Leicestershire Builder May 2023

BUILDER

USEFUL INFORMATION & ITEMS OF INTEREST FOR BUILDERS MAY 2023

Marchini Curran delivers landmark design works for Leicester cinema and arts venue

THE AWARD-WINNING architects and interior designers at Marchini Curran Associates, have led on design services for the expansion of the independent Phoenix cinema and art centre in Leicester.

The pivotal scheme, funded by Arts Council England, Leicester City Council and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), alongside independent funding organisations, has transformed the city centre venue with an extension of the Midland Street site, which has been the cinema’s purposebuilt home since its relocation to Leicester’s Cultural Quarter in 2009.

The project, which started in September 2021 under the Scape National Construction Framework has involved adding two new cinema screens, a large digital art gallery, extended café bar, a multi-purpose events space and rooftop terrace bar, to accommodate more visitors and expand the programme of this much-loved independent cinema and arts venue which has been part of Leicester’s cultural scene for 60 years.

The client design brief was a fully inclusive environment catering for the diverse spectrum of user groups, staff, and visitors - to create a multi-functional space that changes its personality from the day into the evenings.

The integration of spaces was key and the concept of the building was designed to counterbalance the enhanced box office within the existing building with a new café bar space,

AUCTION DATE: 17TH MAY

Period office building with consent for conversion

SHONKI Bros (LS Sangra) Estate Agents are offering for sale BY AUCTION a period office building in a city centre location, which has planning permission for 8 selfcontained flats.

The property – 53 Regent Road, Leicester LE1 6YF – provides flexible office areas over three floors , including basement, to include kitchen, toilet and shower facilities.

The auction will be streamed live on the website (www.shonkibros.com) on Wednesday 17th May 2023, commencing at 5pm.

The Guide Price for this property is £495,000. For more information, contact Shonki Bros on 0116 255 7573 or visit www.shonkibros.com

Leicester City

SHANKAR BROWNE DESIGN

STUDIO LTD (c/o Agent: Mr Chris Jones, Firstplan, Broadwall House, 21 Broadwall, London SE1 9PL)

– Notification of change of use of first and second floors and part of ground floor from commercial, business and service to 4 selfcontained flats – at 15-17 Halford Street, Leicester LE1 1JA.

IBC HEALTHCARE (c/o: John Bell, ADG Architects, Ground Floor Suite, 6 Pioneer Court, Darlington DL1 4WD) - Proposed conversion of existing property to create 3 apartments for residents with complex care needs - at 3 Ballater Close, Leicester LE5 6XA.

LEICESTER CITY COUNCIL

CAPITAL PROJECTS (c/o Agent: Mrs Amy Cawley, Hickman & Smith Architects, LCB Depot, 31 Rutland Street, Leicester LE1 1RE) - Demolition of the existing covered market roof and cafe and construction of a new covered roof to provide 80 market stalls, 16 new single storey lock up trading units, and a new single storey cafe. New paving throughout. Associated landscaping, waste management, new sub station, and plant space to be provided - at Leicester Market, Market Place, Leicester LE1 5GG.

WYGGESTONS (c/o Agent: Alfie Simons, Corporate Architecture, 1 Trimbush Way, Rockingham Road, Market Harborough, Leics. LE16 7XY) - Redevelopment of Land to the South of Wyggeston Hospital to Provide Eight 1-bed Cottages and One 2-bed Cottage, including associated hard and soft landscaping works - at Wyggestons Hospital, 160 Hinckley Road, Leicester LE3 0UX.

S&P Global / CIPS UK Construction PMI®

Construction growth eases in March amid weaker demand for residential work

KEY FINDINGS

• Marginal rise in total construction output

• Civil engineering is the best-performing category

• Fastest decline in housing activity since May 2020

MARCH DATA highlighted another rise in UK construction output, helped by a moderate increase in new orders.

The civil engineering category saw the fastest rise in business activity, while house building was the weakest-performing area. Lower volumes of residential building work have now been recorded for four months in a row.

Supply conditions improved in March, reflecting greater availability of construction products and materials, alongside fewer logistics bottlenecks. The overall improvement in vendor performance was the strongest since November 2009.

At 50.7 in March, the headline seasonally adjusted S&P Global / CIPS UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index® (PMI®) – which measures month-on-month changes in total industry activity – was down from 54.6 in February but above the 50.0 no-change threshold for the second month running. The latest reading signalled a marginal overall increase in total construction output.

Civil engineering activity (index at 52.0) was the fastestgrowing area of construction output in March. Survey respondents again cited a boost from work on HS2 infrastructure projects and robust demand for other transportrelated construction activity.

The latest survey also signalled an increase in commercial building work (index at 51.1), although the rate of expansion eased from February’s nine-month high. Meanwhile, housing activity (index at 44.2) decreased at a sharp and accelerated pace in March. The rate of decline was the fastest since May 2020, with survey respondents often citing fewer tender opportunities due to rising borrowing costs and a subsequent slowdown in new house building projects.

Despite subdued housing market conditions, latest data signalled a further increase in total new work received by construction companies. The latest rise was the secondfastest since July 2022. Greater workloads led to a solid upturn in staff recruitment, with the rate of job creation accelerating to its fastest since last October. That said, some construction firms noted that elevated wage pressures and shortages of available candidates had acted as a constraint on hiring. Purchasing activity was broadly unchanged in March. Some construction companies suggested that improved supply conditions had encouraged them to run down inventories. March data signalled the fastest improvement in suppliers’ delivery times for more than 13 years. Survey respondents widely noted that an improved balance between demand and supply had helped to boost the availability of construction products and materials.

Input prices continued to rise sharply in March, with construction companies often noting that suppliers had attributed this to elevated energy costs and rising staff wages. That said, the latest round of cost inflation was the secondslowest since November 2020. Finally, around 46% of the survey panel predict an increase in business activity during the year ahead, while only 11% foresee a reduction. The resulting index reading signalled the strongest degree of positive sentiment since February 2022. Optimism has rebounded strongly from the two-and-ahalf year low seen in December, largely reflecting signs of a turnaround in client spending and a more favourable outlook for the wider UK economy.

COMMENT

TIM MOORE, Economics Director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, which compiles the survey said: “UK construction companies experienced a sustained rebound in output levels during March as work on civil engineering and commercial projects picked up for the second month running. Improved tender opportunities were also reflected in an upturn in new orders since February and the strongest rate of job creation for five months. “A sharp and accelerated decline in house building was the main area of concern in March. Cutbacks to new residential projects in the wake of subdued demand and rising interest rates contributed to the sharpest fall in housing activity across the construction sector for almost three years.

“Despite worries about the near-term outlook for housing activity, expectations for total construction output during the year ahead were relatively upbeat in March. Growth projections were boosted by the fastest improvement in suppliers’ delivery times for more than a decade. Survey respondents often cited improved availability of construction inputs and subsequent hopes that purchasing price inflation would moderate in the months ahead.”

DR JOHN GLEN, Chief Economist at the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply, said: “A small uplift in construction activity in March shows the sector is heading in the right direction and at a stabilising pace, and with a few uplifting surprises along the way.

“Delivery times from suppliers improved at the fastest rate since November 2009 as stocks were unravelled and fewer orders from supply chain managers meant goods got through more quickly. Builders were also riding high with the highest levels of optimism since February 2022 and there was an uplift in hiring levels to maintain momentum.

“Strong inflationary pressures remained an obstacle to wider expansion at building companies however along with concerns over consumer affordability rates. With residential building still struggling and falling at the fastest rate since May 2020, it was the bigger projects like HS2 managed by the civil engineering sector that added fuel to the engine of construction growth this month.”

MR JAGDEEP SANDHU (c/o Agent: Keshiv Sudera, Design Studio Architects Limited, Regent House, 7 Upper King Street, Leicester LE1 6XB) – Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of a replacement dwelling with double garage at the front – at Sunnydale, Stoughton Lane, Leicester LE2 2FH.

MR SHIRAZ KARIM (c/o Agent: Design Studio Architects Limited, Regent House, 7 Upper King Street, Leicester LE1 6XB) – Conversion from hotel to 9 apartments, coffee shop and modification of roof to include dormers and balcony – at Park Hotel, 125 London Road, Leicester LE2 0QT.

TOSCAFIELD LEICESTER

LIMITED (c/o Agent: Jack

Punter, Brick Architects Limited, F20C, 1 Dock Road, London E16 1AG) – Outline application for the construction of an eight-storey plus mezzanine floor building to provide 104 flats with access, appearance, layout and scale committed and other matters (landscaping) reserved – at land at junction of Vaughan Way and St.Margaret’s Way, Leicester LE1 4QF.

HF PERMANENT HOUSE

LIMITED (c/o Agent: Mrs Barbosa, Structskill Structural Services Limited, 20 Stockton Road, Leicester LE4 9DS) – Change of use of second, third, fourth and fifth floors and part of basement from commercial to 19 self-contained flats – at 31 Permanent House, Horsefair Street, Leicester LE1 5BJ.

LUCKY BASI (c/o Agent: Mr Jordan Pegg, Wilson Architects, Sparkhouse, Ropewalk, Lincoln LN 6 7DQ) – Change of use from one house to 2 houses, dormer extension to front and single storey extension to rear – at Cherry Trees, 23 Roundhay Road, Leicester LE3 2BY.

MR MAYUR PAU (c/o Agent: Mr M Imtiaz, Architecture365 Limited, 20 Lynmouth Road, Leicester LE5 1NA) – Change of use from house to 3 flats, installation of rooflights at front, two storey extension at side, single and two sorey extension at rear – at 1 Oliver Road, Leicester LE4 7GQ.

MRS ELLYN PHILLIPS (c/o Agent: Andy Lennard, Perfect Planning Architectural Services Limited, Office 1F, Rugby House, Hinckley Road, Sapcote, Leics. LE9 4FS) – Change of use from industrial space to dance studio – at 1 Sanvey Gate, Leicester LE1 4EP.

