Redevelopment opportunity in Leicester City Centre: £1million INNES ENGLAND are offering for sale a conversion or redevelopment opportunity situated at 37-43 Rutland Street, Leicester LE1 1RE.
The property is situated in the heart of the St George’s Cultural Quarter at the junction of Rutland Street and Queen Street, directly opposite the Curve Performing Arts Theatre. The Cultural Quarter is a highly successful regeneration project which has delivered the Curve, created work spaces for artists/designers in the LCB Depot and Phoenix Square, the new Digital Media Centre. The property comprises a period Grade II Listed building of 18,496 sq.feet over six floors suitable for conversion or redevelopment, subject to planning permission. Previous planning permissions granted (now lapsed) include: No. 20040778 - Change of use of ground floor and basement to restaurant; No. 20040777 - Change of use of upper parts to 17 self-contained flats; No.20080728 Change of use of upper floors to 40 bedroom hotel. Offers are invited in the region of £1,000,000. VAT is not payable on the purchase price. For further information, contact Steve Scott at Innes England on 0116 255 5455 or email: sscott@innes-england.com
Former County Arms to become sheltered accommodation Planning permission has been granted to convert the former County Arms public house in Glen Parva into sheltered accommodation. The property had become an eyesore after being targeted by vandals since its closure nearly 10 years ago. Retirement home company McCarthy & Stone has been granted approval by Blaby District Council to convert the art deco building into 65 apartments for retired people.
INSIDE THIS MONTH Tender success for Pick Everard Pick Everard has won a design and build tender with Farrans for a new £7.4m primary school in the London Borough of Redbridge. SEE PAGE 7
£14m University project gets the go-ahead BDP Manchester’s Planning Studio has secured full Planning and Listed Building Consent for a £14m project to transform the Grade II College Hall Listed building complex into a residential conference venue on behalf of the University of Leicester. SEE PAGE 8
Planning consent granted for 145 homes in LFE Blaby District Council has resolved to grant outline planning permission for 145 new homes on land west of Beggar’s Lane in Leicester Forest East. SEE PAGE 22
Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
I like to daydream but my mind keeps wandering.
Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
FMB Backs Government Planning Reforms The Government needs to stick to its guns and carry out its intended reforms to the planning system, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in its response to the Government’s consultation on the draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). Brian Berry, Director of External Affairs at the FMB, said: “The Government’s planning reform proposals strike the right balance between economic growth and environmental protection. The presumption in favour of sustainable development is certainly needed if Britain is to have the homes and infrastructure that it requires. It has been unfortunate that the planning proposals have been subject to scaremongering and misinformation which has not been helpful.” Berry continued: “Environmental protection is essential to everyone’s quality of life, but it must also be accepted that jobs and housing are too, and that the planning system has to deliver the conditions to support all three. We urge the Government not to give into pressure from the antidevelopment lobby and to continue its reforms of the planning system.” Berry concluded: “Planning may not be the main factor holding back house building at the moment but it certainly was in the decade leading up to the credit crunch and it will be again when credit flows return to normal unless we act now to get reforms in place. More detail is still required to understand how the balance between development and environmental protection will work in practice and this will require constructive input from all sides.”
Loughborough detached house requiring refurbishment: £160k FRECKELTONS Estate Agents are offering for sale an extended detached house requiring some refurbishment. The property - 92 Byron Street, Loughborough, Leics. LE11 5JW - offers the foollowing accommodation: porch, hall, kitchen, lounge, dining room, ground floor shower/wc, optional bedroom/reception room, first floor landing, four bedrooms and a bathroom/wc. Outside there are gardens to the front and rear and ample off road parking to the frontage, with a single integral garage. The asking price is £160,000. For more information, contact Freckeltons on 01509 214564 or email: info@freckeltons.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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Just when I was getting used to yesterday, along comes today.
Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
HOMES SHORTAGE OF 1.4MILLION IN NEXT DECADE: NEW REPORT A new report by Savills predicts a UK wide homes shortfall of 1.4million by 2022. The latest research from the international property firm, which has an office in Nottingham, also shows how land price growth is slowing in what is an increasingly challenging operating environment.
Andrew Brentnall, Development Director at Savills Nottingham, comments: “The land market polarised in the wake of the downturn and this is a trend we expect to continue. Whilst we have seen significant recovery in interest from developers and housebuilders for sites with planning permission in areas of strong demand, the overall market conditions remain turbulent.” Greenfield land values have risen just 3.2 per cent in the last year (compared to annual growth at 15.1 per cent to the end of September 2010) and a marginal 0.2% in the third quarter. Similarly, annual urban land value growth has slowed to just 2.3 per cent year on year (from 13.3 per cent a year ago). Greenfield values remain 45% per cent below peak, while urban land is 51% per cent down. Yolande Barnes, Head of Savills Residential Research adds: “UK land values remain 45 per cent below peak, with little scope for further growth, while development viability is so fragile in many locations and particularly as UK mainstream house prices are still more than 10 per cent below their peak.” She continues: “The emphasis on ‘viability’ over ‘need’ in the emerging policy environment - the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) in particular - will compound this trend. Without sufficient incentives, and with the scaling back of public regeneration funding, the most challenging sites will be further marginalised and are likely to remain ‘underwater’ for the foreseeable future.” Uncertainty regarding future policy is adding to downward pressures on the value of sites without planning permission. Concern regarding the emerging use of the Community Infrastructure Levy is playing second fiddle to debate surrounding the NPPF but could have a significant impact on values. The levy cannot be negotiated once set by local authorities; it is therefore imperative that schedules are tested with a robust viability assessment. Melys Pritchett, a public sector specialist at Savills, adds: “Whilst many developers have been busy participating with the national consultation on the emerging NPPF, it will be the emerging CIL Charging Schedules that will catch them out if they do not engage at Local Authority level. The levies need to be set at a fair and equitable rate and it will be down to local developers and agents to provide evidence that will help to ensure realistic levies are set that do not stymie development.” “The reality of the market is that developers need quick returns on capital and we anticipate that this will continue to drive a focus on small sites,” says Barnes. “This can only mean that housing output will continue to undershoot the number of new households forming each year and we forecast that there will be a shortfall 1.4 million homes by 2022.”
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Lots of interest in Airfield Business Park
Interest in the new industrial units at Airfield Business Park, Market Harborough remains high as Loughborough-based developer and contractor, William Davis Ltd announces two new sales. Two further local businesses are relocating to the Park, which is also home to the Harborough Innovation and Business Centre. Thorpes of Great Glen Ltd (TGG), bespoke joinery specialists, has taken units M4 and M5, comprising 3,234 sq ft and will use the space for the accounts/administration function of TGG as well as a manufacturing and distribution base for its subsidiary, Fabric Systems Ltd, which manufactures and installs fabric acoustic panels. The 2,106 sq ft unit M6 has been purchased by Market Harborough–based MJ Toolmakers, specialist manufacturers of injection mould tools for the plastic and rubber industries, and will aid the
WELCOME: Stewart Kellie, development surveyor, William Davis Ltd hands Nathan McDermott (right) and Paul McDermott (left), MJ Toolmakers the key to their new industrial unit at Airfield Business Park, Market Harborough. company’s expansion. The lettings to MJ Toolmakers and Thorpes of Great Glen leave just two units available, which are offered on a freehold or leasehold basis and feature designated HGV loading areas together with on site car parking. Airfield Business Park is a 20 acre development situated on the Northern outskirts of Market Harborough. The two remaining industrial units are being jointly marketed by Andrew Granger at Andrew Granger & Co (01858 439090); Geoff Gibson at Lambert Smith Hampton (0116 255 2694) and Amanda Lawrence at Budworth Hardcastle (01536 483400).
Every time I think I’ve hit rock bottom, someone lends me a shovel.
Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
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The number of people watching is proportional to the stupidity of your actions.
Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
Full marks for Pick Everard with winning designs for £7.4m London primary school Pick Everard has won a design and build tender with Farrans for a new £7.4m primary school in the northeast London Borough of Redbridge. Pick Everard has been selected to deliver architectural design for the new building, Loxford School of Science & Technology Primary Department which will provide places for 800 pupils. The primary department building is part of a new development, providing the first, single-campus throughschool in Redbridge, filling a gap in education provision within the area giving local children a seamless education from age three to 19. Work also includes structural and civil engineering design, mechanical and electrical design and BREEAM consultancy. Pick Everard is working in partnership with Northern Ireland-based building and civil engineering contractor Farrans (Construction) Ltd, who will undertake construction work. Construction is starting on site this autumn, with completion scheduled for August 2012. Fast turnaround and spot-on design for creating a large primary department on a space-restricted site impressed the school and
The proposed Loxford School of Science & Technology Primary Department the result will be an attractive, three-story building with outdoor learning spaces on deck areas at each level and on the roof. A planning application has now been submitted. The partnership with Farrans is seen as a positive move for both firms. Farrans has recently secured a position on the Smarte East regional framework, an alliance between Essex, Hertfordshire and Suffolk County Councils, aiming for continuous improvement in public
sector capital works projects. Paul Darlow, Pick Everard Design Director, said: “We’re delighted to have been able to produce a building design that has gone together so well in a short space of time, which is down to fantastic teamwork. We look forward to seeing the new primary department building up and running. The joint success of Pick Everard and Farrans at Loxford bodes well for the possibility of partnering on projects in the future.”
Housing supply falls back
RICS September 2011 UK Housing Market Survey Key findings • Fewer vendors put their homes up for sale during September, as fears over the economy continued to impact negatively on the housing market, says the latest RICS UK Housing Market survey (11 October 2011). • New instructions, which indicate supply levels to the market, fell back during September, with 5 per cent more surveyors reporting supply of property fell rather than rose. Surveyors report fragile consumer confidence and continuing fears over the economy are causing many to think twice before putting their properties up for sale. • Despite this, new buyer enquiries actually increased marginally during September; with 3 per cent more chartered surveyors reporting an increase rather than decrease in demand (from -2 per cent). However, although surveyors note that more mortgage products are becoming available, the large deposits required by lenders continue to act as a barrier for many would-be buyers. • Stocks on surveyors’ books rose slightly during September to an average of 68.9 (from 66.9). Meanwhile, the number of sales per surveyor over the three months to August also increased fractionally, from 14.1 to an average of 14.5 (on a seasonally adjusted basis). Although the sales market remains challenging, respondents report that sales are still taking place on realistically priced properties. • The house price balance remained unchanged during September, with 23 per cent more surveyors still reporting prices fell rather than rose. Price expectations also remained unmoved from August; with a net balance of 23 per cent anticipating prices will decline rather than rise over the next three months. Every part of the UK, including London, recorded some degree of negative price expectations during September. • Only sales expectations continued to be positive for the coming months (+12 per cent), although they fell back from the previous month’s reading (+16). Surveyors predict investors in some parts of the UK will now begin to return to bricks and mortar as a haven from the turbulent financial markets. Commenting, RICS housing spokesperson, Michael Newey, said: “Falling supply of fresh stock is indicative of general fears overhanging the economy, with many potential sellers preferring to stay put for now. As a result, the UK housing market remains pretty flat with activity level generally subdued. Although it is hard to see what will give the market a lift in the near term, the announcement of a further raft of quantitative easing from the Bank of England will help to at least keep mortgage rates down. This, if nothing else, should ease the pressure on existing homeowners and limit the risk of a material pick-up in repossessions.”
Development Site In Kettering BERRY BROS. Estate Agents are offering for sale a residential development site of approximately 0.6 acres with planning consent for 5 dwellings. The site - at 11 Netherfield Road, Kettering, Northamptonshire NN15 6DY - is located in a private and secure setting just off the London Road. A copy of the Section 106 agreement is available from the agents. The freehold of the property is to be sold by private treaty with vacant possession. Unconditional offers are invited. Viewing is strictly by appointment with the agent. For more information, contact Berrys on 01536 412464 or visit www.berrybros.com
DID YOU KNOW .... that we also publish ....
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE BUILDER MAGAZINE? It’s a lot like this mag, but is mainly about the Nottinghamshire building scene. Visit www.nottinghamshirebuilder.co.uk to have a look ...
Someday we’ll look back on this, laugh nervously, and change the subject.
Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
Stoke Golding building plot with Conference venue plan for former Listed consent for a two-bed house student accommodation A building plot with Planning Permission for a 2 storey/ single storey, two bed house of character, with off road parking and garden is being offered for sale privately.
The plot - at Hinckley Road, Stoke Golding, Leicestershire - has a length of 72 metres approx. and a frontage width of 10 metres approx. which reduces to approx 6 metres at the end of the garden. Planning permission has been granted by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council (ref: 10/00245/FUL) Offers around £70,000 are invited. For more information, tel: 0116 286 4048 or mobile 07725 652048.
