November 2015 leicestershire builder online

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Development opportunity in Great Glen

JAMES SELLICKS Estate Agents are offering for sale a residential development opportunity for conversion of a former Mill House plus the erection of 4 new-build properties.

The property - at London Road, Great Glen, Leicestershire LE8 9DJ - extends to approximately 1.8 acres and also has a paddock of 1.3 acres.

The site is in a sought-after rural location in a secluded setting adjacent to the River Sence.

Planning consent has been granted (refs: 14/00851/FUL & 14/00870/FUL) for a substantial upgrade and extension to the former Mill House together with the erection of 3 high quality detached houses in addition to a detached affordable bungalow.

The asking price is £1.2 million.

For more information, contact James Sellicks on 01858 410008 or email: mh@jamessellicks.com

Building division of NM Group wins two Craftsmanship Awards The building division of engineering and specialist contractor, North Midland Construction PLC (NM Group), has won two awards in the Leicestershire Joint Consultative Committee (LJCC) annual craftsmanship awards which were presented at the recent Leicestershire & Rutland Construction Dinner.

The first award is for the conversion of the former WINNERS: (left to right) Sarah Stead, Peter Stuart, Alan Stamford Shoe Works Birchenall (Guest Speaker), Robert Jones and Mick Sanders. factory on Canal Street within the South Wigston conversation area into affordable housing for the East Midlands Housing Group. The £1m regeneration and refurbishment scheme was designed to meet the needs of modern living without compromising the building’s heritage.

The NM Group project team and RG+P Architects along with craftsmen worked closely with the conservation team to ensure that the building retained its character whilst also adhering to current building standards.

The scheme has been welcomed by local people as it sympathetically developed a site that had remained empty and decaying for over a decade and has now acted as a catalyst for further development of the area.

The second award is for the external brickwork on the new £3.4m office building that the company has recently completed for Grove Park Commercial Centre at Grove Park, Enderby.

“We are delighted to have won these two craftsmanship awards,” said Robert Jones, business development manager at the NM Group. We work hard to deliver projects to a high standard and winning these awards recognises this.”

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

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

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New Affordable Homes Officially Opened by High Sheriff of Leicestershire

Council plans sale of former Granby Halls site Twenty-three brand new affordable homes have been unveiled by the High Sheriff of Leicestershire at a ceremonial opening event in Thringstone.

Developed by emh group, the £2.8 million scheme has been christened ‘Fortnam Close’ in memory of Able Seaman John Fortnam, a much-loved local resident who died in World War One. The development is made up of a combination of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units and offers a mix of shared ownership and affordable rent options.

Fortnam Close can be found on the site of the former Fox Inn, a derelict public house that had not seen a pint pulled for many years. Planning applications sailed through with full support from the local community, happy in the knowledge that the site widely regarded as an eyesore was finally to be transformed.

Funded by a combination of Social Housing Grant, the North West Leicestershire Enabling Grant, and emh group finance, the development is part of a wider programme to tackle the demand for affordable homes in the East Midlands.

All properties are constructed with timber frames, a designated Modern Method of Construction, and meet Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3, ensuring a high build quality and low running costs for residents.

The development was designed by rg+p architects, alongside quantity surveyors Summers Inman and contractors Westleigh. Fortnam Close is now fully occupied by local people in need of affordable rents, or for those who want to get the first foot on the housing ladder through shared ownership.

Gordon Arthur, High Sheriff of Leicestershire, said: “I never dreamt I would be opening a scheme like this. Fortnam Close looks absolutely wonderful and the new families living here, I hope, will be very happy.”

PLANS for the proposed sale of land on the site of the former Granby Halls have been announced by Leicester City Council.

The 1.66 acres (0.67 hectares) of land, located next to the Leicester Tigers Stadium at the junction of Welford and Aylestone Road, were marketed for sale as from Friday16 October.

Prospective buyers will have to provide an outline of their proposed future use of the site when submitting their offer for the land.

The city council has put in place a site development brief which provides guidance on the type and size of development that will be permitted on the site. This gives a variety of potential uses, including offices, hotel use, student accommodation, or community facilities, in a building of between five and eight storeys. Apartments could also be included as part of a mixed-use scheme.

Open space must be maintained between the Granby Halls site and the Tigers ground, to provide a public concourse.

The city council, which owns the land, currently leases it to NCP and Leicester Tigers for car parking.

Interested bidders will have to submit a sealed offer, along with outline details of their proposed development, to the city council for consideration.

The sale will be subject to the buyer obtaining a satisfactory planning approval. Further details can be found at www.leicester.gov.uk/ propertyshop The closing date for offers is Friday 27 November.

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.

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Weddings and funerals are the same because I love going but I don’t want them to be about me.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

Residential development Coalville playgroup benefits land in Castle Gresley as homebuilder upgrades Community Centre FISHER GERMAN are offering for sale an attractive development opportunity surrounded by mature woodland with Outline Planning Permission for 7 dwellings.

The property - The Woodlands, Cadley Hill Road, Castle Gresley, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE11 9EQ - extends to approximately 1.33 acres and currently comprises a residential dwelling, which it is proposed will be demolished to enable redevelopment of the site.