Together

we will protect consumers from rogue traders, says FMB and HOA

WHETHER YOU are building a new home, carrying out renovation work or building an extension, you need to find the right builder for the job. However, we know that’s not always easy in a largely unregulated market.

That’s why the HomeOwners Alliance and the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) are proud to announce their new Find a Builder service, which will help homeowners find qualified builders who have been properly inspected and vetted.

The timing is right. With National Trading Standards braced for a spike in green home improvement scams, and Citizens Advice seeing an 18% rise in complaints year-on-year, alongside a 28% increase in doorstep crime complaints, we want to give homeowners a safe route for finding a builder.

This partnership builds on earlier joint work from the FMB and HomeOwners Alliance, such as the campaigns to cut the VAT on home improvements and to license all UK construction companies. We will continue to work together to help educate consumers through our popular where to start guides on extensions and conversions, and how to add value to your home.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “The Master Builder logo represents quality, trust, protection and experience. When you choose a Master Builder company, you can build with confidence. Our free Find a Builder service connects consumers with local, quality builders, and we provide advice and support for getting started with your building project.”

Berry concluded: “I’m delighted to be partnering with the HomeOwners Alliance, the preeminent advice service for consumers. Our organisations share similar values, and it’s exciting to be bringing the FMB name and our services to a wider audience so we can all build better.”

Paula Higgins, Chief Executive of the HomeOwners Alliance, said: “We know from the millions of visitors to the HomeOwners Alliance website that finding a builder is stressful. But more than that, rogue traders can leave consumers devastated with hefty financial losses.”

Higgins continued: “We also know that the unregulated market puts consumers off from doing home improvement works. We are addressing this by offering the FMB’s Find a Builder service to connect consumers with trusted quality builders that have been vetted. We are proud of our campaigning work with FMB and look forward to continuing to make a real difference to consumers today and in the future.”

Approval for 210 new homes in Shepshed

APPROVAL has been granted by Charnwood Borough Council for the creation of 210 new homes in Shepshed.

The development – known as Jubilee Rise – will be delivered by Persimmon Homes’ North Midlands team. Bringing a mix of new homes to the area, the community will help to meet local housing needs, with 20% of properties to be transferred to an affordable housing provider for rent and shared ownership.

As part of the wider site, millions will be pledged to support infrastructure delivery and ensure economic development. Featuring a number of proposed community benefits, the wider site will also bring a range of facilities to the local community, including £2.1m towards local education provision, £349,000 towards local highways and £114,000 towards local healthcare.

Particular attention has been given to the environmental and ecological credentials of the new community, which will bring a biodiversity net gain to the area. Specific measures implemented by the developer include on-site wildflower meadows, bat and bird boxes, and landscaping in keeping with the development’s surrounding green space.

Sean Barratt, technical director at Persimmon Homes North Midlands region, said: “We’re delighted to have received approval for our development at Shepshed and I want to thank Charnwood Borough Council for their support. Not only will the development deliver 210 quality new homes and a biodiversity net gain, it will also create local jobs as part of the construction and generate a significant investment in the local economy.

“We’re committed to creating vibrant, successful communities and supporting more local families in getting their dream homes. We’re looking forward to our new community taking shape over the course of 2023.”

I built a model of Mount Everest and my son asked if it was to scale. “No,” I said. “It’s just to look at.”

Housebuilder completes construction at Waltham on the Wolds development

NEXUS REALTY LIMITED (c/o

Agent: Anthony Jones, Halford Jones Architecture Limited, 28 St Annes Drive, Leicester LE2 8HR)

– Proposed change of use from a bar/office to create 2 self-contained one-bedroom flats – at 4 Granby Place, Leicester LE1 1DF.

BOPARAN RESTAURANT

GROUP (c/o Agent: Mr Chris Jones, Firstplan, Broadwall House, 21 Broadwall, London SE1 9PL) –Erection of a drive-thru restaurant pod – at land at Tesco Extra, Maidenwell Avenue, Leicester.

WATES CONSTRUCTION

LIMITED ON BEHALF OF THE DEPEARTMENT OF EDUCATION

(c/o Agent: Charlotte Palmer, Turley, 9 Colmore Road, Birmingham B3 2BJ) – Development of a threestorey secondary school, singlestorey sports block plus access, parking, landscaping, sports facilities and associated works – at land south of Groby Road, north of Stokeswood Park and west of Fosse Road North, Leicester.

Akson Properties Limited (c/o

Agent: John Hackman, The Drawing Room (Architects) Limited, 130 Moat Street, Wigston, Leicester LE18 2GE)

– Change of use from D1 to 4 selfcontained flats (Revised scheme) – at 6 Salisbury Road, Leicester LE1 7QR.

Charnwood Borough

MITCHELL GREGORY (c/o

Agent: Cerda Planning) – Erection of 3 dwellinghouses, alterations to existing access, refurbishment of existing outbuilding and associated works (Resubmission) – at West End Farm, 5 Far Street, Wymeswold, Leics. LE12 6TZ.

WILLIAM DAVIS LIMITED (c/o

Agent: Marrons) – Demolition of No.532 Bradgate Road and erection of one three-bed, 4 four-bed and one five-bed dwellings – at Lady Jane Park, Bradgate Road, Newtown Linford, Leics. LE6 0HD.

UNNAMED APPLICANT (c/o

Agent: Planning and Design Group)

– Outline application for circa 375 dwellings, public amenity space, a reserve site for a 1FE primary school (if required and in lieu of circa 35 dwellings) and associated infrastructure – at Forest Field, Forest Road, Loughborough, Leics. LE11 3NS.

Fall in housing activity is a concern, says

FMB

THE FALL IN HOUSING activity, as reported in the latest Office of National Statistics (ONS) construction data, is further evidence about the growing housing crisis, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB said: “A drop of 4.4% in housing activity in February

Bellway’s Waltham Heights development in Waltham on the Wolds, where construction is complete

CONSTRUCTION work is now complete at Bellway’s Waltham Heights development in Waltham on the Wolds, where all the homes have been sold.

Bellway East Midlands has built 60 homes at the site off Melton Road, comprising 38 properties for private sale and 22 affordable homes for local people through rent or as starter homes.

The housebuilder has delivered a range of one to five-bedroom houses and a collection of two-bedroom bungalows on the seven-acre site.

Kenny Lattimore, Sales Manager for Bellway East Midlands, said: “We’re happy to have completed construction at Waltham Heights and pleased to have created a brand-new development which has turned into a fantastic new community.

“We have received lots of excellent reviews from housebuyers who are happy with the quality of their new home and delighted with the service they have received from Bellway. This is testament to all the hard work that the site team has put in over more than three years to create this lovely new neighbourhood.

“Bellway is very proud to have delivered 60 much-needed new homes to the village, more than a third of which are affordable properties for local people who want to stay in the area but who cannot afford to buy their own house.

“The legacy we are leaving in the village is not restricted to new housing but also includes an investment of more than £1 million in local services and infrastructure. As part of the planning agreement for the development, we are making a series of payments including £781,000 towards primary education, over £185,000 for secondary education and £26,400 for local healthcare.”

Advertising Rates in Leicestershire Builder

should be a worrying signal to the Government that its housing policy isn’t working. At a time when our housing need is at its greatest, we are building fewer homes. That can’t be right! We need a long term plan to build and meet the country’s housing needs.”

Berry concluded: “The Government needs to get house building out of planning purgatory by simplifying the planning system and directing funding to local authority planning departments to help them take on and train more planning staff.”

Some Good News Construction Sector Confidence Increase

The ICAEW have reported an increase in confidence for the construction sector for Q1 of 2023.

Although still in negative confidence, it is the first increase in over a year following a record low confidence in Q4 of 2022 amongst Construction firms.

The economy is still uncertain and challenging, but there is hope with this latest quarterly report of some green shoots in the industry. We shall continue to monitor the growth of the sector and update you on a quarterly basis for the foreseeable of how the sector bounces back.

However, this is a good indicator of potential growth especially as we enter in to the Spring and Summer months.

A copy of the report can be seen here - https://www.icaew.com/ technical/economy/businessconfidence-monitor/businessconfidence-monitor-national

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

Site for two apartment blocks in Burton upon Trent

HARVEY HOLLAND Estate Agents are offering for sale a unique opportunity to develop two apartment blocks in the centre of Burton upon Trent.

The site – Former Magistrates Court, Horninglow Street, Burton upon Trent, DE14 1PA – benefits from detailed planning permission for the demolition of one building and the erection of two apartment blocks totalling 29 apartments. The East Staffordshire Borough Council’s planning reference is P/2022/00127.

The original Grade II Listed Court House will remain in situ and is currently on the market, to let, as a restaurant/bar.

Offers over £350,000 plus VAT are invited.

For more information, or to arrange a viewing appointment, contact Harvey Holland on 0333 577 5388 or email: hello@harveyholland.com

FORMER MAGISTRATES COURT, HORNINGLOW STREET , BURTON UPON TRENT, DE14 1PA

MRS ANITA DAVIS – Construction of 2 dwellings and associated parking, landscaping and associated infrastructure – at Homefield Road, Sileby, Leics.

MR G CHARALAMBOUS (c/o

Agent: KMC Consultancy) – Three storey block of 4 flats – at store rear of 7-9 Field Street, Shepshed, Leics. LE12 9AL.

EXHIBITION PROPERTIES

LIMITED (c/o Agent: Langton Architecture) – Conversion of dwelling into 2 one-bedroom selfcontained residential units, single storey rear extension and associated works – at 39 Arthur Street, Loughborough, Leics. LE11 3AY.

WANLIP HOLDINGS LIMITED

(c/o Agent: Pegasus Group) –Outline planning application for the construction of up to 70,600 sq.metres of E(g)(iii), B2 and B8 Use Class units, including site access and infrastructure, and remodelling of artificial lake – at Rayns Way, Syston, Leicester.