BDP Manchester’s Planning Studio has secured full Planning and Listed Building Consent for a £14m project to transform the Grade II College Hall Listed building complex into a residential conference venue on behalf of the University of Leicester. The application was considered by Leicester City Council’s planning committee, and members welcomed the redevelopment of this vacant site and the economic regeneration it will bring to the City. The complex was designed in the late 1950’s by renowned architects Trevor Dannatt and Sir Leslie Martin as part of the wider masterplan for the University, and served as student accommodation up until 2004. The proposed development designed by the multi-disciplinary design team of Associated Architects, Giffords, Couch Perry Wilkes, Gillespies, BWB Consulting, Gleeds and DBK comprises a high quality residential training and conference centre which will provide 4 star accommodation and state-of-the-art conference facilities able to cater for events of up to 300 delegates. This approval follows a number of other consents the BDP Planning Studio has recently secured for the University, including a Waste Transfer Facility and much needed storage facility associated with the University’s services department, and a change of use of a city centre office within the New Walk Conservation Area to academic and general university support services. www.bdp.com For more info. contact Andy Teage on Tel 0161 828 2251 and andrew. teage@bdp.com
Leicestershire estate agency receives industry licence Staff at Leicestershire estate agency and chartered surveyors Andrew Granger & Co are celebrating being awarded their latest industry qualification. The licence has been awarded by the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA), the leading professional body for estate agents which monitors the service that agencies provide across the UK. Membership of the scheme, which is by application, ensures that agencies and their staff are fully qualified and operate to the highest professional standards. “We would always advise a vendor to use an agency with an NAEA licence - even if it was one of our competitors,” comments Peter Buckingham, a partner at Andrew Granger & Co. “The licence offers peace of mind for both vendor and buyer that they are using a reputable agency with fully qualified staff. Whilst we have always ensured that we operate according to professional policy, to be awarded the licence is an additional feather in our cap and further validates the high quality of services that we provide.”
Student flats plan Four-bed semi in dropped Fleckney requires Local developer Jamie Lewis Residential has withdrawn updating proposals to demolish a Victorian factory in Leicester’s West End. The company had applied for planning permission to turn the former Great Central Wagon Repair Works in Upperton Road into an 8-storey student accommodation block.
YOUR MOVE Estate Agents are offering for sale a fourbedroomed semi-detached house at Leicester Road in Fleckney. The property is in need of some updating. Price: £140,000. For more information, contact the Blaby office of Your Move on 0116 238 0360.
Midway plot JOHN GERMAN Estate Agents are offering for sale a Derbyshire building plot with commanding rural views. The 672 sqm plot - at The Midway Farmhouse, 554 Burton Road, Midway, Derbyshire DE11 0DP - has planning permission and Listed building consent for the erection of a superior new detached house. The plot is located at the rear of Grade II Listed Midway Farmhouse and is currently a series of workshops and a yard. As part of the consent, a new double garage is to be erected for Midway Farmhouse. Price Guide: £225,000. For more information, contact John German on 01283 512244 or email: burton@johngerman.co.uk
Haymarket Theatre attracts interest Several potential developers have expressed an interest in taking over the disused Haymarket Theatre in the centre of Leicester. Leicester City Council is selling a 66-year lease on the property with a guide price of at least £500,000. A council spokeswoman told the leicester Mercury that “four or five” people had called to find out more about the property or to lodge an interest. The theatre has been empty since January 2007.
Send us your trade news please! Our readers are a nosey bunch, and they like to read about what’s happening in the local building trade. If you have some interesting news about your firm, drop us a line and we’ll mention it in a future issue. Email details to: info@ nottinghamshirebuilder.co.uk You know it makes sense!
Just for today, I will not sit in my living room all day watching TV. I will move my TV into the bedroom.
Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
REDUCE REUSE RECYCLE
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BUILDERS CONTRACTORS DEVELOPERS MANUFACTURERS MERCHANTS & SUPPLIERS
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www.surplus-match.co.uk AR Demolition Ltd Specialists in demolition and site clearance Method Statements and risk assessments carried out for each individual contract All works carried out under CDM regulations CSCS Operatives CCDO Operatives CCPS Operatives High reach excavators Low Loader Hire Plant Hire Excavations AR Demolition Ltd 36 Main Street, Carlton, Nuneaton, CV13 0EZ www.ardemolition.co.uk Please contact us on: 01455 291221 info@ardemolition.co.uk Blowing out the other fellow’s candle will not make yours shine any brighter.
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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
My wife got a mud pack and looked great for two days. Then the mud fell off.
Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
Phoenix Urban Garden Receives National Recognition Leicester’s digital media and arts centre, Phoenix Square, is receiving national recognition for its urban garden development. Wednesday 16th November 2011 - SHONKI BROS. KAL SANGRA - at Leicester Racecourse, Leicester Road, Oadby, Leicester LE2 4AL 5pm start - tel; 0116 254 3373 - www. shonkibrothers.com Wednesday 30th November 2011 - BAGSHAWS RESIDENTIAL - at Pride Park Stadium, Derby DE24 8XL - 11.30am start - tel: 01332 361308 - www.bagshawsauctions.co.uk Thursday 1st December 2011 COTTONS - at Aston Villa Football Club, Villa Park, Birmingham B6 6HE - 11am start - tel: 0121 247 2233 visit www.cottons.co.uk Thursday 1st December 2011 GRAHAM PENNY - at The Pedigree Suite, Derby County FC, Pride Park Stadium, Derby DE24 8XL - 11.30 am start - tel: 01332 242880 www.grahampenny.com Thursday 1st December 2011 SAVILLS - at The Centenary Suite, Nottingham Racecourse, Colwick Park, Colwick Road, Nottingham NG2 4BE - 2.30pm start - tel: 0115 934 8020 - visit: www.savills.co.uk/ auctions Wednesday 7th December 2011 - SHONKI BROS. lAL SANGRA - at Leicester City Football Club, Banks Lounge, The Walkers Stadium, Filbert Way, Leicester LE2 7FL - 5pm start - tel: 0116 255 7573 - www.shonkibros.com Thursday 8th December 2011 - BIGWOOD - at Aston Villa Football Club, Holte Suite, Villa Park, Birmingham B6 6HE - 11am start - tel: 0121 233 0500 - www. cpbigwood.com Thursday 8th December 2011 - W.A.BARNES - at The Towers, Botany Avenue, Mansfield, Notts. NG18 5NG - 3.00pm start - tel: 01623 554084 - www.wabarnes. co.uk Wednesday 14th December 2011 - HEB - at Nottingham Gateway Hotel, Nuthall Road, Cinderhill, Nottingham NG8 6AZ - 2.30pm start - tel: 0115 950 6611 - www.heb. co.uk
Estate Agents - send details of your auction dates and we’ll include them in this section FREE!
The garden, on the patio space next to the Phoenix Café, is part of an initiative to promote self-sustainability and green living in urban areas. It was awarded an ‘It’s In Your Neighbourhood’ certificate by the Royal Horticultural Society and East Midlands in Bloom for its contribution to community gardening and sustainable living. Phoenix Square developer Blueprint was responsible for the project, which is nearing its first year. The project transformed recycled railway sleepers into planters. Ashley Walters, from Blueprint, said: “After consulting with BBC Radio Leicester’s gardening correspondent, Ady Dayman, it was clear this was an ideal location where people could grow fruit and vegetables.” Blueprint is now looking to get children involved to teach them about planting and to prove that it can be done without a conventional garden. John Coster, editor of Citizenseye, has been influential in keeping the project going by bringing in members of Blaby Rotary Club to lend a hand. Blueprint and John have formed ‘Phoenix Green Fingers’, a project that encourages local people, schools and community groups to help tidy up the planters. Further pop up community garden schemes are being explored for the St George’s area. If sponsorship can be raised, Blueprint will be opening up adjoining land at Phoenix Square to create a community garden for a much larger audience.
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Stoke Golding Building Plot With Planning Permission for a two bed house of character, 2 storey/single storey with off road parking and garden. Frontage on Hinckley Road Stoke Golding. Length approx. 72 metres, frontage approx. 10 metres reducing to approx. 6 metres at end of garden. Planning approved by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council and can be viewed on approval no. 10/00245/FUL Offers around £70,000 invited. Tel: 0116 2864048 or Mobile: 07725 652048
Terraced properties are in demand INCREASED demand for terraced property is fuelling a surge in classic ‘twoup, two-down’ purchases by savvy auction room investors. Currently, just over a quarter of all homes purchased in the UK are terraced. Research has revealed 38 per cent of house hunters would choose a terraced property over a detached house, semi or flat* making them popular choices for buy to sell investors. Auction Finance Limited, a national short term lender, which provides funds for purchases before, during and after an auction, has lent more than £8M for the purchase of terraced properties this year. An increase of 22 per cent compared to 2010. Over the last decade, terraced properties have increased in value more than any other home type, in contrast to flats which have gone down. The majority of repossessed properties are terraces and these regularly provide quality stock for auction rooms. With the boom in the rental sector, these properties are being snapped up by yieldhungry buy-to-let investors, says Chris Baguley, director of Auction Finance Limited. Baguley, said: “As the property
market picks up terraced property prices are likely to keep increasing, more so than other types. Investors need to act fast. A large bulk of our lending is to buyers investing in terraced houses. We’re seeing a renaissance for this type of property. “Auctions offer the buyer the chance to purchase property at what are effectively discounted prices. We’re seeing houses that have been on agents’ books for £100,000 go for as little as £55,000 in the auction rooms. They’ve always been popular but we could see a real boom over the next 24 months. People are going back to basics with investments, terraces are a safe option. “Terraced properties appeal to a range of people from firsttime buyers, buy-to-let investors and students. Many have a lot of period character, a great sense of community and above all affordability – it’s a home type for the times and both buyers and sellers recognise this.” He added: “The likes of Sixty Minute Make-Over and Property Ladder are fuelling this popularity as viewers see how traditional terraced properties can be transformed into contemporary stylish homes.” The average price of a terraced property has increased 68.4 per cent to £151,332 in the 10 years to
What disease did cured ham actually have?
the second quarter of 2011, said the Halifax. Earlier this year an extravagant townhouse became Britain’s most expensive terraced home after selling for £35 million. Auction Finance Limited typically lends 70 to 75 per cent on a property and loan sizes vary from £25,000 to £1m, with an average loan size of £74,500. Auction Finance Limited works with auction houses across the UK including Auction House, Eddisons and Clive Emson. For those looking to invest in a terraced property at auction for the first time, Auction Finance Limited offers these top tips: Location. Terraced properties remain popular in the buy-to-let market, however generally come with little outdoor space. Check there are parks and green areas nearby. Safety. Consider the traffic and street lighting and who has access to passageways running by the terrace. Maintenance. Check the structural condition of the property. If you’re uncertain of warning signs get a professional to inspect the property prior to the auction. www.auctionfinance.co.uk
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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
NW LEICS
Plans for Massive Home Improvement Programme Are Taking Shape By 2015 every council tenants home in North West Leicestershire will meet the Government’s Decent Homes standard thanks to the ambitious target for the Council’s multi million pound Decent Homes Improvement Programme. The programme will start delivering better quality homes for tenants in April 2012. Since being awarded over £20 million in Government funding in February 2011, North West Leicestershire District Council has been carefully putting together a master plan which details all the improvements that will be carried out to tenants homes between April 2012 and March 2015. In the first year of this programme £5.4 million will be spent on improvements to kitchens, bathrooms, and central heating systems, as well as even more doors, windows and electrical rewires which are already part of the existing improvement work being carried out each year.
Choice
Councillor Roger Bayliss, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Customer Services said “Tenants Representatives have been working with us to develop the detailed improvement plans, and we will soon be in a position to share these with all our customers. This is a really exciting time for everyone involved in the project as we get closer and closer to the date when we start to actually carry out the work needed”. Over two thirds of the Council’s tenants will see work carried out to their home as part of the new programme, with tenant choice being at the heart of the work. Tenants receiving a new bathroom or kitchen will be able to choose the fittings, and work with a designer to agree their own layout. This will further build on the range of choices already offered as part of the current improvement programme in terms of the styles of new doors, and location of sockets for properties being rewired.
Builders’ Problems SOLVED
We’ve priced a job but want to pull out Problem: I part-own and manage a very successful bricklaying sub-contractor. The company was established some 40 years ago by my father and during that time we have built up a strong client base. I took the day-to-day running of the company over from my father a few years back and despite the downturn in the construction industry, our order book has not looked better! A couple of months ago we were invited by a client-contractor to price a new build project in Hertfordshire. We submitted the price and a few weeks later a purchase order was issued, which included reference to an additional discount of 2½% and incorporated their standard printed Terms and Conditions of Sub-contract. They are now chasing us to start, but I am reluctant to do so and wish to pull out. The reason for my reluctance is that we have carried out a couple of other projects for this contractor, and each time we have had contractual issues and problems in getting paid. We have plenty of work on and all of our current clients are very good payers, so it is not as if we need work from a client that we know will be problematic. Can my company simply refuse the work having already priced it? Thanks. Chris, Knighton, Leicester
have not entered into a binding contract. That is because if you have entered into a contract but fail to perform your obligations, this will be a fundamental breach of contract which would allow the contractor to claim damages against you. To determine whether a contract exist, you will need to look at the offer you made (the price that you submitted), and the purchase order. If your offer was capable of being accepted, whilst the purchase order simply confirmed acceptance of your offer, then there is a binding contract. If however the purchase order was forwarded with previously unseen or new terms, then this would be deemed a counter-offer, which would ‘destroy’ your initial offer and thus no binding contract would come into existence. Although you will need to check that the accompanying Terms and Conditions of Sub-contract was not included with the initial enquiry
Response: Hello Chris. Before you ‘walk away’ from the project, it is imperative you ensure you
(and notwithstanding previous usage), from the outline you have given, the additional 2½% discount would be enough to render the purchase order as being a counteroffer. If the purchase order was deemed to be a counter-offer, for a contract to come into existence you would have to unconditionally accept the purchase order, and this could be done in a number of ways. You could write back and confirm your acceptance or simply pick up the telephone and verbally confirm acceptance. You could also commence with the work, acceptance of which would be by conduct. © Michael P. Gerard MSc, PGDipLaw, PGDipBar, FCIOB, MCIArb, MAE The advice provided is intended to be of a general guide only and should not be viewed as providing a definitive legal analysis.