Outline Planning Permission (ref: 9/2014/0120) was granted by South Derbyshire District Council on 29th January 2015 for demolition of the existing dwelling and erection of 7 dwellings.

The Section 106 Agreement requires contributions for Education (£28,575), Healthcare (£3,306), National Forest Planting Contribution (£2,000), Recreational Built Facilities (£2,440), Recreational Open Space (£7,440), recreational Outdoor Facilities (£4,440) and Waste Recycling (£200.27).

Offers are invited based upon a Guide Price of £550,000.

For more information, or to arrange a viewing appointment, contact Luke Brafield at Fisher German on 01530 567472 or email: luke.brafield@ fishergerman.co.uk

Celebrating construction’s Young Achievers Charity Construction Youth Trust has launched its 5th annual awards scheme The Duke of Gloucester’s Young Achievers Scheme 2016.

The Duke of Gloucester’s Young Achievers scheme is a great opportunity for exceptional young professionals under 30 working in construction and the built environment to be commended and celebrated for their achievements.

There are five categories to enter: • Construction Delivery • Design, Planning and Architecture • Engineering • Project Management • Surveying.

One of the category winners is chosen as Overall Winner of the awards scheme. Finalists are judged by a panel of industry experts through a process of presentations and interviews.

They will be looking for young people who have not only achieved excellence in their careers so far, but who have had to overcome barriers and challenges or social disadvantage to get to where they are. They also look for those who go the extra mile by being involved with activities or initiatives that benefit the community or the construction industry.

Each winner will receive a cash prize and a unique development opportunity through the Trust with a one year mentoring programme to enable them to make an even greater impact in the years to come. To enter, applicants must be under the age of 30 on 30th January 2016.

Those interested in applying for The Duke of Gloucester’s Young Achievers Scheme have until the 6th November 2015 to apply for these prestigious awards.

For further information on the awards and how to apply please visit www. constructionyouth.org.uk/awards The winners will be presented at an awards dinner in Spring 2016. The awards are being sponsored this year by CITB, Arcadis, KPMG and AECOM. To find out how you can sponsor the awards please contact John Graham at hello@constructionyouth.org.uk

A children’s playgroup, along with other community groups in Coalville, has been given more space and better facilities as a result of work done to Agar Nook Community Centre by local homebuilder David Wilson Homes.

The community centre, on Belgrave Close, underwent modifications over the summer, with staff from the developer, which has its head office in nearby Bardon, knocking through internal walls and installing new plumbing, electricity, carpeting and toilets, all free of charge.

The building, which is run by Agar Nook Community Association, is also the venue for a local exercise group, a dance class, a knit and natter club and more, all of which should also benefit from the work by the homebuilder, which recently started building a new development at nearby Abbotts View on Greenhill Road.

Nick Clarke, Chair of the Management Committee, said: “We’re very grateful to the staff of

Children try out the slide at the newly expanded Agar Nook Community Centre, while volunteer Marie Smith-Farr, Chair of the Management Committee Nick Clarke and local mum Karina Beale look on.

David Wilson Homes for sparing the time, effort and resources to give Agar Nook Community Centre a much-needed upgrade. The extra space and facilities will be a great help.”

Local mum Marie Farr, from Coalville, said, “What they’ve done looks lovely, it’s brilliant that they’ve doubled it in size, and the new carpeting makes it ideal for the younger children.”

John Reddington, Managing Director of David Wilson Homes East Midlands, said: “As a responsible developer we have a duty to give back to the local area, and so we thought we’d offer to do what we do best – quality building work – to upgrade this vitally important local Community Centre.”

Site for 6 dwellings in Leicester Forest East KAL SANGRA Shonki Brothers are offering for sale a level development site with planning permission (ref: 14/0056/1/ PX) for 6 four-bed dwellings.

The 0.42 acre - at Hinckley Road, Leicester Forest East, Leicester LE3 3PG - was originally part of the adjoining Red Cow public house’s car park.

The asking price is £650,000 plus VAT. For more information, contact Kal Sangra Shonki Brothers on 0116 254 3373 or visit www.shonkibrothers.com

Nothing says ‘I love my dog’ quite like spending more money on his haircut than you do your own.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

I just want way more than I deserve. Is that so wrong?

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

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So apparently RSVP-ing back to a wedding invite: ‘Maybe next time’ isn’t the correct response.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

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Coalville to receive £1.5 Property industry million cash injection to welcomes creation of boost local area National Infrastructure Commission The British Property Federation (BPF) has commented on plans laid out by Chancellor George Osborne to create a National Infrastructure Commission, which will be chaired

by Labour Cabinet Minister and Transport Secretary Andrew Adonis, sitting as a cross bench peer.

Melanie Leech, chief executive of the British Property Federation, commented: “Infrastructure is absolutely crucial to attracting the investment that is needed to regenerate the UK’s towns and cities and create growth.

Today’s announcement is therefore very welcome, and we hope to see swift decisions over important projects to ensure clarity and certainty for investors.

“In order to create places where people will live as well as work, we would hope to see discussion as to whether large-scale housing schemes could be considered within significant infrastructure projects.This would enable the development industry to deliver a large number of homes, quickly.”

