 52.5 in April, the seasonally adjusted IHS Markit/CIPS UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index® (PMI® ) picked up sharply from the 20-month low seen in March (47.0). The latest reading was the highest since November 2017 and signalled a moderate expansion of overall construction output. Residential work was by far the best performing category of construction activity in April, with the rate of growth reaching its strongest since May 2017. Survey respondents widely commented on the resumption of house building activity following snow disruptions in March. Weather-related improvements were also seen for commercial building and civil engineering activity, with both areas recording a modest return to growth after marked declines in the previous month. Mirroring the trend for business activity, latest data revealed a renewed rise in new order volumes across the construction sector. However, the rate of new business expansion was only marginal. Anecdotal evidence cited heightened economic uncertainty and subdued confidence among clients in April. In some cases, construction firms noted that a knock-on impact from unusually bad weather conditions had contributed to delays with sales completions during the latest survey period. Despite relatively weak new business growth, employment numbers increased for the twentyfirst month running in April. Survey respondents noted that new project

starts and an expected increase in workloads had underpinned job creation at their business units. Moreover, latest survey data indicated that construction firms are relatively upbeat about the 12-month business outlook, with the degree of confidence the strongest recorded since May 2017. Meanwhile, supply chain pressures remained marked in April, with low stocks and shortages of transport capacity contributing to another sharp lengthening of delivery times for construction materials. On a more positive note, input cost inflation was unchanged from the 20-month low seen in March. Reports from survey respondents suggested that higher fuel costs and increased prices for steel-related inputs were key factors pushing up operating expenses in April. Comments Tim Moore, Associate Director at IHS Markit and author of the IHS Markit/CIPS Construction PMI® : “A rebound in construction activity was pretty well inevitable after snowfall resulted in severe disruptions on site during March. House building led the way, with growth in April among the strongest seen over the past two-and-a-half years. However, the picture was less positive in other areas of construction, with commercial building and civil engineering work rising only marginally. “While temporary factors make it difficult to gauge underlying momentum, the recovery from March’s low point is somewhat underwhelming and provides an indication that the construction sector has been treading water at the very best in recent months. “A consistent theme so far this year has been fragile demand conditions and subdued volumes of incoming new work. Survey respondents noted that heightened economic uncertainty continued to hold back construction growth in April, with risk aversion among clients leading to delays with spending decisions on new projects.” Duncan Brock, Group Director at the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply, said: “April’s data provides some

relief after last month’s weather disruption, especially for the housing sector after a lacklustre few months. However, economic uncertainty and Brexit-related indecision continue to lurk beneath the surface as obstacles to the construction sector’s stability. New orders remain too few and far between, with just a small improvement in the level of extra work reported this month. “The effects of the previous month’s bad weather were echoed in April as supply chains stayed under the cosh again. Besieged by raw material stock shortages and capacity difficulties, suppliers tried to catch up on their delivery commitments with limited success. Transportation times were still lengthy for construction materials for projects already in the pipeline. “There were some positives reported by construction firms in April as optimism rose to its highest level since May 2017 and an increase in workforces was reported in anticipation of a better second quarter of the year. What the sector needs now is more widespread client confidence and big ticket projects to follow suit. House building at least seems to be moving in the right direction, and by achieving its fastest rate of growth since May 2017 it has gone from a laggard to a construction leader again.”

Leicester City Mr Jaiprakash Khodiara (c/o Agent: Ms Amina Osman, Osman Design Partnership Ltd, 8 Coplow Avenue, Leicester LE5 5WA) - Demolition of garage and construction of two storey building to form 2 self-contained flats - at 17 Oakenshaw Close, Leicester. Zone Development Limited (c/o Agent: Tom Riozzi, TMDP LLP, Bridge Farm, Holt Lane, Ashby Magna, Lutterworth, Leics. LE17 5NJ) Partial demolition plus residential development comprising 52 selfcontained student studio flats and two, three and four-storey extension at rear - at 140-142 New Walk, Leicester Mr Devi Punja (c/o Agent: Kanti Gohil, 3 Galleywood Drive, Leicester LE4 0NH) – Change of use from residential to launderette on ground floor and 5 self-contained flats on first and second floors; change of use of first floor of factory at rear to provide 5 self-contained flats – at 100-100A Baggrave Street, Leicester.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Future housing supply still reliant on large sites, freezing out small builders

Leicester Lettings 2016 Limited (c/o Agent: Chris May, Howes Percival, 3 The Osiers Business Park, Laversall Way, Braunstone Town, Leicester LE19 1DX) - Variation of condition 38 (approved plans) attached to planning permission 20162521 (Construction of one 10 storey, one 14 storey and one 16 storey tower with a 5, 8 and 9 storey podium providing 413 dwellings (59 x studios, 221 x 1 bed and 133 X 2 bed) with ancillary leisure facilities, parking and amenity space; ground floor commercial unit and all associated works (outline application - matters relating to landscaping reserved) (amended plans)) to allow changes to the scale/mass of the building removing part of a nine storey block to the south end of the building, removing a five storey block to the north end of the building, removing part of the rear of the ten storey block, removing the 16th and 14th floors on the taller blocks and adding an additional floor onto the ten storey block, reducing car parking to one level providing 100 Spaces, removing deck area adjacent to the Friars Mill site and reducing the number of residential units to 384 (256 x 1 bed, 128 x 2 bed) - at Former Merlin Works, Bath Lane, Leicester

Record planning permissions show house builders’ investment continuing to rise PLANNING PERMISSIONS were granted for over 350,000 new homes in 2017, a clear demonstration of the commitment of house builders to deliver even more new homes in the years to come, the latest housing pipeline report from HBF and Glenigan released in May shows. Housing supply is up 74% in the past four years, a remarkable achievement, with over 217k new homes completed last year, meaning the industry is well on track to deliver the Government’s previous housing target of a million homes over the period 2015-2020. However, further improvements to the planning system and the business environment for small house builders will be needed to get closer to the Prime Minister’s 300k a year target set for the mid2020s. The 351,169 permissions granted in England last year is the highest since HBF and Glenigan started the Housing Pipeline series in 2006.

These will be permissions that are built over the next several years, a positive indicator of future supply levels. However not all of the permissions will yet be at the stage where builders can actually start work on site and one of the challenges for Government as it revises the National Planning Policy Framework will be to speed up the time it takes to get from an outline permission, when it is agreed to build on a plot of land, to an implementable one, whereby construction work can actually start. Revisions to the NPPF also need to focus on why permissions are increasingly on larger sites as local authorities, faced with financial pressures, seek to minimise the number of areas on which development will take place. Whilst the number of plots approved in 2017 was 35% higher than in 2006, there were 3.5% fewer sites permitted last year. With larger sites typically requiring greater upfront capital and more extensive infrastructure, it can take longer for sites to reach peak build out rates,

and SME builders are unable to compete for sites. The latest report shows that: · Permission for 351,169 homes was granted in England in 2017 (highest since 2006 when reporting started) · The homes were on 18,079 sites (compared to 21,912 sites in 2007) Stewart Baseley, Executive Chairman of the Home Builders Federation said: “The record number of applications being submitted and approved is a clear demonstration of the industry’s commitment to ramping up housing supply even further than the unprecedented increases of the last four years. “To build more home needs more land to come through the planning system more quickly, and to encompass a broader range of sites. SME builder numbers are down by more than 80% in recent decades as layer upon layer of legislation has worked against small firms and start-ups as well as those delivering specialist housing such as retirement homes.”

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Melton Cattle Market wins regional award Mr Sangar (c/o Agent: The Drawing Room (Architects) Ltd, 130 Moat Street, Wigston, Leicester LE18 2GE) – Change of use of part of shop on ground floor to 3 selfcontained flats plus construction of first and second floor extension to rear – at 483-485 Saffron Lane, Leicester. Mr Doshi (c/o Agent: Design Studio Architects Ltd, 1B Salisbury Road, Upper New Walk, Leicester LE1 7QR) – Construction of 4 semidetached two-and-a-half storey dwellings – at Former Council Depot and Garage Site to the rear of 142-152 Whitteney Drive South, Leicester LE2 9AQ. Mr Kooner (c/o Agent: Geoffrey Middleton, Kirkham Middleton Architects, 139A Queens Road, Clarendon Park, Leicester LE2 3FL) – Demolition of part of building; change of use from factory to recording studio and one selfcontained flat – at 3 Darker Street, Leicester.

MELTON Mowbray Cattle Market has won a prestigious award that recognises outstanding developments across the East Midlands. The £5.5 million refurbishment of the market’s 4,292 sqm livestock facilities won Best Regeneration Project at the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) East Midlands Awards which took placein May. The RICS Awards are the premier property and construction awards in the country, honouring the most innovative projects in the region and their impact on local communities. Judges were impressed with the passion of all those involved and how crucial an impact phase one of the development will have on the future of Melton Mowbray. Partner at Pick Everard - the national property, construction and infrastructure consultancy which delivered project and cost management services - Alastair Hamilton said: “This is a landmark feature in Melton Mowbray, sustaining local businesses as well as bringing thousands of tourists into the town every year. An anticipated 300 events have been planned and the new facilities are expected to attract 240,000 visitors annually. It is a project we’re particularly proud of, with its place in the town reaffirming Melton’s position as a premier rural food and drink destination. With 93 per cent of businesses in the town welcoming the scheme – having seen a noticeably increased footfall to the town – I’m sure that the new cattle market will be a great success.” Melton Cattle Market will now go forward as Regional Award Winner in the National Awards to be held in November 2018.

Snibston renovation given green light AMBITIOUS plans to completely transform the former Snibston Colliery site and country park have been given the green light. Leicestershire County Council will now carry out the £1.7 million regeneration project, which will see the site turned into a vibrant place to live and visit. The plans were approved by North West Leicestershire District Council’s planning committee on 9th May. The plans include: • A new café extension to the Century Theatre; • Creating a heritage trail so people can learn more about the former colliery’s historic pithead buildings; • Improving the country park, with picnic tables, outdoor play area and mountain bike trail; • Creating a car park and pedestrian walkway; • Outline planning permission to develop 144 homes on part of the site – this would part-fund the project; • Preparatory work, including tree-felling, fences and footpath improvements. Proposals for a cycle link into Coalville town centre, along the former railway, have also been submitted.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Small builders resilient despite material price hikes, says FMB THE WORKLOADS of small and medium-sized (SME) construction firms grew slightly in the first three months of this year despite record numbers of builders reporting rising material prices, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Mr C Lander (c/o Agent: Mrs Minal Parmar, SKM Design, Unit D Edward House, Grange Business Park, Whetstone, Leicester LE8 6EP) – Notification of proposed change of use from offices to 4 flats – at 42 Duke Street, Leicester. XWR Limited (c/o Agent: Neil McMinn, Ink/Drawn, Windermere House, 47 New Walk, Leicester LE1 6TE) – Construction of one-storey roof extension to existing building to provide 3 self-containedf apartments – at Spa Buildings, Queen Street, Leicester. ABC Development (c/o Agent: Mrs Varsha Tailor, DT Designs Ltd, 74A Wyvern Avenue, Leicester LE4 7HH) – Construction of 3 twostorey dwellings – at land to rear of 464-466 Uppingham Road, Leicester. Mr Awan (c/o Agent: James Evans, Staniforth Architects, The Warehouse, 1A Stamford Street, Leicester LE1 6NL) – Change of use from clinic and offices to 22 studio flats – at 96 New Walk, Leicester.

Key results from the FMB’s latest State of Trade Survey, which is the only quarterly assessment of the UK-wide SME construction sector, include: • Construction SME workloads remained positive in Q1 2018 but grew at a slower rate than in Q4 2017; • The construction SME sector has now enjoyed five years of consecutive growth; • More construction SMEs predict rising workloads in the coming three months, up from 38% in the previous quarter to 49% in Q1 2018; • 90% of builders reported increasing material prices in Q1 2018, this is the highest reading on record; • More than half (58%) of construction SMEs are struggling to hire bricklayers and 55% are struggling to hire carpenters and joiners; • Two-thirds (66%) of construction SMEs expect salaries and wages to increase during the next six months, up from 62% in the previous quarter.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “Workloads for builders continued to grow in the first quarter of 2018 despite the ‘Beast from the East’ wreaking havoc across the UK’s construction sites. However, once again, the growth we are seeing is slower than in the previous three months and this can be partly attributed to pressure from rising costs. Indeed, 90% of builders reported increasing material prices in the first three months of 2018 and this is the highest reading on record. Insulation, bricks and timber are the materials that have increased the most and builders are predicting that these price increases will continue. We are also seeing increased salaries for tradespeople stemming from the acute skills crisis and that, coupled with material price hikes, are squeezing margins and stifling growth for construction firms of all sizes.” Berry concluded: “In terms of house building, these latest results should sound some alarm bells with the workloads of SME house builders dropping off in the first quarter of this year.

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“In 2017/18, 197,000 homes were started in England but this is some way off the Government’s target to build 300,000 homes per year. The FMB has worked closely with the Government to identify how to remove barriers to small local house builders, but these latest results act as a reminder that there is more to be done. The FMB would now like to see the continued and speedy implementation of some positive Government policies designed to bring forward more small sites, properly resource planning departments and increase the flow of finance to SME house builders. If we are to reach our ambitious house building targets, we cannot rely solely on the largest house builders.”

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

National Award For Wastecycle Bowmer & Kirkland Ltd and Leics.C.C. (c/o Agent: Brian Rule, Pick Everard, Halford House, Charles Street, Leicester LE1 1HA) – Construction of three-storey teaching block; construction of all-weather pitch, part demolition of school building – at English Martyrs Catholic School, Anstey Lane, Leicester. Mr Pravin Patel (c/o Agent: Faizal Osman, 13 Architectural Consultants Ltd, 8 Coplow Avenue, Evington, Leicester LE5 5WA) – Change of use of one flat to 2 studio flats – at Flat 2, 13 Severn Street, Leicester. Mr Himat & Naresh Popat (c/o Agent: Dennis Dziko, 4 De Montfort Mews, Leicester LE1 7FW) – Change of use of first, second and third floor from office and construction of extension to roof to form fourth floor, to create 27 student studio flats – at 22-24 Halford Street, Leicester LE1 1JB. Victoria Hall Management Ltd (c/o Agent: Mr R Litherland, Rolfe Judd Planning, Old Church Court, Claylands Road, The Oval, London SW8 1NZ) – Demolition of two-storey office building and redevelopment of site to provide a part three, part four and part fivestorey building comprising 20 cluster flats (122 student bedrooms) and 3 one-bed studio flats – at 39-41 Castle Street, Leicester. Mr Abdun Noor Al Raees (c/o Agent: Faizal Osman, 13 Architectural Consultants Ltd, 8 Coplow Avenue, Leicester LE5 5WA) – Change of use of former Police Station to residential and part demolition; construction of fourstorey side and rear extension and provision of 17 flats – at 176-180 Loughborough Road, Leicester. Vittles Foods Limited (c/o Agent: Architects LE1, 38 Nelson Street, Leicester LE1 7BA) – Construction of single storey extensions at south side of factory – at 62 Boston Road, Leicester. Grovemay Management Limited (c/o Agent: Philip Rowland, Landmark Planning Ltd, 10 Salisbury Road, Leicester LE1 7QR) – Change of use from flats to 6-bed student accommodation – at 6 Quainton Road, Leicester. Grovemay Management Limited (c/o Agent: Philip Rowland, Landmark Planning Ltd, 10 Salisbury Road, Leicester LE1 7QR) – Change of use from flats to 5-bed student accommodation – at 8 Quainton Road, Leicester.