Author background Michael is a Barrister, Chartered Builder, Registered Adjudicator & Accredited Expert in quantum and planning matters. He is Managing Director of Michael Gerard & Co www.michael-gerard.co.uk a company of chartered building consultants and quantity surveyors who provide a specialised service in the areas of construction law, quantum, programming, business recovery and insolvency support to the construction industry.
Potential residential conversion opportunity in Leicester City Centre INNES ENGLAND are offering for sale a three storey period detached former residential building now converted to office use. The property - Impartad House, 35a Millstone Lane, Leicester LE1 5JN - has a total floor area of 1,258 sq.feet. There are 4 dedicated car parking spaces. For Sale at guide price of £195,000 or To Let on a new full repairing and insuring lease for a term to be agreed, incorporating 3-yearly upward only rent reviews - rent: £12,000 pax. For more information, contact Steve Scott at Innes England on 0116 255 5455 or email: sscott@innesengland.com
Growing old is inevitable; growing up is optional.
Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
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Why do people who know the least know it the loudest?
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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
Is it possible to be a closet claustrophobic?
Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
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CALLING YOUNG ARCHITECTURAL & BUILDING PROFESSIONALS
Could you be a SPAB Scholar in 2012? The search is on for four young professionals from the world of architecture and building to benefit from the SPAB (Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings) Scholarship 2012. This is a training opportunity that has no equivalent. Former SPAB scholars are today among the UK’s leading conservation experts, caring for many of the most significant buildings in Britain – some are cathedral architects, some look after palaces, National Trust houses and English Heritage sites. Successful applicants will set off together next early year on a journey of architectural discovery. The group will travel the length and breadth of Britain via some of the country’s most fascinating built heritage projects to deepen their knowledge of historic buildings and the issues and challenges surrounding their conservation. The Scholarship, which is organised and administered by SPAB, is open to young architects, building surveyors or structural engineers who have some post-qualification experience and who can demonstrate their enthusiasm for historic building conservation. The aim is to give outstanding young building professionals first-hand experience of conservation, visiting and working on site and in craftsmen workshops and studios throughout the UK. Former scholar Andy Faulkner (2010) talks about the experience in this audio visual http://bit.ly/oFy2LS Alongside professional qualifications, potential SPAB Scholars need to be good team members, sociable, lively, practical and committed. During the nine-month programme they travel together as a group, living, learning and working in a range of locations from stately homes to building sites. After spending the first six months as a close-knit band, the scholars take individual paths for the last three months of the scheme, developing and exploring their own specific areas of interest in a project related to the English country house Former scholars include Marianne Suhr and Ptolemy Dean, who co-present the BBC’s popular Restoration series, and Nick Cox who has just been appointed as architect at Winchester Cathedral. He has similar roles at Blenheim Palace, Wells Cathedral, Woburn Abbey and many National Trust properties. Building surveyor, Marianne says: “Quite simply the Scholarship is very special and inspirational. I would urge anyone who is serious about developing a career in conservation to apply.” The Scholarship is open to young architects, building surveyors and structural engineers who have completed the college-based part of their courses (eg RIBA Parts I & II for architects), ideally with two or three years work experience. If shortlisted, all candidates must be willing to attend an interview in London at their own expense. Commitment to the Scholarship is full time, including some weekends, and it is impossible to combine it with any other form of study or employment. Candidates should to be aware that there will be long periods when they are away from home. The programme runs from mid-March to Christmas. There are no course fees as training and administrative costs are borne by the SPAB. Successful candidates will each receive a bursary toward their basic travel and living costs.
How to apply
For full details and an application form please write to: Rachel Bower, Education Officer, SPAB, 37 Spital Square, London E1 6DY Tel: 0207 4560911 or email: education@spab.org.uk. The closing date for applications is 1st January each year and interviews are held in London at the end of January.
Range of barns for conversion in Warwickshire
HOWKINS & HARRISON Estate Agents are offering for sale a range of traditional farm buildings with detailed planning permission to convert to six dwellings with two conversions/part new builds. The barns - at Gaydon Farm, Kineton Road, Gaydon, South Warwickshire CV35 0EP - extend to approximately 1,018 sqm (10,929 sqft) on a site area extending to 0.69 acres in total. Please note: Some of the farm buildings shown on the site plan to the north west of the site, identified as Gaydon Farm, have been dismantled and relocated by the previous owner. The properties are being offered for sale by private treaty based upon a guide price of £750,000. Offers should be submitted to the Rugby office of Howkins & Harrison for consideration - tel: 01788 564680 or email: rugrural@howkinsandharrison.co.uk
Leicester Investors Curry Night At the final LICN for 2011 Vanessa Warwick and Nick Tadd will present a double talk on “Our Property Journey & using Technology to manage your portfolio.” The event, hosted by Rajesh Gohil and Hitesh Morjaria, takes place on Thursday 24th November - 6.30pm start - @ The Spice Kube | Function Room, 310 Green Lane Road LE5 4PB, Leicester. You can book your tickets from www.propertyclimber.co.uk
Our marriage was a love match, pure and simple - she was pure and I was simple.
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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
Record Investment in Council Housing A RECORD amount of cash has been pumped into improving Council housing standards in Charnwood. A total of £7.6 million is being used in this financial year to improve the Council’s housing stock, sheltered accommodation and Precast Reinforced Concrete (PRC) homes. The previous investment record was in 2010/11 when the Council injected £5.5 million into improving its housing stock. It means that in 2011/12 a total of 1,329 properties will be revamped, and 808 properties will be brought up to Decent Homes standards. This includes 133 PRC properties in Mountsorrel and Thurmaston. A total of £2.6 million of the investment will come from a pot of £11 million Decent Homes funding which the Council secured following a successful bid to the Government. Successful bids were those where the authority made a strong case for investment need and had already demonstrated significant cost reductions - where this is the case the authority has been awarded levels of funding close to their bid. The funding will help tackle the backlog of homes which have not yet reached the Government’s Decent Homes Standard in preparation for the introduction of a new fairer system of council house financing.
Chris Charlton joins Fine ESTATE agency Fine has appointed Chris Charlton as its new managing director. Chris, who is a member of the RICS Housing Policy Panel, will assume overall responsibility for the network of Fine branches, one of which is in Halford Street, Leicester.
Leicester Office
22 De Montfort Street Leicester LE1 7GB
0116 2551811
1.2 acre site for sale in Raunds, Northants. ANDREW GRANGER & Co.Land & New Homes are offering for sale a 1.2 acre site with full planning for 4 detached family houses, and Reserved Matters approval for a further three detached houses, in the heart of Raunds, Northamptonshire. There is also an opportunity to acquire additional land, either unconditionally or, subject to planning. The site currently forms the garden to No. 45 Brook Street, a substantial family home in need of either restoration or demolition and is well screened, providing a high degree of privacy. The site lends itself ideally to both three bedroom and small four bedroom family houses. The vendors are seeking offers in excess of £395,000 and will consider a range of disposal strategies. For further information contact Michael Granger at Andrew Granger & Co. Land & New Homes on 07825 548573 or email michael.granger@andrewgranger.co.uk
Work starts on £3m Elite Athlete Centre ISG has commenced work on a £3 million project for Loughborough College to create a new Elite Athlete Performance Centre - the first of its kind in the UK - and additional 70 bed student accommodation on its Leicestershire campus. The centre is aimed at attracting some of the UK’s brightest sporting talent, between the ages of 16 and 18, to the town, and the new student accommodation block will provide the college with extra capacity to meet ever growing demand for places. The Elite Athlete Performance Centre will be based within the college’s existing Gables complex, housed within a mid-nineteenth century locally listed three-storey townhouse. Currently used as student accommodation, ISG will strip out and reconfigure the building to create the new state-ofthe-art facility, which will include communal areas and 18 high specification en-suite bedrooms. The fabric of the structure will also be sensitively repaired and restored as part of the scheme, with masonry, roof and window repairs carried out
Blaby Office
33 Leicester Road Blaby LE8 4GR
0116 2643430
The Gables at Loughborough College will house the new Elite Athlete Performance Centre by traditional craftsmen. The Gables at Loughborough College will house the new Elite Athlete Performance Centre The new build element of the project sees ISG demolish the existing lodge to The Gables and erect a three-storey timber framed structure housing 70 en-suite student bedrooms. Designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding built environment, the accommodation block will feature brick, render and
Coalville Office
39-41 Belvoir Road Coalville LE67 3PD
01530 835041
cedar cladding to its façade, with the project scheduled for completion in spring 2012. Jonathan Kell, ISG’s Midlands managing director, commented: On site facilities are extremely impressive and I’m confident that the performance centre and the new student accommodation block will further enhance the reputation of Loughborough College as a centre of sporting and educational excellence.”
♦ Land Purchase ♦ Joint Venture Agreements ♦ Planning Agreements ♦ Contract Disputes ♦ Access / Drainage Rights ♦ Options ♦ Plot Sales ♦ Leases For further information and advice, contact Neil Head at the Leicester Office
Our Blaby and Coalville Offices are open Saturday mornings 9am-12pm no appointment necessary
There’s no time like the present, but a couple of minutes ago probably bore a striking similarity.
Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
Have Your Say On Green Deal Installer Skills CONSTRUCTION firms are being urged to give their views in a consultation on the Green Deal to ensure they can get to grips with and shape the qualifications and standards that will be required of installers. The call came from CITB-ConstructionSkills, the Industry Training Board and Sector Skills Council, and the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) after the consultation called PAS (Publicly Available Specification) 2030, proposed for the first time the specific skills, qualifications and other requirements that construction firms and installers will need to take advantage of the opportunities that will emerge when the Green Deal is rolled out in October 2012. For the first time, proposals on the level of qualifications that installers will need have been provided –for all disciplines associated with retrofitting energy-saving technology including: heating, wall, pipe, roof and loft insulation, draft proofing, double glazing, micro-generation and photovoltaics. It also specifies records of work installers will need to keep, and documents they will have to present to the householder. Instructions on how to respond to the consultation can be found on the ‘Cut the Carbon’ website:www.cskills.org/cutcarbon under consultations. The PAS 2030 specification was formulated by a working group including CITB-ConstructionSkills, The FMB, trade associations from the building, energy, construction and manufacturing sectors, business and consumers. Businesses looking for more information on the low carbon agenda and what it means for them, along with tips on reducing carbon and information around the legislative changes taking place should visit the Cut the Carbon campaign website.
Former church premises for sale by auction GRAHAM PENNY Estate Agents are offering for sale BY AUCTION a highly individual former church premises. The property - Former Methodist Church School Hall and premises, George Street, Burton on Trent DE14 1DP - is believed to date from the early 1800s with some later additions. It is understodd that it is not a listed building under planning law, but is located within a conservation area. Features include a striking brick elevation, stone quoins, decorative stone columns, stained glass arched windows and a three-storey bell tower. The accommodation, which is principally arranged on two floors but with a central full height hall incorporating stage, is well suited to a variety of other purposes and offers very extensive accommodation part of which is currently residential. For sale BY AUCTION on Thursday 1st December 2011 at Pride Park Stadium, Derby - auction starts at 11.30am. Guide price: £120,000+. For more information, contact Graham Penny on 01332 242880. SEE ALSO - adjoining church premises for sale - page 20.
Need
Industrial Space? 0116 269 4002 www.raynswayproperties.co.uk
I always try to go the extra mile at work, but my boss always finds me and brings me back.
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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
Loughborough bungalow requiring modernisation FRECKELTONS Estate Agents are offering for sale a detached bungalow requiring modernisation. The property - 98 Byron Street, Loughborough, Leics. LE11 5JW - is a traditional detached bungalow requiring modernisation and improvement. The accommodation comprises: entrance lobby, hall, living/dining areas, kitchen area, two bedrooms and a bathroom. Outside there are gardens to the front and rear elevations. The asking price is £125,000. For more information, contact Freckeltons on 01509 214564 or email: info@freckeltons.com
Renovation property in Uppingham
RICHARDSON Estate Agents are offering for sale an investment/development property known as Old Constables and Fives Cottage in Uppingham, Rutland. Old Constables comprises a substantial three storey building with a basement and outbuildings, constructed of stone and brick under a pitched roof with dormer windows. The ground floor comprises a vacant shop and 3 flats. The first floor comprises 3 flats, and the second floor has 2 flats plus a dilapidated area to the rear. Fives Cottage comprises a vacant detached two-storey dwelling in need of complete modernisation. Guide Price: £650,000. For more information, contact Richardsons on 01780 762433 or email: post@richardsonsurveyors. co.uk
New Linkedin Group Provides First Dedicated UK Forum For Drainage Sector A new Group has been established on business social networking site LinkedIn exclusively for specifiers, contractors, engineers, and installers of drainage systems for commercial and residential buildings.
Hosted by Mike Rawlings, Marketing Manager at leading cast iron soil and drain pipe systems manufacturer Saint-Gobain PAM UK, the Building Drainage Network provides a forum, believed to be the first of its kind in the sector, for informed debate about all aspects of cast iron drainage systems, from maintenance to issues surrounding installation and sustainability. Members will have the opportunity to take part in a variety of polls and debates on key drainage-related topics, as well as being given free access to informative white papers and exclusive video content. Membership of the Building Drainage Network is open to UK-based LinkedIn members with responsibility for specifying, installing, or maintaining drainage systems in buildings.
For further information and to apply to join the Group, visit www.linkedin.com and search for Building Drainage Network.