Hinckley & Bosworth

MR K AKEREDOLU (c/o Agent: Nigel Dutton, 49 Falcon Road, Anstey, Leicester LE7 7FY) –Proposed office block and associated parking – at Leicester Road

Football Club, Leicester Road Football Ground, Leicester Road, Hinckley, Leics. LE10 3DR.

CARTWRIGHT HOMES (c/o

Agent: Ms Nicola Lea, Cartwright Homes, Vicarage Street, Nuneaton, Warks. CV11 4AZ) – Construction of 5 detached dwellings with associated garages, parking provision, access and landscaping – at land of Chapel Lane, Witherley, Atherstone, Warks. CV9 3LR.

MRS JULIE MORGAN (c/o

Agent: Mrs Helena Deaville, WSP Environment and Infrastructure Solutions UK Limited, Nicholls House, Homer Close, Leamington Spa, Warks. CV34 6TT) – Outline application to include up to 500 dwellings, a primary school/ education use, retail, community hub, hot food takeaway, accesses, public open space, SUDS, landscaping, infrastructure and ancillary works – at Earl Shilton Sustainable Urban Extension (SUE), Mill Lane, Earl Shilton, Leics.

Barn for conversion in Swithland: £1.45m

FINE & COUNTRY

Estate Agents are offering for sale a modern stone-built detached barn with planning consent for conversion into two separate dwellings.

The property – Phoenix Barn, 67 Main Street, Swithland, Leics. –stands just outside the village conservation area in approximately 1.8 acres in total.

Available with NO CHAIN, this stone barn is built of slate stone and lime mortar with internal structural blockwork wall, an Oak frame, and graduated slate roof.

Guide Price: £1,450,000.

For more information, contact Fine & Country on 01509 891398 or email: loughborough@fineandcountry.com

Electricians could earn an extra £12,000 a year by offering electric vehicle services

• Almost a quarter (23%) of UK electricians have turned down customer requests for EV work

• Electricians get asked to do EV-related jobs around 40 times a year, or once every nine days

• Workers can earn over £300 per charger installation MORE THAN two-thirds (68%) of UK electricians are potentially missing out on thousands of pounds each year by not offering electric vehicle (EV) services to their customers, new research has revealed.

With the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars fast approaching, the demand for EV-related infrastructure is set to continue rising, with charge points now legally required in all new-build houses and supermarkets.

Electricians are perfectly placed to take advantage of this trend, so ElectricalDirect, a specialist retailer of electrical products, surveyed the industry to see how many are embracing this opportunity by adding EVrelated work to their list of services.

The study found that less than a third (32%) of UK electricians are currently installing EV charging points, and almost a quarter (23%) have turned down work of this nature.

Although it is strongly advised, registered electricians do not legally need additional qualifications to work with EV chargers, so many workers are potentially missing out on a lucrative source of income.

Electricians receive, on average, 40 EV-related customer enquiries a year – the equivalent of once every nine days – and with each installation typically generating over £300 of profit, this adds up to potential annual earnings of £12,000.

With EV training courses generally costing around £300-400, the initial investment can usually be repaid within a couple of jobs.

For expert advice on how to start working with electric vehicles, visit: https://www.electricaldirect.co.uk/blog/how-to-start-working-with-electricvehicles

Prime development site in Rutland

FIRST CITY Property

Consultancy are offering for sale a former public house with detailed planning permission for conversion of the pub to two dwellings, plus construction of two new dwellings on the car park.

The property – The Old Plough, Oakham Road, Braunston in Rutland LE15 8QY – is being offered at an asking price of £1,000,000 plus. For more information, or to arrange a viewing appointment, contact First City on 01902 710999 quoting reference 5076 –ask for Christopher Bywater.

Potential development site in Allestree

BB&J ESTATE Agents are seeking offers in excess of £550,000 for a potential development site at Brook Farm, 1 Somme Road, Allestree, Derby DE22 2NP.

Brook Farm comprises a level rectangular site extending to 0.77 acres or thereabouts.

The site itself clearly has significant residential development potential with a number of nearby dwellings having been sold for around £1,000,000.

For more information, contact Cameron Godfrey at BB&J on 01332 292825 or email: c.godfrey@bbandj.co.uk

UNNAMED APPLICANT (c/o

Agent: Mr Sam Spencer, Hayward Architects Limited, 19 Station Road, Hinckley, Leics. LE10 1AW) –Proposed new food retail unit and extension to existing club shop – at Leicester Road Football Club, Leicester Road Football Ground, Leicester Road, Hinckley, Leics. LE10 3DR.

MRS KAREN WALDRON (c/o Agent: Mark Geraghty, HSSP Architects Limited, Pera Business Park, Nottingham Road, Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE13 0PB) –Erection of 4 dwellings with associated parking and landscaping – at 223 Station Road, Earl Shilton, Leics. LE9 7GG.

UNNAMED APPLICANT (c/o

Agent: Daniella Marrocco, Barton Wilmore, 7 Soho Square, London W1D 3QB) – Extension to existing workshop – at Horiba Mira Limited, Mira Drive, Lindley, Nuneaton, Warks. CV10 0TT.

Melton Borough

MR IMTIAZ DAUD (c/o Agent: Mr Khaleel Tayub, Solvers Architecture Ltd, 108 Belgrave Gate, Leicester LE1 3GR) – Change of use fo first, second and third floor from commercial units to 4 self-contained flats – at 6-7 Market Place, Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE13 1XD.

MRS E HOLMES (c/o Agent: A F & S J Building Design Consultants, Lion House, Scalford Brickyard, Scalford, Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE14 4ST) –Proposed barn conversions to form 2 dwellings along with 3 new twostorey dwellings – at The White Lodge, Green Lane, Goadby Marwood, Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE14 4NN.

Harborough District

MR DAVID GRAVES (c/o Agent: John Hackman, The Drawing Room (Architects) Limited, 130 Moat Street, Wigston, Leicester LE18 2GE) – Outline application for a proposed extension to host dwelling to create one new attached dwelling and erection of one detached dwelling (Revised scheme) – at 10 The Rise, Houghton on the Hill, Leics. LE7 9GQ.

MR R WILSON (c/o Agent: Charles Kennett, Staniforth Architects Limited, The Warehouse, 1A Stamford Street, Leicester LE1 6NL) – Demolition of agricultural barns and erection of 11 dwellings with associated external works – at land at Fishers Farm, Main Street, Foxton, Leics.

Barwell residential scheme to go ahead following appeal

PLANNERS at Harris Lamb have successfully appealed against attempts to block 51 new homes being built near Hinckley.

The development, earmarked for a greenfield site located on Hinckley Road in Barwell, will now go ahead after being given the green light by a Planning Inspector.

Harris Lamb were instructed by Barwell Capitol to mount an appeal against Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council after the authority failed to determine a planning application proposing the construction of 51 properties, ranging from two- to fivebedrooms, on the site.

The application was submitted in July 2021. It remained undetermined at October 3rd last year and a non determination appeal was made. The hearing and site visit were held earlier this year.

Although an official decision was not provided, the Council sought to resist the development on a number of grounds, suggesting the development would not provide satisfactory living conditions for the residents, and concerns over the safeguarding of protected species and the provision of a net biodiversity gain.

In responding to the issues, the inspector appointed by the Secretary of State, M Aqbal, said: “I have considered these arrangements and found that they would not result in any unacceptable impacts on living conditions. I, therefore, do not share the Council’s conclusion that these arrangements are indicative of a poor and cramped layout.”

The Inspector went on to say that an Ecological Impact Assessment had been submitted at the time of the application providing the results of relevant ecological and protected species surveys, confirming that the presence of protected species was not a statutory ecological constraint to the development, subject to recommendations for precautionary measures, adding: “As such, and based on the discussions at the Hearing, the reference to protected species in the Council’s reason for refusal was an oversight.”

Site for 5 dwellings in Syston

ASTON & CO are offering for sale a development opportunity comprising a four bedroomed detached bungalow and a plot to the rear with outline planning for 5 dwellings.

Guide Price: £975,000.

For more information, contact Aston & Co. on 0116 260 7788 or email: syston@ astonandco.co.uk

Site for 6 executive homes in a walled

consent for six executive homes.

The property is situated in Barleythorpe, Oakham, Rutland LE15 7FZ.

The estimated GDV of the site is £6.5 million, depending on specification.

Unconditional offers are invited for the freehold with planning consent. For more information, contact Pepperdine and Freckingham on 01664 431330 or email: office@ pandfcommercial.com

* 1.36 Acres Walled Garden with PP for 6 executive homes

* Total coverage Circa 14,647 Sq Ft plus garages

* Rutland Village - 1 mile from Oakham Town Centre

* PP granted 15th February 2023 Plans and Drawings available

* Estimated GDV of £6.5m dependant on Specification

In approving the plans, the inspector added that in the interests of safeguarding protected species and to enhance biodiversity, a condition had been imposed requiring that the development be carried out in accordance with recommended mitigation measures contained in the ecological survey submitted alongside the application.

ESTATE AGENTS: If you’re selling building land or development properties, email details to us and we’ll include a FREE mention in the magazine. Thanks!

MANOR OAK HOMES (c/o Agent: Dale Radford, rg+p Limited, Waterloo House, 71 Princess Road West, Leicester LE1 6TR) – Erection of 10 dwellings with associated landscaping, access and parking (Revised layout) – at land at St Wilfrids Close, Kibworth Beauchamp, Leics.

MRS TRISH WOODCOCK (c/o Agent: Kent Porter Warren Limited, 170 Upper New walk, Leicester LE1 7QA) – Erection of 2 dwellings including access, parking and landscaping – at land west of Coplow Lane, Billesdon, Leics.