A LEICESTER company has received national recognition for its recycling efforts. Wastecycle, which is based on Wesley Street, won the Waste Transfer and Skip Hire Business of the Year in LetsRecycle.com’s 2018 Excellence in Recycling and Waste Management Awards. The company, which celebrated its 20th birthday last month, transfers over 500,000 tonnes of commercial waste each year and hires out over 50,000 skips each year. With over 97% of the waste it handles being recycled, Wastecycle is one of the country’s leading recycling and waste management companies, employing over 320 people at four sites, three in Leicester and one in Nottingham. The award was presented to Wastecycle’s Commercial Director Paul Clements, last week (10th May) at a celebratory lunch at the Landmark Hotel, London. “I know it’s a cliché, but we are delighted to have won the LetsRecycle.com award for Waste Transfer and Skip Hire Business of the Year. Everyone at Wastecycle works incredibly hard to do the best job we can for Rachel Riley TV personality; Paul Clements of our customers and to ensure we provide a high-quality Wastecycle; John Connor of sponsor Turmec; service,” said Paul. “Helping people reduce their waste, and Steve Eminton Let’s Recycle Editor reuse it where possible and recycle as much of it as we can is a real passion for Wastecycle, and it’s fantastic when your efforts are recognised.” Now in their 14th year, the Awards, which are organised by industry website, letsrecycle.com reward innovation, dedication and success within the waste and recycling industry. As well as the 2018 Excellence in Recycling and Waste Management Awards, Wastecycle is also a finalist at the prestigious National Recycling Awards in two categories – Health and Safety Initiative and Recycling Facility of the Year. Wastecycle will find out if they have won the top prize in either of these categories in June. For more information about Wastecycle, please visit www.wastecycle.co.uk

Castle Donington plot: £240k BROWN & CO are offering for sale a 0.2 acre building plot with full planning (ref: 17/00194/FUL) for a five-bed detached dwelling. The plot – at 71 The Spittal, Castle Donington DE74 2NQ – is being offered at a Guide Price of £240,000. For further details, contact Nick Dawes at Brown & Co on 07768 465725 or email: Nick.dawes@ brown-co.com

Bulwell development site SAVILLS are offering for sale BY AUCTION a development site with full planning granted for a terrace of 3 two-bed dwellings The property – adjacent to 31 Thames Street, Bulwell, Nottingham NG6 8HW – is being offered for sale BY AUCTION on Thursday 7th June 2018 at Nottingham Racecourse, Colwick Park, Colwick, Nottingham NG2 4BE, starting time 2.30pm. Guide Price: £75,000-£90,000 For more information, or to arrange a viewing appointment, contact Savills on 0115 934 8080.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

CPMG Architects Scoops Two RICS Design Awards For East Mids Projects CPMG Architects has scooped two prestigious Design Through Innovation Awards at the regional RICS Awards.

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The design teams behind the Aerospace Integration Research Centre (AIRC) at Cranfield University and the STEMLab at Loughborough University have been recognised for delivering exceptional building designs which have had a positive impact on communities. The flagship AIRC scheme scooped the East of England Design Through Innovation Award on 11 May and the STEMLab took the honour for the East Midlands on 6 May. Both projects will now compete to be overall category winner at the national RICS Awards 2018 Grand Final, to be held in London in November 2018. Nick Gregory, director for CPMG said he was proud of the teams who had been integral to making these projects a success. “The STEMLab is another example of our higher education expertise which provides a truly student-

Rivera Estates Limited (c/o Agent: Philip Rowland, Landmark Planning Ltd, 10 Salisbury Road, Leicester LE1 7QR) – Change of use from flats to 6-bed student accommodation – at 43 Watkin Road, Leicester. Grovemay Management Limited (c/o Agent: Philip Rowland, Landmark Planning Ltd, 10 Salisbury Road, Leicester LE1 7QR) – Change of use from flats to 5-bed student accommodation – 45 Watkin Road, Leicester.

focussed learning environment which has transformed the campus entrance for Loughborough University.” Nick added: “Cranfield University’s Aerospace Integration Research Centre is a flagship scheme that we were very proud to be involved in. The £35m centre is already helping to change the future design of aircraft. Our three-storey interpretation of a modern hanger offers state-of-the-art facilities for

STEMLab at Loughborough University researchers, engineers and partner companies. Congratulations to everyone involved in helping to make this scheme such a success. “Both of these awards are testament to the hard work of our team at CPMG. We have more than 20 years of experience delivering projects in a range of sectors and we look forward to competing in the national awards later in the year.”

Rivera Estates Limited (c/o Agent: Philip Rowland, Landmark Planning Ltd, 10 Salisbury Road, Leicester LE1 7QR) – Change of use from flats to 6-bed student accommodation – at 41A Watkin Road, Leicester. Grovemay Management Limited (c/o Agent: Philip Rowland, Landmark Planning Ltd, 10 Salisbury Road, Leicester LE1 7QR) – Change of use from flats to 6-bed student accommodation – at 4 Quainton Road, Leicester.

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My worst enemy is anyone who reacts with less than total delight when encountering my dog on a walk.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Builders’ Problems SOLVED

Housing association not giving us work Problem:

RESPONSE:

About 95% of our work has been with this one housing association although we have never had an official contract with them. The modus operandi for payment is that we invoice them, and they pay our CIS payments direct to HMRC. We have always maintained a good relationship and have never had any complaints. We are fully insured and registered Gold / Acclaim with ConstructionLine. Without warning, in January 2018 we were told that we had exceeded orders totalling £25,000 with them for the financial year and could not work again until April 2018. This was bemusing as our orders for any year had always exceeding £25,000. Since January, we haven’t done a single job for them and an in-house ‘department’ has picked up the remainder of the years’ work. April has obviously come and gone, and we have been told they are going to use a framework and the contract will need to be won. That part we have no issue with, as we are aware that housing association contracts are generally procured this way. We have since noted that the in-house ‘department’ is in fact an incorporated company and they are also a preferred contractor that now does more than half of the work. I assumed that in this age of transparency, preferred contractors are a no-no and that contracts were won on a cost basis. We are in a dire situation, 3 months before the termination we bought two new vans on loan and are desperately trying not to let the 3 people who work for us go. Do we have any rights at all in this situation?

Although you may feel very sorry for yourselves, I cannot help but see that you have been very fortunate to have had almost 30 years of continuous work. Any business that relies on 95% of its work from a single source is putting itself at risk. It only needs a fall-out of some kind that will result in an adverse effect. What you should have done is to have planned for this eventuality and sought new markets out. Alternatively, or in addition, you should have had an umbrella agreement in place, that set out fundamental terms. For example, the period that the agreement would last for and the work parameters (i.e., a minimum order value for the financial year). This in turn would have allowed you to plan your business more effectively, instead of committing to large capital expenditure only for the work not to materialise. I would suggest that you arrange a meeting with the housing association to try and see what you can salvage. I would also have thought that if you were that good, the housing association would not want to lose you. In addition, you should also embark on a major sales drive to try and secure other work, although you may have to be ruthless in the short term and lay off some of your operatives. Best of luck. © Michael P. Gerard June 2018

We run a small repair and maintenance company and have worked for a large housing association for nearly 30 years.

In all probability, there is nothing you can do.

Michael P. Gerard Author background Michael is a Solicitor, Chartered Builder, Registered Construction Adjudicator & Accredited Expert in quantum and planning matters. The advice provided is intended to be of a general guide only and should not be viewed as providing a definitive legal analysis.

Former repeater station for sale

PRE (Leicester) Limited (c/o Agent:Mr Muthar AlSalloum, MAS Architecture Ltd, Studio G005, The Atkins, Lower Bond Street, Hinckley, Leicvs. LE10 1QU) – Demolition of buildings and construction of three/four storey buildingto provide 91 student studio flats – at De Montfort Mews, Leicester. Mr Floros Christodoulou (c/o Agent: Jon Sayers, Gordon White & Hood, Beresford House, 1 Newtown Street, Leicester LE1 6WH) – Extension to roof of two storey block to create three additional floors of student accommodation resulting if a five storey block of 38 studio flats – at Gosling Clourt, 11-19 Grange Lane, Leicester. Park Portfolio Limited (c/o Agent: Ian Palmer, Staniforth Architects, The Warehouse, 1A Stamford Street, Leicester LE1 6NL) – Construction of six storey block to provide an office on the ground floor, 10 apartments, and basement and ground floor parking – at Car Park adjacent to 7 Midland Street, Leicester.

SDL Auctions are offering for sale BY AUCTION a former Repeater Station at Loughborough Road, Ruddington, Nottingham NG11 6LU. The single storey 105 sq.ft. brick building sits on a rectangular site of approximately 1,615 sq.feet. The driveway to the front is accessed by lockable double gates providing secure off-road parking. The building is accessed by a single entrance door to the rear. There is an electrical supply to the building. For sale BY AUCTION on 26th June 2018 at Nottingham Racecourse, Colwick Park, Nottingham NG2 4BE, start time 11.30am. Guide Price: £23,000+ For more information, contact SDL Auctions on 0115 958 8702 or visit the website at www. sdlauctions.co.uk

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I hate when I’m running on the treadmill for half an hour and look down to see it’s been 4 minutes.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Revealed: The features and facilities Brits are willing to pay more rent for •

• •

Number one preference for renters is to have their pets allowed, with 28% willing to fork out an average of £24 more per month to have their furry friends stay with them in their rented accommodation Thereafter, 21% of tenants would be happy to pay an average of £19 extra each month for the benefit of high-speed internet With regards to communal facilities, just under half of renters (41%) would opt for a gym, where they would splash out an average of £20 a month to stay fit

OVER THE last decade, house price inflation has accelerated beyond wage growth in numerous parts of the UK. This in turn, has dented the prospect of home ownership for many firsttime buyers. Consequently, Brits have had no choice but to opt for the private rental market as an alternative way to get on the property ladder. With over 25% of UK households predicted to be privately rented by 2025, more and more Brits are treating rental properties as a ‘long-term’ rather than a ‘temporary’ or ‘imperfect’ solution to their living requirements. Therefore, it’s important for landlords/developers to consistently keep in mind how they can enhance tenant’s satisfaction levels outside of just meeting basic expectations when providing properties for rent. Showerstoyou.co.uk analysed findings from ‘LSL Property Services’, who surveyed over 3,000 tenants to find out what features and facilities they would like to be included in their rental property and how much extra they would be willing to pay for them on top of their normal monthly rent. The research found that tenants would most like pets to be allowed, with 28% willing to fork out an average of £24 more per month to have their furry friends stay with them in their rented accommodation. Thereafter, high-speed internet was a priority, with 21% of tenants happy to pay an average of £19 extra each month for it. On the other end of the scale, a concierge service would garner the least interest, with just 3% prepared to pay an additional £20. Slightly above, 4% of renters would spend £12 a month to have storage space specifically for their bike(s). Moreover, tenants also revealed the communal facilities they would be willing to pay more for when renting. Showerstoyou found that tenants would prioritise a gym the most, with 41% glad to pay an average of £20 more every month to conveniently exercise and stay fit on-site. Followed closely behind was a laundry facility, where 34% of renters would be content with spending an average of £10 each month to wash and dry their clothes in an allocated room. Fascinatingly, with a lot of rental properties (particularly in cities) not having any green space – a communal garden is something 32% of tenants would be interested in having at an average cost of £10 more per month on top of their normal rent. Surprisingly, only 27% of renters would welcome the idea of a recreational or games room to relax and socialise in.

Don’t forget to send us your news! Email: info@ buildermagazines. co.uk

Extra classroom space for two Leicester secondary schools TWO city secondary schools are set to get extra classroom space as part of an ongoing investment in schools’ expansion. St Paul’s Catholic School, in Evington, and English Martyrs Catholic School, in Anstey Lane, will get the extra space in time for autumn 2018, to help meet demand. The work is needed because although a free school – Avanti Fields – is due to open in the autumn, there is some uncertainty over this. The council has a legal duty to ensure every pupil in the city can be offered a secondary school place. Under the plans, a two-storey modular block will be constructed adjacent to an existing building at St Paul’s. The block will provide four additional classrooms, each with a storeroom. At English Martyrs, existing rooms will be refurbished and adapted to provide two extra classrooms. The changes mean an additional 60 Year 7 places will be available at each of the schools. In total, the works will cost £787,600. This will include construction, providing fixtures and fittings, and ensuring ICT is in place in the new facilities. Six other secondary schools are providing temporary accommodation for extra pupils as part of the city council’s investment in schools’ expansion. These are the City of Leicester College, Soar Valley College, Crown Hills Community College, Judgemeadow Community College, Babington Community College and Rushey Mead Academy. All of these schools – plus English Martyrs and St Paul’s – will also benefit from more permanent expansion projects, with work being carried out in 2018 and 2019. Fullhurst Community College, in Braunstone, is also undergoing a major £15.8million expansion, which will see its capacity increased from 900 to 1,500 and the creation of a new Year 7 & 8 base on the former Ellesmere College site.

Mr Mark Kelly (c/o: 12 Oakfield Close, Great Glen, Leics. LE8 9GL) – Change of use from bank to 10 selfcontained flats – at 4-8 Horsefair Street, Leicester Keystone Homes (c/o Agent: Luke Kenney, Staniforth Architects, The Warehouse, 1A Stamford Street, Leicester LE1 6NL) – Construction of six storey building to provide 14 flats – at Car Park at rear of 60 Charles Street, Yeoman Lane, Leicester. Jamie Lewis Residential Lettings Ltd (c/o Agent: Chris May, Howes Percival, The Osiers Business Park, Laversall Way, Braunstone Town, Leicester LE19 1DX) – Details of landscaping for construction of one ten-storey, one fourteen storey and one sixteen storey tower with a five, eight and nine storey podium providing 413 dwellings (Reserved matters – planning permission 20162521 refers) – at Former Merlin Works, Bath Lane, Leicester.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

New energy efficiency rules PROPERTY experts Mather Jamie are warning commercial landlords to be aware of recent changes to regulations on energy efficiency. PRE (Leicester) Ltd (c/o Agent: Mr Mutha Al-Salloum, MAS Architecture Ltd, Studio G005, The Atkins, Lower Bond Street, Hinckley, Leics. LE10 1QU) – Change of use from offices to student flats; part demolition and construction of a 3-4 storey detached building to provide 45 studio flats – at Leicester College Bede Island Centre, 22 Upperton Road, Leicester. Bowmer & Kirkland and Leics. C.C. (c/o Agent: Andrew Brown, Pick Everard, Halford House, Charles Street, Leicester LE1 1HA) – Construction of two storey teaching block at rear, single storey teaching block at side, single storey extension at front of main block and single storey rear extension to sports block – at Rushey Mead Academy, Melton Road, Leicester. Al-Khidmar Foundation (c/o Agent: Faizal Osman, Osman Design Partnership Ltd, 8 Coplow Avenue, Leicester LE5 5WA) – Demolition of light industrial unit and construction of three storey building for use as education centre – at 132-138 Charnwood Street, Leicester.

As of the start of April 2018 it became unlawful to let or sell properties in England and Wales which fail to meet the newly prescribed Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), following changes to the law as a result of the Energy Act 2011. MEES are a set of legal requirements that aim to improve the energy efficiency of private rented properties in the UK, and is estimated that one in five commercial properties do not currently meet these new legal standards. With a few exceptions - such as listed buildings - all commercial properties marketed for sale or letting require an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), giving the property an energy efficiency rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). Properties which fail to achieve an E rating or above could be severely restricted when letting or renewing tenancies. James Hunt, Commercial Management Surveyor at Mather Jamie said, “Owners of commercial properties should know that properties in their portfolio that don’t meet the new MEES ratings will need to be upgraded before they are put on the market. “While current leases will not be affected by this change, further legislation due in April 2023 will affect all existing leases, plus new lettings, meaning all properties with an EPC rating below the threshold will need to have their energy efficiency improved, or landlords could face severe penalties, with fines of up to £150,000 per breach, per property. “These necessary changes should be seen as a key priority for all landlords, and Mather Jamie can provide property owners with expert advice to ensure their property portfolio is ready for the increased scrutiny of energy efficiency within the property market.” It is estimated by the Department for Communities and Local Government that non-dwellings (which include commercial properties) are responsible for almost 20% of the UK’s energy consumption and carbon emissions. For more details on the forthcoming changes to regulations on energy efficiency, please contact James Hunt on 01509 233433 or visit www. matherjamie.co.uk.