ADVERT BOOKING DEADLINE IS 15TH OF EACH MONTH DON’T MISS OUT!
Why Teambuilding Doesn’t Work in an Economic Downturn In tough economic times, lower sales trigger the need for cost reductions and a slimmed down workforce - often leading to low morale and disenchanted staff that are over-worked and stressed. When we’re confronted with this, it commonly leads to a knee-jerk reaction to “do something” to fix it.
Typically that might take the form of some big rousing “team building” event with an upbeat tone. But according to profitable growth expert Hilary Briggs of R2P Ltd when these kinds of activities are put in place under these circumstances, the impact is not entirely positive. Events like this tend to turn people off even more; they recognise cash is tight, and see some lavish event as hypocritical, particularly if the key issue of fewer people doing a similar amount of work is not tackled. Team building events can also lead to resentment because they require taking time out and this exacerbates the overwork/stress situation.
So if big team building events are not the answer - what is?
A better tactic might be to start with a more practical approach to achieve improvements in the short term, rather than a large flashy team building exercise. This smaller more practical strategy can lay the foundations for more in-depth team building in the future - when the time is right. Practical activities include: 1) Acknowledge the situation and the overwork and stress etc and take responsibility for it. If showing empathy comes with difficulty - tackle your Emotional Intelligence first! 2) Organise focused sessions on specific problems related to work or to opportunities to improve productivity. 3) Ensure clear actions come out of the session and make team members accountable for following up on the decisions taken. 4) Set a clear timescale. Prioritise actions that can be done within the timeframe. 5) Create a powerful vision of what things could be like. Communicate this vision and help the rest of the team see it, and feel it too. 6) Review how it’s going and adjust. It’s important to get results and then build on these. This approach may be less flashy than some high-prestige, feel-good event, but taking these practical steps will not only help your people to feel less stressed and more engaged again, they’ll actually get you bottom line results as well. It’s not that team building events should be avoided - just that the timing needs to be right.
Hilary Briggs Hilary Briggs is a management consultant with over 15 years of industrial experience having held senior management positions at Rover Group, Whirlpool Corporation and The Laird Group plc. For the last 10 years, she’s worked with SME’s to improve their performance. Hilary is Managing Director of productivity specialists R2P Ltd. www.hilarybriggs.co.uk
I can explain it to you, but I can’t understand it for you.
Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
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Safety a Priority as Leicester’s Silver Arcade is Revived Developers working on an iconic Victorian shopping arcade in the heart of Leicester city centre have appointed Lutterworth-based safety specialists, Longland Safety Management (LSM) as CDM Co-ordinator and to provide a comprehensive package of Health and Safety advisory services for the project. LSM’s construction division, led by managing director Paul Longland, is providing a bespoke package for Lukegate Ltd as the company completes a substantial regeneration project of the Grade II listed Silver Arcade, off Silver Street, Leicester. As the necessary work requires every element of the project to be repaired, replaced or restored, Paul is providing ongoing support to the developers to ensure all construction is CDM compliant, together with regular inspections and guidance to check operatives are working safely across the four storey complex. Paul said: “Silver Arcade marks the third major project LSM has worked on with the Lukegate With 90% of potential buyers now starting their search for a home online, it’s no wonder that more and more people are choosing to sell their homes privately via online estate agents. But if you aren’t a Phil Spencer or Sarah Beeny property expert and aren’t too sure of what your home is worth then the handy new free Value My Home tool from the experts at Think Online Property might provide the answer. Available instantly to all prospective private house sale vendors, the free 20-page valuation and report draws together detailed information about your property, your neighbours, your
Paul Longland, managing director, Longland Safety Management talks through the Health & Safety advice with Anil Hindocha, project manager, Lukegate Ltd on site at Silver Arcade, Leicester. Ltd site management team and is certainly one of our more interesting challenges. Projects with this level of historical integrity naturally require detailed yet flexible planning, which has to evolve at each stage of the construction process. Having worked with Anil and his team for a number of years, we knew the type of training they respond to
and devised a package to suit both people and project.” Construction on Silver Arcade began in earnest in April 2011 and when complete in Summer 2012, will feature small independent shops, boutique stores, a restaurant and bar on the top floor together with demonstration kitchen in the basement.
New Free ‘Value My Home’ Tool road and your area. Each report, generated by filling in a one minute online survey, includes prices of comparable properties in your area, the duration those properties have been on the market, demographic profile and average price to earnings ratios of the community, a breakdown of current stock to determine how desirable your property is, house price trends over the last 5 years, rankings of the most expensive streets and those with the highest turnover of properties in your area. Peter Joseph, Founder and MD
of Think Online Property, comments, “Traditionally sellers have relied on high street estate agents to provide valuations on their homes and to set the asking price. However this valuation is quite often purely subjective and can be incorrect leading to a property selling under market value or at worst not selling at all. Our free online Value My Home tool utilises hard facts and figures combined with our own extensive research in accurate pricing to ensure the marketplace value of your property is pretty accurate.
“At Think Online Property the client comes first and that is why we believe it is so important to present a realistic value of a seller’s home which will save a lot of heartache and hopefully result in a quicker sale being achieved. Plus, more importantly, if the bank’s surveyor does not agree with a specified sale price then your potential buyer may not be able to secure a mortgage and the deal may fall through.” Available for residential properties across the UK, the free Value My Home tool can be accessed at www.onlineestateagentsuk. com/value-my-home or for more information call 0844 381 4787.
If you always do what you always did, you’ll always get what you always got.
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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
Former church premises for sale by auction
GRAHAM PENNY Estate Agents are offering for sale BY AUCTION a highly individual former church premises. The property - Former Trinity Methodist Church, George Street, Burton on Trent DE14 1DP - comprises mainly the church with a very fine horseshoe gallery, together with three anterooms, toilets, organ loft and cellar. The adjoining school room premises, which have an even larger floor area, are being offered simultaneously, but as a separate Lot (see details on page 17). Enquiries have not been made of the planning authority but it is considered that the building, subject to some adaptation, is suitable to a variety of other uses. In its present format, however, it would make an ideal property for another faith group, theatre or community group. For sale BY AUCTION on Thursday 1st December 2011 at Pride Park Stadium, Derby - auction starts at 11.30am. Guide price: £80,000+. For more information, contact Graham Penny on 01332 242880.
Apprentices Showcase 5% deposit ‘Green’ Talent at gets you a Worldskills London house
Blaby District Council has joined forces with Lloyds TSB to help firsttime buyers onto the housing ladder.
Two apprentices from Loughborough-based contractor and developer William Davis Ltd were invited to showcase their construction skills at the international WorldSkills London event. Chelsey White and Sam Limbert, who are both undertaking traditional plumbing apprenticeships at William Davis supplemented with day release training at Stephenson College, Coalville, participated in the construction of an Eco House during the WorldSkills event. For the first time in 20 years, WorldSkills took place in the UK and brought together 1000 skilled young people from across the globe to become the best of the best in seven sectors including construction. Stephenson College joined a consortium of college construction departments to build the Eco House, which was situated in Royal Victoria Square, the public open space outside ExCeL. The William Davis apprentice duo formed a team with other students from Stephenson College to install an Air Source Heat Pump and a Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery (MVHR) system in the Eco House to re-circulate warm air from the kitchen and bathroom back around the property. Brian Bradford, training and personnel manager, William Davis said: “The Eco House project presented a fantastic opportunity for our apprentices to showcase their skills at international level. Recently, William Davis apprentices have enjoyed exceptional success in similar skills-based events so it was exciting for the next generation to follow in their footsteps. “The Eco House proved to be a great success and an excellent example of vocational skills in practice. Everyone at William Davis is immensely proud of what the apprentices achieved and hope the project serves to inspire others to a career in construction.” William Davis’ in-house apprenticeship scheme has been running for over 65 years. The company recently employed nine youngsters as its 2011 intake.
Garage depot or redevelopment opportunity for sale: £800k+ INNES ENGLAND are seeking offers in excess of £800,000 for a substantial garage depot at Ashby Road, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 3LF. The property has a gross internal floor area of approximately 31,668 sq.feet on a site of 1.019 acres. The existing buildings on site comprise a series of single storey industrial buildings, constructed in brickwork under pitched roofs. Offices are provided within the frame of the building. Externally, car parking is provided to the front of the site, together with yard space for the manoeuvring of commercial vehicles on site. The premises have an authorised use as a garage depot. The site lies within an area that is allocated for a number of alternative uses including A1, A2, A3, leisure and D1 under the NW leics. Local Plan. Offers in excess of £800,000 are sought for the freehold. For more information, contact Peter Doleman at Innes England on 0116 255 5455 or email: pdoleman@ innes-england.com
I’m old enough to know better, but I’m still too young to care.
The Local Lend a Hand scheme, launched on October 18 in Blaby, Leicestershire, will enable first-time buyers to purchase a home with a deposit of just 5 per cent. As part of the scheme the Council will help people who can afford mortgage repayments, but not a large deposit, to secure a house by guaranteeing up to 20 per cent of the total value of the mortgage taken out with Lloyds TSB. Lloyds TSB has worked with Sector Treasury Services (part of the Capita Group) to develop the product which enables borrowers to buy their first home with a deposit less than the 10 per cent required by many mortgage lenders. The Council is the first district council in England to make this opportunity available to first-time buyers wishing to live in their district. Sector Treasury Services ran pilots schemes with several local authorities earlier in 2011. The Council’s guarantee would only be called upon if the borrower failed to make the repayments or breached the terms of the mortgage and the property was eventually sold at a loss. The first time buyer owns the property in its entirety, and will have access to a range of products at a lower rate of interest than would normally be available for this level of deposit. Anyone interested in the Local Lend a Hand scheme should visit their local branch of Lloyds TSB for more information.
Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
Residential development opportunity for up to 150 dwellings in Scraptoft STRUTT & PARKER Estate Agents are inviting bids for a residential development site with Outline Planning Permission - granted on 13th September 2011 for up to 150 dwellings.
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Major £3.5m rail station revamp given go-ahead A £3.5 million revamp of Leicester railway station was approved in late September.
The site comprises part of De Montfort University’s former Scraptoft Campus at Covert Lane, Scraptoft, Leicester. The campus was closed and the facility relocated into Leicester in 2003. A major portion of the campus has already been sold for residential development and a care village. The remaining 16 acres of the site has now been granted outline planning permission for up to 150 new dwellings. The site was previously used as a sports facility and car parking and comprises predominantly level, now overgrown, sports fields and a central terrace of parking/hard standing plus further grassland. The draft Section 106 is currently being negotiated between De Montfort University, Harborough District Council and Leicestershire County Council. It is intended that the preferred bidder will be given an opportunity to contribute to these discussions before formal completion. Offers, ideally on an unconditional basis, are invited. The closing date for bids is 12 noon on Thursday 24th November 2011. For more information, contact Miles Collison or Richard Foxon at Strutt & parker - telephone 01858 433123 or email miles.collison@struttandparker.com or richard.foxon@struttandparker.com
I could listen to you forever. And I think I just did.
Councillors gave the go-ahead for Network Rail to pedestrianise some of the station’s forecourt as part of improvements to the grade II-listed building. A nine-metre high glass partition will split the forecourt in two, with one half pedestrianised and the other for cars and taxis. Access between the two would be via automatic doors.The work is likely to take 10 months to complete.
Velodrome homes The Homes & Communities Agency is to release £3 million to housing association LHA-ASRA to build 130 ‘affordable houses’ in Leicestershire, including on the former velodrome site in Saffron Lane, Leicester.
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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
Planning for 145 homes Building land for in Leicester Forest East two bungalows in granted by Blaby Council Loughborough Blaby District Council has resolved to grant outline planning permission for 145 new homes on land west of Beggar’s Lane in Leicester Forest East.
The permission is subject to a Section 106 legal agreement to secure planning benefits such as affordable housing, open space and financial contributions to fund improvements to local community facilities. After consultation with the community, planning specialists at Savills advised Taylor Wimpey on the application for the site, which was not allocated for development in the Local Plan. The Council accepted that it had less than a one year supply of housing land in that part of the district when government planning policies require a minimum of five years supply. This was the justification for granting planning permission. Roger Smith of Savills comments, “Following a period of consultation with the community, planning has been granted for the 145 new homes subject to a number of legal requirements set out in a section 106 agreement. These include a financial contribution to improve Stafford Leys Community Primary School, improvements to junctions on Hinckley Road and funding for air quality monitoring. Andrew Tildesley, Strategic Projects Manager at Taylor Wimpey adds, “Clearly we are delighted with this decision and are grateful to all those who expressed support for, and advised on, the plans. I should stress that there is still much work to be done, but we are confident that we can work closely Blaby District Council in the preparation of the detailed designs for the site and we look forward to beginning work on the scheme.” For advice on planning applications, contact Savills on 01865 269057.
Site Manager Named Best In The West!
Tony Armson, a site manager for Loughboroughbased house builder William Davis Homes, has won a Regional NHBC (National House Building Council) Pride in the Job award for his work at the company’s Cawston Chase private housing scheme in Rugby. Pride in the Job is the only awards scheme to reward site managers for their contribution towards the house building process and is now in its 31st year. Having already won both a Quality Award and a Seal of Excellence this year, Tony was invited to the ICC in Birmingham for the announcement of the West Regional Award winners where he won in the medium builder category.
WELL DONE: (L-R) Sandra Kelly, finance director, NHBC with the West Regional Pride in the Job winners Tony Armson (William Davis); Geoff Hale (Firstpost Homes Ltd); Simon Jones (David Wilson Homes Mercia)and Peter Watton, regional director for the West of England, NHBC.