MR R HOUSTON (c/o Agent: Design Studio Architects, Regent House, 7 Upper King Street, Leicester LE1 6XB) – Demolition of existing outbuildings/storage and erection of proposed new guest accommodation block to supplement existing wedding/hospitality venue – at Shearsby Bath, Bruntingthorpe Road, Shearsby, Leics. LE17 6PP.

MR PAUL TIMMERMAN (c/o Agent: Corporate Architecture, Venari House, 1 Trimbush Way, Rockingham Road, Market Harborough, Leics. LE16 7XY) –Erection of a veterinary surgery and stables, and associated car park works (Revised scheme) – at land adjacent to Langton View, Melton Road, East Langton, Leics.

MR & MRS M ALLEN (c/o Agent: Hayward McMullan Architects, 67 Burton Road, Melton Mowbray, Leics. LER13 1DL) – Demolition of existing creamery and erection of assorted workshop, poolhouse and storage buildings, erection of replacement external pool and associated landscaping – at Quenby Hall, Barley Leas, Hungarton, Leics. LE7 9BQ.

TAYLOR WIMPEY EAST

MIDLANDS LIMITED (c/o: Mrs A Brown, Unit 2, The Osiers Business Park, Laversall Way, Leicester LE19 1DX) – Erection of 479 dwellings and associated infrastructure (Phases 2, 3 & 4) Reserved Matters – at land at Airfield Farm, Leicester Road, Market Harborough, Leics.

Builders’ Problems SOLVED Offers to settle

Problem: I am a commercial manager for a specialist contractor, and we are currently in dispute over a final account with a client who is the main contractor on a new build that was completed in late 2022.

I have had a couple of meetings with my opposite number and some progress is being made on some of the items in dispute, but we are still tens of thousands of pounds adrift from our respective positions, and I can see this matter ending up either in adjudication and / or court.

I want to try and avoid any formal dispute resolution as this involves time and of course money, and hence I would like to make an offer to settle. However, although I am aware of making an offer under the banner of ‘Without Prejudice’, I do not really understand what it actually means. Could you therefore enlighten me of what I should be doing?

Response: Offers to settle are privileged documents and there are 3 types:

1. Without prejudice (“WP”);

2. Without prejudice save as to costs (“WPSATC”); and

3. Part 36.

WP means that the settlement offer is without prejudice to the party’s right to initiate or continue litigation (or some other form of dispute resolution), and the WP letter cannot be tendered as evidence in any proceedings – not even if the case proceeds to judgement; hence the judge will not see the WP offer. WP communications are good when a party is in negotiations, as you are at present.

WPSATC (known as a Calderbank offer after a case in the English Courts in the 1970’s), means that if the case proceeds to judgment (in litigation, or a decision in arbitration), the offer can be relied on in court when determining which party will pay the costs of the proceedings. For example, whether the unsuccessful party should pay costs at all if it made a reasonable offer, or whether a successful party should have its costs paid on an ‘ordinary’ basis (known as the standard basis), or an ‘indemnity’ basis (in which case all reasonably incurred costs are awarded).

In this respect, Calderbank offers are not dissimilar to Part 36 offers (which I briefly explain below), which exist within civil litigation [only], although Part 36 offers are applied much more rigidly and without the same degree of discretion. The court has complete discretion to decide what weight should be given to a WPSATC when considering costs. Features of a Calderbank offer are:

• Marked “without prejudice save as to costs”;

• states the offer is made in accordance with the principles of Calderbank;

• is clear, precise and certain in its terms and is capable of acceptance;

• states clearly the time in which the offer must be accepted and provides a reasonable time for acceptance;

• provides reasons why the offer should be accepted; and

• states clearly that if the offer is rejected that the offer will be relied on for an application for indemnity costs.

A PART 36 OFFER is much more strict and only applies to litigation (as part of the Civil Procedure Rules (“CPR”)), intending to put a lot of pressure on the other side to settle. Essentially, CPR Part 36 is a detailed rule which is designed to encourage settlement.

Bearing in mind that you are still in the early stages of trying to agree your account, I would suggest that a simple WP communication would suffice, but if not accepted and the matter rumbles on, you should then consider making a Calderbank offer. That said, when you believe that you have reached the stage that you should make a Calderbank offer (or even a Part 36 offer), I strongly recommend that you seek expert advice.

Good luck with your negotiations.

© Michael Gerard 2023

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

Author background

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

City council gives up former offices in Leicester due to staff working from home

AS REPORTED in the Leicester Mercury, Leicester City Council has decided to give up its lease on Bosworth House, a small office block behind New Walk Museum in the city centre.

The space is no longer needed due to staff working from home since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Getting out of the lease on the unwanted building, in Princess Road West, will save about £560,000 per year, but the city council will have to pay the landlord a fee - yet to be agreedbecause the building will not be in the same condition it was when the lease began. City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby has approved the use of council funds to pay the “terminal dilapidations claim” to the landlord.

The council’s decision document states: “Following the Covid-19 pandemic and adaptation to a new hybrid way of working for the council’s staffs, it was determined to enact the break clause in the externally leased Bosworth House as surplus to requirement.”

Michael Gerard

JAMES COLES & SONS (NURSERIES) LIMITED (c/o

Agent: Kathryn Farden, Pleydell Smithyman Limited, 20A The Wharfage, Ironbridge, Telford TF8 7NH) – Proposed improvement works including demolition of existing structures, extension of existing garden centre shop, replacement of existing canopies and polytunnels, erection of a store building, erection of a staff room and alterations to car parking and landscaping – at J Coles Nursery, 624 Uppingham Road, Thurnby, Leicester LE7 9QB.

Rutland County

MR FRED & MRS ANNE HUTTON

(c/o Agent: Mr Matt Taylor, Class Q, The Grey House, Broad Street, Stamford PE9 1PB) – Erection of 8 dwellings, comprising 5 bungalows and 3 two-storey houses plus new access – at land south of Lodge Trust, Main Street, Market Overton, Rutland.

MR JON GIBBISON (c/o: 27B

Crocket Lane, Empingham, Oakham LE15 8PW) – Erection of 4 fourbedroom dwellings – at Pt OS No117, Village Farm, Main Street, Bisbrooke, Rutland.

MICHAEL & DAVID THWAITES

(c/o Agent: RTK UK Limited, 20 Belton Street, Stamford PE9 2EF) – Demolition of existing buildings and replacement with 4 residential dwellings and alterations to existing site access – at Development Site, Oakham Road, Ashwell, Rutland.

MR PAUL HINCH (c/o Agent: Ian Pick Associates Limited, Station Farm Offices, Wansford Road, Nafferton, Driffield YO25 8NJ) –Erection of an additional poultry building with associated feed bins, hardstandings and dirty water tanks on established poultry farm – at land to the east of Cottesmore Road, Market Overton, Rutland.

SECRETARY OF STATE FOR

DEFENCE (c/o Agent: Mr Rob Sanderson, Arcadis, 16th Floor, 103 Colmore Row, Birmingham B3 3AG)

– Erection of a three-storey Single Living Accommodation building within Use Class C2a, covered walkway, associated external works, ancillary buildings and landscaping – at Kendrew Barracks, School Road, Cottesmore, Rutland LE15 7BL.

Design Studio Architects celebrate their 10th Anniversary

DESIGN Studio Architects marks a big milestone this summer ... we are celebrating our 10-year anniversary following a decade of success and growth, as well as looking ahead towards a very bright future.

Design Studio Architects was founded by Managing Director, Keshiv Sudera, in July 2013. He set out with a goal to create a company that offered high quality design solutions and a personal approach, across various sectors. The award-winning RIBA Chartered practice operates across the country and boasts a varied clientele, including National House builders, Premier League Football Club, National Retailers and local property developers as well as a variety of public sector authorities.

Keshiv discusses the inception of the business in 2013 and its continued growth: “DSA was founded to achieve customercentricity, dedication to providing quality services, and designs that are functional, beautiful and commercially aware”.

“Reaching this milestone is a great opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of our staff who have been instrumental in our growth. Success is down to the people within the business who execute the strategies and processes put in place, which is why I am so grateful to the team.

Design Studio Architects consists of 12 employees and has seen repeated growth year-on-year. With the business expanding and work increasing, creating a team and culture where all those involved can realise their full potential has been key to the success of the business.

I am delighted that our team share the view about the importance of client service and culture.”

The team has gained significant experience over the last 18-24 months, with the introduction of Operations Director, Sabrina Sudera, Design Director, Tim Rodgers and Technical Director, Umesh Mistry. Our incredibly diverse team offers a varied way of thinking and their differing cultural backgrounds and experiences encourage us to indulge in a wider spectrum of possible approaches to challenges and tasks.

With ten years past, DSA is looking to the future, adopting BIM and new technologies that are being implemented on a number of projects. We also continue to promote the need for sustainable solutions in the built environment and champion the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge.

Moving forward, DSA will continue to place client service, its people, and its culture at the heart of its practice, an approach which has seen it become one of the leading

practices in Leicestershire and The Midlands. We will continue our growth strategy in the Industrial, Sports and Leisure sectors and extend the team so we are in the best position to meet business volumes and create more innovative services which meet the market demand.

Keshiv continues, “We would like to thank all of you who have supported us over the last ten years from all that have been part of the practice to our loyal clients.

“Whilst I am incredibly proud of how far we’ve come since 2013, I’m certain the next ten years will be just as exciting, challenging and rewarding. I look forward to sharing that journey with our team and those who join us along the way.

“We are all looking forward to celebrating this milestone, and will be announcing further details on other activities in the coming months”.

Development opportunity in South Luffenham

NAYLORS Estate Agents are offering for sale a development site with planning consent granted for five barn conversions, plus a single plot for a large detached dwelling.

The property – in South Luffenham, Near Oakham, Rutland – is being offered for sale as a whole or in two lots.

Offers are being invited based on £750,000.

For more information, contact Naylors on 01858 450020

The team at Design Studio Architects, celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the practice.