Ab Kettleby site for 2 dwellings

BENTONS are offering for sale a development site at Wartnaby Road, Ab Kettleby, Near Melton Mowbray, Leics. The property has Outline Planning Permission (ref:17/01597/ OUT) for the erection of 2 threebed dwellings, demolition of two single-storey extensions to 36 and 38 Wartnaby Road, and the erection of two two-storey extensions to both houses. The development will form an attractive cul-de-sac off Wartnaby Road. The asking price is £650,000. For more information, contact Bentons on 01664 563892 or email: sales@bentons.co.uk

My parents read the book I was writing. They said they hope the main character dies. It was an autobiography.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

I accidentally handed my wife a glue stick instead of a chapstick. She still isn’t talking to me.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

LandInsight wins big at the UK PropTech Awards LANDINSIGHT, a PropTech startup enabling property professionals to find and assess opportunities to build housing, took home the awards for Fastest Growing Business, Diversity Advocate and Excellence in People Development at the UK PropTech Awards. The startup has grown from 4 to 35 employees and increased its revenue by 1,000% in less than one year, exceeding £2 million and on track to reach double digits by next year. The customer base includes heavy hitters such as Savills, Cushman & Wakefield and Taylor Wimpey, and the platform now has close to 5,000 users. Founder Jonny Britton sees a strong correlation between their work promoting diversity and investing in their team. “The property industry has a long way to go to shake off its traditional tendencies. Internally, diversity has become one of our greatest assets, allowing us to generate new ideas for solving the issues the land market is facing. Together with the Ordnance Survey and GeoVation I’ve had the chance to share with other companies how they can leverage diversity in the same way we have, which has been a great experience” LandInsight’s focus on merit over background has had clear effects on the company, which now consists of 35% women, which is well above the industry standard of 17%. Additionally, 33% of the team are Jonny Britton with the awards of an ethnic minority background, which is representative of London’s diverse demographic. “The judges were impressed by LandInsight and how it has been able to build and leverage a diverse team. By bringing in new perspectives, the startup has been able to question common perceptions on how new development opportunities are found and assessed. The tools LandInsight has built, enable its users to find more opportunities in a fraction of the time, and get more housing developed.” Sammy Pahal, Managing Director UKPA “We are expected to grow the team to more than 50 by the end of the year and continuing to invest in the people we take on will become increasingly important as the company leaves the startup phase.” Jonny Britton, Founder LandInsight LandInsight was founded by Jonny Britton and Andrew Moist who, frustrated by the land market, decided to build a tool that makes it easy to find and assess land opportunities. The startup streamlines the process by bringing together ownership, property, planning comparables and policy information on one platform and display it on interactive maps. The platform is currently enabling its users to identify over 100,000 new housing opportunities every year

Bowmer & Kirkland Ltd and Leics. C.C. (c/o Agent: Brian Rule, Pick Everard, Halford House, Charles Street, Leicester LE1 1HA) – Part demolition of school building; construction of two storey teaching and dining block and two storey changing block with activity studio. Construction of all-weather pitch – at St Pauls Catholic School, Spencefield Lane, Leicester. Bowmer & Kirkland and Leics. C.C. (c/o Agent: Andrew Brown, Pick Everard, Halford House, Charles Street, Leicester LE1 1HA) – Construction of single storey extension to front of main school building; two storey building and single storey extension to sports block – at Babington Academy, 150 Strasbourg Drive, Leicester. Mr I Alimahomed (c/o Agent: Bernard Taruvinga, Kunstler Designs Architect, 31 Rutland Street, Leicester LE1 1RE) – Change of use from dwelling house to 2 self-contained flats – at 217 Beaumanor Road, Leicester.

Today, my son asked “Can I have a book mark?” and I burst into tears. 11 years old and he still doesn’t know my name is Brian.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

J Tomlinson hands over £2m housing scheme to Gedling Homes CONTRACTOR J Tomlinson has completed a £2 million project to replace a former sheltered housing scheme with 12 new apartments and six new houses for affordable rent.

cal Authority

For any further enquiries with regard to the land, please contact the agents: Andrew Granger & Co Phoenix House 52 High Street Market Harborough Leicestershire LE16 7AF Contact: Chris Green Tel: 01858 439090 Fax: 01858 439091 Email: chris.green@andrewgranger.co.uk

Site for 8 houses at Old Dalby

Site for 25 dwellings in Repton: Tenders Invited

ANDREW GRANGER & Co are offering for sale a parcel of land with Outline Planning Permission (ref: 17/00315/OUT) for up to 8 dwellings.

SANSOM HAMILTON are offering for sale BY INFORMAL TENDER a parcel of land with Outline Planning Permission (ref: 9/2016/1118) for 25 dwellings.

rther Information

Plans submitted for new homes in Rugby HOUSEBUILDER Bellway has submitted detailed plans to build 380 new homes in Hillmorton, Rugby.

The Gedling Homes development at Ernehale Court in Arnold, Nottingham, was completed on time and on budget. The redevelopment involved the design and build of six two-bedroom houses and 12 one-bedroom apartments, with associated communal facilities, the ground floor flats being designed to full wheelchair standard. During the project, the J Tomlinson team took time out to visit local schools Christ the King School, Frank Seeley School, and Arnold Mill Primary School to talk about careers in construction and help with interview preparation, as well as highlighting health and safety issues around building sites. In addition, five students from Christ the King School undertook work experience at the site. Gedling Homes development manager Deborah Higgins said: “J Tomlinson had delivered a number of smaller projects for us very successfully. This - coupled with their size and expertise - was the reason for putting them on the tender list. They won the tender against four other contractors. “My experience working with J Tomlinson on the Ernehale Court development has been very positive; J Tomlinson have been very organised and helpful when it comes to refining the specification on site, particularly with complex M&E solutions. “I have been impressed by the positive attitude of all the staff working on the project; they have a general can-do attitude, even when challenges have arisen. I would recommend J Tomlinson’s services to other housing groups and associations.” During the project, J Tomlinson was able to provide value engineering by identifying and procuring money-saving products of the same quality, which led to an estimated £30,000 saving on the project for Gedling Homes.

elton Borough Council rkside, Station Approach rton Street elton Mowbray cestershire 13 1GH : 01664 502502

The land – at Milton Road, Repton, Derbyshire DE65 6FZ – is to be sold BY INFORMAL TENDER. The deadline for submitting offers on an unconditional basis is 12 noon on Friday 8th June 2018. For more information, contact Martin Sansom on 01530 272791 or email: mjs@sansomhamilton.co.uk

The 1.567 acre site – to the north of Longcliff Hill, Old Dalby, Near Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE14 3LP – currently comprises part of a single field of pasture land. A Minded To Approve has been granted, subject to the completion of a Section 106 agreement. Offers in the region of £950,000 are invited. For more information, contact Chris Green at Andrew Granger & Co on 01858 439090 or email: chris. green@andrewgranger.co.uk

My wife made me join a bridge club. I jump off next Tuesday.

Outline planning permission for up to 380 homes on the land at Wharf Farm – which forms part of the wider Rugby Radio Station Sustainable Urban Extension, approved in May 2014 – was granted in July 2017. Bellway has now submitted a reserved matters application to Rugby Borough Council for its proposed development, which will be known as Houlton Meadows and will comprise one and twobedroom apartments and two, three, four and five-bedroom houses. The proposals include 39 affordable homes to enable local people and key workers to live in a new-build home within their own community, while the development, off Crick Road, will also feature new public open space along the canal frontage and an ecology park with ponds to accommodate relocated great crested newts. As part of the planning agreement for the development, Bellway will make financial contributions of more than £3.5 million towards improving local infrastructure and services, including outdoor sport, education, police, improvements to the canal, community facilities, bus services and cycling infrastructure. Sales Director for Bellway’s South Midlands division, Jane Yolland, said: “There’s a growing need for new homes in Rugby, which we as a housebuilder are working hard to meet. “This is a fantastic opportunity to deliver a significant number of highquality new homes for local people and we’ve worked closely with the local authority to draw up plans which will complement the local area. “We’re proud of our track record in Rugby – we’re already building new homes at our Fernwood development in Cawston, where we’ve made substantial contributions to improving local infrastructure and facilities – and the planning agreement for Houlton Meadows will bring further investment to the town. “We very much hope our application will be approved, so we can make a start on delivering these much-needed new homes.” More information about the housebuilder’s developments in Warwickshire – including Fernwood at Cawston – is available at bellway. co.uk.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Dragons Den Successes Gripit Fixings & Marxman Team Up For International Growth UK Building Products Ltd (trading as GripIt Fixings) has announced a worldwide license agreement with MarXman Ltd to manufacture, market and distribute the MarXman - the professional marking tool created by Martin Chard and his wife Jenny, which recently received £50,000 investment from Deborah Meaden in the Dragons’ Den. GripIt Fixings - also a Dragons’ Den success story, invested in by Deborah Meaden and led by entrepreneur Jordan Daykin – will begin to develop new sales and marketing initiatives under the MarXman brand name (known as MarXmate in the USA and Canada). Marxman is a unique new tool designed to quickly, easily and clearly mark almost any surface – from tiles to pebble dash, walls to wood or metal, ready for drilling or fixing. Marxman takes the time and frustration out of marking a reference point for fixing or drilling. The license agreement will see MarXman Ltd benefit from the international reputation of GripIt Fixings, which exports to 34 countries and has a presence in 5,000 UK stores (including Wickes, Screwfix, Currys, B&Q, Selco and Jewson) and 15,000 stores across Australia, New Zealand (Bunnings and Mitre 10), Canada and the USA (Home Depot). Founder and CEO of Gripit Fixings, Jordan Daykin, said: “MarXman is a truly innovative product that appeals to Tradesmen & DIYers across the globe. Its ability to deliver a simple solution to a common problem aligns with the GripIt philosophy”. Furthermore, MarXman enhances and compliments the Gripit Fixings range of products, and creates a perfect partnership for growth and expansion across the hardware and DIY sector, both nationally and internationally.” Founder of MarXman, Martin Chard, said: “When you consider the success of Gripit Fixings in the UK and overseas, we are very excited about the opportunities this license agreement presents for MarXman and its growth and recognition globally.” “Our ambition is for every tradesperson and DIYer to have a MarXman in their tool kit.”

Rhino Small Business App for Digital Record Keeping AS PART of its Making Tax Digital (MTD) initiative, HMRC has approved the new Rhino App for the submission of business accounts directly from the app to its online MTD portal. That portal went live on 15th March 2018. Rhino integrates directly into the Making Tax Digital platform and is the only accounts package approved by HMRC that allows businesses and sole traders to submit their own returns. Direct access for HMRC updates just requires a few clicks, making return submissions easier, faster and cheaper for Rhino’s user base of tradespeople, sole traders, small and medium sized businesses. The developers of Rhino App worked closely with HMRC to design and build the new platform. Significantly, the Rhino App package was expressly designed from the ground up for use on smartphones and tablet platforms. It operates conveniently and seamlessly across a user’s mobile devices and popular web browsers. Unlike many accounting apps, Rhino provides its full feature set via the mobile device. Functionality includes contact management, estimating, invoicing, expense tracking and financial management. And now the app integrates directly with HMRC for direct submission to save businesses time and cost. To make getting started with Rhino fast and simple, the app offers selectable configurations featuring sectorspecific terminology for several popular business types, including the building trades sector. At the heart of the Rhino App philosophy is a stated commitment to champion small businesses. Rhino app founder, Eugene Blaine, identified the specific issues faced by builders and tradespeople by collaborating with several and talking to many. He then drew upon his years of corporate software development expertise to reengineer the pivotal features that address those issues to operate on a mobile platform: “a smartphone or tablet, as carried by every tradesperson I met,” Blaine points out. “We wanted to stand up for small business and help drive success by making the Rhino app powerful but incredibly easy to use,” he continues. “With that goal achieved, Rhino users can reduce their accounting fees and tax bills.” The simplicity of the Rhino app and ease with which estimates, invoicing, expenditure and finance can be managed alleviates the burden of administration that so often eats into personal time for tradespeople, sole traders and small business owners. “Rhino can give them their evenings and weekends back. That’s a really tangible measure of success,” claims Blaine.

Hinckley & Bosworth Mr D Weafer (c/o Agent: Jonathan Weekes, Aitchison Raffety, The Granary, Spring Hill Office Park, Harborough Road, Pitsford, Northants. NN6 9AA) – Demolition of all buildings and residential development of 8 dwellings – at 45-47 Ashby Road, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9UB. Excel Habitat Limited (c/o Agent: Rupesh Patel, Ormander Design & Build, 197 Glen Road, Oadby, Leicester LE2 4RJ) – Residential development of 9 dwellings – at Unit 2B, Stafford Street, Barwell, Leics. LE9 8HF. Mr Sukhpal Kunner (c/o Agent: Stephen Pettifor, SGP Architectural, 55 Denbigh Road, Coundon, Coventry CV6 1FZ) – Extensions and alterations and conversion of first, second and third floors into 6 flats – at 43 Regent Street, Hinckley, Leics. LE10 0BA. Mr Tony Morris (c/o Agent: Mrs Zoe Massey, Hayward Architects Ltd, 19 Station Road, Hinckley, Leics. LE10 1AW) – Residential development of 6 dwellings – at Westbury, Kirkby Road, Barwell, Leics. LE9 8FT. Mr Xifaras (c/o Agent: Nigel Axon, Axon Architects, W5 The Quarters, 65 Druid Street, Hinckley, Leics. LE10 1QG) – Demolition of public house and erection of 12 apartments – at The Prince of Wales Inn, 52 Coventry Road, Hinckley, Leics. LE10 0JT. Mr Nigel Dutton (c/o: 49 Falcon Road, Anstey, Leicester LE7 7FY) – Conversion of existing office building to 15 apartments – at Arden Direct Marketing Ltd, Island House, Arthur Street, Barwell, Leicester LE9 8GZ.

99% of the steps on my FitBit are walks from my desk to the office kitchen looking for free doughnuts.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Kibworth Shooting Ground is being offered for sale

SDL Auctions Graham Penny raises £1.95m in Leicester auction A SEVEN bedroom villa was the stand out result in SDL Auctions Graham Penny’s April Leicester auction at the King Power Stadium.

A PRIVATE individual, jointly represented by Savills and Naylors Estate Agents, is bringing to the market Kibworth Shooting Ground, outside Market Harborough. The facility, set in 22.6 acres (9.15 hectares) of rural south Leicestershire, includes a purpose built modern clubhouse and café, a retail area, teaching room and car park. Kibworth Shooting Ground has been continually developed since its creation in the 1960s and now boasts clay shooting stands, covered air rifle shooting ranges, a .22 rim rifle range, a covered air pistol range, an air gun shooting field and a practice/training range, with additional ponds, tracks and open land. Ian Simpson, director in the leisure and trade related team at Savills Oxford, comments: “Kibworth Shooting Ground provides an opportunity to acquire a profitable leisure business which is well located with a large catchment area including Market Harborough and Leicester.”

The property at 15 Westcotes Drive in Leicester went under the hammer with a *guide price of £200,000+ but after competitive bidding it sold for £301,000. A house of multiple occupation (HMO) over three floors, it was described by Carl Finch, senior auction valuer at SDL Auctions Graham Penny, as a great buy-to-let investment which could bring in a rental income of around £28,000 per annum, giving a return of close to 10 per cent. Other properties that sold well included the first lot, 3 Little Meer Close in Thorpe Astley, a spacious detached four bedroomed house. It had a guide price of £175,000+ and sold for £245,000. Another HMO, 2 Marfitt Street in Belgrave, had a guide price of £160,000+ and sold for £178,000. An investment opportunity which sold well was 44 Victoria Road in Coalville, a five bedroomed semi-detached property at the end of a quiet cul de sac with a guide price of £135,000+ which finally sold for £150,000. SDL Auctions Graham Penny’s next auction in Leicester takes place on Thursday 14 June at the King Power Stadium. Property owners looking to sell can request a free auction appraisal by calling 0116 254 9654.

Westcotes Drive

Little Meer Close

Marfitt Street

Victoria Road

Residential Development Site at Green Lane, Brinklow, Warwickshire CV23 0NR An opportunity to acquire a residential development site with full planning permission for seven properties on the edge of a popular Warwickshire village, close to Rugby, A45 and Coventry - Development site with permission for seven properties with gardens and off street parking - Site area 1.0 acre - GEA 11,899 sq ft - Comprising: 1 x 3 Bed (1,270 sq ft), 3 x 3 Beds (1,108 sq ft), 2 x 3 Beds (1,151 sq ft), 1 x 2 Bed (1,001 sq ft)

For more information please contact Tim Howard on 01788 564680

Barn off Flecknoe Station Road, Broadwell, Warwickshire CV23 8BA A barn with permission to convert into residential use and land

Gross area - 3200 sq ft (297 sq m) Conversion to a 4 bedroom property Open plan living, kitchen, dining area Parking, gardens and paddock land Extending to approximately 1.33 acres or thereabouts Open countryside

For Sale by Private Treaty – Guide Price £375,000 For more information please contact Tim Howard or Emily Powell on 01788 564680 .

After two days in hospital, I took a turn for the nurse.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Number Of Empty Homes In England Rises For The First Time In A Decade As Vacant Stock Hits £50Bn

Tax Specialist Welcomes HMRC ‘Making Tax Digital’ Clarification

• Data ends declining trend dating back to 2009 • York sees the number of long-term vacant properties skyrocket by 322% in a year • One in ten of them are in London where there is £9.6bn of long-term empty stock

ONE OF the UK’s leading tax experts has welcomed news that HMRC has clarified its stance on Making Tax Digital in the wake of reports that the introduction of the scheme was to be postponed indefinitely due to Brexit resource concerns.