Over 13,000 site managers are judged across 38 different criteria, with a particular emphasis on consistency, leadership, technical expertise and Health & Safety. Tony was judged to have excelled in all these, with the panel commenting on his true passion for building high quality homes. As a result of this latest accolade, Tony will go forward to the National Supreme Awards, where he hopes to successfully defend his title for the fourth consecutive year.
FRECKELTONS Estate Agents are offering for sale a parcel of building land with full planning permission for two 3bedroomed detached bungalows. The land is situated at the rear of 92 & 98 Byron Street, Loughborough, Leics. LE11 5JW. Each proposed bungalow would provide accommodation as follows: entrance hall, living room (6.9m x 4.1m), dining kitchen (6.9m x 4.4m), utility room (1.9m x 1.7m), bedroom 1 (5.6m x 3.3m), ensuite (2.8m x 1.7m), bedroom 2 (3.8m x 3m), bedroom 3 (3.3m x 2.7m) and bathroom (2.8m x 1.7m). Outside, the bungalows will have front and rear gardens and off-road parking. The asking price for this land is £130,000. For more information, contact Freckeltons on 01509 214564 or email: info@freckeltons.com
Promotions at local chartered surveyors The beginning of October marked a new step for two Ashby chartered surveyors as they both received promotions at leading firm Fisher German. Alan Hardwick and Shanette Middlebrook, who work for the firms Planning and Rural Consultancy teams respectively, have both be promoted to Associate level. Alan has been with Fisher German for over 2 years, having previously had 3 years of experience with the local authority and 2 years private practice. Within the planning team, a large proportion of his time is involved in the Severn Trent framework contract. Amongst other client work, he provides advice and services for the University of Bedfordshire. Shanette originally came to Fisher German for holiday employment and also her sandwich year placement while studying at Harper Adams. She joined the firm full time in 2007 and is now principally involved in estate management work. In 2008 she obtained her APC and successfully passed her exams to become a Fellow of the Agricultural Valuers Association. She is also involved in general practice work, assisting the department with the organisation of various office and client related functions. Outside of work Shanette is currently Vice Chairman of Leicestershire & Rutland Young Farmers. Senior Partner John Pitts comments “On behalf of the Partnership I congratulate these two on their promotion and wish them well for their future with the firm.” Both are based at Fisher German’s office on Tamworth Road in Ashby de la Zouch. For further information, please contact the office on 01530 412821 or email ashby@fishergerman.co.uk.
I wish people who have trouble communicating would just shut up.
Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
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New eco garden officially opened at Syston primary school Preliminary Details
Residential development opportunity near Oakham INNES ENGLAND are offering for sale a residential development opportunity, subject to planning, at Barleythorpe Hall, Barleythorpe, Near oakham, Rutland.
A new eco-friendly wildlife area has been opened at a Leicestershire primary school after work by the local community and commercial property developer Raynsway Properties along with other local businesses. A recent launch event saw the new area at St Peter & St Paul’s Primary School on Upper Church Street in Syston officially opened by Giannina Rayns, Director of Raynsway Properties. Local commercial property developer Raynsway provided a JCB and a five-man team to help with the final levelling and clearing of the site as well as giving free advice along the way. Also present were representatives from Leicestershire County Council and some of the other firms who supported the project, either through material donations or financial support. The new area, which is approximately 1,800 square metres in size was created for pupils on a piece of adjacent unused land donated to the school after help from the local community over the school holidays and support from many local businesses. All areas on the school primary curriculum can now be taught from this area including RE, literacy, science, maths and geography. The project was completed in two phases. Phase One saw volunteers from the school and the local Syston community help clear the site during the Easter holidays, working for over 100 hours clearing unwanted growth. Phase Two during the summer holidays saw volunteers on site for 11 days, laying a membrane to stop unwelcome weeds appearing, building an outside classroom, laying a wildlife area, developing the pond and planting wild flowers to attract insects, butterflies and moths. Giannina Rayns, Director at Raynsway Properties, comments, “We at Raynsway delight in sharing our skills with worthwhile community projects and this one in particular has been fantastic. The work here has seen a waste site transformed into a positive environmental benefit and educational value for the children at the school and we were delighted to have been able to help.”
The property comprises the Hall (20,795 sq.feet) and Grounds (4.648 acres). Viewing strictly by appointment with Chris Sinclair at Innes Engalnd - tel: 0115 924 3243 - mobile 07929 204405 or email: csinclair@innesengland.com
If you enjoy reading Leicestershire Builder Magazine, please pass it on to a friend or colleague when you’ve finished with it. Thanks!
Rock is dead. Long live paper and scissors.
‘A’ Rated Homes Come to Ibstock On 10 October, Councillor Richard Blunt, Leader of North West Leicestershire District Council and Councillor Trevor Pendleton presented Bellway Homes with a ‘A’ rated ourplace™ certificate for the Company’s new ‘Darcey Park’ development at Ibstock. ourplace™ is a rating scheme for new homes designed to help people find their ideal place to live, allowing them to compare new build developments to one another. The Leader of North West Leicestershire District Council, Councillor Richard Blunt said, “I am delighted to present Bellway Homes with this ‘A’ rated certificate. A few years ago, we set developers a challenge - to build better in North West Leicestershire District. Bellway Homes are one of the developers who have worked hard to meet the Council’s expectations and create what will become a desirable new part of Ibstock.”
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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
EMC Tiles Teams Up With Weber For Trade Demos ... and Breakfast
SHOULER & Son Estate Agents are offering for sale a single building plot with planning permission for the erection of a threebedroom dwelling with off-road parking and good size garden.
EMC Tiles, the region’s leading trade supplier of Weber products, has teamed up with the company for a series of major “Weber Wednesday” trade demonstration events, including a free breakfast and entry into a super prize draw. The highly popular “Weber Wednesdays” are attracting dozens of tiling trade professionals for a series of demonstrations on new Weber products at the EMC trade centre in Nottingham. Trade customers from Loughborough are also invited an d special transport is being laid on to take them to Nottingham, if required. A recent Weber event at EMC Tiles’ Trade Centre on the Jubilee Trading Estate in Loughborough was well attended by local tile fixers. EMC Tiles managing director, Barry Slawson said: “This is the ideal way to keep our valued trade customers in touch with all the new developments, methods and techniques from Weber. “So far we have had demonstrations on the launch of new products and a comparison of pastes versus powders. “We have two further events on November 2nd and December 7th, when we will be looking at timber versus membrane solutions and PVA primer versus Primer PR360. “Start time is 7-30 for breakfast and the last demonstration will end by mid-day. “EMC Tiles’ “Weber Wednesdays” are proving to be a very popular
Melton plot: £49,950 guide
The plot - adjacent to 43 Sherwood Drive, Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE13 0LL - measures approximately 80 feet by 33 feet max. The Guide Price for this plot is £49,950. For more information, contact Shoulers on 01664 410166 or email: housesales@shoulers.co.uk
News from Glenigan A recent Weber event at EMC Tiles Loughborough Trade Centre was well attended by local tile fixers. educational resource for professional tile fixers to keep right up to date with Weber’s innovations and it has created a valuable opportunity learn new skills. “We have been delighted with the response and each event is proving more popular than the last.” EMC’s “Weber Wednesdays” also have special “on the day” promotional vouchers for deals on Weber products, plus entry into the super prize draw. First prize is an iPad 2, second, a Track Day opportunity to drive a dream car and third, a Christmas hamper. Everyone gets a free gift goody bag. The prize draw will take place on Trade Day 4, Wednesday Dec 7th.
FREE MENTIONS! We include details of development properties free-of-charge in editorial form.
So, if you’re selling an interesting development property, email details to: info@buildermagazines.co.uk and we’ll give the property a free mention. You know it makes sense!
Infrastructure Underpins Construction Growth Latest data from analyst Glenigan shows 4% growth in construction projects starting on site for the three months to September compared to the same period a year ago. The increase is the result of 34% and 7% growth in the infrastructure and non-residential sectors respectively and a 14% decline in residential project starts. Infrastructure growth was driven by large investments in road and rail station projects in the South West and South East of England. Growth in the value of utilities projects was less pronounced, but the sector still benefitted from projects including the decommissioning of a nuclear power plant and a £75m wind farm in Lancashire. In addition to the growth in the underlying value (under £100m) of infrastructure starts was the start of £160m Woolwich Station development as part of Crossrail. Office and industrial construction increased significantly, with project starts including a £35m Distribution Centre in Lancashire and (above the £100m underlying value threshold) the £150m Trinity Square development in Gateshead. The 14% fall in residential reflects 2% and 25% falls in private housing and social housing project starts respectively. “Whilst further retrenchment in social housing construction is forecast for the near future, private housing starts are expected to stabilise over the coming months” commented James Abraham, economist, Glenigan. London, the South East and South West of England saw most growth in the flow of new work while the East Midlands and Wales saw annual growth of over 10%. By contrast, over the three months to September the underlying value of project starts in Scotland and Northern Ireland fell by more than a fifth together with stagnant performance in Wales, the North East and North West of England.
Duke of Westminster buys Stanford Hall BRITAIN’S wealthiest landowner has purchased a historic Leicestershire estate and plans to turn it into a rehabilitation centre for wounded servicemen. The Duke of Westminster is the new owner of Stanford Hall, a 360-acre country estate near Loughborough. Stanford Hall was chosen by the Duke due to its proximity to the new Queen Elizabeth Hospital and the Royal College of Defence medicine in Birmingham.
When I was 10 my father told me never to talk to strangers. We haven’t spoken since.
Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
Multi-tasking construction firm owners taking on too many roles in the office
B
usiness owners in the UK construction industry are spreading themselves too thin by taking on so many different roles within their own company, according to new research* by invoice finance specialist Bibby Financial Services.
Construction owners and managers are well aware that wearing a range of different hats is par for the course, but according to the research by invoice finance specialist Bibby Financial Services, many are regularly being forced into taking on other duties in addition to traditional roles such as recruitment, securing finance and marketing. The survey found almost seven in ten (69 per cent) are being drawn into purchasing office supplies, almost a half (48 per cent) are regularly collecting and making deliveries and 57 per cent are undertaking the marketing and PR of their firm. And, while 60 per cent continue in the pursuit of new business opportunities and 87 per cent deal with their clients, the amount of time devoted to these so-called ‘day-to-day’ business functions is being eaten in to due to having to chase payments from customers (60 per cent) and deal with recruitment and HR issues (63 per cent). At a time when owners and managers should be focused on identifying areas for growth as well as maintaining a healthy cash flow, increasing orders and boosting sales figures, the findings by Bibby Financial Services suggest the owner of today’s construction firm is actually an extreme multitasker. But is their willingness to take on extra roles putting their business at risk, due to being too immersed in other necessary, but time consuming matters? Jason Heath, construction finance specialist at Bibby Financial Services says: “The research really highlights just how demanding running a business is and that some MDs may be taking on too much. It is a particular concern that many business owners in the construction sector are spending so much time chasing customer payments, dealing with suppliers and securing funding, in addition to their many duties. “We have supported construction firms before, during and after the recession and understand the pressures facing many businesses in the industry as work has decreased and budgets have become tighter.” But while business owners cannot always avoid the many roles they must play within the firm, Jason believes there are some simple steps they can take to manage pressures. He adds: “For many small and medium-sized enterprises cash really is king and ensuring finances and cash flow are in order has to be a priority. Outsourcing tasks to specialist organisations such as invoice financiers, which can offer comprehensive credit control services and flexible funding solutions, can really help free up business owners time, allowing them to get on with the important job of running of their business.”
Residential development opportunity in Pinxton BRUTON KNOWLES Estate Agents are offering for sale a residential development opportunity with outline planning consent (all matters reserved) for the erection of 2 pairs of semi-detached dwellings. The site - at Town Street, Pinxton, Derbyshire - extends to approximately 0.13 Hectares (0.32 acres). Planning permission was granted on 10th June 2011 by Bolsover District Council under reference: 11/000104/OUT. Offers in excess of £100,000 are invited on an unconditional basis for the freehold interest. Proof of funding will be required before any contracts are issued. For more information, contact Stuart Hastings at Bruton Knowles on tel: 0115 988 1160 or email: Stuart.Hastings@brutonknowles.co.uk
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Interserve building sets the standard for commercial property in the UK
New office is ‘anything but ordinary’
A newly constructed office in Thurmaston has been dubbed as setting the standard for commercial property nationwide, at a series of ProCon seminars held recently. Interserve Project Services’ brand new regional head office at Watermead Business Park was selected as the venue for the events, where many of the county’s leading property and construction professionals were able to learn more about sustainable development and more specifically, about the principles of PassivHaus. Led by commercial developer Raynsway along with engineers CPW and architects CPMG, the £1.5million Interserve project has seen the first ever PassivHaus certified commercial building built in the UK. This state of the art, 6000sq ft building, pushes the boundaries of environmentally friendly design is now home to around 50 Interserve staff - one of the world’s foremost support services and construction companies. Pam Allardice, Chairperson for ProCon said, “It might look pretty unassuming from the outside, but this building is anything but ordinary. It is a significant marker of achievement for the county, especially when you consider it’s been done entirely with private money. “In fact what’s been achieved here sets the standard for commercial property development across the country.” Tom Watkinson, Managing Director at Raynsway Properties, added, “The ProCon seminars were a great success and an opportunity for everyone involved in the creation of this building to showcase what they had learnt from the project. “Being the first of its kind meant that all the partners experienced some brand new challenges. Indeed the level of detail, attention to quality and commitment to achieving standards as well as the shear passion that has been necessary to complete the project, has been inspiring. “We are delighted that the PassivHaus standard has been achieved here at Watermead.” PassivHaus is a well established German building standard which reduces energy costs by approximately 90%, compared to traditional build techniques. It is already being used in the development of residential building but as yet the UK’s commercial developers have yet to step up to the challenge – until now. The design of the new Interserve office has seen the majority of work areas located on the highly glazed south side of the two-storey building to maximise heating in the winter, whilst blinds minimise the solar gain as required in the warm summer. Its other environmental credentials include triple-glazed windows and roof lights, air source heat pumps and underground ‘earth tubes’ to heat the incoming air in the winter or cool it in the summer. The building also features a zinc roof, which is long lasting, made of a high proportion of recycled material and requires minimal maintenance.