Coalville is set to benefit from almost £1.5 million of funding to improve services and facilities in the town thanks to leading homebuilder David Wilson Homes.

The funding, which totals £1,496,246.20, comes as part of the planning agreements for two new developments being built in the town by the company.

Abbots View, on Greenhill Road, and Stenson’s Quarter, off Bardon Road, will bring a total of 158 new homes to Coalville over the coming years.

Both new and existing residents will benefit from the contributions, which include : • £200,000 towards the provision of offsite affordable housing in Coalville • £102,700 to be used towards two six-month bus passes per home • £10,056 for a bus shelter and information display case at two bus stops close to the development • A civic amenity contribution of £12,011 • A £149,180.79 contribution towards education in the area • £8,532.00 monitoring fee to be paid to North West Leicestershire District Council

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£3,347.00 monitoring fee to be paid to Leicestershire County Council • £27,693.11 towards healthcare • £9,830 towards library facilities • A level crossing contribution of £15,500 • An off-site highways contribution of £876,600 • £66,446 as a Police authority contribution • £8350.30 to be used towards a travel pack for each new home • A £6,000 travel plan monitoring fee David Wilson Homes will also be contributing towards public open space maintenance

Morrisons buys Derby distribution hub in multimillion pound deal Supermarket giant Morrisons has acquired Derby’s largest second-hand distribution hub in a multimillion pound deal overseen by Innes England.

Acting on behalf of Hudson Advisors, the East Midlands commercial property consultancy has completed the sale of Derby Distribution Centre.

The site houses the largest second-hand warehouse and distribution facility within Derby, providing 400,000 sq ft in a single building.

The scheme is currently partly occupied by Derby florist Flowerworld, which is owned by Morrisons. Each week the site makes over 300,000 flower bouquets, which are subsequently distributed to Morrisons’ 510 stores nationwide.

GVA acted as joint agent for Hudson and KF represented Morrisons.

Former Edwardian residence in Knighton for student use INNES ENGLAND are offering for sale a substantial 3-storey detached former Edwardian residence which has an authorised and established use for the provision of student residential accommodation.

The 6,822 sq.ft. property - Latimer House, Carisbrooke Road, Knighton, Leicester LE2 3PB - has been adapted to provide 10 double and 9 single study bedrooms, together with kitchen and bathroom facilities. Outside the property fronts a mature lawned area, and there is on site car parking.

Latimer House has an authorised and established planning use for the provision of student residential accommodation. Parties interested in an alternative use, including conversion for owner occupation, are advised to speak with Leicester City Council on 0116 454 1000.

The asking price is £750,000.

For more information, contact Peter Doleman at Innes England on 0116 255 5455 or email: pdoleman@innesengland.com

My biggest fear is just waving at someone who’s waving at someone else.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

Recruitment

Ionic makes Midlands move Leading construction Recruitment business Ionic has expanded its Midlands operation and moved to a new office base in Tamworth.

The Midlands team is now located at Pacific House, Relay Point, under the leadership of Hayley Jackson.

Ionic provides contract, temporary and permanent jobs for people in the construction, social housing and maintenance sector. It acts for some of the region’s busiest contractors, including Seddon Construction, Keepmoat, Wilmott Dixon, McCarthy & Stone, Mears; Bruntwood; Persimmon Homes, Redrow, Bellway.

Martyn Makinson, UK managing director of Ionic, said: “The Midlands is core to our development strategy and Pacific House will allow us scope to increase our staff numbers. We’re currently recruiting ourselves for five new recruitment consultants to help us keep up with the market demand for construction staff. The sectors where we are focused - social housing and refurbishment, house building and general construction – have all seen a dramatic increase in business activity.

“It’s one of the ironies of the our times that after enduring tough market conditions the construction industry is now struggling to take advantage of the upturn because of skills shortages. There’s a lot of competition at all levels within the sector from tradespeople, through to middle and senior management professionals. This is also coupled with strong counter-offers that are now commonplace in the market.”

Housebuilder is commended for apprenticeship commitment A Loughborough housebuilder has been commended by the CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) for its commitment to delivering apprenticeships.

William Davis has been operating an in-house apprenticeship scheme for over 60 years and was shortlisted in the CITB’s annual Apprenticeship Awards as Large Apprentice Employer of the Year. Recognising employers that have demonstrated a longstanding commitment towards the development of young people through apprenticeships, nominations for these national awards were made by CITB apprenticeship officers.

“The CITB’s annual awards allow us to nominate employers who provide an outstanding service to their apprentices,” explains CITB apprenticeship officer, Amanda Drabant. “For over ten years, I have worked with William Davis and believe them to be one of the best employers; they are keen to see their apprentices succeed and offer first-class support throughout.”

The 2015 Apprenticeship Awards took place earlier this month at London’s Plaisterers’ Hall and were presented by former Blue Peter television presenter, Helen Skelton.

William Davis was announced as highly commended in its category, and was one of just five finalists from across the UK. Rebecca Jones, HR & training officer at William Davis collected the trophy during a presentation AWARDS: (Left) TV presenter, luncheon. “It is extremely Helen Skelton with (right) rewarding to be nationally Rebecca Jones (William Davis) recognised for our work with at the CITB Apprenticeship apprentices and we were delighted to be nominated by our CITB Awards presentation luncheon. apprenticeship officer. Every year, we seek to recruit aspiring tradespeople to develop a talented workforce, and through apprenticeships we believe the construction industry has a bright future.”