THE NUMBER of empty homes across England has risen for the first time in a decade to represent £50billion worth of vacant stock, analysis by online estate agent HouseSimple.com revealed today. There has been a gradual decline in the number of long-term vacant homes since 2008 when the figure stood at 326,954 as the financial crisis began to unfold. But last year the numbers swelled again by 5,148 to reach 205,293 - a rise of 2.6% - according to latest DCLG figures1. It comes as the stock of long-term vacant homes in the beautiful city of York surged 322% in a single year. The Roman settlement saw the biggest percentage rise nationally in 2017, though Birmingham remained the worst offender with 4,280 long-term vacant properties. The City of London saw the second biggest rise (229% to 158), comparing 2017 with 2016, while Cambridge posted the third largest increase (156% to 487). Looking at numbers of long-term vacant homes, Newcastle has entered the top ten thanks to a 24.4% rise in 2017 to 1,595 - while Hull has dropped out with a fall of 3.9% to 1,504. Bradford, with 3,931 empty homes, retained its second place and Liverpool, recording 3,889, remained third. Corby in Northamptonshire had the fewest empty properties with just nine long-term vacant homes, no change on 2016. Across England, long-term vacant homes - those that have been empty for at least six months - are worth a collective £49.7bn2. Last year, London experienced its first rise in the number of longterm empty homes since 2009. The total in the capital grew from 19,845 in 2016 to 20,237 in 2017, resulting in £9.6bn3 worth of empty property. At borough level, Croydon (1,264 vacant properties) has replaced Kensington (1,260) in top spot as the Royal Borough drops into second. Camden hasn’t moved in third (1,142). Southwark, in fourth position, has seen the biggest rise of any borough in the top ten, with a surge of 21.8%. However, seven other boroughs have seen larger increases. The City of London experienced a massive 229% rise in vacant properties last year, followed by Redbridge with a 68% increase and Kingston Upon Thames, which saw vacant homes climb by 48%. Ealing (801) has entered the top ten in London while Haringey (654) has dropped out. It was reported last month that nearly 80,000 empty homes were enjoying council tax discounts, and nearly half of them were not paying any council tax at all. Sam Mitchell, CEO of online estate agents HouseSimple.com, said: “Having empty housing stock on this scale, in a country suffering a supply crisis with plenty of legal options open to councils, is a situation that needs to be addressed urgently. “There are only so many times you can hear the latest housing minister declare we have a broken housing market and keep faith that they understand the scale of the problem. “It would be good to see the government actually do something about all these empty homes for a change. “The situation has worsened, not just in London but across the country. Surely it is time to think of some innovative solutions such as temporary capital gains tax relief for sales of empty, second or investment properties to help deal with this issue in the short term.”

David Redfern, tax preparation specialist and founder of DSR Tax Claims, approved the clarity of HMRC’s message to software developers that their intention to bring the UK’s taxation system into the digital age remained unchanged, stating that the statement will allow businesses to plan accordingly.. Redfern was commenting after reports surfaced that HMRC was shelving their Making Tax Digital (MTD) plans due to under-resourcing concerns. An email from HMRC at the end of April stating that MTD was being de-prioritised in order to “release project capability to EU exit work”, along with the halting of the “simple assessment” trial, fuelled fears that the MTD project would stall indefinitely. However, HMRC clarified their position in May, assuring software developers that Making Tax Digital continues as planned. Welcoming the explanation, Redfern stated that “HMRC’s clarification on the Making Tax Digital project is welcome, both for tax software developers and businesses alike. Due to the ambitious nature of this project, businesses need to know where they stand so that they can be ready for the changes without risking penalties. Many businesses have put their own resources into ensuring they are ready for these changes and such uncertainty would cause considerable concern for those businesses, especially those whose turnover exceeds the VAT threshold”. The HMRC clarification made it clear that the digitisation of VAT continued unchanged, with a trial beginning last month and digital VAT records becoming mandatory from April 2019 for all businesses with a turnover exceeding the VAT threshold of £85,000. Pilots for Income Tax and sole trader self-assessment are underway, with rollout expected in 2020. Redfern noted that HMRC’s systems had been the subject of apprehension in recent months and reiterated his concern that there is potential that they could be unable to cope with MTD. He commented that “many commentators, myself included, have questioned whether HMRC will be able to meet that 2020 target. Whilst Making Tax Digital is a desirable aim and has the capacity to make taxation much simpler for many businesses, the infrastructure has to be fully in place and rigorously tested to ensure that chaos doesn’t ensue once MTD goes live”. For more about DSR Tax Claims, visit https://dsrtaxclaims.co.uk/

Taylor Wimpey proudly building communities ‘Right Up Your Street’ for over 130 years TAYLOR WIMPEY is one of the UK’s largest homebuilders and has been proudly building since 1880. During 2017 alone, Taylor Wimpey completed over 14,500 much-needed new homes in the UK and opened 109 new highquality developments in villages, town and cities where people want to live. Clare Brimble, UK Sales and Marketing Director at Taylor Wimpey said: “We have been building homes people need for the past 138 years and are proud of our experience and expertise as a local homebuilder. We are currently building in most regions throughout the UK, so we really are providing new homes ‘right up your street.’ Although we are a national business, we understand the importance of working with local communities and aim to ensure that the homes we provide have a true sense of place and meet the needs of local people.” To celebrate the launch of their ‘Right Up Your Street’ campaign, Taylor Wimpey will be hosting street parties at some of its developments across the UK this summer to give both existing residents and potential purchasers the chance to meet their neighbours and get a feel for what it’s like to live in a Taylor Wimpey community.

I cleaned the attic with the wife the other day. Now I can’t get the cobwebs out of her hair.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

BACK to work with Emily Coombs - Kibworth Osteopaths www.kibworth-osteopaths.co.uk

ON BUILDING SITES across the country there are posters and leaflets telling operatives how to lift and carry properly, yet on a daily basis I am contacted by a host of tradespeople asking for help with a variety of injuries. Keeping joints healthy while on site is vital, particularly as they are the most essential tool in a tradesperson’s toolbox. Each month, I will be sharing tips and advice on how to protect yourself and your team from injury to help keep joints safe and well while at work.

Protecting your lower back The most frequent issue I see in my clinic each week is a ‘bad back’, with the most common site for injury being the lower back. A ‘bad back’ can be caused by a whole host of things, from lifting something in an awkward position, through to twisting the wrong way. However, not all ‘bad backs’ are musculoskeletal injuries, which is why it is vital to seek help as soon as symptoms show. To prevent injury to the lower back, it is really important to: 1. Stretch to warm up and strengthen the muscles – your osteopath can help develop a programme tailored to your body and movement types 2. Take regular breaks – I know this is easier said than done, particularly when time is money, but taking just two to three minutes every half an hour to stand up straight and walk around without carrying anything, can make a real difference to joints and muscles. If you already have a bad back: 1. Seek help sooner rather than later. I know that many of my clients with physical jobs use lumbar supports and they do have a role to play in helping the injured lumbar spine, but it is vital they are used properly – as advised by a medical professional. 2. Keep up with your maintenance exercises to prevent further injury and keep niggles, that can build up into weeks off work, at bay. Next month I will be giving tips about working overhead and how to prevent neck injuries. If you have an injury area or topic that you would like me to cover in future editions, email me at kibworthosteopath@outlook.com

Former care home in Stapleton for sale by auction SAVILLS are offering for sale BY AUCTION a well located detached period former care home, suitable for a variety of uses, subject to planning. The property – The Cedars, 33 Ashby Road, Stapleton, Leicestershire LE9 8JF – has a total floor area of 3,423 sq.feet arranged over two floors. There is on-site car parking. For sale BY AUCTION on Thursday 7th June 2018 at Nottingham Racecourse, Colwick Park, Colwick, Nottingham NG2 4BE, starting time 2.30pm. Guide Price: £325,000+ For more information, or to arrange a viewing appointment, contact Ria Khan or Victor Ktori at Savills on 0115 934 8050.

Melton Borough Jelson Limited (c/o Agent: Christopher Woods, BRP Architects, 1 Millers Yard, Roman Way, Market Harborough, Leics. LE16 7PW) – Proposed construction of 120 residential dwellings plus associated highway infrastructure and car parking provision (Reserved Matters) – at King Edward VII Upper School, Burton Road, Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE13 1DR. David Miller Homes (c/o Agent: John Hackman, The Drawing Room (Architects) Ltd, 130 Moat Street, Wigston, Leicester LE18 2GE) – Proposed erection of one replacement dwelling and 3 additional dwellings, alteration of access, provision of parking and associated works – at Penlan, 21 Baggrave End, Barsby, Leics. LE7 4RB. McCarthy & Stone Retirement Lifestyles Ltd (c/o Agent: Patrick Reid, The Planning Bureau Ltd, Orion House, Orion Way, Kettering, Northants. NN15 6PE) – Demolition of existing buildings and erection of 46 retirement apartments, 10 bungalows, communal facilities, landscaping access, car parking and ancillary development – at Catherine Dalley House, Scalford Road, Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE13 1JZ. Stroud & Son (c/o Agent: Nick Cooper, HSSP Architects Ltd, Pera Business Park, Nottingham Road, Melton Mowbray, leics. LE13 0PB) – Proposed residential development for 35 houses – at Grange Farm House, Harby Lane, Hose, Leics.

I don’t mind you talking so much, as long as you don’t mind me not listening.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

AERIAL VIEW: How drones will revolutionise the construction industry by Steve Mansour, CEO, CRL THE INTRODUCTION of drones is a positive development in our industry. It might sound farfetched, but thanks to their flexibility, these small and sophisticated devices could soon be as common onsite as trucks and excavators. A report by Goldman Sachs makes it clear that the largest expected take-up for commercial drones is in construction, primarily in surveying and mapping sites. It estimates that total global spending on drones in the commercial market will be $100 billion over the next two years. Of that, approximately $11.2 billion will be generated by the construction industry. Such sizeable growth is evidence that business leaders no longer view drones as mere high-tech toys. In fact, they have many commercial applications: builders seeking an edge on their competitors, land developers wanting to save time during site surveys, and inspectors examining hard-to-reach areas. Getting an aerial view of a building or development is now easier and cheaper than ever. Construction sites around the world depend on inspections and surveys to gain a comprehensive understanding of a build’s progress, and to ensure that safety standards are being met in the process. With cutting-edge drone technology, operators can now easily and quickly perform inspections in a cost-effective and efficient way, whilst also keeping employees away from dangerous environments. Contractor GallifordTry, is one of the pioneers. It conducted an initial analysis of the roof of an old school building before its conversion into a modern care home. In under an hour, they captured a set of highresolution images of the entire roof structure, from the comfort of their office. The high-quality information collected by drones can give users the opportunity to view a site in real-time as it progresses, to better manage resources and keep projects on schedule. Additionally, drone technology will give those in the industry the ability to view a project without having to step foot onsite. By closely monitoring and analysing this up-to-date imagery and data, construction projects will save time and money. In addition, drones can improve communication and collaboration between different parties, onsite and offsite, to enhance planning as a site grows. With this in mind, it’s likely

drones will further revolutionise construction through the use of 3D modelling, reducing the amount of time taken to design, analyse and maintain a structure or implement changes. This data can be imported into Business Information Modelling (BIM) packages in various file formats, making the integration of digital data into workflow processes straightforward. The advent of drones is also causing an increase in security efficiency, whether they are used to maintain the safety of employees or to protect the job site from theft or vandalism. Drones have the ability to create a round-the-clock, real-time monitoring system, greatly elevating onsite security, whilst minimising health and safety risks.

Flying high: What does the future hold? Whilst the potential for drones is high, there are still some factors making people cautious about their impending adoption. One imminent challenge is the regulatory environment in which drones operate. The industry’s rapid growth has outpaced the development of rules and systems to govern their use, and the resultant uncertainty has slowed commercial adoption and innovation. Regulators in the UK and US have recently relaxed regulation to make drone flights easier. However, restrictions still significantly limit their commercial uses, with bans on drones flying near buildings or people, and the requirement for pilots to keep them lower than 120 metres and in their line of sight. In the UK, the Department for Transport’s forthcoming ‘Drone Bill’ will propose new safety features, such as registering drones weighing over 250 grams. However, restrictions on where and how drones can be flown will need to be adapted before their commercial potential can be fully explored. The forthcoming bill follows newly-proposed rules from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). These seek to create a regulatory environment to foster the development of all civil unmanned aircraft systems. Whilst these rules will create a new framework that should ensure consistent safety standards for drones, clarity is needed around restrictions before the use of drones is commonplace on the construction site. As with any regulatory introduction, organisations will have to adapt. Whilst this could mean more work is needed to ensure relevant processes are

compliant, the long-term gains far outweigh any short-term hurdles. Drone adoption is set to grow in the future, and at CRL we’re certain there is much more to see with regard to the development of new products and technological innovations. These improvements will make drones fly faster for longer, whilst enhancing safety. The real benefits will come from enhancements to the drone itself, with sensors and the use of predictive data analytics to analyse

real-time information through machine learning and algorithms. The construction industry is evolving rapidly, and with all the innovations and changes to traditional methods comes the need for greater efficiency in all aspects of business. Drones will be a major disruptor in the near future. Early and effective implementation of the technology will give forwardthinking companies a significant edge in a very competitive market.

I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Growing housebuilder cements its place amongst region’s biggest and best with industry award LEADING housebuilder Westleigh Partnerships has scooped a major prize at a regional industry awards ceremony. The Leicestershire-based developer, which has a range of developments across the Midlands and Yorkshire, was named best Large Company Management Team at this year’s BVCA Midlands Management Team Awards at Birmingham Town Hall. Comprised of nine industry experts, the judging panel commended the attractive and distinctive nature of Westleigh as a business, which allows it to stand out from its competitors in the sector, as well as its skilled delivery of specific projects, authentic leadership, and overall growth. The Large Company Management Team category is defined as a company with an appropriate enterprise value that was above £100m in 2017, as evidenced at the time of investment, or in the opinion of the judges. (L to R) Alex Hyde, Director at Grant Thornton, Westleigh was backed for the award by private equity Chris Beighton, Chairman of Westleigh, and Andrew firm Palatine Private Equity, with which it agreed a Ferguson, Partner at Maven Capital Partners £21m investment deal in 2016 as a means of securing its continued future growth. The company then reported an annual turnover of £128.6m in 2017, demonstrating a 35% increase over results from the previous year. Also in 2017, Westleigh was granted more than £48m of Homes England funding to build almost 1,600 homes across the East and West Midlands, Yorkshire and Cambridgeshire. This growth has allowed the business to expand its area of operations beyond the East Midlands, opening brand new offices in both the West Midlands and Yorkshire, and it now employs around 400 people. Last month, Westleigh was acquired by leading national housebuilder Countryside Properties, which specialises in place making and urban regeneration, in a deal worth £135m that will pave the way for further growth. Ian Jones, Managing Director of Westleigh, said: “We are delighted and honoured to receive this award. “Not only does it reward the genuine quality of our management, it also marks the hard work and dedication that we put into each and every project we are involved with.

Mr & Mrs L. Wells (c/o Agent: Robin Taylor, Tayor’s Drawings, 37 Dorian Rise, Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE13 0TJ) - Dividing an existing dwelling into one detached house with detached garage and 2 semi-detached houses – at Sunningdale, 25 Top End, Great Dalby, Leics. LE14 2HA.

Harborough District Miss Hannah Cheney (c/o: Calbourne House, Rugby Road, Lutterworth, Leics. LE17 4HN) – Outline application for the erection of 3 dwellings and provision of new access – at land adjacent to Calbourne House, Rugby Road, Lutterworth, Leics. LE17 4HN. Keystone Homes (c/o Agent: Franklin Ellis Architects LLP, The Old Pumphouse, 5 The Ropewalk, Nottingham NG1 5DU) – Erection of 10 dwellings – at White Hart Garage, Leicester Road, Billesdon, Leics.