I bought some HP Sauce the other day. It’s costing me 6p a month for the next two years.
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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
Bank and Build for a new home with Lovell Leicester Mr Alan Staniforth (c/o Agent: Lee Batten, Clague, 13 North Street, Ashford, Kent TN24 8LF) - Two storey detached sports hall at side of college - at Regent College, Regent Road, Leicester. Sai Krupa Community Centre (c/o Agent: Architects LE1 LLP, Mr. Umesh Mistry, 38 Nelson Street, Leicester LE1 7BA) - Change of use from factory to place of worship, extension & car park at side - at 446 Gipsy Lane, Leicester. Mr Siraj Seedat (of 164-168 Belgrave Gate, Leicester LE1 3XL) - Change of use of roof terrace of retail premises to bar; three-storey extension to rear; second floor extension to cover roof area - at 164168 Belgrave Gate, Leicester. Cranford Estates Ltd (c/o Agent: Formroom Architects, 7 Constance Street, Knott Mill, Manchester M15 4JQ) - Demolition of existing industrial buildings; new 5/6 storey building comprising 111 student rooms in 21 cluster flats, associated facilities, amenity area and landscaping - at 1117 Jarrom Street, Leicester. West London Properties (c/o Agent: RG+P Limited, 130 New Walk, Leicester LE1 7JA) - Change of use from offices to 35 flats - at Charlesworth House, 135 Charles Street, Leicester. Mr Alexander Watson (of Barberry Group Ltd, Bromsgrove Road, Belbroughton, West Midlands) Change of use from retail to either restaurant, offices, non-residential institution or assembly and leisure - at Units 1, 3 & 4, 40-50 High Street, Leicester. S & N Pub Co Ltd (c/o Agent: Mr Michael Jeffrey, The JS Design Partnership, 5 Peel House, 2 Taunton Street, Shipley, Bradford BD18 3NA) - Change of use of ground floor from restaurant/cafe to bar/restaurant; change of use of first floor from restaurant and cafe to offices; alterations to front, side and rear elevation - at 84-86 Granby Street, Leicester. Scraptoft Developments Ltd (c/o Agent: Mr Peter Frampton, Oriel House, 43 North Bar, Banbury, Oxfordshire OX16 0TH) - Vehicular and pedestrian accesses to housing site (within Charnwood Borough Council’s administrative area) for up to 320 dwellings - at Heritage way & Bryony Road, Leicester.
G Dhesi (c/o Agent: Master Plan Design Solutions, Vulcan House, Vulcan Road, Leicester LE5 3EF) Change of use from house in multiple occupation (9 bedsits) and 1 selfcontained flat to house in multiple occupation (2 bedsits) and 8 selfcontained flats - at 10 St James Road, Leicester. Prime Padz Ltd (c/o Agent: Ink/ Drawn, 5 The Annexe, 3 Junior Street, Leicester LE1 4QF) - Change of use from offices and three-storey rear extension to provide 9 flats - at 8 Salisbury Road, Leicester. Tangent Architects Ltd (of 1664 MeltonRoad, Rearsby, Leics. LE7 4YQ) - Erection of one 5-bedroom house at 10 Woodland Avenue, Leicester. Radha Soami Satsang (c/o Agent: RG+P, 130 New Walk, Leicester LE1 7JA) - Two storey extensions to provide meeting halls following partial demolition of existing buildings; three-storey lift/stair tower; external alterations to existing buildings; new vehicle access off Abbey Park Street - at Former Charles Keene College, Abbey Park Street, Leicester. LHA-ASRA (c/o Agent: Mr William Smedley, RG+P, 130 New Walk, Leicester LE1 7JA) - Demolition of existing building; new 8-storey building comprising 24 self-contained flats; 11 four-storey houses; car parking - at Former Abbey Mills, Abbey Park Street, Leicester. Mr R Smith (c/o Agent: Mr M Blanksby, 2 Coltsfoot Close, Barleythorpe, Oakham, Rutland) - Extension of time limit for implementation of planning permission for two detached houses at 7-9 Holmwood Drive, Leicester. Mr Ramnik Patel (c/o Agent: SKM Architects Ltd, 8 De Montfort Mews, Leicester LE1 7FW) - Change of use from office to residential (4bedrooms) - at 73 Evington Road, Leicester.
Charnwood Borough Jelson Ltd - Erection of 11 dwellings with associated garages - at Plots 111, Land off Colby Drive (Rear of 5355), Thurmaston, Leics. LE4 8LD. Mr Leslie Harris (c/o Agent:
Cadxtra Ltd) - Erection of 1 detached dwelling and 1 detached garage (Reserved matters) - at 171 Barkby Road, Syston, Leicester LE7 2AJ.
More planning apps on page 33
A new initiative from fivestar homebuilder Lovell is helping first time buyers in Leicester save for their deposit. The ‘Bank and Build’ scheme, which is being offered at Lovell’s Earls Grange development on Strasbourg Drive in Beaumont Leys, is a saving plan that allows purchasers to secure a new home off plan and put aside an agreed amount each month to put towards the deposit. At the end of the time period, which could be anywhere between and few months and a year Lovell with match the saved amount up to 5% of the property price, turning it into a 10% deposit. Lyn Korczak, Sales Adviser at Earls Grange said, “More often than not first time buyers need financial help in order to get onto the property ladder. Most commonly this comes from a close relative but for many families the ‘bank of mum and dad’ is quickly running out.
Lyn Korczak, lOVELL’S Sales Adviser at Earls Grange “Therefore this scheme could make all the difference for cash strapped first time buyers who are struggling to save as much as they need to enable them to secure a mortgage. “Whilst we get on with the business of building the property, there’s time for the customer to start working hard on their savings. They can rest in the knowledge that their future home is secure and that there’s a guaranteed deposit at the end.” Lovell has a selection of twobedroom apartments currently available at Earls Grange, ideal for first time buyers. The Beauford and the Earlsford styles both have two bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen/diner and a separate living room. The Earlsfords on the first and second floors also boast a contemporary balcony. The homes at Earls Grange are priced from £97,500 to £130,995.
Cut the burden on house builders - says FMB Reacting to David Cameron’s Key Note Speech commitment to lead a New Tory Housing Revolution, the FMB has called on the coalition to reduce the burden on house builders. FMB Director General Richard Diment said “If Cameron wants to lead a housing revolution he needs to deliver on his government’s commitment to reduce the burden on house builders over the course of the parliament” Diment continued “At the moment this isn’t going to happen. This government has encouraged local authorities to introduce the Community Infrastructure Levy, the removal of housing targets has resulted in the scrapping of plans for two years’ supply of house building, and plans for zero carbon homes are continuing despite the policy going further and faster than required by EU directives.” Diment Concluded “Cameron can have his revolution but he needs to get the Coalition’s housing policies to fit in with his ambitions.”
I’ve suffered from amnesia for as long as I can remember.
Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
Make Headlines Good PR is vital to your company’s image. Looking for a PR service or reviewing present arrangements? Contact me for a highly competitive quote Specialist in the building, construction and interiors sectors Long experience with one of the UK’s biggest housebuilders Former BBC TV, Radio and newspaper journalist Skilfully written and targeted releases for maximum impact Plus - award-winning photography
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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
DAVID WILSON COMES BACK TO COALVILLE FOLLOWING LAUNCH OF NEW DEVELOPMENT HOMEBUYERS throughout Leicestershire were being invited to join local housebuilder, David Wilson East Midlands, at the launch of its latest development, Discovery Gardens in Coalville in October. The five star housebuilder unveiled for the very first time the brand new three- bedroom Hadley style showhome which has been professionally designed to demonstrate the exceptional quality of the homes that are now available to buy. Located on Chiswell Drive on the western edge of this thriving community, Discovery Gardens is an exclusive development of just 42 new homes. The properties are from the company’s very latest range and feature a superlative mix of two to four bedroom homes that offer housing solutions for everyone from first time buyers to growing families and downsizers. Philip Lacey, Sales Director at David Wilson, comments “We’re delighted to be back building quality new homes in Coalville at our latest development, Discovery Gardens on Chiswell Drive. “It’s an exclusive development that offers homebuyers a superb selection of thoughtfully planned new homes from our very latest range so our customers can be rest assured that the properties here will be built to the very highest of standards. “And to showcase the exceptional quality of the homes we now have available, we’re unveiling a brand new Hadley style three- bedroom showhome to potential customers. We hope to see you this weekend at the launch of this special launch event.” appliances such as washing machines and refrigerators, kitchen units, wardrobes, the central heating system, fires, doors, windows, drainage, the hot and cold plumbing system and even the driveway.
Demand for commercial property falters RICS UK Commercial Market Survey, Q3 2011 Improvements seen in the commercial property market in first half of the year faltered during Q3 2011 as occupier demand fell back for the first time in 12 months, says the latest RICS UK Commercial Market Survey. After rising over the previous six months, overall tenant demand retreated in Q3, moving into negative territory for the first time in a year. In addition, demand in London’s commercial property market, which had looked much stronger, failed to increase. Surveyors attribute this to the uncertain outlook for the wider economy which is impacting negatively on demand. As tenant demand fell back, available space continued to rise, with 15 per cent more surveyors reporting available space rose rather than fell over the last three months. Available space picked up fastest in the retail sector, with a net
balance of 30 per cent. The retail sector also saw the largest drop in demand for space. Inducements rose over the last three months, as landlords looked to entice tenants into deals. At a net balance of 20 per cent, inducements are now increasing at their fastest pace since Q2 2010 and surveyors note that some landlords are incorporating more flexibility into their leases. Falling demand and rising availability impacted on rental expectations, which weakened over the quarter, moving deeper into negative territory (-15 per cent). Respondents were least optimistic for office rents, which fell at the fastest pace for two years (-23 per cent); previously, this sector had displayed a greater level of resilience. The one area which continues to show a positive trend for future rents, albeit a flatter one than earlier in the year, is the central London office market. Meanwhile, demand from investors was weaker across all
sectors and regions of the UK except for London, where the balance managed to remain in positive territory, with 27 per cent more surveyors reporting a rise rather than fall in investment demand. One factor continuing to underpin this level of interest in real estate in the capital is the appetite of foreign investors. Commenting, Simon Rubinsohn, RICS Chief Economist said: “While the London commercial market is still holding up relatively well, some of the positive momentum appears to have faded in the capital over the last few months - reflecting the wave of negative news flow surrounding both the prospects for the UK economy and the sovereign debt crisis in Europe. Confidence is clearly critical for the whole of the real estate sector and in the near term there is little reason to believe that it is likely to improve. Against this background, any recovery in rents is likely to prove elusive and capital values away from London look set to remain under pressure. ’’
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Development Opportunity in Donisthorpe
Andrew Granger & Co. are offering for sale The former Donisthorpe Church Hall (3,805.8 ft² or thereabouts) and land. The property provides a development opportunity (subject to necessary consents) and is for sale by Private Treaty on a conditional or unconditional basis. Offers are invited in the region of £330,000. Viewings are strictly by appointment with the sole agent. For further information please contact Richard Gadd on 01509 243720 or email: richard.gadd@ andrewgranger.co.uk
Affordable Homes to be built in Somerby A special development of new Homes will be built in Somerby after Melton Borough Council committed £87,000 from its reserve funds to prevent it failing. Melton Borough Councillors agreed to meet the shortfall in funding, plugging the gap left by significant changes in the way affordable homes are funded. The new development of 7 affordable homes now only needs planning permission and with funding in place is likely to go ahead early next year. Melton Borough Council has been recognised as the 2nd best deliver of affordable homes in the East Midlands and the 14th best authority nationwide. A top priority for the Council, affordable homes are notoriously difficult to deliver. The scheme at Somerby had taken the Borough Council almost 7 years to crack and involved a strong partnership with Somerby Parish Council, the Rural Housing Enabler for Leicestershire and the Nottingham Community Housing Trust.
Start every day with a smile. Then you have the rest of the day to do other stuff.
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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
BRICKLAYERS AVAILABLE
for New Builds & Extensions in Leicestershire Quality Work City & Guilds Qualified Photo portfolio of previous work available.
Tel: 0781 267 6596 or 0116 233 2622
Extension to St Luke’s hospital to go ahead A £6 million NHSfunded extension to St Luke’s Hospital in Market Harborough is to go ahead - four years after a private finance scheme was scrapped. A spokesman told the Leicester Mercury that using NHS capital rather than a private finance arrangement would save about £9 million on rent and interest over the next 25 years. The building should be open for patients in 2014.