William Davis’ most recent apprentice intake commenced training in August and the company now directly employs 29 apprentices across all trades including bricklayers, plumbers, carpenters/joiners, electricians and plant mechanics.

Development opportunity in Leicester city centre FOTHERGILL WYATT Estate Agents are offering for sale

by Informal Tender a former Victorian factory building with potential for residential/student uses.

The three storey property - 11-13 Wellington Street, Leicester LE1 6HT - dates back to the late 1880s and is of predominantly brick construction under a slate roof. It benefits from two goods lifts and has two staircases.

The first floor is principally office accommodation with partition walls, and there are open plan spaces to the upper floors, offering a wealth of conversion opportunities.

The total floor area, including the basement, is 9,579 sq.feet.

Given the locational and physical characteristics of the property, it is suitable for conversion to a variety of uses, including residential and student accommodation, subject to obtaining planning permission.

Offers are invited on a conditional or unconditional basis. The closing day for bids is 12 noon on Wedneday 18th November 2015.

For more information, or to arrange a viewing appointment, contact Peter Wyatt at Fothergill Wyatt on 0116 270 5900 or email: peter@fothergillwyatt.com

Auction Diary 2015 November 2015 Tuesday 3rd November GRAHAM PENNY - Nottingham Racecourse, Nottingham 11.30am start www.grahampennyauctions.com Wednesday 18th November GRAHAM PENNY - King Power Stadium, Leicester - 11.30am start www.grahampennyauctions.com Wednesday 25th November SHONKI BROS KAL SANGRA at Leicester Racecourse, Leicester Road, Oadby, Leicester LE2 4AL - 5pm start - tel: 0116 254 3373 www.shonkibrothers.com

December 2015 Thursday 3 December 2015 COTTONS - at Aston Villa FC, Villa Park, Birmingham, B6 6HE - 11am start - tel: 0121 247 2233 or email: auctions@cottons.co.uk Wednesday 9th December 2015 GRAHAM PENNY - iPro Stadium, Derby - 11.30am start www.grahampennyauctions.com Wednesday 9 December 2015 SHONKI BROS - at The King Power Stadium, The Gallery, Filbert Way, Leicester LE2 7FL 5pm start - tel: 0116 255 7573 or email: info@shonkibros.com Thursday 20 Decemberr 2015 CPBIGWOOD - at Aston Villa FC, Birmingham - 11am start - tel: 0121 233 5046 - www.cpbigwood. com Tuesday 15th December GRAHAM PENNY - Nottingham Racecourse, Nottingham 11.30am start Thursday 17 December 2015 - SAVILLS - at Nottingham Racecourse, Colwick Park, Nottingham NG2 4BE - 2.30pm start - tel: 0115 934 8080 - www. savills.co.uk/auctions

Are you selling building plots or development properties?

Send details to us and we’ll mention them FREE in the next issue. Email particulars to: info@buildermagazines. co.uk and we’ll do the rest!

Ping-pong is the perfect sport because it combines everything I love about both tennis and not moving.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

How is it that I always seem to buy the plants without the will to live?

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

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Former School Site Transformed to Create Affordable Housing Work has begun to build 28 new affordable homes on the site of the former Forest Way School on Waterworks Road in Coalville.

Designed by Leicester-based architectural design and property management consultancy, The Martin Design Partnership (TMDP), the new development is being built by contractor and developer Williams Homes in partnership with Waterloo Housing Group.

The project, costing £3million, will create 24 - two bedroom homes and four - one bedroom flats and will directly address the shortfall of affordable housing within the area. Utilising the former 1.4 acre school site, which lay derelict since 2009, the development has been designed to complement the ON SITE (L-R) (Foreground) Scott Moore, Managing Partner, TMDP; surrounding area and minimize impact on the adjacent playing fields.

Ian Anderson, Director, Williams Homes; Neil Adie, Group Head of Scott Moore, Managing Partner, TMDP said: “Making use of brownfield sites Development, Waterloo Housing Group and Beth Carss, Project that have laid dormant for such a long period of time, not only addresses the Manager, Waterloo Housing Group on-going demand for affordable housing but also has a regenerative effect on the local area.

“When complete, the 28 home development will no doubt revitalise its surroundings and I look forward to seeing this site come back to life in 12 months’ time.”

Ian Anderson, Director, Williams Homes said: “We are delighted to be working on this project to transform a disused site into much needed affordable housing. Together with our partners, we are creating high quality yet affordable homes that will benefit the whole community.”

Hanson Building Products has changed Scheduled for phased completion between Summer its company name to Forterra, following to Autumn 2016, the new homes will be available for a recent divestment by former owners rent and shared ownership.

Hanson Building Products announces name change to Forterra HeidelbergCement.

Sibbertoft barn with full planning for conversion

FISHER GERMAN are offering for sale an agricultural barn with full planning permission to be converted into a twostorey dwelling with wonderful rural views.