I cheated the railway company yesterday. I bought a return ticket and didn’t go back.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Work launches to create more Space at top Leicester attraction Sterling Rose Care 2 Limited (c/o Agent: Stuart Minty, SM Planning, 80-83 Long Lane, London EC1A 9ET) – Demolition of existing hospital building with the exception of the Grade II Listed portico and construction of a new 70-bed care home – at Market Harborough District Hospital, 58 Coventry Road, Market Harborough, Leics. LE16 9DD. Mulberry Property Developments Ltd (c/o Agent: Woods Hardwick Ltd, 15-17 Goldington Road, Bedford MK40 3NH) – Erection of up to 50 dwellings (Reserved Matters) – at land north of Leicester Lane, Great Bowden, Leics. Hallam Land Management Limited (c/o Agent: Gary Stephens, Marrons Planning, Bridgeway House, Bridgeway, Stratford upon Avon, Warks. CV37 6YX) – Outline application for the erection of up to 90 dwellings, public open space, access onto Swinford Road, landscaping, balancing ponds, acoustic barrier and other associated infrastructure – at land at Junction 20, M1, Swinford Road, Lutterworth, Leics.

WORK HAS started at the National Space Centre in Leicester to create a brand new welcome hall and ticketing facility, improving the visitor experience and increasing exhibition space. The project, which will be complete in time for the summer holidays, was procured via Scape Venture and is being delivered by East Midlands construction company, Robert Woodhead Ltd. Known as the Launch Pad, the project, designed by architects Pick Everard, will create much needed space for the award-winning attraction, which has continued to see year on year growth since its launch in 2001. Launch Pad will significantly increase the cafe seating area, as well as adding a brand-new exhibition space and installing some new artefacts from the collection. The changes will not only provide a flexible ticketing process for peak and off-peak periods, it will significantly improve access around the Centre. Chas Bishop, Chief Executive of the National Space Centre said: “Launch Pad seeks to address some of the challenges we currently have at the National Space Centre. It will create a highly visible entrance, a purpose built queuing space and ticket sales point. It will also look to enhance customer experience and add more space for us to be able to display some truly world class artefacts. We have a great success story to tell, as we approach welcoming our 4 millionth visitor, but we also want to continue developing and making the attraction appropriate, accessible and enjoyable to all our visitors.” The Woodhead team started on site last week and will be working in partnership with the National Space Centre to minimise disruption to the thousands of visitors who will use the Centre over this development period. Tony Robinson, Project Manager for Woodhead, said: “We’re excited to be working on this project for the National Space Centre. The additional space will make a big difference to the customer experience. “Although working on such a unique building is a real privilege, and not our day-to-day sort of project, we do have real experience of working in busy environments and understand the need to maintain a fantastic experience for visitors. “We’ll be working hard over the coming weeks and months to ensure the project is delivered effectively, as well as working with the team here to make the process of interest to visitors and the surrounding community.”

Tel: 0116 2853 777 Leema Technologies Limited. The Warehouse, 1a Stamford Street, Leicester LE1 6NL I held a Festival of Peace and meditation, but my neighbours complained about the quiet.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Aggregate Industries Urges Fellow Construction Firms To Tackle Mental Health FOLLOWING Mental Health Awareness Week (14-20 May), leading construction materials supplier Aggregate Industries is calling on construction companies to focus on mental health in the workplace after seeing the success its own programme has had on its workforce. According to the Health and Safety Executive, 31.2 million work days were lost due to illness in 2016/171, with 12.5 million of those due to stress, depression or anxiety experienced by employees. Research has shown that construction workers are more susceptible to experiencing mental health problems, with the sector cited in the Governmentcommissioned independent review ‘Thrive at Work,’ as an industry in which male workers were 35 per cent more likely to take their own lives2. Despite the facts, mental health is still an area that is taboo for many in the workplace. Stress, depression and anxiety are often overlooked and in some cases can be ignored by an employer. In an industry such as construction, it is common for workers to rarely talk about how they are feeling. However, with increasing financial pressure on pension funds, the days of early retirements are long gone for the vast majority of people and so, as responsible employers,

companies have to do everything they can to ensure people can stay ‘fitter for longer’. Not only is it in the interests of the employee, it is also in the interest of employers, as absenteeism costs companies £8 billion a year, and ‘presenteeism’ – the practise of working whilst sick – can cause productivity loss, costing up to £26 billion every year2. It’s for these reasons that four years ago, in 2014, Aggregate Industries introduced Healthy You, an initiative to establish a greater connection with employees and help educate them on the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. As part of the scheme, the company runs awareness campaigns and talks on mindfulness. Employees can also elect to take part in a mental health awareness course, run in partnership with Mental Health First Aid England. The three hour intensive programme looks at how mental health is defined and considers how individuals can look after their own mental health and wellbeing. It also aims to equip employees with the knowledge to provide support to

colleagues and to better relate to people’s experiences. Aggregate Industries has also provided managers across the business with training and information to help them identify the symptoms of depression and stress and help to support employees exhibiting these types of issues by providing support to those affected. The commitment to focus on mental health has started to reap rewards for the company and its employees, as it has seen a yearon-year decrease in the number of absences related to mental health issues. For example, in 2017, the number of different occasions of absence related to mental health issues in Aggregate Industries had decreased by 17 per cent, compared to 2016. This meant there was also a reduction in the number of working days lost, which went down by 12 per cent on the previous year. Stephanie Kendrick, HR Business Partner and Healthy You Lead at Aggregate Industries, comments: “Although many companies within

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the construction industry already have effective health and safety strategies, the emphasis is often centred on the physical side of it. However, it is clear that there is a need for more focus to be placed on the health of the workforce, as demonstrated by the worrying industry statistics.” Anna Cantwell, Social Value & Sustainable Procurement Manager at Aggregate Industries, and Healthy You Champion, adds: “Getting employees to talk about mental health is not easy, especially in the construction sector. However, we have found that when staff are encouraged to talk openly with colleagues, in a workshop for example, they realise just how many people either suffer from issues themselves or know someone who does. By making mental health and wellbeing a priority in the workplace we are not only safeguarding the future of our employees, but also protecting the business.” For further information about Aggregate Industries, visit www. aggregate.com

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Last week I replaced all the windows in my house. Then I discovered I had a crack in my glasses.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

RICS UK Commercial Market Survey, Q1 2018

RICS Commercial: Online shopping causing growing divide between struggling East Midlands’ retail and booming industrial •

Growing divide between East Midlands’ retail and industrial property

•

Declining tenant demand and rising availability in retail sector, with weakness spreading to prime locations

•

Industrial demand still solid while offices see marginal improvement

•

Investment enquiries still rising but overseas interest flattens

THE DIVIDE in the East Midlands’ commercial property market between retail property and the industrial sector is growing, according to the Q1 2018 RICS UK Commercial Property Market survey. The weakness in retail appears to be spreading across prime locations, with a challenging backdrop being reported across the whole of the region. Occupier demand at the all property level was fell in Q1, with 16% of respondents reporting a fall. The sector breakdown shows demand for industrial space still rising, with 26% of respondents noting an increase. This contrasts sharply with retail, in which demand not only declined further but at an accelerating rate. A net 70% of respondents saw a fall in demand for retail property, the lowest reading since 2008. As demand for retail property in the East Midlands dropped, availability in the sector rose significantly in Q1, with 61% more respondents noting an increase (as opposed to a decrease), the highest reading since Q1 2009. Retail landlords also raised the value of incentive packages to entice clients for a seventh consecutive quarter. This in contrast to a decline in the availability of industrial space. Looking at rent growth expectations in the region over the next three months, contributors expect to see the downward pressure on retail rents growing, alongside rising near term rent predictions in the industrial sector. The negativity across retail is pulling down the headline average for rent growth expectations, with just 2% more respondents predicting a rise rather than fall over the next three months, the lowest since Q2 2016. Looking at the East Midlands retail sector in more detail, secondary retail rents are projected to decline over the coming year, while the outlook is flat for prime retail sites. Both prime and secondary industrial markets continue to display stronger rental projections over the year than all other sectors. Richard Sutton, of NG Chartered Surveyors, in Nottingham “No real change on a local level from the previous quarter, the industrial sector continues to take the lead in rents, capital values and insatiable investor interest. Offices continue to recover with a continued flight to quality, secondary space is now really suffering. Retail interest is all over the place with little discernible pattern.“ Turning to trends in the East Midlands’ investment market, headline enquiries rose for the fifth year in a row, with investor demand increasing strongly for industrial assets, moderately for offices, but falling in the retail segment. Interest from foreign buyers meanwhile was driven by interest in industrial assets but remained flat in the office and retail sectors during Q1. The supply of property for investment purposes was moderately flat this quarter in the office sectors whilst significantly declined in the industrial sector. Supply of retail units bucked this trend, with supply increasing. Garry Wood, of Wood Moore & Co Ltd, in Newark commented: “A tale of lack of supply of freeholds, little or no development coming on stream and traditional town centre retail demand falling.” David Smith of Drake Commercial LLP in Northampton commented: “Chronic shortage of stock to serve “local” businesses rather than large scale space users. Especially so in the industrial sector but also offices to an extent. Development conditions, from funding opportunities to a moribund planning system do not appear likely to address the problem. The effect will be the increase in value of existing stock and likely continued high level of investment demand despite yields being at levels which seem low in the historical context.” Simon Rubinsohn, RICS Chief Economist commented: “It has been hard to escape the grim news from the high street in recent months with a whole host of well-known names either closing down or looking to scale back their footprint. The results from our latest survey of chartered surveyors suggests that this challenging environment is unlikely to let up anytime soon. “Indeed, the feedback regarding what may be described as secondary retail locations points to further falls in rents over the coming year with landlords under pressure to increase sweeteners to keep tenants in place. The flipside of this is the positive trend in high quality well located logistic/industrial sites which continue to be sought after by both potential occupiers and investors despite recent price moves. Indeed, the likelihood is that the more desirable locations will get even more expensive as the change in our shopping habits continues to advance.”

Living wall brings new sustainable university building to life ROBERT WOODHEAD Ltd has installed a fantastic living wall at the University of Nottingham’s brand new RAD* building. The building is part of the successful Energy Research Accelerator (ERA) initiative in the Midlands. It will include laboratories, offices and a central breakout area in the atrium, providing more space to accommodate the various research groups, academics and postgraduate students. The building has been designed to achieve BREEAM Excellent and will include Passivhaus measures to reduce energy requirements. The wall is made up of a variety of plants, all grown off site by Woodhead’s specialist sub contractor, ANS Global, at their offices in Chichester. After six to eight weeks growth in specially designed nurseries, the wall was installed using a modular system. See the wall in its installation: https://vimeo.com/264241554 The plants are watered through an irrigation system that is fed in to each individual module, ensuring they receive the correct amount of water needed to survive. The internal four storey living wall at the already impressive RAD building, based on the University’s Jubilee Campus’, spans the full height of one of the walls in the central atrium. Not only are living walls a beautiful and fascinating feature, they are becoming increasingly popular for their health and environmental benefits. The leaves of the plants filter out pollutants in the air as well as absorbing dust to help decrease smog, increasing the quality of air being breathed in. A living wall is also able to regulate temperature, which means it can help to keep the building warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It also acts as a very effective sound insulator, reducing sound by up to ten decibels. Craig Pygall, Construction Director for Woodhead said: “The installation of this impressive living wall has been a really exciting and interesting element of this project. “The RAD building is already in itself unique, specifically designed to meet BREEAM and Passivhaus standards. The addition of a living wall just adds to its innovative design and focus on the environment, as well as its efficiency as a building.” Ashley Roberts, Capital Projects Officer at the University of Nottingham, added: “We decided we wanted to add a feature in the atrium of the new building that offers benefits to the building users as well as creating a talking point. When a living wall was mentioned we got really excited about the possibilities and are delighted with the result.” The RAD building will join hundreds of impressive buildings all over the world to have had a living wall installed, including the National Gallery in London who depicted Van Gough’s ‘A Wheatfield with Cypresses’ painting on the hoarding outside the gallery to draw people in to see the real thing.

To advertise in Leicestershire Builder Magazine, phone Mike Wilkinson on 01530 244069 or email: info@buildermagazines.co.uk

I’ve got no faith in my doctor. All his patients are ill.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

EAST MIDS ARCHITECT SCOOPS PRESTIGIOUS RIBA AWARD THE TEAM behind the transformational Vijay Patel Building at De Montfort University, which inspires some of the UK’s most talented art and design graduates, have scooped a prestigious award from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

David Wilson Homes East Midlands (c/o: Barratt House, Cartwright Way, Forest Business park, Coalville, Leics. LE67 1GL) – Outline application for the erection of a community facility building with associated parking – at land north of Fleckney Road, Kibworth Beauchamp, Leics.

Nottingham and London-based CPMG Architects were the appointed architects on the project which scooped the RIBA East Midlands Award in May. The judges praised the complex and ambitious project, in particular the public spaces which have opened up access to the riverside, and the mix of vibrant and inspiring The Vijay patel Building at De Montfort University spaces for students. Director for CPMG, Nick Gregory said: “This RIBA award is testament to the hard work of our design team who are experts in delivering transformational projects across higher education campuses across the UK. “We’re really proud to have been involved in such a landmark project which has modernised the Art and Design facility on behalf of De Montfort University and has been recognised for its high merit and contribution to the wider community.” Umesh Desai, DMU’s Estates Director, said: “We are absolutely delighted to win this award. To be recognised by the RIBA for this magnificent building is extra special, especially as the Vijay Patel Building is home The team behind RIBA award winning Vijay Patel Building at to our Leicester School of Architecture. Staff De Montfort University and students love the building especially the open and collaborative spaces that were a key feature of the design.” Mike Baulcombe from the RIBA added: “The building is an impressive achievement that provides the university with a building of great presence. It is also undoubtedly generous in its provision of an inspirational teaching environment and the new life it gives back to the city.” The complex project created one building for all art & design subjects by completely refurbishing a 1960’s tower block and constructing a new build wing. The ‘building of high merit’ created spaces to encourage artistic collaboration between students including studios, workshops and break-out spaces. The project team included project managers Mace, cost managers MDA, structural engineers Curtins, MEP Engineers Pick Everard and main contractor Balfour Beatty Construction. CPMG has more than 20 years’ experience of designing educational buildings. It also specialises in the commercial, education, health, leisure, manufacturing and interior design sectors.

Mrs T Uppal (c/o Agent: Jonathan Arksey, BRP Architects, 1 Millers Yard, Roman Way, Market Harborough, Leics. LE16 7PW) – Erection of 2 dwellings – at Barnsdale House, 17 Barnsdale, Great Easton, Leics. LE16 8SG. Everards Brewery Limited (c/o Agent: Corporate Architecture Ltd, Venari House, 1 Trimbush Way, Market Harborough, Leics. LE16 7XY) – Erection of 2 retail units – at Car park, High Street, Fleckney, Leics. Rockridge Properties Limited (c/o Agent: MWS Design, 48A Northampton Road, Market Harborough, Leics. LE16 9HE) – Erection of 9 garages – at land rear of 13-19 Caxton Street, Market Harborough, Leics. Mr Steve Brown (c/o Agent: Kevin James, Rhys James Limited, 44 Freshman Way, Market Harborough, Leics. LE16 9GN) – Demolition of existing barns and erection of 2 dwellings – at Highcroft Farm, Elms Lane, Burton Overy, Leics. LE8 9DQ. Onsen Homes Limited (c/o Agent: Staniforth Architects, The Warehouse, 1A Stamford Street, Leicester LE1 6NL) – Change of use of agricultural building to form 2dwellings (Revised scheme) – at Pennbury Farm, Stretton Road, Great Glen, Leics. LE8 9GP.

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building and the requirements of the new fit out itself, which is spread across over 600 rooms, presenting some significant potential health and safety issues, many of which are dust related. Silica dust, found in many common construction materials, presents the risk of The partnership centres on a Willmott Dixon silicosis, which is a serious lung disease caused project to refurbish the Old Admiralty Building through the inhalation of Respirable Crystalline (OAB) in Horseguards Parade, central London, Silica; dust particles invisible to the naked an undertaking that will see the Grade II listed eye created through activities such as drilling, building transformed into a modern working sanding, coring and grinding. It’s not just environment. silica that poses a hazard. Asbestos is present At present, it’s Willmott Dixon’s biggest project throughout the building, while horsehair is in and is a joint venture between two of the firm’s the lime plaster that’s being reinstated presents independent arms; Willmott Dixon Interiors and a very minimal risk of anthrax. Willmott Dixon Construction, which have come The multitude of dust related hazards means together to form Team OAB – a partnership efficient dust control is essential. specific to the Old Admiralty project. Looking for the relevant solution, Willmott The project has unique challenges, both in Dixon turned to Speedy Services for its input, relation to the materials contained within the

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You’ve turned into your dad the day you put aside a thin piece of wood specifically to stir paint with.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

rg+p secures ranking on prestigious AJ100 list MULTI-DISCIPLINARY practice, rg+p has secured a place on the architectural industry’s prestigious AJ100 list.