MR C ISAAC (c/o Agent: Nick Overton, NiCAD Consultancy Services Limited, The Hollies, Thornimans Lane, Frampton, Boston PE20 1AJ) – Additional storey to café building to create first floor accommodation to provide offices, staff toilets and storage – at Stamford Garden Centre, Old Great North Road, Little Casterton, Rutland PE9 4BB.

North West Leics.

PAUL FOVARGUE (c/o Agent: Mather Jamie, 3 Bank Court, Weldon Road, Loughborough, Leics. LE11 5RF) – Development of up to 46,451 sq.metres of B2 (industrial) and/ or B8 (storage or distribution) units with ancillary offices and service buildings – at land at Corkscrew Lane, Ashby de la Zouch, Leics.

MR KYLE MIDDLETON (c/o Agent: The Laurels, Berry Hill Lane, Donington le Heath, Leics. LE67 2FB) – Erection of 3 dwellings (Reserved matters) – at 70 Fairfield Road, Hugglescote, Coalville, leics. LE67 2HG.

S RIGBY (c/o Agent: S+SA Architects, 1 Cardale Park, Beckwith Head Road, Harrogate HG3 1RZ) – Erection of 36-bed care home with associated accommodation and associated works following demolition of existing structures – at land off Ashby Road, Coalville, Leics. LE67 3LA.

MR J BOAM (c/o Agent: Mr Lee Alesbrook, Life-Design Architecture, 19 Victoria Road, Coalville, Leics. LE67 3AG) – Change of use of Methodist Church to single residential dwelling and associated external alterations – at Worthington Methodist Church, Main Street, Worthington, Leics.

MR S STEWART (c/o Agent: Mr Lee Alesbrook, Lifestyle Architectural Services, 19 Victoria Road, Coalville, Leics. LE67 3AG) – Proposed change of use of land for leisure/tourism use and erection of 6 timber-clad tourism units with associated works – at land adjoining Pipeyard Lane Works, Pipeyard Lane, Newbold Coleorton, Leics.

BTA PARTNERSHIP (c/o: 47 Market Street, Ashby de la Zouch, Leics. LE65 1AG) – Change of use of first and second floors to 2 new flats – at 47 Market Street, Ashby de la Zouch, Leics. LE65 1AG.

BTA PARTNERSHIP (c/o: 49 & 49a Market Street, Ashby de la Zouch, Leics. LE65 1AG) – Change of use of first and second floors to 2 new flats – at 49 & 49a Market Street, Ashby de la Zouch, Leics. LE65 1AG.

Fisher German Promotions Property consultancy makes 24 promotions across East

Midlands offices

A PROPERTY consultancy has made 24 promotions across its offices in the East Midlands following a period of growth.

Fisher German has promoted 19 colleagues at its head office in Ashby, while five have been promoted at its Market Harborough offices.

Three have been named as partners – Louise Duffin and James Watson at Market Harborough, and Richard Gadd at Ashby, while seven people have also progressed within the partnership.

At Ashby, Matthias Charlton becomes associate partner, Joanne Ziemelis becomes senior associate, while Antonia Wyatt, Emma Pattisson, Hannah Price and Robert Webster have been promoted to associate.

Bev Cowley becomes PR manager, Joanne Morton becomes senior administrator, Katy Bregazzi becomes senior GIS technician, Emily Weston becomes senior planner, and Joanna Grew is now people system officer.

Further promotions at the Market Harborough office include Harry Edwards, who becomes associate partner, Matthew Trembath, who is now an associate, and Julia Dilworth, who becomes a senior estate administrator.

The promotions in Market Harborough come after a recent move for the team to a new office at Welland Business Park after being based in the town’s high street for decades.

Louise, who joined Fisher German as a graduate in 2001, advises a variety of clients across Leicestershire, Rutland and beyond on estate management, and regularly works with Fisher German’s development and planning teams on major projects.

She heads up a team of seven and is hopeful of attracting new surveyors into the company now she has been invited into the partnership.

Louise said: “It’s fantastic I have joined the partnership after working my way up through Fisher German since joining right after I finished my degree.

Walton-on-Trent development opportunity

Louise Duffin has been named as a partner at Fisher German

“Fisher German has always supported me in my career from day one, and for me to have the opportunity to become a partner despite working part-time shows the faith in me and in what I can do for the company.

“It’s great that 24 of us have been promoted across the East Midlands, and this reflects the strength of the team in the region.

“I am excited to help bring in new talent to our new office in Market Harborough, help them grow their careers, and continue the excellent advisory work we provide for our clients every day.”

The news follows Fisher German’s merger with Matthews & Goodman in June last year – a deal which has created one of the largest providers of multidisciplinary property services in the UK, with 28 offices and a turnover approaching £60 million.

FISHER GERMAN are offering for sale a traditional farmhouse and outbuildings with planning consent (DMPA/2022/0711) for conversion to 7 dwellings.

The property – Manor Farm, Drakelow Road, Walton-on-Trent, Swadlincote DE12 8NB - is being offered at a guide price of £825,000.

For further details, contact Fisher German on 01530 410840 or email: centralagency@fishergerman.co.uk

Sell That Plot!

The thief who stole my diary just died. My thoughts are with his family.

Gospel Hall in Lincoln

BROWN & CO JH Walter Estate Agents are offering for sale the Former Gospel Hall at Long Leys Road, Lincoln LN1 1EQ.

The property comprises a single storey hall with brick walls and steel frame roof that sits on a site of 1.14 acres.

The floor area is approximately 6,000 sq.feet with a large amphitheatre in the centre with seating for around 500 people.

The tarmacked site has parking for around 150 vehicles. To the right of the site is a detached house also owned by the vendor, and available by separate negotiation.

The site currently has outline planning consent (ref: 2020/0419/OUT) for 10 dwellings, with no Section 106 contributions.

The Guide Price is £650,000.

For more information, or to arrange a viewing, contact James Cameron at Brown & Co JH Walter on 01522 457172 or email: james.cameron@brownco.com

Oadby & Wigston

MR TOBY MORRISON (c/o Agent: Anthony Jones, Halford Jones Architecture Limited, 34A Park Hill Drive, Leicester LE2 8HR) –Conversion of existing building into 3 residential units plus alterations to external elevations – at 91-93 London Road, Oadby, Leicester LE2 5DP.

MR SHARMA (c/o Agent: Design Studio Architects Limited, Regent House, 7 Upper King Street, Leicester LE1 6XB) Change of use of existing office to one rental shop and 2 apartments above with elevation alterations and loft conversion with dormer – at 91 Blaby Road, Wigston, Leicester LE18 4PB.

Blaby District

MR MITESH RATHOD (c/o: Jelson Limited, 370 Loughborough Road, Leicester LE4 5PR) – Environmental Impact Assessment Screening Opinion relating to proposed residential development of up to 200 dwellings – at land at Croft Road, Cosby, Leicester.

MR D HARRISON (c/o Agent: Richard Newey, Brown & Co, 5 Geoff Monk Way, Birstall, Leicester LE4 3BU) – Outline planning application for 3 dwellings – at land at Earl Shilton Road, Thurlaston, Leics. LE9 7TG.

MR LEWIS (c/o Agent: Mr Chris May, Howes Percival, 3 The Osiers Business Park, Laversall Way, Braunstone Town, Leics. LE19 1DX) – Outline application for up to 9 serviced plots for self-build and custom housebuilding – at land at, and to the rear of, 6 Roundhill, Kirby Muxloe, Leicester LE9 2DY.

North Northants.

MR BLERIM HIDA (c/o Agent: Lloyd Whitmore Architectural, 10 Catchland Close, Corby, Northants. NN18 8NR) – Conversion and ground floor extension to side and rear of existing three-bedroom semidetached dwelling to 3 one-bedroom flats – at 2 Sargent Road, Corby, Northants. NN18 9LX.

SMART A MOVE (c/o Agent: Miss Katherine Davis, Blueprint Architectural Design, 5 Blotts Barn Business Centre, Brooks Road, Raunds, Northants. NN9 6NS)

– Conversion of building into 10 residential flats, proposed roof lights, and landscaping work to the front , new retaining wall, steps and bin store – at Independent Wesleyan Church, High Street, Rushden, Northants. NN10 0PJ.

Regional housebuilder appoints new Land Manager

HOUSEBUILDER Allison Homes has appointed a new Land Manager to its central region, to help secure new land opportunities across the Midlands.

Sophie Kendal is based at Allison Homes’ group head office and central regional office in Bourne, Lincolnshire. She joined the company after previously working for two large PLC housebuilders in Cambridgeshire, in both Land Manager and Land Buyer roles. Prior to her working career, Sophie graduated from Leeds Beckett University with a degree in Human Geography and Town Planning.

As Land Manager, Sophie will be responsible for seeking out new land opportunities for the region and establishing strong relationships with agents and landowners. Day-to-day, Sophie replies to new land enquiries, reviews layouts ahead of acquisitions, meets with agents and landowners, and visits potential sites.

Sophie, from Stamford, said: “My role is really varied with no day ever being the same, which is so exciting. As part of my job, the team and I work very closely with solicitors to enable a swift and seamless acquisition.

“Everyone at Allison Homes is so welcoming and friendly, it’s a really great place to work and grow my career. In the Land department, we rely on receiving information from our Technical, Commercial and Sales teams, so having good working relationships with other members of the Allison Homes family is vital.

“The majority of my experience has been within the geographical areas of Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire, so some of the locations that I will be covering at Allison Homes will be new to me. I’m really looking forward to branching out to these new areas, and to be playing an important part in the growth aspirations of Allison Homes. My goal is to acquire flagship sites for the region.”

John Anderson, CEO of Allison Group, said: “Sophie has joined Allison Homes at a hugely exciting time, as we are continuing to expand our central region and strengthen the Allison name.