The building - Sulby Lodge Granary, Welford Road, Sibbertoft, Leicestershire LE16 9UJ - is predominantly of block construction with a steel frame and asbestos roof. The plot extends to approximately 0.5 acres and is approached down a private lane and through a small yard.

Full planning permission for the conversion of the barn to form a residential dwelling was granted on 20th August 2015 from Daventry District Council (ref: DA/2015/0239).

The asking price is £300,000.

For more information, or to arrange a viewing appointment, contact Fisher german on 01858 410200 or visit www.fishergerman.co.uk

The rebranding brings with it a new logo and a fresh identity to the established business, which has a trading history spanning back several decades, while its wide selection of products and services will be unchanged.

The company, which operates in North America and the United Kingdom, makes a diverse range of concrete and clay building products with instantly recognisable UK brands, including clay bricks, Thermalite blocks, aggregate blocks, Red Bank chimney, roofing and flue systems, precast concrete, Jetfloor and Formpave permeable paving. Structherm, the subsidiary Stephen Harrison specialising in external wall insulation, is unaffected by this rebranding.

Forterra employs approximately 5,000 people, 1,600 of whom work in the UK at 18 manufacturing facilities and the new Northampton based head office.

Stephen Harrison, UK Managing Director of Forterra, said; “The Hanson name and logo may have been replaced by Forterra, but this is a change of branding only.

“We remain committed to the excellence and integrity recognised by our customers and the construction industry in general, and we want to use this rebranding to reinforce our values.

“We will continue to be a leading building products manufacturer in the UK, and a key player within the construction industry. As Forterra, our business enters an exciting new era.”

Forterra is a name that clearly states what the company stands for and how it creates value giving form (For-) to the earth (-terra). The company logo was inspired by the shapes and forms of Forterra products, with a strong wordmark that exemplifies the fortitude and solidarity of the company.

The new name is effective immediately, and will be implemented across the company’s products, services and communications over the coming months. Company emails and web addresses will also change to reflect the Forterra name.

These changes only apply to Hanson Building Products, while Hanson Cement, Hanson Quarry Products and Hanson Contracting will all continue to be part of Hanson UK, which remains within the HeidelbergCement Group.

There will be no ongoing connection between Hanson UK and Forterra.

For more information please visit the brand new website at www.forterra.co.uk. You can also follow the company on Twitter via @ForterraUK and on LinkedIn.

I would write more but I’ve already told you more than I know.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

Builders’ Problems SOLVED

Automatically Renewable Contract Problem: I am the Managing Director of a small building company and just over 2 years ago I agreed with a national health and safety company for it to provide a health and safety service to my company.

The contract was for 2 years, with a set [and expensive] yearly fee. When I signed the contract, I thought that my company was going to get a bespoke service and the sites would receive individual attention. However, the service that was actually supplied was nothing like I thought I had signed up for!

On closer inspection of the contract, the service provided was what I signed for (the written terms are cleverly written), and I fully acknowledge that my company is liable for 2 years of fees. However, in September I received an invoice from the H&S company which invoiced for a third consecutive year. I wrote back stating that the agreement was for only 2 years which had an end date of 30 September 2015.

They responded by referring to a clause in the contract, stating that we had agreed to roll-over the contract for a further 2 years, unless we terminated the contract by giving six months written notice by recorded delivery – surely this is not legal?

Name and address withheld

Response: You have entered into an autorenewal contract, which over the years has become very popular from a service provider, especially large corporations; why?

Simply because it is a very successful technique that retains customers and produces profit.

Auto-renewal in businessto-consumer contracts is well regulated. There are various acts and regulations that give protection to the consumer such as the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977 (“UCTA”), the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contract Regulations 1999 and the Distance Selling Regulations. In addition, certain contracts that involve the supply of energy have outlawed auto-renewal terms.

Unfortunately, an autorenewal term in in business-tobusiness contract is valid. In b2b contracts, businesses are assumed to be free to enter into whatever contracts they agree between themselves (there is no relief from a hard bargain), so it is imperative that a business ensures it is happy with the terms of a particular contract - the law considers that businesses are in a position to decide whether it wishes to enter into a contract on the terms presented or not.

That said, some parts of UCTA

do apply to B2B contracts, although despite its name, UCTA does not apply to unfair terms per se, but affects clauses which limit liability, or have a similar effect (i.e. it is only concerned with exclusion clauses and does not examine whether a contract is unfair generally). For example, where a contract excludes liability for death or injury which will be void, and reference is made to sections 6 & 7 (contractual performance), section 8 (misrepresentation) and section 13 (restriction of contractual remedies).

The only ways that you could possibly bring the contract to a premature end is by mutual agreement or the H&S company commits a serious enough breach of a condition which would entitle you to bring the contract to an end.

There is one other possibility and that is under UCTA. If there are any terms varied over what would allow the H&S company to render a contractual performance substantially different from that which was reasonably expected of it, it would thus be subject to the reasonableness test under section 3(2)(b)(i) of UCTA. For example, if there was a specific service that was only required from the outset and that the omission of this service from the auto-renewal contract renders performance to be substantially different.

Failing that, I can only suggest that you now give notice of termination – and ensure you send it by recorded delivery.