North West Leics. Mrs Amy Gilliver (c/o: 1 Phoenix Place, Phoenix Centre, Nottingham NG8 6BA) – Erection of 166 dwellings with associated public open space and infrastructure already approved without complying with conditions 2, 3 & 8 - at land off Greenhill Road, Coalville, Leics. Mr Michael Welbourne (c/o Agent: Jonathan Reeves, JR Architecture Ltd, Limehurst House, Bridge Street, Loughborough, Leics. LE11 1NH) – Erection of 2 semidetached family houses – at 133 Station Road, Hugglescote, Coalville, Leics. Mr S Stewart (c/o Agent: Mr Lee Alesbrook, Lifestyle Architectural Services, 19 Victoria Road, Coalville, Leics. LE67 3AG) – Demolition of existing buildings and erection of 7 dwellings – at Crusher Yard, Pipeyard Lane Works, Pipeyard Lane, Newbold Coleorton, Coalville, Leics. LE67 8PJ. Mr S Garner (c/o Agent: Arun Dhindsa, Matthew Montague Architects, The Cheese factory, Longford Lane, Longford, Ashbourne, Derbyshire DE6 3DT) – Erection of 22 timber lodges – at The Priest House, Park Lane, Castle Donington, Derby DE74 2RR. Messrs David Stanley (c/o Agent: Andrew Thomas, Thomas Taylor Planning Limited, Castle House, South Street, Ashby de la Zouch, Leics. LE65 1BQ) – Erection of workshop and office building, washing facility and formation of vehicle parking and hardstanding area for use as haulage and transport depot – at 163 Nottingham Road, Ashby de la Zouch, Leics. LE65 1DP.

Blaby District Mr Satwinder Singh Phull (c/o Agent: M T Malik, 30 Carlton Drive, Wigston, Leicester) – Change of use of ground floor shop to hot food takeaway and subdivision of dwellinghouse above to 4 selfcontained flats – at 9 Dominion Road, Glenfield, Leicester LE3 8FD. Mr I Fletcher (c/o Agent: Peter Thompson ADT, 49 Leicester Road, Broughton Astley, Leics. LE9 6QE) – Outline application for 2 dwellings – at 3-5 Narborough Road, Cosby, Leics. LE9 1TA.

Compiled annually since 1995 by the industry’s leading magazine, Architect’s Journal, the AJ100 is a definitive list of the UK’s most successful and innovative practices. Based on individual surveys submitted by the country’s largest architectural firms*, the AJ100 is designed to provide a snapshot of the profession, measure levels of optimism across the industry and highlight the most dynamic and ambitious firms. Rob Woolston, director at rg+p said: “Naturally, we’re absolutely thrilled to achieve rg+p’s directors, Rob Woolston, Mitch Dale and James a position on this well-established and nationally recognised list. It’s been a longstanding ambition Badley celebrate the AJ100 listing with members of the team outside the practice’s Leicester head office. for rg+p to secure a place and it is a testament to the combined efforts of the team that we have achieved this.” rg+p’s placement follows significant growth for the practice, which saw a new Leicester head office open in November last year including space for up to 100 people. Currently, the firm employs 96 members of staff across its Leicester and London offices. Director James Badley added: “It’s certainly been a busy and thriving time for our business, as we’ve made substantial positive changes to our working environment, culture and ethos. To consolidate this with an AJ100 ranking, the benchmark of excellence for our industry, is outstanding. We’re certain this listing will enable us to elevate our profile among our peers, our clients and as an employer. It provides assurance of quality and creativity, and we’re tremendously proud.” The practice is currently working on some of Leicester and London’s most iconic schemes include Ashton Green, the former Fenwick building, Sock Island and the £360m Royal Warwick Square residential scheme in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, London. rg+p’s official position within the AJ100 will be announced at a gala dinner on Wednesday 13th June at the Tower of London. The practice has also made the shortlist for ‘New Member of the Year’, an award given to a practice which has entered the AJ100 for the first time in five years and is judged on quality of work and business success.

Auction executive in regional business award finals A YOUNG executive at SDL Auctions Graham Penny, one of the UK’s largest property auction businesses, has reached the finals of a prestigious regional business awards. Sarah Miles, the Nottingham property manager for SDL Auctions Graham Penny, is hoping to lift the Property Professional of the Year trophy at the Nottingham Post Business Awards 2018. The winners will be announced at a glittering black-tie dinner and awards ceremony at the East Midlands Conference Centre on Tuesday 29 May, hosted by renowned TV presenter Lucy Nicholls and comedian Mark Dolan. Andrew Parker, managing director at SDL Auctions, said: “We’re thrilled that Sarah’s reached the finals of this award. “She fully deserves the spotlight after embracing the responsibility and management which comes with her role, always driving herself and her team forward to succeed and maintain the position of the most successful auctioneer in both Nottingham and the East Midlands. “Sarah has always been totally in control of all instructions for her current and future auctions, maintaining a calm approach under pressure and demonstrating that she is wise beyond her years. “She always goes that extra mile for her customers to find solicitors, surveyors, finance provider and other supplier recommendations to help secure a sale and provide excellent customer service.” SHORTLISTED: Sarah Miles Miles went to Carlton le Willows Academy in Nottingham before taking a degree in Geography at the University of Nottingham, joining SDL Auctions Graham Penny as an administrator in August 2014. She was quickly promoted to the position of auctions negotiator in January 2015, and became Nottingham property manager in August 2016. Miles, aged 25, said: “I love working in auctions and being part of such a dedicated team here at SDL Auctions Graham Penny. “Every day is different, and I love the variety, the people you meet and the buzz you get at our exciting auctions. “It’s an honour to have been shortlisted for such a prestigious award, and I’m extremely proud to be representing the company at the ceremony in May.” Sarah is a finalist alongside Adam Kingswood from Kingswood Residential Investment Management and Jez Tribe from Able Property Trust Ltd.

The good thing about growing old is you only have to do it once.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

New Housing Secretary must unleash potential of small builders, says FMB COMMENTING on the announcement that James Brokenshire MP has been appointed the new Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “Sajid Javid passes the housing baton to James Brokenshire at a crucial time for the sector. “We hope that Brokenshire will build on Javid’s good work, both in terms of raising the profile of housing as an issue at Cabinet level, and implementing some sound policies aimed at tackling the housing shortage. In particular, we are keen to work with the new Secretary of State to unleash the capacity of small local house builders. “Last year’s Housing White Paper and the November Budget Statement that followed have given us a blueprint for change but now we need to get on and do it. We stand ready to help Brokenshire deliver the 300,000 new homes per year needed in England alone.”

M-EC Announces Senior Team Promotions As Business Continues to Expand ONE OF the fastest growing engineering and environmental consultancies in the country, M-EC, is gaining a reputation for not only delivering excellent multi-disciplinary projects but developing brilliant careers with no less than three longterm team members of its Leicester office being made directors. Founders, Eddie Mewies and Alex Bennett, are delighted to announce that Tim Rose has been made a director of the business, with Rosie James and Daniel Halstead both being promoted to associate directors. Tim, a highly-qualified transport engineer who has been with M-EC since Senior promotions at M-EC (L-R): Daniel Halstead & Rosie its inception, has been made a director James, associate directors and Tim Rose, director. of the business with responsibility for the company’s head office, based in Hugglescote in north Leicestershire. New associate director, Rosie James, is a noise and air quality consultant and has worked with M-EC for the past five years. She has seen the demand for noise and air quality services increase exponentially. And last but definitely not least, Daniel Halstead has also been made an associate director. Daniel joined the business six years ago as a senior surveyor, specialising in the area of geomatics ─ which includes land and building surveys, 3D laser scanning, photogrammetry and underground utility mapping. Managing director Eddie Mewies said: “To be able to help with the development of these long-standing team members’ careers is a real achievement for M-EC as a business and something of which we are extremely proud. It has always been our ethos to bring on home grown talent, hopefully inspiring the team to learn from each other and work together for the good of the whole business.” M-EC has offices in Leicester, Birmingham, Brighton, Leeds, Milton Keynes and Nottingham.

Most of the time I don’t have much fun. The rest of the time I don’t have any fun at all.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Unnamed Applicant (c/o Agent: Peter Thompson ADT, 49 Leicester Road, Broughton Astley, Leics. LE9 6QE) – Two storey extensions to numbers 14-21 Central Close, and erection of 2 three storey buildings to create 9 apartments – at 14-21 Central Close, Whetstone, Leics. Rocket Property Services Limited (c/o Agent: Peter Thompson ADT, 49 Leicester Road, Broughton Astley, Leics. LE9 6QE) – Demolition of accident repair centre and erection of 3 buildings to create residential accommodation for 14 one-bed flats – at 24 Coventry Road, Narborough, Leics. LE19 2GR.

Charnwood Borough William Davis Limited – Erection of 30 dwellings with associated access, garages, parking, gardens, landscaping and ancillary works – at land off Highland Drive & Knox Road, Loughborough, Leics. Mr Hall (c/o Agent: JWA Architects) – Conversion of dwelling and outbuildings to form 6 dwellings – at Seymour House, Seymour Road, Burton on the Wolds, Leics. LE12 5AH. Unnamed Applicant (c/o Agent: Rapleys LLP) – Erection of a retail store with associated car parking and landscaping following demolition of existing buildings – at land to the north of Station Avenue, Loughborough, Leics. LE11 5EG. Mr Roger Allen (c/o Agent: Richard Warrington) – Outline application for residential development of 2 dwellings – at Field View, Thurmaston, Leicester LE4 8NX. Loughborough University (c/o Agent: Church Lukas) – Erection of student accommodation to provide 617 bed spaces, Elite Athlete Centre, a central ‘Hub’ building, warden’s house, landscaping provision, access and services infrastructure and the demolition of 10 existing buildings within the site – at Loughborough University, Ashby Road, Loughborough, Leics. LE11 3TU. Mr S Summers (c/o Agent: Amatco Design Services) – Erection of 2 semi-detached dwellings – at 1 Garendon Close, Shepshed, Leics. LE12 9NT. Solus Homes Limited (c/o Agent: HSSP Architects Ltd) – Demolition of extensions to former 3M Health Care building (Prior Notification) – at 1 Morley Street, Loughborough, Leics.

JCT releases updated JCT Contracts Discovery education module

AUCTIONS

JCT has revised and substantially updated its education and training module, JCT Contracts Discovery, providing an improved and more in-depth tool for those working in construction education.

Thursday 7th June 2018 - SAVILLS - at Nottingham Racecourse, Colwick Park, Colwick Road, Nottingham NG2 4BE - 2.30pm start - tel: 0115 934 8080 - www. auctions.savills.co.uk

JCT Contracts Discovery is designed for education and training providers, in-house training teams, independent tutors, and students studying contractual matters as part of their construction-related courses. It is also a useful reference guide for construction professionals who are new to JCT and the processes involved in working with standard form construction contracts. The module sets new standards for construction contract education, improving the understanding of contract use and assisting the development of the construction professionals of the future. It supplements a student’s knowledge of JCT contracts and helps to explain their use in context. It can be used alongside the study of specific contract documents to offer a deeper level of understanding. This revised publication of JCT Contracts Discovery goes further by giving a more detailed description and explanation of the changes made as a result of the publication of the JCT 2016 Edition of contracts, and provides analysis of the JCT Standard Building Contract and JCT Design and Build Contract in particular. The module is organised so that each section covers a key area of the construction process impacted by JCT’s range of documents. JCT Contracts Discovery: •

explains the major elements of the JCT suite of contracts

•

goes through how JCT contracts are set up and implemented

•

looks at the various roles of individuals including contractors, employers, sub-contractors and contract administrators within the contract process

•

discusses how JCT provisions deal with administrative matters, such as payment, control of the works, and control of time. JCT Contracts Discovery is designed to be flexible to a variety of teaching and learning needs. It can be used as a standalone module on JCT contracts or it can be incorporated into the existing structure of a construction-related course. More information about JCT Contracts Discovery can be found at www.jctltd.co.uk/product/jct-contracts-discovery

June

Thursday 14th June 2018 - SDL AUCTIONS - Leicester City Football Club, King Power Stadium, Filbert Way, Leicester LE2 7FL 11.30am start - www.sdlauctions. co.uk Wednesday 20th June 2018 - KAL SANGRA SHONKI BROTHERS at Leicester Racecourse, Leicester Road, Oadby, Leicester LE2 4AL - 5pm start - tel: 0116 254 3373 www.shonkibrothers.com Tuesday 26th June 2018 - SDL AUCTIONS - Nottingham Racecourse, Colwick Park, Nottingham NG2 4BE - 11.30am start - www.sdlauctions.co.uk

July Thursday 5th July 2018 - SDL AUCTIONS - at Aston Villa FC, Birmingham B6 6HE - 11am start - tel: 0121 233 5046 - www. sdlauctions.co.uk

Ranksborough Hall development opportunity is highlight of upcoming Leicester auction ONE OF the most exciting auction opportunities to go under the hammer in the East Midlands in recent years will be the undoubted highlight of SDL Auctions Graham Penny’s next Leicester auction at the King Power Stadium on Thursday 14 June. Ranksborough Hall in Langham, Oakham, Rutland is being sold as a major development and investment opportunity. Located at the end of a long private drive in the unspoilt village of Langham, Ranksborough Hall was built in 1839 for Lord Ranksborough who, at the time, was equerry to Queen Victoria. The lot, which has a *guide price of £1.8m+, includes a substantial grand country home with planning permission already in place to convert the main house and further courtyard building into 24 luxury one, two and three bedroomed apartments. The site is being sold on a long leasehold with the Hall and Courtyard to contain 22 one, two and three bedroomed apartments. Laura Wiles, residential auction valuer at SDL Auctions Graham Penny, said: “Eight of the

apartments have already been converted, 14 require conversion and finishing works and two have been sold on long leaseholds, so Ranksborough Hall is being offered very much as a work in progress.” The development sits in a private estate of around 50 acres of parkland with spectacular views over the surrounding countryside. The estate includes semi-retired living and holiday homes which are not part of the auction lot. Carl Finch, senior valuer at SDL Auctions Graham Penny, added:

“This is a superb investment opportunity with a guide price of less than £82,000 per unit if you compare it to local new build apartments selling for around £249,000 to £279,000.” Ranksborough Hall is for sale in the SDL Auctions Graham Penny Leicester auction at the King Power Stadium on Thursday 14 June. To request a free auction appraisal to sell under the hammer with SDL Auctions visit www.sdlauctions. co.uk.

Did you hear about the chap who reversed into a car boot sale and sold the engine?

howkinsandharrison.co.uk SALES / LETTINGS / COMMERCIAL / FARM & RURAL / PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT / AUCTIONS

Nuneaton, Warwickshire

Guide price £350,000-£400,000 An opportunity to purchase a smallholding with planning permission for a new residential dwelling and 20.66 acres of pasture land. • • • • • •

Austrey, Warwickshire

Planning Permission for a 4 bedroom house, garages and studio 3 existing farm buildings 20.66 acres of pasture land Frontage to River Anker PP reference 033431 and 033774 Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council

Norton Juxta Twycross, Leicestershire

Guide price £110,000

Guide price £825,000

8.45 acres of pasture land on the edge of the village.

A range of traditional farm buildings and farmhouse with outline planning permission for development.

• Grade 2 on the Agricultural Lane Classification maps • Adjoins the village development boundary • May offer long term development potential • Pasture land in a single enclosure

• Approximately 1.2 acres • Outline Planning Permission for 4 conversions, 1 new build and retention of existing farmhouse. Ref: 3/1095/FUL • Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council • Excellent motorway access

Appleby Magna, Leicestershire

Uttoxeter, Staffordshire

Guide price £350,000

Guide price £485,000

5.17 acres of land with strategic potential.

Bungalow and agricultural buildings set in approximately 6.6 acres.