Charity Go Karting Event raises £585 for underprivileged children A charity go-karting day organised by Sapcote Tile Centre raised £585 for a charity supporting underprivileged children from Belarus whose lives continue to be adversely affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. The event was hosted by Geoff Deacon and Ken Oldham, proprietors of the Sutton Circuit in support of Friends of Chernobyl’s Children (West Leics), and was attended by local businesses, each of whom put forward a team of four competitors. A total of nine teams took part in the two hour endurance race with many more spectators coming along to support their teams. The aim of the event was to raise £500 to sponsor 7yr old Palina from the Mogilev region of Belarus, who will be returning to Leicestershire next August on the second year of a 5-year program designed to give her respite from the difficult conditions she endures in her homeland. FOCC’s Group Coordinator, John Buckby said “The charity is extremely grateful to Geoff and Ken for their generous sponsorship of Palina and to Dez Bright of Sapcote Tile Centre for promoting the event amongst local businesses. The holidays that we are able to provide make a real difference to the lives of these children, and also provide a lifeline for their struggling families”. For information on the charity, please contact John Buckby on 01455 285799, e-mail: john.evolution@btinternet.com or visit the charity’s website at www.focc.org.uk.
Shapps’ self-build plans can’t come too soon after further decline in market Housing Minister Grant Shapps’ ambitious self-build target has suffered another setback this quarter as the market declined a further 13.5 per cent year on year. The total number of self-build homes completed in the UK for the year to 30 June 2011 was 12,970, according to the market research report for Q2 2011 from Homebuilding & Renovating magazine. Despite this, the self-build market still constituted 30 per cent of all new detached housing completions for the quarter and 10 per cent of all new housing completions in the UK. One of the bright spots for selfbuilders is the controversial National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), due to become law in the next few weeks. The changes to the planning system it requires local authorities to observe could make it
significantly easier for self-builders to find an individual building plot and to obtain planning permission for schemes that can demonstrate that they are sustainable. With this positive planning change, together with new self-build lenders coming online, the self-build numbers could start to return to levels seem in recent years of around 17,000 new homes. Michael Holmes, Editor-in-Chief of Homebuilding & Renovating magazine, says: “Grant Shapps’ new self-build policies can’t come into force soon enough. More needs to be done as the market is currently doing the opposite of what the minister would like to see. If we are to help would be self-builders find land and finance and to get them building, swift action must be implemented immediately.” In the first quarter of 2011, the total number of self-build homes completed in the UK was 13,860,
a year-on-year decline of 11.5 per cent and despite Grant Shapps’ proclamation of a self-build revolution, this figure has declined rapidly through the second quarter. Difficulty obtaining mortgage funding is being blamed as a contributory factor. “Since the ‘credit crunch’ there has been very limited availability of funds for selfbuilders, with only a few schemes operating, mostly from regional building societies with limited tranches of funds,” says Michael Holmes. “Lending criteria have also been tightened considerably, so self-builders have needed a far larger deposit to purchase a site. Meanwhile those with part or limited proof of income, such as the selfemployed, have found it harder to access funds. This has meant that only cash rich self-builders have been able to start building since 2008. Fortunately this is beginning to
I’d whistle while I work, but all I know are happy songs.
change with more lenders coming into the market.” Lower asking prices for building plots have yet to lead to more selfbuild homes being completed. Since January, the asking price of building plots recorded on Plotfinder.net, the national database of self-build plots and renovation opportunities, has decreased by nearly ten per cent. Meanwhile the number of development opportunities listed for sale declined by five per cent between January and June 2011. Plots remain on sale on the plotfinder.net database for an average of 46 days longer in the first quarter and a further 29 days in the second quarter. Grant Shapps has pledged more public land to be made available to help self-builders and despite the UK’s deficit, £4.5bn towards an affordable homes programme to “get Britain building again”.
Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
Nothing cures insomnia like the realisation that it’s time to get up.
Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
Continued from page 26 Black Hawk Ltd - Erection of 2 dwellings - at The Lane, Waterside Drive, Mountsorrel, Leics. Mr Yogesh Patel (c/o Agent: DT Designs Ltd) - Erection of 4 threestorey dwellings - at Land adjacent to 23 Lisle Street, Loughborough, Leics. LE11 1AW. Mr S Davis (c/o Agent: RG+P) Outline application for a residential development of 14 houses with two access routes into the site off Lonsdale Road - at The Lonsdale, 40 Lonsdale Road, Thurmaston, Leicester LE4 8JF. Mr Mick Cooper (c/o Agent: Ink/ Drawn Architectural Design Solutions) - Erection of 3 two-bed dwellings (resubmission) - at Land at Cranmer Drive to rear of 120 Fosse Way, Syston, Leicestershire LE7 1NG. Chaveney Properties Ltd (c/o Agent: Architects LE1 LLP) - Erection of 9 apartments, car park and external works following demolition of existing building - at Former Quorn Police Station, 23 Leicester Road, Quorn, Leicestershire LE12 8BA. John Willcox Land Ltd (c/o Agent: Holmes Antill) - Site for residential development of land for up to 45 dwellings with associated open space, access, infrastructure and landscape - at Land at Linkfield Farm, Loughborough Road, Rothley, Leicestershire. Charles Church (c/o Agent: Paul Woolley Design Ltd) - Erection of 41 dwellings with associated garages and parking (Revised scheme) - at Land off Barkby Road, Syston, Leicestershire.
Blaby District Mr & Mrs J Anderson Application to extend time limit for implementation of planning permission for 3 detached dwellings - at 77 Station Road, Countesthorpe, Leicestershire LE8 5TB. Mr Aditi Babla (c/o Agent: Landmark Planning, 10 Salisbury Road, Leicester LE1 7QR) Application to extend time limit for the implementation of planning permission for proposed erection of 6 detached dwellings with associated access (to include demolition of 2 Stafford Leys) - at Land to rear of 2A8 Stafford Leys, Leicester Forest East, Leicester. Jelson Ltd (of 370 Loughborough Road, Leicester LE4 5PR) - Erection of 22 dwellings and associated access and parking (Revised scheme) - at Land between Cedar Road and
Southway, Blaby, Leicester.
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BSS INDUSTRIAL AND TRAVIS PERKINS ARE A DYNAMIC DUO ON HEATHROW PROJECT
Leicestershire County Council (of County Hall, Leicester Road, Glenfield, Leicester LE3 8RE) - Demolition of existing domestic property and erection of new community library - at 76 Rushmere Walk, Leicester Forest East, Leicester LE3 3PD. Mr R Frost, Mr P Ward & Mr N De Voil (c/o Agent: Graham Harris Partnership, 11 Ridgeway, Littlethorpe, Leicester LE19 2JJ) Proposed residential development of 4 dwellings with access from Cosby Road - at Rear of 10 Cosby Road, Countesthorpe, Leicestershire LE8 5PD.
NW Leics. Mr Bindley (c/o Agent: C A Underwood, The Barn, Church Lane, Ravenstone, Coalville, Leics. LE67 2AE) - Erection of 4 spectator stands - at Heather St John’s Football Club, Ravenstone Road, Heather, Coalville, Leics. LE67 2QJ. Mr M & Mrs R Boyd - of New Look (UK) Ltd, 5 Jubilee Business Park, Snarestone Road, Appleby Magna, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE12 7AJ - Change of use to showroom, workshop, storage, and office use for use in connection with a shopfitting and interiors business - at Former garage and workshop, 86 Leicester Road, New Packington, Ashby de la Zouch, Leics. LE65 1TQ. BABB Construction Ltd (c/o Agent: House Martin Designs, The Carthouse, Chartwells Court, Upperfields Farm, Swepstone, Leics. LE67 2SG) Erection of a pair of semi-detached dwellings - at Ginn Stables, Measham Road, Oakthorpe, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE12 7RG. Mr Robert Fisher (c/o Agent: Mr Brett Cross, Unit 1 Moorbridge Works, Bestwood Road, Bulwell, Nottingham NG6 8SS) - Demolition of building - at Mitchell Grieve Ltd, Baker Street, Coalville, Leics. LE67 4GA.
Harborough Mr Brian Jordan (c/o Agent: Martin Russell Architects Ltd, 21 Manor Walk, Coventry Road, Market Harborough, Leics. LE16 9BX) - Change of use of agricultural buildings to offices - at Gunsells Farm, Wood Lane, Tugby, Leics. LE7 9WE. Mrs T S Uppal (c/o Agent: Ross Thain & Co Ltd, 20 Belton Street, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 2EF) Demolition of Hornbeam House, (1A Cross Bank) and barn off Banbury Lane, and erection of 2 detached
Continued on page 34
BSS Industrial has demonstrated its new-found strengths since becoming part of the Travis Perkins Group, with the successful completion of a joint project at Heathrow Airport. BSS Industrial was asked to supply a range of cast iron by customer, Crown House Technology. This range would usually be specially ordered for the customer, but with support from Travis Perkins in White City, the product was readily available and delivered within 24 hours. Not only were client expectations exceeded but it also introduced the Crown House team to Travis Perkins. On the same project, Travis Perkins was asked by Mechanical and Roofing Ltd to supply Geberit HDPE. BSS Industrial stepped in to utilise its wide stock range and excellent availability, getting the product to site when required. Peter Sullivan, Operations Director for BSS Industrial, said: “Since the acquisition of the BSS Group by Travis Perkins at the start of 2011, we have added a number of new strings to our bow. Both companies are specialists in different markets; by combining our strengths we can offer complete solutions. This is opening new doors for us as a leading distributor whilst providing clients with a more comprehensive service.”
Britain’s Oldest JCB Digger Driver Vows To Work To 100 Evergreen handyman George Evans has become Britain’s oldest digger driver after investing in a brand new JCB excavator - at the grand old age of 92. Having already built his own house single-handedly, The WWII veteran he is taking his non-stop DIY exploits to a new level by landscaping his back garden in Frankley, Birmingham and recently bought a JCB 8008 micro excavator to carry out the work Grandfather-of-two George, who was injured twice during his war service, said: “Hard work and staying active is the secret of my good health. The JCB machine is my Godsend. With its help I aim to be still working on the garden at the age of 100.”
When I first started working, I used to dream of the day when I might be earning the salary I’m starving on now.
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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
Roecliffe Manor is for sale: Offers invited Continued from page 33 dwellings and detached garage with annexe over serving Bybrook House (1 Cross Bank) - at Hornbeam House, 1A Cross Bank, Great Easton, Leiecstershire LE16 8SR. Leicestershire County Council (of County Hall, Glenfield, Leicester LE3 8RE) - Erection of a three-classroom educational block, including additional car parking, external ramp and hard play areas - at Kibworth C of E Primary School, Hillcrest Avenue, Kibworth Beauchamp, Leics. LE8 0NH. Langton Homes Ltd (c/o Agent: LMC Architect, 11 Main Street, Lyddington, Rutland LE15 9LR) - Erection of 5 dwellings with associated garaging, hardstanding and landscaping - at The Bull’s Head, Shangton Road, Tur Langton, Leics. LE8 0PN. Mr C Murphy (c/o Agent: MWS Design, 48A Northampton Road, Market Harborough, Leics. LE16 9HE) - Erection of two-storey front extension, pitched roof over existing flat roof extension and change of use from public house to 2 residential dwellings - at Crown Inn, Main Street, Theddingworth, Leics. LE17 6QY.
Melton Mr & Mrs R Holden (c/o Agent: Mr Michael J Keyworth, 20A Park Road, Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE13 1TT) - Erection of single storey dwelling and garage and conversion of 5 flats into 3 two-bedroom affordable homes - at Land adjacent to 32 New Road, Burton Lazars, Leics. Glencoe Homes (c/o Agent: Mr Maurice Fairhurst, 41 Wartnaby Road, Ab Kettleby, Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE14 3JJ) - Outline application for 4 two-bedroom dwellings and associated car parking - at Allotments, Main Street, Frisby on the Wreake, Leics. Mr R A Weston (c/o Agent: Mr Michael J Keyworth, 20A Park Road, Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE13 1TT) - Demolition of redundant timber buildings and erection of 2 twobedroom bungalows with off-street parking - at H Weston & Son Builder’s Yard, Church Lane, Wymondham, Leics. Mr Ian Hardwick (c/o Agent:Mr James Botterill, HSSP, 44 Asfordby Road, Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE13 0HR) - Alteration of existing dwelling at 18 Chapel Lane and the formation of 1 new dwelling adjacent to 18 Chapel Lane to create an additional semi-detached dwelling - at 18 Chapel
Lane, Nether Broughton, Leics. LE14 3EN.
Hinckley & Bosworth Mrs A Dodds (c/o Agent: Philip Baumber, 50 Radmore Road, Hinckley, Leics. LE10 0RQ) Subdivision of dwelling to form 2 dwellings and extensions and alterations - at 6 Shakespeare Drive, Hinckley, Leics. LE10 0BG. Mr Sean Lyall (of 6 The Fairway, Kirby Muxloe, Leicester) - Partial demolition of existing buildings to form a refurbished office and dwelling and the erection of 1 new dwelling - at 128 Main Street, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9UX. Tony Morris & Sons (c/o Agent: Jeff Hayward, 19 Station Road, Hinckley, Leics. LE10 1AW) - Erection of 4 dwellings - at St Mary’s Court, Barwell, Leicester. Mrs P Taylor (c/o Agent: Mr Christopher Timothy, Trafalgar House, 20A Market Street, Lichfield, Staffs.) - Demolition of existing dwelling and the erection of 6 dwellings with associated access - at 4 Pipe Lane, Orton on the Hill, Atherstone, Warks. Williams Recycling Ltd (c/o Agent: Leicestershire County Council, c/o Jennifer Saunders, County Hall, Glenfield, Leicester) - Demolition of existing buildings and erection of a storage/recycling building and ancillary facilities comprising 2 offices, weighbridge and storage, for use as a materials recovery unit - at Red Lion Farm, Watling Street, Burbage, Hinckley, Leics.