Michael P. Gerard Author background Michael is a Practising Solicitor, Barrister, Chartered Builder, Registered Construction Adjudicator & Accredited Expert in quantum and planning matters. He is Managing Director of Michael Gerard & Co., and a Consultant Solicitor with Edward Hands & Lewis, based in Leicestershire. © Michael P. Gerard The advice provided is intended to be of a general guide only and should not be viewed as providing a definitive legal analysis.

Chancellor’s brownfield plans a boost to small builders Government moves to simplify brownfield development as a key plank of their plans to get Britain building will be a boost for small builders.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said:“There is overwhelming support for the development of small, previously-used sites in existing towns and cities, where demand for housing is highest.

“SME house builders are best-placed to deliver these typically smaller sites, which form the bulk of our re-usable land across the country. In prioritising simplified planning routes for brownfield, alongside the establishment of the National Infrastructure Commission, the Chancellor has underlined the importance he attaches to this and that’s something we welcome strongly.”

Berry continued: “Bringing forward planning applications on these sites can be an expensive and risky business for small firms, and this is particularly the case on the smallest sites, where the disproportionate complexities of obtaining planning permission act as a real disincentive to building. If planning laws can be streamlined, this will give smaller builders

the confidence to develop the thousands of sites which would otherwise be lying empty. These sites are desirable, sustainable and attractive to local communities and home buyers alike.”

Berry concluded: “However, if the Chancellor’s ‘urban planning revolution’ is to succeed, it will need to be underpinned by some targeted financial support. Making brownfield sites fit for use can be complicated and expensive. Funding targeted at the more problematic brownfield sites will help make the Government’s brownfield ambitions, including the delivery of Starter Homes, a reality.

“We would also urge that the planning regime for the smallest sites is looked at afresh. Sites of just five homes may not capture planners’ imaginations in the same way as large scale developments which boast the impressive headline figures. Yet these sites have enormous cumulative potential to deliver more homes, but only if we get the policy right.”

I’m so old, I can remember getting through an entire day without taking a picture of anything.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

䘀刀䔀䔀 一䔀堀吀 圀伀刀䬀䤀一䜀 䐀䄀夀 䐀䔀䰀䤀嘀䔀刀夀 圀䤀吀䠀 伀刀䐀䔀刀匀 伀嘀䔀刀 ꌀ㔀 ℀

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⸀⸀⸀瀀氀甀猀 昀椀渀搀 洀漀爀攀 最爀攀愀琀 漀昀昀攀爀猀 漀渀氀椀渀攀 愀琀 最礀瀀猀甀洀琀漀漀氀猀⸀挀漀洀℀ 䄀氀氀 瀀爀椀挀攀猀 攀砀挀氀甀搀攀 嘀䄀吀

Convince new friends into thinking you’re a doctor by turning off taps with your elbows.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

Building land in Hugglescote

Land to be sold for affordable housing

SINCLAIR Estate Agents inviting offers for a parcel of land with Outline Planning Permission for 8 dwellings.

The 2.38 acre site - at 115 Station Road, Hugglescote, Near Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 2GB - comprises 1.1 acres of building land and an adjoining paddock of 1.28 acres, in a delightful sylvan setting.

Outline Planning Permission (ref: 14/00968/OUT) was granted on 16th July 2015 for the demolition of the existing dwelling to allow for a residential development of up to 8 dwellings.

The paddock and pond area are the subject of an Uplift Clause reserving to the Vendor 50% of any increase in value arising from the grant of planning consent for alternative use or development of the site, for a period of 21 years.

Offers in the region of £550,000 are invited. For more information, contact Sinclair Estate Agents on 01530 838338 or email: coalville@sinclairestateagents.co.uk

Consumer anxiety over tradespeople costs UK economy £6bn The UK economy is missing out on more than £6 billion a year in lost consumer spending for home improvements based on consumers’ anxiety around hiring shoddy tradespeople and ‘cowboy builders’.

New research released in October by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) shows that one in five consumers with building or repair work required in their properties, find reasons to delay due to a number of anxieties about using tradespeople.

Almost a quarter fear the final cost will be much higher than the quote, while one in seven worry the work won’t be up to scratch. The research also shows that a third have had at least one bad experience with a tradesperson, citing issues such as poor quality of work, work not completed to the full specification and the tradesperson disappearing mid-job.

Despite these concerns, a quarter of consumers admit they don’t ask their tradesperson about their building industry credentials when booking a job and one in ten say they don’t know how to find a reputable builder.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive at the FMB, said: “The anxiety around hiring tradespeople is of grave concern to us, not simply in terms of the reputation of our industry, but also the pressing impact on small construction firms and the UK economy.”

“What many people don’t realise is that the building trade has moved with the times - there are some fantastic tradespeople out there, many of whom have high standards of customer service and the best Advert Size Dimensions Colour Mono in modern technology, from digital testimonials to full 3D imaging.

Sixteenth Page 47mm wide x 65mm high £22.50 £15.00 We would also urge homeowners to seek tradespeople through Eighth Page 97mm wide x 65mm high £45.00 £30.00 reputable industry bodies to help protect themselves from rogue Quarter Page 97mm wide x 130mm high £90.00 £60.00 traders.”

Advertise in the Builder!