• • • • •

• • • •

Adjacent to Junction 11 of the M42 Close to the village of Appleby Magna Existing steel portal framed agricultural building Ref: 11/00748/FUL Mains water and electricity

3 bedroom bungalow Rural views over the surrounding countryside 4 dilapidated agricultural buildings Potential for other uses subject to Planning Permission

15 Market Street, Atherstone, Warwickshire CV9 1ET 01827 721380 / athrural@howkinsandharrison.co.uk 40A Market Street, Ashby de la Zouch LE65 1AN 01530 877977 / ashby@howkinsandharrison.co.uk Branches across the region and an office in central London

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Lack of PDR regulation is producing low quality housing, according to new research Mr K Singh (c/o Agent: HDI Architecture) – Change of use from office to 2 flats at first floor – at 15B Town Square, Syston, Leics. LE7 1GZ. Mr Anthony Baldwin – Conversion of terraced house into 2 selfcontained apartments – at 50 Leopold Street, Loughborough, Leics. LE11 5DN. P Winterton Ltd (c/o Agent: Stephen George & Partners LLP) – Erection of 7 dwellings for use as holiday lets with associated parking, cycle storage and amenity space – at The Former Isolation Hospital and Toll House Site, Meadow Lane, Syston, Leics. LE7 1NR. Swithland Homes Ltd (c/o Agent: David Granger Design Ltd) – Erection of 4 dwellings – at land at rear of 43 Westfield Drive, Loughborough, Leics. Mr J Fox (c/o Agent: Astill Planning Consultants Ltd) – Outline planning for the demolition of the existing site buildings and the erection of 33 residential units – at 157 Humberstone Lane, Thurmaston, Leicester LE4 8HN.

Rugby Borough Mr Mistry (c/o Agent: Chapman Design LLP, Lelleford House, Coventry Road, Long Lawford, CV23 9DT) – Conversion of single dwelling into 2 flats – at 142 Railway Terrace, Rugby, Warks. CV21 3HN. Bellway Homes (c/o: 1120 Elliott Court, Coventry Business Park, Coventry CV5 6UB) - A Hybrid Planning Application consisting of: 1/ Outline planning permission for the erection of up to 380 new homes including a new access from A428 Crick Road; a spine road from Crick Road to northern boundary of the site; a local centre; associated infrastructure including storm water balancing arrangements on land between Moors Lane and the Oxford Canal and the demolition of redundant farm buildings, (all matters except access are reserved) and 2/ Full planning permission for the erection of 88 dwellings including access, appearance, layout and scale. Landscaping is reserved. (phase 1) - Variation of condition 26 of approved planning permission ref: R15/1702 dated 11/07/2017 – at land at Wharf Farm, Crick Road, Hillmorton, Rugby, Warks.

NEW RESEARCH report highlights benefits, implications, and losses for public authorities and communities by extending permitted development rights On 1st May 2018, The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) published Extending Permitted Development Rights in England, looking at the implications of extending the policy. With housing delivery high on the political agenda, reforming the efficiency of the planning system has been attractive to policymakers, with significant extensions of permitted development rights in 2005, 2010, 2013 and 2015*. However, building conversions are proceeding without full formal planning in England, impacting planning control. Five Local Authorities with high rates of permitted development schemes were examined from Camden, Croydon, Leeds, Leicester and Reading. Site visits to 568 buildings found an inconsistency in the quality of developments, with only 30% of units delivering through permitted development meeting national space standards. While examples of extremely high-quality housing conversions had been found, there were also examples that had no amenity space, low quality design and were poor locations for residential amenity. The research indicated that officeto-residential under permitted development had produced a higher number of poor quality housing than those governed through full planning permission. In Glasgow, where the conversions require full planning permission, the report found higher quality residential schemes maintained with better space standards. The potential impact on local publicly-funded infrastructure was also assessed. As the schemes were not making Section 106 contributions, local authorities were subject to further losses of £4.1 million due to reduced planning fees and a potential loss of £10.8 million (as well as 1,667 affordable housing units). Developers and agents from the 30 stakeholders cited many policy benefits including delivering more housing units, regeneration of town and city centres, and quicker implementation. However, with the benefits of speed and efficiency, brought concerns including: • Removing opportunity for local authorities to weigh up costs/benefits of a specific development and refuse permission if necessary • The impact on the quality

of housing and evidence of the reduction of affordable housing contributions in the case of office-to-residential conversions • Rural residential developments not being sustainable due to added road traffic – in the past local authorities could block agricultural-residential conversions • Impacts that are not immediately apparent e.g. PD rights diminishing ability of local government to promote long-term economic development through planning adequate office space The report, commissioned by RICS and written by teams from UCL and the University of Sheffield makes a number of recommendations, including: • Amending CIL regulations so that all development creating new residential units are liable • Government reregulation, or introducing safeguards to the prior approvals process. For example, adding minimum space standards • Developers giving careful consideration to the wider implications of their schemes on communities and people’s everyday quality of life. Abdul Choudhury, RICS Policy Manager said: “Permitted development rights have potential to ease the UK housing crisis and speed up delivery of developments by reducing regulatory burdens. However, regulatory safeguards are necessary to mitigate negative aspects of development and to uphold minimum standards. By bypassing regulations, the policy may create more problems than it solves. “Particularly with office or agricultural to residential, government needs to balance the competing priorities of housing, infrastructure and need for commercial spaces. In some areas, over-conversion has produced a shortage of office units which has pushed up their costs. Central government policies can dilute local planning authority powers, which seems contradictory to the localism agenda government have championed in the past. “Government needs re-examine the policy and ask itself, how useful are different iterations of permitted development to local communities

as a whole, rather than blindly focusing on numbers.” Dr Ben Clifford, Senior Lecturer at the UCL Bartlett School of Planning, said: “The idea of reusing vacant office space as housing is a good one. The way this is currently governed as ‘permitted development’ in England is, however, highly problematic. Whilst we saw some high quality conversions of office buildings to residential use during our detailed case study research, we also saw many other examples of very poor quality housing. “These issues included problems over external design, location, residential amenity and the size of the housing units leading to strong concerns about the quality of life for residents. Furthermore, there were examples of adverse impacts for local businesses from the conversion of occupied office space to housing, and none of these conversions were contributing properly towards local affordable housing need, the costs of public infrastructure associated with the additional housing units, or the costs of local authority monitoring of these schemes. We believe there is a need for a better regulatory approach to the change of use of office space to housing”. John Henneberry, Professor of Property Development in the Department of Urban Studies & Planning, at the University of Sheffield, said: “Planning regulation was reduced by the recent significant extension in permitted development rights. The expectation was that developers large and small would exploit this additional freedom to produce more dwellings. This occurred. Tens of thousands of dwellings were realised through the exercise of permitted development rights since they were expanded in 2013/14. “While the issues raised by large office to residential conversions have been the subject of much continuing debate, the other outcomes of this deregulation have not received such attention. Yet the number of dwellings resulting from small scale conversions of offices and other non-residential buildings to housing, and of agricultural buildings to housing, have both individually exceeded those resulting from large scale office to residential developments. This highlights the need to learn more about the impacts of these diffuse, incremental changes.”

It’s amazing how long it takes to complete something you’re not working on.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

NICK HILL JOINS DANAHER & WALSH’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS DANAHER & Walsh Group has appointed Nick Hill to its board of directors in the role of Finance Director. Nick, who is a Fellow Member of the ICAEW, joined the company in December 2016 from the financial services sector. He has previously worked in the pharmaceutical industry as well as an accounting practice environment. The Finance Director role will see Nick manage the whole financial and I.T. functions of Danaher & Walsh Group, including the Civil Engineering, Plant Hire and Advanced Pipeline Solutions subsidiaries. Speaking about Nick’s appointment, Managing Director Dan Danaher said: “Nick is a very welcome addition to our board of directors. ”As a Chartered Accountant who has worked in a number of sectors, he brings invaluable knowledge and experience to the board. “With the launch of our Advanced Pipeline Solutions division and our continued growth, it is a very exciting time for the company. I am confident that Nick will be an integral part of our ongoing success.”

Interesting properties at the SDL Auctions Leicester Sale

THE NEXT SDL Leicester Auction takes place on Thursday 14th June 2018 at Leicester City Football Club, King Power Stadium, Filbert Way, Leicester LE2 7FL, starting at 11.30am. The following lots will be of interest to local builders and developers: • Land at 3 Melton Road, Waltham on the Wolds, Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE14 4AJ: The site currently comprises of a large barn which has full planning permission in place to demolish and to build a 3 bedroom detached house. Planning- Melton Borough Council. Ref 15/00347/FUL. Guide Price: £80,000+ • Development site at 29A Central Avenue, Wigston, Leicester LE18 2AB: A residential development site comprising of a former children’s nursery which has planning permission for the demolition and rebuilding of four spacious four bedroom townhouses with gardens and parking. Planning Ref 17/00551/FUL Granted by Oadby and Wigston Council in April 2018. Guide Price: £150,000+ • Bungalow requiring upgrading at 134 Ratcliffe Road, Sileby, Leicester LE12 7QA: A three bedroomed semi-detached bungalow situated in a convenient location within the village of Sileby. The property requires extensive upgrading works but will make a great home once completed. It also offers scope for further extension/ re-development to the rear and into the roof space, subject to any necessary planning permissions. Guide Price: £75,000+ • Block of apartments at Ranksborough Hall, Langham, Oakham, Rutland LE15 7JR: A substantial, grand country home situated at the end of a long private drive in the unspoilt village of Langham. Built in 1839 for Lord Ranksborough who at the time was equerry to Queen Victoria. Planning permission has been granted to convert the main house and further courtyard building into 24 luxury one, two and three bedroom apartments (22 being offered for sale). The site is being sold on a long leasehold. Guide Price: £1.8 million+. For more information, contact SDL Auctions on 0116 254 9654 or visit the website at www. sdlauctions.co.uk Ranksborough Hall, Langham

Ratcliffe Road, Sileby

My idea of a high-stress job is any job where you have to work with other people.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Davidsons Homes supports London Marathon efforts LEICESTERSHIRE housebuilder, Davidsons Homes, is pleased to have supported running duo Ian Wright and Damian Eyre as they took on the weekend’s London Marathon. The pair raced in aid of the British Tinnitus Association on Sunday 22 April, with an aim to raise over £1,000 for the charity. Having both experienced firsthand the detrimental effects of the condition, the pair have been supporting the charity for over 15 years collectively. During this time, Ian and Damian – both 42, from Heanor, Derbyshire - have supported the cause through a series of 10k runs, half marathons, events and fundraising pages. In support of their efforts, Davidsons Homes has sponsored Damien Eyre (left) and Ian Wright the pair with a £500 cash injection, which has seen the duo’s fund target being exceeded considerably. Commenting on this, Stephanie King, sales director at Davidsons Homes, said: “Damian and Ian ran for a fantastic cause, The British Tinnitus Association. Tinnitus is a condition that affects millions of people across the world and is often associated with hearing loss; something that nobody should ever have to go through, ever. ” To further support Damian and Ian, please visit https:// uk.virginmoneygiving.com/damian-eyre-SAVMLMBONDS3332018-852009.

WaterSafe calls for the UK’s finest plumbers to take part in national competition WATERSAFE, the national register for approved plumbers, is helping to find the UK’s finest plumber in its role as a judge for the UK Plumber of the Year 2018 competition. The organisation is calling for skilled plumbers from the Midlands and West of England to enter by Friday 29 June for the chance to be crowned the UK’s best plumber and win a prize fund worth more than £10,000. This year will celebrate more talented plumbers than ever, with the introduction of six regional heats as well as the grand final. The competition is organised through JT, Bristan and Wolseley and qualified plumbers can apply at ukplumberoftheyear.com with details of a project that demonstrates their skills. Chris Sneath MBE, founding director and chairman of WaterSafe, will be on the judging panel for the second year running. He said: “It’s an honour to return to the UK Plumber of the Year competition as an official judge. “Last year saw a record number of applications and it was both inspiring and reassuring to see so many talented, professional plumbers across the UK who were proud to showcase their work. “I’m looking forward to see what 2018’s candidates have to offer and would encourage everyone to enter.” WaterSafe will shortlist three plumbers from the each of the following regions: North England; South England; Midlands and West; Northern Ireland; Wales and Scotland. Following a public vote, each regional winner will go through to the grand final, to be held later in the year. • Last year’s competition was won by Drew Styles from Wigan, and the 2016 winner, WaterSafe member Shaun Scott from Aberdeen, has filmed a dynamic video to launch the 2018 competition (#EPICLIKESHAUN). Follow @UKPOTY on Twitter and Facebook.com/ UKPlumberoftheYear to keep up-to-date and @WatersafeUK on Twitter and @WaterSafeRegister on Facebook.

New buildings and landmarks added to city’s heritage register A LOCAL register that lists hundreds of Leicester buildings and landmarks of local significance has been boosted with 16 new additions. The Leicester Heritage Asset Register – or local list – includes buildings and other landmarks of local significance that may not meet the strict national criteria for listed status, but are nonetheless important to the city. Among the sixteen new additions to the list are a nationally rare example of a late-19th century former hydraulic machine house built by the Midland Railway and a 1930s horse trough donated from Australia. A mid-19th century former slum house in Garden Street, one of the last remaining examples of Victorian slum housing in the city, has also now been added to the local list. Other new additions include the bride parapet over Old River Soar, in Braunstone Gate; the Foresters Arms public house building, in Frog Island; Masjid Usman Mosque, in Nedham Street; historic mile posts on Abbey Lane and Belgrave Gate, and an early-19th century flood water marker on the Grand Union Canal. The additions will bring the total number of heritage assets on the local list to 401. Deputy City Mayor and city council heritage champion Cllr Adam Clarke said: “The inclusion of these 16 new additions to the local list shows the council’s continuing dedication to protecting buildings and landmarks of local value. It also reflects the rich and diverse architectural heritage that Leicester has to offer. “The local list is an important way of recognising the buildings, places and local landmarks that are important to the people and history of Leicester.” All 16 new entries were considered by a panel made up of Cllr Clarke, local historian and chair of the Conservation Advisory Panel Richard Gill, and Nils Feldmann from the Leicestershire & Rutland Society of Architects Inclusion on the local list does not offer the same level of protection as listed status. However, it does ensure that the historical and architectural significance of these locally listed buildings and landmarks is taken into account when considering planning applications and development opportunities. For more information about Leicester’s Local Heritage Asset Register visit www.leicester.gov.uk/ locallist

Mr Tony Dand (c/o Agent: Morton Architectural Solutions, 76 Ecton Lane, Sywell, Northampton NN6 0BA) – Erection of a two storey attached building comprising 2 residential flats – at rear of 1 & 1a Gladstone Street, New Bilton, Rugby, Warks. CV21 2JP.

Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Mr Shaun Suffolk (c/o Agent: Andrew Taylor, 7 Greenway, Nuneaton, Warks. CV11 6NL) – Erection of 4 semi-detached dwellings – at land rear of 92-98 Donnithorne Avenue, Nuneaton, Warks. J Whelan (c/o Agent: Michael Ramus, 76 Priory Road, Kenilworth, Warks. CV8 1LQ) – Erection of 2 semi-detached houses – at land adjacent to 22 Trafford Drive, Nuneaton, Warks. CV10 9LP. Mr Ian Wilson (c/o Agent: John Craddock, 1 The Courtyard, Goldsmith Way, Eliot Business Park, Nuneaton, Warks. CV10 7RJ) – Erection of up to 46 houses, 12 flats and a two and three-storey extra care facility of up to 65 units including the demolition of existing buildings - at Discovery Academy, Beaumont Road, Nuneaton, Warks. CV11 5HJ. Mr Ian Brown (c/o Agent: Matthew Coulson, Suite S1, The Catalyst, Baird Lane, York YO10 5GA) – Conversion and extension of dwelling house to include increase in roof height to provide an assisted living care facility comprising 5 one-bed apartments – at 324 Goodyers End Lane, Bedworth, Warks. CV12 0HY. Mr Alan Bulpin (c/o Agent: Lance Wiggins, Landmark Planning Ltd, 10 Salisbury Road, Leicester LE1 7QR) – Residential development of up to 400 dwellings with associated access, landscaping, open space and 2 bridges over the Coventry Canal – at Tuttle Hill, Nuneaton, Warks. FCC Environment Limited (c/o Agent: Lance Wiggins, Landmark Planning Ltd, 10 Salisbury Road, Leicester LE1 7QR) – New local centre to include retail, hotel, coffee shop, doctors surgery, pub and 18 apartments at first and second floor levels – at Tuttle Hill, Nuneaton, Warks.

You know that feeling you get after a really rewarding day at work? Could you describe it for the rest of us?

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

New approach to planning could help solve UK housing shortage, say experts at Top 10 Finance Ltd.

JCT launches new range of training courses

ONE OF the UK’s leading brokers for small-tomedium-sized property developers have reported a spike in finance applications, despite otherwise slowing house prices.

JCT TRAINING is a new initiative from JCT, offering a range of training courses on JCT contracts, directly from the construction professionals involved in creating the JCT 2016 Edition.