“We are thrilled to have Sophie working alongside us to achieve our ambitious growth plans. She has brought a wealth of expertise and passion with her to the role, and we’re looking forward to seeing her thrive as Land Manager.”

site in Nether

BENTONS are offering for sale a development site with planning permission for three dwellings at Middle Lane, Nether Broughton, Near Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE14 3HD. The planning reference is 17/00950/OUT, and the development has planning in perpetuity with aspects of drainage already started.

Guide Price: £750,000.

For more information, contat Bentons on 01664 563892 or email: sales@bentons.co.uk

Period office building with city centre parking

ANDREW & ASHWELL are offering for sale an attractive self-contained Grade II Listed three-storey office building, with residential conversion potential, subject to planning.

The property – Berkeley House, Regent Street, Leicester LE1 7BR – comprises a mixture of open plan and cellular office accommodation, in addition to a large reception area, with staff facilities and WCs provided at each level.

Car parking is available via a large selfcontained courtyard at the front of the building, with a total of 41 demised spaces currently provided.

The premises are available on a freehold basis with a guide price of £1,650,000 plus VAT.

Alternatively, the property is available by way of a new lease, on a full repairing and insuring basis, for a period to be agreed, at a rent of £150,000 per annum excl. VAT is applicable to the rent and will be charged.

For more information, or to arrange a viewing appointment, contact Joe Dodd at Andrew & Ashwell on 07541 637028 or email: jpd@andash.co.uk

Sophie Kendal is a new Land Manager at Allison Homes

Travis Perkins hails “resilient first quarter” as total sales decline in challenging market conditions

BUILDERS’ MERCHANT Travis Perkins says it has delivered “a resilient first quarter trading performance” despite total sales declining by 2.8% amid challenging market conditions.

The Northampton-headquartered company highlighted that trading volumes in the Merchanting business were impacted by weakness in the new build housing and domestic repair, maintenance and improvement (RMI) markets.

The commercial, industrial and public sector markets, which represent just under half of the group’s end market exposure, saw more resilient demand. Overall, Merchanting total sales were down by 4.7% in the quarter.

Nick Roberts, Chief Executive, said: “As we had anticipated, trading conditions were challenging in the first quarter but our diverse exposure across the construction sector has enabled us to deliver a resilient performance. The timely actions taken to prepare our businesses for a lower demand environment mean that we continue to expect to deliver a full year performance in line with market expectations.

“We are focused on ensuring the right balance between cost and capital discipline and investing to deliver against our strategic priorities. The growth opportunities provided by the need to decarbonise the UK’s built environment, improve the energy efficiency of public and private buildings and increase the UK’s housing stock remain significant.

“Allied to our strategy of expanding value-added services in the Merchant businesses and maximising the growth potential of Toolstation, these structural drivers leave the group well placed for future outperformance.”

My wife keeps complaining about having a headache that won’t go away. I keep telling her that I have a name.

CAUSHAJ BROTHERS PROPERTY

(c/o Agent: Jonathan Sidey, Sidey Design Associates, 10 Market Square, Higham Ferrers, Northants. NN10 8BT) – Change of use to create 2 flats – at 45 Moor Road, Rushden, Northants. NN10 9SP.

GREENHOUSE RUSHDEN

LIMITED (c/o Agent: Steve Bratby, VJS Projects Limited, 2nd Floor, 181 Queensway, Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK2 2DZ) – Part demolition of existing factory boundary walls and new build development of 14 dwellings with associated access, car parking, refuse storage and landscaping – at Factory at Oakley Road, Rushden, Northants. NN10 9XA.

MS NAOMI PERSELLI (c/o

Agent: Miss Philipa Bateman, Strutt & Parker, Unit 5 South View, Tinwell Road, Stamford) – Outline application for conversion of traditional underutilised agricultural buildings to 4 dwellings – at Manor Farm, Stoke Doyle, Oundle.

FORTRESS EIGHT LIMITED

(c/o Agent: Mr Miles Stephenson, Fortress Estates, Glatton Hall, Glatton PE28 5RS) – Conversion of the former working men’s club into 8 two-bedroom apartments and 5 one-bedroom apartments – at 1 Scarborough Street, Irthlingborough, Northants. NN9 5TT.

EAST MIDLANDS ACADEMY

TRUST (c/o Agent: Thomas DarwallSmith, Keystone Planning Limited, International House, Holborn Viaduct, London EC1A 2BN) –Demolition of the existing sports hall, a new sports hall to Sports England design standards, refurbishment of the existing sports hall to provide changing facilities, dance studio, teaching and group rooms and other support facilities for school and community use – at Prince William School, Herne Road, Oundle, Northants. PE8 4BS.

GOLD LEAF PROPERTY INVESTMENTS (c/o Agent: Jonathan Sidey, Sidey Design Associates, 10 Market Square, Higham Ferrers, Northants. NN10 8BT) – Change of use to create 3 one-bed flats – at 67-71 High Street, Rushden, Northants. NN10 0QE.

South Derbyshire

THORPE DEVELOPMENTS

LIMITED (c/o Agent: George James, Lathams, 1 College Place, Derby DE1 3DY) – Change of use of agricultural buildings to dwellinghouses – at Stonehouse Farm, Ashby Road, Woodville, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE11 7BP.

Planning Inspectorate accepts rail hub plans

THE PLANNING Inspectorate has accepted the application for the Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange, despite serious concerns raised by Blaby District Council.

The application, from Tritax Symmetry, was initially submitted in February before being withdrawn for further work then resubmitted to the Planning Inspectorate on 17 March.

The Council submitted an Adequacy of Consultation Representation for both the first and second submissions. This commented on whether Tritax had complied with the relevant legislation and on its approach to the consultation process.

The Council raised major issues with the consultation, saying it had not been adequate. It said there were failures to provide accurate detail and mitigation on impacts on highways and the landscape, as well as the extra barrier down time at Narborough Level Crossing in terms of its effects on both traffic congestion and air quality for residents. However, the Planning Inspectorate decided to accept the application and will now begin assessing the plans, with the project moving into the preexamination phase.

During the next few months stakeholders, including the public, will be asked for their views. A six-month long examination phase will follow, starting in the latter half of this year.

While Blaby District Council will comment on the application it cannot make the final decision – the scheme is of such scale and national importance it will be determined by the Secretary of State for Transport.

The huge scheme, earmarked for 662 acres of land between the M69 and the Leicester to Birmingham railway line, falls mainly within the boundary of Blaby District Council, south-west of Elmesthorpe village.

The development would reach to the fringes of Burbage Common in Hinckley and Bosworth Borough if it is permitted - the size of it would swallow up Burbage Common three times over.

The design includes a railport able to deal with as many as 16 trains up to 775m long per day, with areas for container storage and cranes for loading and unloading shipping containers from trains and lorries.

If approved, there will be up to 850,000sq m of warehouse and ancillary buildings, including the scope for some buildings to be directly rail connected if required. Also planned is a lorry park, a new A47 link road and south facing slip roads onto the M69.

Cat Hartley, Planning and Strategic Growth Group Manager at Blaby District Council, said: “We are disappointed the Planning Inspectorate have decided to accept this application in spite of our long-held and ongoing concerns. We will continue to scrutinise Tritax Symmetry’s proposals and present our views to the Planning Inspectorate as the application process continues.”

Substantial city centre religious/community building

ANDREW & ASHWELL are offering for sale a substantial Listed religious/ community building constructed and opened in 1909.

The property – Guild Hall, Colton Street, Leicester LE1 1QB – has a total floor area of 4,606 sq.feet.

The main entrance provides a small foyer with double doors providing access into the main hall. A commercial kitchen, WCs, offices and storeroom facilities area available to the left side of the building, in addition to a courtyard. A staircase to the right side of the property provides access to the upper level balcony, which overlooks the main hall.

The freehold of the property is available at a guide price of £500,000. For more information, or to arrange a viewing, contact Kelvin Wilson on 07702 369 280 or email: kww@andash.co.uk

MR ROBERT MYCOCK (c/o Agent: Duncan Scott, Vale Architecture, Gale House, 15 Melton Road, Waltham-on-the-Wolds, Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE14 4AJ) –Demolition of existing derelict three-storey house and farm buildings, and formation of detached four-bedroom house, renovation of brick barn to detached four-bed house and erection of 3 twobedroom affordable housing units – at Flint Mill Farm, Rosliston Road, Drakelow, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE15 9UE.

HOLDCROFT & SONS (c/o Agent: James Flier, Flier Williamson Limited, Unit 1 & 2, Windlehill Farm, Tythe Barn Lane, Sutton on the Hill, Ashbourne, Derbyshire DE6 5JH) –Outline application for the erection of 2 dwellinghouses – at Grange Farm, Repton Road, Newton Solney, Burton on Trent DE15 0SG.

Rushcliffe

UNIPER (c/o Agent: Anthony Devonish, Uniper Technologies Limited, Technology Centre, Ratcliffe-on-Soar, Nottingham NG11 0EE) – Demolition of the two southernmost Cooling Towers – at Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station, Green Street, Ratcliffeon-Soar, Nottinghamshire NG11 0EE.

MR PHILIP EDSON (c/o Agent: Bruce Bradley Architect, 51 Ella Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 5GX) – Demolition of existing joinery workshops and erection of 2 detached dwellings – at T Edson & Sons Limited, Main Road, Plumtree, Nottinghamshire NG12 5NB.

GSTWB LIMITED (c/o Agent: Bob Woollard, Planning and Design Group, Pure Offices, Sherwood Park, Nottingham NG15 0DT) – Change of use to 4 dwellings – at Former Faith in Families Offices, 5-11 Colwick Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 5FR.

MR STEVE CUTHBERT (c/o Agent: Mr Finnegan Hulbert, Bower Mattin & Young Limited, Suite 20 Beechfield House, Winterton Way, Lyme Green, Macclesfield SK11 0LP) – Erection of 4 detached dwellings plus alterations to access and associated planning – at land east of Farmer Street, Bradmore, Nottinghamshire.