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The FMB is the UK’s largest trade association in the construction industry, offering a source of knowledge, professional advice and support for its members.

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A SECTION of land in Braunstone is due to be used for new affordable housing as part of an ongoing scheme to redevelop the area.

About 2.16 acres of land at the site of the former Bendbow Rise school, in Butterfield Close, is to be sold to developers Nottingham Community Housing Association (NCHA).

NCHA has already developed two other parcels of land on the same site to create 39 new affordable homes in two phases.

Now the third part of the site will be used to create 23 more affordable homes, including 14 twobed houses, six three-bed houses and one four-bed house.

There will also be a one-bed wheelchair adapted unit, and a larger three-bed wheelchair house suitable for five people.

Last year the city council’s Housing Development Team invited registered housing providers to bid to develop the land, as part of the Government’s Housing and Community Agency (HCA) 2015-18 Affordable Housing Programme.

Nottingham Community Housing Association has successfully bid for £520,000 of HCA money to build the new homes.

Under the terms of the HCA agreement, the land would be sold to NCHA for the nominal sum of £1, to enable the developers to invest as much of their resources as possible on creating the muchneeded housing on the site.

The council had weighed up the value of selling the land on the open market, which was estimated to be about £100,000.

But such a sale would have left the city council responsible for £120,000 of infrastructure costs to help the site to be developed.

The city council had received no firm offers when it did market the site to a range of social housing providers back in 2012.

Instead, NCHA has agreed to cover those infrastructure costs now that it has got the go-ahead to develop the entire site.

Leicester assistant city mayor for housing, Cllr Andy Connelly, said: “When the site was marketed in 2012 there was little interest in developing it as owner-occupied housing, given its location at the site of a former school.

“However, NCHA bid successfully for this third phase of development, having already secured the two other plots on this site to develop affordable housing.”

No matter how loud car alarms are, cars never seem to wake up.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

RICS UK Construction Market Survey

East Midlands faces bleakest construction skills shortage in 11 years

Chapel and plot for sale

The East Midlands construction industry is facing its greatest skills crisis since 2004, a survey released by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has revealed.

The latest RICS UK Construction Survey shows that the region’s skills shortage has reached its highest levels in 11 years, with blue collar workers in particularly short supply. Over half of respondents (61% on average) reported difficulty sourcing labour, with 90% saying they had particular difficulty sourcing bricklayers in the region. These figures mirror the national picture, where the survey shows average skills shortages, across all regions and all categories of worker, at their highest level since 1998, when the survey first began.

In addition to labour supply, 69% of firms nationally said that financial constraints were among the biggest limitations to growth, while 60% said that regulatory and planning issues were potent constraints.

However, despite these challenges, the survey shows significant areas of growth in the region, with workloads rising particularly firmly in the private industrial and infrastructure sectors. While official figures (which are often subject to revision) highlighted a slight contraction in output over the three months to August at the national level, a substantial proportion of respondents to the RICS survey in the East Midlands reported an increase in their workloads (net balance +46%). On a national level, many respondents reported an increase in their workloads (net balance +39%), with 29% of firms saying that they were operating at full capacity.

Commenting on the regional picture, Phillip Burrell MRICS, of Three Sixty Project Management Limited in Nottingham, said: “High building costs, relative to prices, is making development less likely.”

RICS Chief Economist Simon Rubinsohn said: “While it’s exciting to see that the UK is experiencing growth across the construction sectors, future growth will only be sustainable if the growing skills crisis is addressed.

The availability of both blue collar and white collar construction workers is reaching crisis point. We haven’t witnessed a labour shortage of its kind in nearly 20 years. Without the relevant skills, we will not be able to grow many of the Government’s priority construction sectors such as infrastructure.

“Currently, while we know that there is a serious shortage of skills, we don’t yet know why we have seen such a dramatic drop in the labour market over the past five years. Part of the problem is the legacy of the collapse in the sector following the onset of the Global Financial Crisis. Many professionals and other skilled workers chose to leave the industry and quite simply have not returned or been replaced. A real focus on attracting more young people into the industry is critical alongside an expansion of apprenticeship opportunities. ” The East Midlands’ private housing and commercial sectors continue to lead the growth in workloads with net balances of 55% and 50% respectively reporting an increase. However, momentum was least firm in the public sector, with a net balance of 14% reporting growth in workloads in the housing segment. Meanwhile, in the infrastructure sector, growth accelerated somewhat with a balance of 38%.

Leicester Office

22 De Montfort Street Leicester LE1 7GB

0116 2551811

Blaby Office

33 Leicester Road Blaby LE8 4GR

0116 2643430

MARBLE Estate Agents are offering for sale an unusual and attractive development opportunity at Dovecote Road, Croft, Leicester.

The property comprises two distinct lots which are available as one.

The first is a parcel of development land with Outline Planning Consent (ref: 14/0869/1/OX) for 3 town houses.

The second is a Chapel dating from 1882 suitable for conversion to a detached residential dwelling, subject to planning.

Offers in the region of £250,000 are invited.

To view this property, or request more details, contact Marble Property Services on 01332 811333 or visit www.marbleproperty.co.uk

Burbage planning appeal rejected A PLAN to build 14 dwellings on a site off Bullfurlong Lane, Burbage, has been dismissed at appeal by a Planning Inspector acting on behalf of the Secretary of State.