Smaller property developers face continued planning issues

Top 10 Finance Ltd. have experience handling projects from £300k-£5m, and with over 12,000 developers comparing loans with the company, they understand the challenges that these developers can face, better than most. Although the number of finance enquiries seems to be increasing, the company notes that planning issues continue to hold back property development projects. With lengthy lead times from planning application through to receipt of the appropriate permissions, housing projects throughout the UK are being delayed – something which may not be getting as much attention as it should whenever the housing shortfall is being discussed. “If this could be tackled effectively, tens of thousands of houses could be built, helping to provide shelter for the many people in Britain desperately seeking secure housing,” says Anthony Brindley of Top 10 Finance Ltd, an experienced property developer himself. Anthony’s recent projects have taken between 9 and 20 months just to receive planning sign off. Even though his site in Ventnor already had planning for two dwellings, it took a further 20 months to increase this from 2 to 3 dwellings. Anthony put a pre planning application in for the additional unit in August 2016 which was recommended for approval, however actual planning was only granted in April 2018 after nearly two years.

In addition, another site in Surrey with an existing dwelling on it took 9 Months to achieve planning even though the replacement dwelling was in the same footprint as the existing dwelling. One of the main issues was planning offices asking for an extension of time and, then waiting until the very last day of the agreed extension before asking for further information and then asking for another extension, this cost a 5-month delay on the Surrey site going over the same questions. “Too often, we look towards major house builders to solve the housing shortage, expecting them to deliver the volume of new homes the market needs – but many are instead sitting on the thousands of plots they have available to them in their land banks.” Smaller developers can’t afford to let their land reserves sit idle, and in obtaining the planning permission they need in a more sensible timeframe, which could significantly improve the rate at which new properties are added to the housing stock. Planners are under pressure, but it would seem current legislation expects smaller developers to undergo the same ‘hoop jumping’ as

larger applications. Delays and unexpected time-extensions are big problems for property developers on a budget - especially when they can very often extend the timescales for obtaining permission well beyond the suggested 8 weeks target for planning authorities. These obstacles can all be avoided with an altered approach to smaller developers, says Top 10 Finance Ltd. “The system needs to take into account the needs of smaller developers, and their specific circumstances,” says Anthony. “All too often, projects can be significantly delayed - we advise that 9 months to 1 year are more realistic timescales for getting permission to build, and these delays can wreak havoc with a small developer’s timelines.” The company suggests new guidelines must be put in place to help those small-to-medium developers who want to spend more time building houses, and less time waiting for planning approvals. With an altered approach, Top 10 Finance Ltd. is confident these SME developers are the key to helping solve the UK’s housing shortage once and for all.

Site for 3 dwellings in Fleckney ANDREW GRANGER & Co are offering for sale a site for 3 highly individual detached dwellings at 15A Main Street, Fleckney, Leics. LE8 8AP. Full planning permission (ref: 15/01856/FUL) has been granted for demolition of the existing commercial buildings and the erection of 3DEVELOPMENT dwellings. OPPORTUNITY The Price Guide is £400,000. 15A & LAND TO REAR, MAIN STREET, FLECKNEY, LE8 8AP For more information, or to arrange aAviewing, contact Granger unique residential development Andrew opportunity to acquire a site of approximately 0.24 acres (1,005 sq.m.) fronting onto Main Street & Co on 01858 431315. having the advantage of full planning consent for the erection of three highly individual detached dwellings, situated in the heart of the popular south Leicestershire village of Fleckney.

PRICE GUIDE £400,000 Call 01858 431315 for further information

The new courses cover a range of topics, including an introduction to the JCT suite and choosing the appropriate JCT 2016 contract, courses covering specific contract families and documents, and courses covering contractual and legal issues. The first group of training courses, available for June 2018, include: ‘Deciding on the appropriate JCT Contract 2016’ (13th June), ‘JCT Minor Works Building Contract 2016’ (20th June), and ‘JCT Design and Build Contract 2016’ (27th June). Further dates for courses will be available during September, October and November. JCT has gathered a range of experts – members of the JCT Council and the JCT Drafting Sub-Committee - to provide an unprecedented level of knowledge and expertise for JCT contract users. The day-long sessions give an interactive and detailed insight into the most important elements of the JCT contract process. JCT executive, Neil Gower, said: “We are looking forward to making our new range of training courses available for JCT users. “JCT Training has been developed with those responsible for creating the JCT 2016 Edition of contracts, so there is no better or more authoritative source of information and guidance on the different types of JCT contract and the common issues and challenges that occur in the contracting process. “I know that the courses will be of great value to JCT users and construction professionals across the industry.” For each JCT training course, attendees are provided with course materials, and a ‘confirmation of JCT training hours’. Lunch and refreshments will also be provided. More information, including the courses available for booking, and information about the panel of training experts can be found at www.jctltd.co.uk/jct-training.

Change is good as long as I don’t have to do anything different.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

LytaScreed top of the class in £10m UCL revamp Mr Shafiek Masram (c/o: The Hollybush Restaurant, Upper Bond Street, Hinckley, Leics. LE10 1RH) – Erection of 3 flats in a twostorey block – at York Street, Nuneaton, Warks.

Rushcliffe Ms Jessica & Christine Faulks & Lineker (c/o Agent: Richard Cooper, HSSP Architects Ltd, Pera Business Park, Nottingham Road, Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE13 0PB) – Outline application for the demolition of former vehicle repair buildings and construction of up to 5 new dwellings – at Orchard House, Chapel Lane, Granby, Notts. NG13 9PW. Pinky Investments (c/o Agent: Sutherland Craig Partnership, Town Planners & Architects, 1 Kayes walk, Lace Market, Nottingham NG1 1PY) – Conversion of outbuildings to provide 5 residential units and extension to cottage – at Holme House, Radcliffe Road, Holme Pierrepoint, Nottingham NG12 2LT. Stanton on the Wolds Golf Club Limited (c/o Agent: Steve Cuthbert, Charnwood Prop Cons Ltd, Jasmine House, Main Street, Wysall, Nottingham NG12 5QS) – Construction of 2 single storey dwellings and demolition of twostorey cottages post occupation (Resubmission) – at Stanton on the Wolds Golf Club, Golf Course Road, Stanton on the Wolds, Notts.

AGGREGATE INDUSTRIES’ revolutionary LytaScreed has once again proved its outstanding credentials during the renovation of one of the UK’s most prestigious educational institutions, University College London. As part of UCL’s £1.2 billion refurbishment programme, main contractor Balfour Beatty was tasked with building a terrace next to the 19th Century Grade 1 listed Wilkins Building, providing a vital passage through the university’s Bloomsbury Campus while also serving as an outdoor events space. Located close to Regent Park in London, the £10m revamp incorporates a complete modernisation programme, including the construction of a new single storey building below the terrace to house a full range of catering kitchen facilities to provide food for the new refectory. In keeping with the architectural heritage of the Wilkins Building, the terrace included a Portland stone floor, with a new external staircase leading to the refectory at lower ground floor level. As such, the project required a lightweight podium screed suitable to carry natural stone paviours that could also provide a superior drainage system. Cue Aggregate Industries and its pioneering LytaScreed – one of the fastest drying and most versatile floor screed ranges available to the UK market. Specifically designed and manufactured to meet the complex requirements of modern construction practice, when building the Wilkins Terrace 120 tonnes of LytaScreed Topped solution was utilised by placing the LytaScreed Base with a permeable 15mm sand cement topping. This created a semi dry floor screed suitable for all sensitive floor coverings, such as the Portland natural stone, in as little as five days. What’s more, with an ever increasing emphasis on sustainable construction, LytaScreed was instrumental in helping the UCL revamp achieving ‘very good’ status BREEAM ratings. This is because not only does the innovative product reduce the weight of a screed by up to 50%, but being a secondary aggregate, it also cuts the demand for natural quarried material. Steve Curley, Lytag general manager at Aggregate Industries, said: “The Aggregate Industries’ ground-breaking LytaScreed product proved the perfect solution for providing the lightweight podium screed suitable to carry natural stone paviours that the UCL refurbishment required whilst also creating an unrivalled drainage system.” For further information about Aggregate Industries, visit the website at www.aggregate.com

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

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Review into Building Regulations DAME Judith Hackitt’s Review into Building Regulations provides a blueprint for ensuring competence in construction which should be extended across the industry, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Commenting on Dame Judith Hackitt’s Review into Building Regulations, published in May, Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “This report is the culmination of a long and thorough review into the weaknesses of the current approach to competency and compliance in the sector, weaknesses which can serve to undermine safety. It is a suitably serious response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy. Dame Judith has understandably focused the attention of the review on high rise residential buildings, but we believe strongly that some of the recommendations must be taken as a blueprint for the wider industry. In particular, the industry as a whole needs to develop a comprehensive approach to competence. There is an opportunity here for the whole industry to step up and ensure we have adequate levels of competence across the sector. Without this, significant parts of our industry will continue to be plagued by incompetent and unprofessional outfits.” Berry concluded: “The FMB’s new Agenda, published in May, calls on the Government to introduce a licensing scheme for builders. We already know that nearly 80% of construction SMEs are in favour of introducing a licencing scheme. Licensing would remove the scourge of rogue and incompetent builders from the industry and in turn provide a much higher level of consumer protection.”

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.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Period cottage with building plot at rear SAVILLS are offering for sale BY AUCTION a detached four-bed period cottage a plot for a detached chalet bungalow to the rear. The property – Denholme Cottage, Halam Road, Southwell, Notts. NG25 0AH - is being offered for sale BY AUCTION on Thursday 7th June 2018 at Nottingham Racecourse, Colwick Park, Colwick, Nottingham NG2 4BE, starting time 2.30pm. Guide Price: £500,000+ For more information, or to arrange a viewing appointment, contact Savills on 0115 934 8080.

Building plot in Aylestone KNIGHTSBRIDGE land & New homes are offering for sale a building plot with planning permission for a two-storey three-bed house with dormers to the front. The plot – at Hampshire Road, Aylestone, Leicester – currently forms part of a property situated on Duncan Road, Aylestone. Offers are invited. For more information, contact Knightsbridge on 0116 274 5544 or email: newhomes@knightsbridgeestates.co.uk

Pulse Property Consultancy opens office in Leicester MULTI-disciplinary property consultancy Pulse Associates is investing in its growth across the Midlands with the opening of a new office in Leicester. The firm, which also has offices in Nottingham and London, has taken premises on De Montfort Street in the city from which it will work on projects across Leicestershire. Ian Carey, director at Pulse, said: “Opening an office in Leicester was a logical next step for the business; we have a strong track record of delivery in the city and by having a permanent presence here we will be able to better leverage the expertise of our team and work even more effectively with our clients.” In recent months, Pulse has worked on high profile schemes in the city including the refurbishment of the iconic Engineering Building at the University of Leicester – a project which has been shortlisted for a prestigious RICS award. The firm has also recently delivered Stamford buildings on Stamford Street a 66-bed student residential development in the city centre. A new senior director is expected to join Pulse in the coming weeks to head up the Leicester office. Ian added: “We are currently agreeing terms to bring in a new senior member of the team to be based permanently in Leicester and help to drive the growth of the office and the services that we are delivering to our clients. “This is a really exciting time for the business, which is really going from strength to strength.” Established in 2009, Pulse offers a personable and professional service to its clients across a range of different sectors including higher education, the arts and residential development among others.

Superb development opportunity at Eaton

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BENTONS are offering a rare opportunity to acquire a substantial stone period property known as The Granary, The Coach House & Outbuildings at Branston Road, Eaton, Leicestershire. The property offers four bedrooms, two bathrooms and five reception rooms. Plans have been prepared for conversion of the adjacent coach house and outbuildings to provide 5 separate dwellings. The asking price is £1.05 million. For more information, contact Bentons on 01664 563892 or email: sales@bentons.co.uk

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

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A LEICESTER charity TEAMWORK: rg+p’s design dedicated to removing for TEAMS’ new community poverty and providing a café space in Leicester. safe space for the homeless has benefited from design support from multi-disciplinary practice, rg+p.

TEAMS (Together Everyone Achieves More Success) is focused on bringing communities together to tackle issues such as poverty, homelessness and poor or no education. One of their local initiatives is the City Retreat, on Church Gate in Leicester city centre. This centre aims to provide a warm and welcoming shelter, community foodbank as well as space for education, careers guidance, mentoring and counselling. Part of TEAMS’ expansion plans for the centre include a new community café, which Leicester-based rg+p has designed. One of the firm’s architectural technologists, Tahir Caratella explains: “My family has been working with TEAMS for a while so the trustees asked IF YOU can find the 12 most recent winners of the EPSOM if rg+p would provide some layout ideas for a new café they are hoping to DERBY in the Wordsearch grid above, you could win AUSTRALIA create in three Victorian shop units adjacent to the City Retreat. We met yourself a £20 Restaurant Choice Gift Voucher. AUTHORIZED with the trustees to establish their aspirations for the space and our interiors CAMELOT All you have to do to go into the draw is find - and mark a line team has voluntarily prepared some initial designs.” GOLDENHORN through - the 12 most recent Epsom Derby Winners . These can rg+p’s concept for the 2,000+ sq ft space includes an open plan, flexible HARZAND run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!). seating area, fully equipped kitchen and outdoor courtyard. Experts from NEWAPPROACH the firms’ interiors, landscaping and visualisation divisions have developed Send your marked entry forms to: TATTENHAM CORNER, POURMOI the design, which is intended to create a welcoming and relaxed RULEROFTHEWORLD Leicestershire Builder, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to environment to maximise natural light, and features a glazed front window SEATHESTARS arrive by TUESDAY 19TH JUNE 2018. Please remember to fill in and bi fold doors leading out to the courtyard. Exposed brick walls, SIRPERCY your name and address. The sender of the first correct entry drawn refurbished wooden floor boards and reclaimed furniture are contrasted WINGSOFEAGLES out of the hat will win the £20 Gift Card. Good luck! WORKFORCE with statement lighting, hanging ceiling garden and 1950s advertising Restaurant Choice Gift Cards can be used in over 1000 UK inspired décor. Restaurants. From hand-picked independent restaurants to a great Zahid Sheikh, trustee, TEAMS: “Our vision is to create a real hub for the community, where people can meet, run activities or hold performances. selection of popular dining groups – Nando’s, Café Rouge, Jamie’s Created byThey Puzzlemaker at DiscoveryEducation.com The refreshments served will also contribute towards our overall Italian, PizzaExpress, Zizzi, Ask Italian and Yo! Sushi. can be fundraising so it’s a really vital space. rg+p has done a fantastic job with the used for food and drinks, set menus, indeed any dish on the menu. design for the café, landscaping for the courtyard and general advice since Visit the website at www.restaurantchoice.co.uk for more information. the start; we’re extremely grateful for their input and creativity.” Work on the conversion of the three units is now underway and it is anticipated the café will open at the end of the year. To find out more Here are the 12 DERBY WINNERS you have to find: about TEAMS or how you can help, please visit www.teams-ltd.org

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • JUNE 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Jablite extends All-in-One Thermal Floor System to include the Garage Floor THE NEW Jablite Garage Floor System is BBA-certified and NHBC-accepted for a garage floor application and can be used instead of traditional concrete blocks. For the first time housebuilders and groundworkers have the option to install the entire residential floor – including the garage - using Jablite’s fast-and-easy-to-install systems.

Jablite Garage Floor System

The concrete topping and steel mesh specification is the same as for a traditional concrete block garage floor, making the changeover very straightforward. “This new garage floor system is a result of our All-in-One product development process,” explains Wayne Brown, Jablite’s Innovations and Technical Director. “Groundworkers tell us that Jablite All-in-One is the best system in the marketplace; it is quick and easy to install; there is no need for a petrol saw with all the H&S hazards associated with that and no requirement for a 360° winch to unload the concrete blocks. “Up until today, these benefits were only for the house floor installation. Now the garage floor installation can be as easy as the house floor. The feedback so far says that this is a huge benefit to the ground worker”. Jablite recently launched its own install service for house floors, this new Garage Floor product will mean the Jablite install can cover all the suspended floor installation on a site - a benefit which ground workers have already expressed an interest in. “We believe that Jablite’s product range and installation service for house - and garage floors - is the best in the market,” says Luke Treadwell, Jablite Sales Director. “Our NPD team has done a brilliant job, developing this new Garage Floor system. Plus Jablite can supply and install the only BBA-certified and NHBC-accepted, thermal floor system that can be installed with the specified plain concrete or micro fibre concrete topping*.

Jablite All in one

“The combination of our outstanding new product development, our commitment to customer service and our technical expertise sets Jablite apart from the rest. “If you are a ground worker or a housebuilder and you want to know more – please get in touch with your area sales manager.”

I talk to myself a lot and it bothers some people because I use a megaphone.