LOUGHBOROUGH’S PERMAROCK EXPANDS BOARD AS TURNOVER DOUBLES

THE appointment of two new board directors has been announced at one of the UK’s leading external wall insulation (EWI) and specialist render system designers, manufacturers, and suppliers, PermaRock, which operates nationally out of Loughborough.

Both longstanding employees, Nigel Watson and Kieran Loftus join the board bringing a combined three decades of experience as the company looks to double its turnover to £12 million this year. The appointments recognise the capabilities of the new board directors, who have both progressed through the business to operate within senior management roles at PermaRock.

Nigel Watson becomes operations director following a quarter century with the business. Joining the business in 1996, Nigel has held several key operational roles at PermaRock, building up targeted commercial insight to help drive the company forward.

Meanwhile, Kieran Loftus becomes logistics director, having originally joined the business more than 15 years ago. Throughout that time, he has used his extensive experience from across the textiles and waste sectors, playing an instrumental role in the growth of the business over recent years.

Sean Waldrum, managing director at PermaRock, who has also been with the business for 34 years, said: “Our business philosophy brings performance and experience together with quality and innovation, and this is really reflected in Nigel and Kieran’s appointments to the board. They both bring incredible strengths that help us improve and expand our services and develop our systems even further.”

My wife says we should split up because I keep pretending I’m a detective. I said good idea, we can cover more ground that way.

OBITUARY Frederick Lorn Fitchett

(1921-2023)

FREDERICK LORN FITCHETT (Fred) was the son of George Fitchett, a blacksmith in Ratby, and Carmen Richardson, the daughter of a Ratby hosier.

They emigrated to Alberta, Canada in 1911 where they started a farm on the prairie and where Fred was born in December 1921, the youngest of eight children. Carmen returned to Ratby with young Fred in 1923 where they lived at Woodbank Villa in Stamford Street.

Fred attended Ratby Primary School, leaving at age 14 determined to be a builder. Starting at the bottom as an enthusiastic labourer for builder William (Billy) Smith in Glenfield during the 1930s economic depression, he quickly progressed, achieving top marks in the City & Guilds exams for bricklaying at the Leicester Technical College.

World War II interrupted his progress. He joined the local Home Guard and then the Royal Air Force shortly after the Battle of Britain hoping to fly Spitfires but, by his own admission, it was fortunate for him that he was accepted only for ground duties such as airfield defence and aircraft servicing. Nevertheless he saw plenty of action with 30 Squadron in North Africa and South Asia, having several narrow escapes, before settling down to civilian, family life in Groby in 1945. There was much building to do and a business to start.

For many years his company, F.L.Fitchett (Contractors) Ltd, operated from the Groby ‘wharf’, a derelict industrial area owned by the Groby Granite Company and formerly used as a tarmacadam plant and maintenance base for the mineral railway. The office was a small, old whitewashed building, the joiners’ workshop a disused railway engine shed until redevelopment took place in the early 1970s.

Fred was generally recognised as a good employer who insisted on good workmanship. He and his men built many council houses at Sileby in the early 1950s, but Groby would soon become the focus of his attention (incidentally his elder brother Neville built at Markfield).

DO YOU RECOGNISE ANY OF THESE STALWARTS OF THE BUILDING TRADE?

Only a few are known to the author. Those I know are John Roland Fitchett (extreme left), Keith Gamble (centre left with glasses), Neville Richardson Fitchett (back row, right with glasses), Frederick Chiswell (next to Neville), Leslie Parsons (extreme right), possibly Ronald O Willett and Thomas Goddard in the front group.

He started with the Martinshaw estate in the mid 1950s on land bought from farmer Ambrose Crane of Groby. Woodbank Road was named after his childhood home in Ratby, Carmen Grove and Hilary Crescent after his mother and daughter respectively.

In the 1960s the Branting Hill Estate was built. Then work started on the Groby estate that extends from the Ratby Road to Pymm Ley Lane followed by the wharf area, the old granite quarry and Ratby Road.

In 1982, owing to ill health, he sold his company to Bloor Homes and retired to the village of Monchique in Portugal for a well-earned rest and recovery from his illness. He learned Portuguese well enough to integrate fully into the local community. After recovery, his irrepressible spirit and passion for property development drove him to start building again in a small way until he discovered writing as an alternative outlet for his creativity. Writing a fictional family saga based on his life experiences kept him happily occupied for many years thereafter.

Fred was keen on sport. As a young man he played football and boxed for 30 Squadron, though he quickly gave up boxing for the sake of his health! Later he enjoyed riding horses and flying gliders, achieving the international Gold Badge standard for gliding. His life stories are legion. In addition to his legacy of building in the Groby locality, Frederick leaves a partner, two children, two grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

Bernard Fitchett, son

Wigston property with previous consent for 20 flats

ASTON & CO Estate Agents are inviting offers over £650,000 for a property in Canal Street, South Wigston.

Forming part of the original Grand Hotel, The Dance Hall was converted into high quality residential accommodation in circa 2013.

Planning permission was previously granted for around 20 1 bedroom flats over three floors, which the selling agents are advised meet the current minimum size requirements. A further planning application was approved, but not activated, to convert the property to commercial status to use as office space.

The opportunity presents itself to purchase the converted property (currently a 4/5 bedroom property) with garden and land.

New owners have the opportunity to purchase the property as a contemporary family home, or to develop the site, either as residential, commercial, or a mixed use, (subject to the relevant Planning Permission) to release the potential in this very versatile site.

For more information, contact Aston & Co on 0116 2883872 or email: info@astonandco.co.uk

weren’t even

St. Modwen Logistics reveals £59m second phase of St. Modwen Park Derby

ST. MODWEN Logistics, the logistics developers and managers and a Blackstone portfolio company, has invested almost £60m to develop an additional c. 350,000 sq ft of new warehouse space at St. Modwen Park Derby.

Due for completion in 2024, this next phase will see St Modwen Logistics and Winvic Construction Ltd deliver a new 147,000 sq ft warehouse which has already been pre-let.

Four additional new buildings totalling c. 200,000 sq ft will also be developed to help meet increased occupier demand for mid-sized industrial and logistics units in the East Midlands.

Fred (second from right) with his staff pictured during a works outing to Skegness in the 1950s

Fred pictured on the balcony of his home in Portugal

Building plot in Stoney Stanton

CASTLE ESTATES

PROPOSED GROUND FLOOR PLAN

, Cosby, LE9 1SH Cambridge Road

are offering for sale a large single building plot with full planning permission (ref: 21/0803/FUL) for an up to six-bedroom dormer style bungalow with an integral garage and a further garage. The plot – at The Reading Rooms, Hinckley Road, Stoney Stanton, Leics. LE9 4LJ – is being offered at a guide price of £250,000.

For more information, contact Castle Estates on 01455 617997 or email: info@castles-online.co.uk

FOR SALE BY INFORMAL TENDER BASED ON A GUIDE OF £850,000 A great development opportunity to purchase The Mount in Cosby, an imposing three storey detached house occupying a plot extending to approximately one acre. The Mount requires extensive modernisation and would make a stunning family home once completed. Planning consent has been granted for the construction of two large detached houses in the gardens. Full details of the consent can be viewed at the blaby district council planning portal. https://pa.blaby.gov.uk/onlineapplications/. The planning reference is 22/0062/FUL.

Development opportunity in Cosby

The property and land are being sold by way of an informal tender process.

Planning Particulars and Location of Development Erection of 2 detached dwellings with associated parking, access and infrastructure (to include demolition of existing garage building and retention of existing dwelling)

READINGS Property Group are offering for sale The Mount at Cambridge Road, Cosby, Leicester LE9 1SH.

PROPOSED FIRST FLOOR PLAN

The Mount Ground Floor Entrance vestibule, Reception Hall, 3.63m x 4.79m max, Cloak/WC,  Lounge 4.40m x 4.78m, Sitting Room 4.25m x 4.63m, Breakfast Room 3.93m x 3.68m, Kitchen 3.79m x 3.04m.

The Mount First floor Landing 3.56m x 1.96m, Bedroom 1, 4.27m x 4.79m, Bedroom 2, 4.71m x 4.04m, Bedroom 3, 4.27m x 3.69m, Bedroom 4, 3.53m x 2.87m, Bathroom, Walk in sotore.

This imposing three-storey detached house requires extensive modernisation and would make a stunning family home once completed. Planning permission (ref: 22/0062/FUL) has been granted for the construction of two large detached houses in the gardens.

For sale by informal tender, based on a guide of £850,000. For more information, or to arrange a viewing, contact Readings on 0116 222 7575.

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Further £1.75m available to improve homes

SOUTH DERBYSHIRE

District Council has secured funding and been given the greenlight to invest a further £1.75m on its social housing stock from wave 2.1 of the Social Housing Decarbonisation fund.

The new investment comes in addition to the £1.6m which is already in use to improve the energy efficiency of Councilowned homes across the District - approximately 80 houses have already benefitted from a range of insulation and other improvements.

The £1.6m was made available through the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and this latest sum has been secured through the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero with a 50% match contribution from the Council. This will mean that by 2025 a total of £3.35m will have been invested to improve the energy efficiency of social housing stock in South Derbyshire.

Paul Whittingham, South Derbyshire District Council’s Head of Housing said: “This additional money being made available and the continued investment in our housing stock is great news.

“Not only will it enable energy efficiency improvements to be undertaken on many people’s homes, saving occupants a considerable amount on fuel bills, but residents will benefit if any ventilation works are needed - preventing any future issues occurring and keeping the building in good order.

“This new investment and subsequent works will allow us to ensure Council residents can enjoy a well-ventilated and energy efficient home for years to come.”

Derby Permission sought to create homes in former mill building

PLANS HAVE BEEN submitted to Derby City Council to transform the dilapidated former Osmaston Works in the city into a development containing more than 100 homes.

Mill owners ALB Group want to fully regenerate the site, creating much-needed housing for the area, as well as a three-storey office block.