BENTONS ESTATE AGENTS are inviting offers for Roecliffe Manor, Roecliffe Road, Woodhouse Eaves, Loughborough, LE12 8TN. Enjoying an outstanding setting in the very heart of Charnwood Forest within approximately 45 acres of grounds and woods, this is a unique opportunity to acquire a substantial former Cheshire residential care home for which planning consent has been granted to construct an outstanding country house. This spectacular property will offer a superb subterranean leisure complex and extensive separate accommodation for guests or staff within the grounds. Roecliffe Manor represents probably the last opportunity in Charnwood Forest to construct a stunning country house on an impressive scale within magnificent grounds. Over a number of years, plans have been carefully drawn up by specialist Country House architect Janine Stone in order to obtain planning consent to re-develop Roecliffe Manor to create a spectacular country house. With consent now granted, a full set of drawings, artist’s impressions and landscaping proposals have been put together at considerable expense and now provide the discerning purchaser the opportunity to create an outstanding country property which will arguably be one of the finest in The Charnwood Forest. The property is situated within a stunning secluded setting on the edge of Woodhouse Eaves with a sweeping rhododendron-lined approach. The property is elevated thus giving an impressive arrival experience and has an open aspect to the front over a meadow, woods and views beyond over Charnwood Forest. Beyond the rear gardens is a further meadow with the back drop of mature trees and the whole therefore enjoys total seclusion and privacy and the potential to recreate stunning garden grounds with the possibility of a lake to the front to enhance the approach. For more information, contact Bentons on 01664 563892 or visit www. bentons.co.uk
Craftsmen & Women invited to apply for the 2012 William Morris Craft Fellowship
“Quite an adventure” - according to carpenter Dave Davies, a Fellow in 2009, who says: “The Fellowship really changed the way I look at buildings. It also gave me the opportunity to meet some fabulous building professionals and tradesmen and tap into their wealth of knowledge. Ultimately, the experience proved to be inspiring, informative, thought provoking.” Applications are invited now from committed young craftsmen and women interested in SPAB’s (The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings) 2012 William Morris Craft Fellowship. Up to four successful candidates will form a small band next year, travelling together throughout the country to learn more about traditional building crafts from masters of the trades. This is a unique and potentially life-changing opportunity. The Fellowship is an advanced training scheme, devised to encourage and nurture young people from any trade employed in the repair of historic buildings. National concern at the lack of people with the skills needed to care for Britain’s historic buildings and structures, both now and into the future, means that this unique training opportunity is becoming increasingly relevant. Since 1986 SPAB has organised and administered the Fellowship to promote and develop the specialised skills required for the repair and maintenance of historic buildings and to promote understanding of the importance of conservative repair. Former Fellows have included carpenters, masons, thatchers, plasterers and glaziers. Following the tradition of the medieval ‘journeyman craftsman’ – skilled workers who travelled from town to town to ply their trade - SPAB’s successful Fellowship applicants travel the length and breadth of the country together to learn about the widest possible variety of traditional building skills and repair techniques from established experts. It is the only training scheme of this kind. The closing date is 1st Jan 2012. For further information or to obtain an application form please write to the Education Officer, SPAB, 37 Spital Square, London E1 6DY or email: education@spab.org.uk
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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
Your Local Quantity Surveyor Offering Friendly, Professional Advice Free initial consultation All work undertaken from tender stage through to final account Covering all sectors of the industry including residential, social housing, commercial and industrial 35 years experience in the construction industry For more information please visit our website: www.mjsurveyingltd.com Email: mark@mjsurveying.plus.com Telephone Mark on 07969 830986
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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
Ibstock Brick Selector has been updated
Following the overwhelming success of its popular ‘Brick Selector’ guides, Ibstock has released a new issue of this comprehensive, inspirational and easy to follow guide to brick matching and brick selection from the UK’s widest range of clay facing bricks. Now in its fourth edition, Ibstock’s new ‘Brick Selector’ is full of more awe inspiring and creative ideas to help professional builders, self builders and the general public get inventive with brick. A key focus for the latest instalment of the company’s flagship brochure is Ibstock’s new ‘Manor Range’ – the most recent extension to the company’s industry leading collection of bricks. A striking range of bricks specifically designed to replicate traditional finishes from the past, the new Manor Range is manufactured using specially developed manufacturing equipment to give a unique finish. The range consists of five new products, four red and one buff, enabling architects and housebuilders to create fascinating streetscape for any development, helping buildings to seamlessly sit perfectly within their environment. Andrew Halstead-Smith, marketing manager at Ibstock, commented: “Since the launch of the ‘Brick Selector’ back in 2009, each of the three previous editions has drawn a remarkable response from our customers – so the decision to produce a fourth edition of what has proven to be one of, if not our most popular brochures, was a real no-brainer. “The fourth edition is as ever extremely easy to use and we are thrilled to showcase to our customers the very latest bricks Ibstock has to offer - the exciting new ‘Manor Range’ - which blends together the old with the new to create properties that offer kerb appeal.” This edition also features the very latest information on the sustainability of brick, as well as improved index pages with even more technical information including pack sizes to make ordering the right quantities even easier. For further information or to order a copy of Ibstock’s Brick Selector, call 0844 800 4875. Alternatively visit www.ibstock.com for all the latest news.
Renting On The Rise As Flexible Alternative The private-rented sector (PRS) is playing an increasingly important part in providing housing in the UK, according to delegates who attended the National Landlords Association (NLA) fringe events at this year’s political party conferences. Troubled by the disproportionate attention given to virtually inaccessible social renting and owner occupation, the NLA posed the question: “Where would we be without UK landlords?” and concluded that far from being a second best option, rental accommodation forms a vital part of the UK’s housing mix. The Liberal Democrat event discussed the cultural shift away from the UK obsession with home ownership towards the flexibility that renting provides. Jake Berry MP, Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Housing Minister, told the Conservative fringe event in Manchester: “Where would we be without UK Landlords? The answer is in real, real trouble. They are absolutely vital to the Government’s housing plans and supporting the economy. I think the future of the private-rented sector is bright, it can only expand and play a greater role in providing housing in the UK.” David Salusbury, NLA Chairman, commented: “A diverse housing mix in the UK is to be encouraged and the private-rented sector will play an increasingly important role in providing homes in the UK. It currently makes up 14% of all households and we expect this to rise as people move away from homeownership towards more flexible forms of accommodation.”
Results of the latest heb auction At the October heb property auction 14 of the 18 lots available were sold representing a 78% success rate. For a full list a the results and the prices achieved please visit the website, www.heb.co.uk There are still 4 lots available: The White Hind, Carter Gate, Newark NG24 1UB Pub and retail unit, both let producing £25,500. Planning consent to bring first floor into use. Centrally positioned in the town centre. Available at £200,000 over 12% yield. 32 Asfordby Road, Melton Mowbray LE13 0UL Vacant surgery on arterial route, close to town centre. Large
Victorian semi, with outbuildings and garages, plus ample onsite parking. Selling on behalf of retired dentist. Potential for alternative use/ redevelopment subject to planning. Was on market with Leicester agent 2 months ago for £275,000, now available at £175,000. 32 Holden Street, Nottingham NG7 3JN 2 Bed house let on AST at £4,719 pa, plus large vacant garage. Close to city centre just off the A610 and
approximately 600m to Nottingham Trent University. Available at £70,000. 2 Foxhall Road, Forest Fields, Nottingham NG7 6NA Vehicle repair garage, electric roller shutter and inspection pit. Available at £115,000
The next heb auction will be on 14th December – entries being taken now.
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Plant Theft Costing UK Construction Industry Over £1.6 Billion A Year Rogue thieves are draining the life out of the UK construction industry, with crime costing businesses £75 million every year. Research carried out by CCTV security specialist, Netwatch, found that crime, when coupled with costs such as plant replacement fees, hire of replacement equipment, loss of business and increased insurance premiums, is setting the construction industry back a staggering £1.6 billion a year. Niall Kelly, Founder and Technical Director of Netwatch, explained: “This is a major problem for the construction business. It is an absolutely astounding amount of money for the industry to be losing each year because of mindless thieves. “You find a lot of raw metals like copper, aluminium and lead on construction sites, and the value of these materials has seen a huge rise over the past 12 months thanks to the fluctuating economy. “With a lot of valuable plant and equipment like this on site at any given time security is an issue – more thieves are targeting sites across the UK and Ireland, particularly those which are in rural areas and far away from the main road. “Even the best security guards can only be in one place at a time making it very difficult to deter thieves and vandals.” Netwatch’s CCTV system alerts its Communications Hub if any activity is detected on a construction site when there should be no one around. A live audio warning is issued immediately, which often results in the would-be thief being scared off. Mr Kelly added: “When the Communications Hub issues a live audio warning, the intruder is taken unawares and the usual response is to immediately leave the site. “We have seen clients go from losing thousands, or even millions ever year, to almost zero losses through theft or damage since having Netwatch’s cameras installed on their site. “We recently had an incident where criminals arrived outside a Netwatch protected site with a specialist stripping machine in the back of their vehicle. Their intention was clearly to remove the wiring from the unoccupied buildings and strip the copper out to sell it. Luckily our communication hub intervened before they could go any further, and the gang was subsequently apprehended by police.”
Birthdays are good for you: the more you have, the longer you live.
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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
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Intuit has just announced the UK launch of QuickBooks 2012, the latest release of its popular financial management software for small businesses. QuickBooks is the number-one selling small business accounting software in the UK. QuickBooks simplifies financial management, helping small business owners save time by organising their finances all in one place and making it easy to create invoices, track sales and expenses and automatically calculate and eFile VAT returns directly to HMRC. The new QuickBooks 2012 is easier to set up and use with many improvements to help small business owners get up and running in fewer steps, stay on top of their finances with more at-a-glance views and save time on every day accounting tasks. QuickBooks 2012 became available in the UK for download from quickbooks.co.uk from the 25th October 2011 and on CD from Intuit and select retailers, including Amazon, PC World and Staples, in November. Based on feedback from small businesses, new and improved time saving features in QuickBooks 2012 include: • New Setup Wizard. Includes coaching tips to help navigate through first tasks so new users can get up and running in minutes. Plus, contacts can be imported from Excel or email address books. Calendar View. Quickly scan invoices, billing, past transactions and • more items with a single click in the new Calendar. The improved to-do list captures more relevant information and displays it all in a calendar format. Collection Centre. Stay on top of money owed with the Collections • Centre. Quickly identify overdue and almost due invoices and email all collection notices from Outlook, Yahoo, Gmail or Hotmail accounts in a few steps. • Batch Invoicing. Automatically create a full set of invoices for customers with the same service. Create an invoice once and QuickBooks will automatically send to selected customers. • QuickBooks Search. Quickly locate any account, report, invoice, contact or transaction with QuickBooks Search, by keyword. The new QuickBooks 2012 Payroll includes new time saving features, such as Save and Resume, enabling employers to easily pause payroll and come back later. The new Net-to-gross calculator enables employers to enter a net amount and QuickBooks will calculate and add the proper tax withholding and deductions - helpful when paying an employee a fixed new amount, such as a bonus. Pernille Bruun-Jensen, managing director for Intuit UK, said, “Good financial management is the key to long term success and yet, three out of four small businesses in the UK continue to struggle with manual methods, typically pen and paper records or simple spreadsheets, to keep track of their finances. Often they are unaware that there is a better way or are worried that they need accounting knowledge to use financial management software. With QuickBooks 2012 we are making it much easier for small businesses to get on top of their finances and save time - so they can do more of what they love.” Ian Walker from Antares Supplies Ltd, a business equipment company and QuickBooks Premier 2012 beta user, said: “I found the installation and upgrade to QuickBooks 2012 to be easy and seamless. Whether you are a new user or an old hand with QuickBooks it could not be easier to get started. QuickBooks helps to speed up the day to day running of our business. We have been using QuickBooks for ten years and it is an invaluable all round tool for our business.” QuickBooks 2012 will be available in five versions in the UK, including QuickBooks SimpleStart, QuickBooks Pro, QuickBooks Pro + Payroll, QuickBooks Premier and QuickBooks Premier Plus. QuickBooks is ICEAW and HMRC Payroll Standard accredited.
FENNEL GINGER .............................................................................Postcode: ............................. HORSERADISH IfLEMONGRASS you can spot 12 HERBS AND SPICES in the MARJORAM grid above, you could win yourself a £25 Wordsearch PAPRIKAto spend at Frankie & Benny’s New York Voucher PEPPERMINT Italian Restaurant. ROSEMARY All you have to do to go into the draw is find - and mark a TARRAGON line through - the names of 12 herbs and spices. These can TURMERIC run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!). Send your marked entry forms to: SPICY! Leicestershire Builder, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to arrive by Monday 21st November Please rememberat to fill in Created by2011. Puzzlemaker DiscoveryEducation.com, your name and address. The sender of the first correct entry drawn out of the hat will win the Frankie & Benny’s £25 Voucher. Good luck!
Here are the 12 HERBS & SPICES you have to find: CINNAMON • ELDERFLOWER • FENNEL • GINGER
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HORSERADISH • LEMONGRASS • MARJORAM • PAPRIKA PEPPERMINT • ROSEMARY • TARRAGON • TURMERIC
Last Month’s Wordsearch Winner: MR CARL PEACE of Dorset Avenue, Wigston, Leicester
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