The imposing mill building, built in the late 19th Century, will be retained and converted into 64 one- and two-bedroom apartments, complete with a ground floor gym area.

Meanwhile, the surrounding industrial units will be demolished to make way for two further apartment blocks, six small family homes, an office block and associated parking and cycle stores.

It is hoped that once planning approval is received, construction work will begin next year.

It is envisaged that the mill apartments will attract young professionals, while the twobedroom terraced houses at the rear, complete with private gardens, will be aimed at families.

Address ..........................................................................................

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Explore new ideas and deepen your understanding in the education programme. And connect with other like-minded professionals focused on delivering innovation and technology for the built environment.

20 new jobs created as MKM Nottingham opens

NOTTINGHAM Forest great Mark Crossley and local philanthropist and boxing coach Dr Marcellus Baz (BEM) were the special guests for the grand opening of MKM Nottingham.

The UK’s largest independent builder’s merchant invited the two local heroes to mark the branch officially opening its doors to the trade and public.

To kick-off celebrations and highlight MKM’s commitment to the local community, the branch has pledged its ongoing support to Mark’s W.A.T.C.H Foundation (Walking and Talking Charity Hikes / #Walkingsbrilliant) with an initial donation of £1,000.

And to deliver another knock-out punch, MKM Nottingham’s Branch Directors Gavin Moody and Sam Shipman also presented a cheque of £1,000 to Baz, the founder and CEO of Switch Up Nottingham, a charity that exists to empower Nottingham’s young people, children and adults to break the cycle of offending and reoffending.

Gavin Moody, Branch Director at MKM Nottingham, said: “As a local, independent business, we are extremely passionate about our local community. That’s why we are delighted to celebrate the official opening of our new branch with the announcement of these two partnerships.

“Mark’s a local legend in these parts and W.A.T.C.H – a non-profit organisation, has already raised up to £200k for a number of local good causes, whilst at the same time promoting the importance of mental health support.

“We also wanted to pledge our commitment to Switch Up Nottingham and the amazing work that Baz and his charity do in the local community. The hard work, dedication and passion that Baz has for helping others, driven by his own adversity and the power of boxing, is truly inspirational.

“The charity makes such a huge difference to the lives of the people they touch, so we are looking forward to supporting Switch Up Nottingham and playing our part in making a difference in the local area too.”

Marcellus Baz (BEM) said: “My team and I are grateful to MKM Nottingham for choosing us as its charity partner. Aligning with local and like-minded businesses is essential in creating opportunities for the young people we support, both through funding but also through connections with the city’s employers.”

Open to both the trade and general public, MKM Nottingham is a purpose built, state-of-the-art builder’s merchant that is conveniently located on a 1.9 acre site just off the A612 in Colwick.

Creating 20 new jobs in the area, the branch provides an extensive range of building materials, plumbing and heating, timber, landscaping, joinery and more. The branch also boasts a kitchen and bathroom showroom and outdoor landscaping display, which showcases all the latest designs, colours and trends.

Did Bruno Mars end up catching that grenade because I haven’t heard from in a

Call for tradespeople to install dashcams to prevent tool theft

TRADESPEOPLE are being urged to install dashcams to deter thieves as it is revealed that tool theft has cost the industry billions in losses.

Road safety technology providers at Road Angel have warned tradespeople to protect their vehicles else risk losing their livelihoods, given the growing concern of tool theft rates.

Shockingly, reports show that 78% of tradespeople have had their tools stolen, with just 1% having their equipment returned.

Even if they are insured for equipment loss, having a stolen van or tools will severely impact tradies, as they’re unable to work and make a steady income.

From sourcing replacement equipment to rebooking appointments or paying for damage and repairs, theft can severely impact tradespeople’s jobs and mental health.

Experts at Road Angel are calling for tradespeople to install dash cams that offer a ‘parking mode’ in their vehicles to protect themselves against theft.

Parking mode means the dashcam will keep recording footage even when the vehicle’s engine is off.

It means a vehicle can have 24-hour protection even when the engine is off and parked up, something which is really important for tradespeople who have to leave their vans parked in unknown areas or down the street out of sight.

Parking mode on dashcams works by using a series of motion sensors which detect vibrations or a sudden change in direction, so they will begin to record footage if it detects a thief trying to break in.

To find out more about how to protect vans and equipment from being stolen, please visit https://www. roadangelgroup.com/.

More steps taken to preserve Harborough’s important heritage assets

SOME OF THE Harborough district’s most historically significant buildings and places are being preserved for future generations thanks to the council.

A new addition to the list is the Former Station, Great Glen. Built as part of the Midland Railway London extension from Leicester to Hitchin which opened in May 1857

Within the Harborough District there is a wealth of nationally recognised heritage assets with 1,284 listed buildings, six historic parks and gardens, 65 scheduled monuments and 63 conservation areas, all of which are designated heritage assets and protected through national legislation.

Last year Harborough District Council also established a list of local sites of interest, known as ‘non-designated heritage assets’, which are deemed worthy of protection due to their historic, architectural or archaeological interest. Now 11 new entries have been added to the initial list.

‘Designated heritage assets’ can include World Heritage Sites, listed buildings, conservation areas and scheduled monuments; and ‘non-designated’ assets are sites identified by the local authority as having local interest.

A non-designated heritage list is a way for the council and communities to identify and celebrate historic buildings, archaeological sites and designed landscapes which enrich and enliven the area.

Once identified, assets are scored and if they meet the criteria, they are included on the Harborough District Council Local List of nondesignated heritage assets which, as well as helping to preserve them for the future, can attract tourism, business and investment.

Many of the new entries were nominated by members of the public. The council is again asking people to nominate assets for inclusion in the list. Assets can also be identified through Conservation Area Appraisals or Neighbourhood Planning.

The following are the new entries to the Local List, which will be added to annually:

• The Tower House, Main Street, Gumley

• Claybrooke School, Main Road, Claybrooke Parva

• Former Station, Great Glen

• Railway Bridge, Broughton Lane, Leire and Railway Bridge Leire Road/ Frolesworth Road

• 24-34 Lutterworth Road, Walcote

• Gate Piers to Former Bitteswell Hall, Hall Lane, Bitteswell

• Former Magistrates’ Court Doddridge Road, Market Harborough

• Park House, Park Drive, Market Harborough

• Cemetery Chapels and Cemetery Lodge, Northampton Road, Market Harborough

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The Former Station at Great Glen

Small station, originally called Glen, built as part of the Midland Railway London extension from Leicester to Hitchin which opened in May 1857. The Illustrated London News of 23 May 1857 described stations on this line as ‘ornamental and picturesque’ which highlights the level of investment and pride in the extension.

Great Glen station (renamed in 1897) closed in 1964. The station shows the transformative impact of the expansion of the railways.

Inclusion on the list does not mean it is open to the public. People can read more and view photos of all the heritage assets on the council’s website at: https://www.harborough. gov.uk/downloads/file/7801/ local_list_information_and_criteria_ march_2023

Work is underway on the next new additions to the Local List. Anyone who wants the council to consider a site or building for future inclusion in the list can email planningpolicy@ harborough.gov.uk

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.

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 Development Is Over Half Way To Completion

Stirlin Construction completes £1.8m HQ for Duncan & Toplis

DEVELOPER Barratt Homes has sold its 50th property on the second phase of a new housing development in Hugglescote, as the neighbourhood continues to take shape.

Barratt Homes is building a range of three, four and five bedroom homes at Grange View, off Grange Road, with over 40% of the properties on the second phase of the development now sold.

The developer is encouraging potential buyers to visit the development, with site and show home tours available to those who book appointments with its Sales Advisers.

Grange View lies on the outskirts of Hugglescote, close to the River Sense, which means residents can connect with nature at the nearby National Forest and enjoy the public greens on their doorstep.

Traditional family-owned shops are in close proximity, as well as high street favourites, cafes and plenty of supermarkets nearby for day-to-day convenience.

For those seeking leisure facilities, Whitwick and Coalville Leisure Centre has recently opened to the public and is located just over two miles from the development. The 850-acre Bradgate Park is also located less than 10 miles from Grange View in northwest Leicester.

Developers Barratt Homes North Midlands and David Wilson Homes East Midlands have injected more than £3.8 million of investment into the local community, to help improve local facilities and infrastructure around the development.

There are plenty of schemes house hunters can use to help them when reserving a property at a Barratt Homes development, including Part Exchange and Movemaker, both of which are designed to make the moving process that much simpler for buyers.

LINCOLN-BASED Stirlin Construction, part of Stirlin Group, has completed a new £1.8million headquarters in Louth, Lincolnshire, for accounting and business adviser Duncan & Toplis.

Oxley House is located on the Fairfield Industrial Estate on Lincoln Way and brings 10,000 sq. ft. of premium office space to the town.

The two-storey building includes open-plan office spaces, meeting rooms, kitchen facilities and a reception area. Sustainable elements of the project include EV charging points and a renewable energy solar system to the roof.

The ground floor is now the home of the Louth team of Duncan & Toplis and the first floor is occupied by Wilkin Chapman Solicitors.

After reaching capacity at its previous office, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire-based Duncan & Toplis appointed Stirlin as principal contractor, to develop a contemporary headquarters with sustainability and accessibility at the forefront of its design.

Howard Griffith, head of construction at Stirlin, said: “Oxley House is a fantastic example of Stirlin Construction delivering the design, and build, of a fit-for-purpose new facility, on time and on budget - and we are thrilled with the result.

“We worked closely with our long-standing client at Duncan & Toplis to design a premises that would provide a contemporary workspace to accommodate its growing team.

Other partners on the project include Lincoln-based CRM advisors Hunt & Sykes, John Roberts Architects and structural engineer Steve Gilman Design, and Newark-based civil engineer William Saunders.

Independent Timber Merchant with over 90 years experience

Hinckley:

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