In doing so, the Inspector, Ian Radcliffe, turned down an appeal against Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council’s recommendation to refuse the grant of planning permission for the development on land south of Bonita, Bullfurlong Lane, Burbage. The developer sought to by-pass the council’s Planning Committee by appealing directly to the Secretary of State against non-determination of the application.

The appeal was lodged by Mr Andrew Milne.

In making his decision, the Inspector stated that the proposed development “would cause demonstrable harm to the character and appearance of the countryside and the landscape setting of Burbage.”

The Inspector also pointed out that, as of April 2015, the council contends it has a 5.69 year supply of deliverable housing sites and so does not need to include the Bullfurlong Lane site to meet its housing requirement.

Councillor Amanda Wright, ward member for Burbage Sketchley and Stretton, said: “I am pleased and gratified that the inspector came to a full fair and reasoned decision which clearly took into consideration the views of local residents.”

Coalville Office

39-41 Belvoir Road Coalville LE67 3PD

01530 835041

♦ Land Purchase ♦ Joint Venture Agreements ♦ Planning Agreements ♦ Contract Disputes ♦ Access / Drainage Rights ♦ Options ♦ Plot Sales ♦ Leases For further information and advice, contact either Andrew Eagle at our Leicester Office or Russell Dowling at our Blaby office

I think my smartphone is broken. I pressed the home button but I’m still at work.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

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From cattle shed to stately home – prizes for British construction projects in major new rural awards One is a humble cattle shed and the other a large Norfolk estate, but both were recognised after being crowned at the Rural Business Awards on October 1.

The Awards are the first dedicated UK-wide business awards for the rural community and are backed by two Government Ministers as well as the CLA. The “Allerton” shed building project on the Loddington Estate in Leicestershire and the extensive building works at the Holkham Estate in Norfolk were handed first and second prizes for Best Rural Construction Project at the inaugural awards, held at Stapleford Park in Leicestershire.

At Loddington, building works involved the transformation of a redundant brick-built cattle shed into a carbon-neutral visitor, training and community centre using a wide range of innovative renewable materials, with the aim of increasing visitor and training capacity at the estate, run by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust.

Allerton project leaders secured more than £400,000 in funding to undertake the work, and showed excellent community engagement in creating a building which truly met local need – for example, on being asked by the WI to include a kitchen in the finished building, project leaders got the institute’s members to design it themselves.

Renewable techniques included 500 straw bales and sheep’s wool respectively to insulate the walls and loft; fencing made from the estate’s own recycled agricultural plastics; a rainwater harvesting system for the toilets, photovoltaic

The Allerton Shed Building cells on the roof for power, and a fully automated biomass heating system using thinnings from the farm’s hedgerows.

The end result is a building that has helped increase visitors from around 400 a year to 3,300, and is well-used by the community, including by the local Pam Austen spinning school which teaches the traditional art of long-draw spinning.

Runners-up The Holkham Estate, famous the world over for being the home of the Earls of Leicester and the setting for films such as Shakespeare in Love and The Duchess, showed a different string to its bow with a range of different construction projects showing commitment and respect for both the traditional and contemporary.

The estate’s redevelopment of a 50,000 square foot listed building was one of the projects which impressed judges, along with its commitment to renewable energy by saving 8,786 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually through its 100 acre solar park. The panels produce enough power for more than 6,000

homes but are well shielded so as to prevent visual impact on the North Norfolk countryside.

Meanwhile, extensive refurbishments on the estate’s property have been undertaken with the aim of allowing it to develop a non-farming income into the 21st century. London gilder Rupert Coke has overseen the restoration of the Green State Bedroom among other areas of the historic hall.

Awards co-founder and judge Anna Price said: “When it comes to outstanding construction projects, we knew that we would receive some great entries for our first ever Rural Business Awards.

Today’s rapidly expanding appetite for renewables means there are some really exciting options when it comes to putting up buildings which combine form and function with a commitment to the environment.

“Despite their differences in size, both the Allerton Project and the Holkham Estate shone through in this category of our awards. We were so impressed with the range

of eco-friendly materials used to transform the cattle shed at the Allerton Project that we really felt it had to win first prize. And estate leaders at Holkham really showed that despite their history and heritage, they were absolutely not sitting on their laurels when it came to modern renewables – the extent of the work being done here is absolutely staggering and they were worthy runners-up.

“We hope that our Rural Business Awards will continue to highlight the range of exciting enterprise that is being undertaken daily in the Great British Countryside – and how construction projects like these ones are really paving the way when it comes to cutting-edge development.”

Leicestershire businesswomen Anna Price and Jemma Clifford set up the Rural Business Awards this year to recognise business talent that is flourishing in rural areas. With nine categories ranging from start-ups to clothing, the first year of the awards has been an overwhelming success with 40 businesses across the country shortlisted for a prize.

The awards also won public support from two Government ministers: Environment Minister Rory Stewart MP and Education Secretary Nicky Morgan MP. The independent judging panel included Helen Woolley, director general of the Country Land & Business Association, Dairy Crest chief executive Mark Allen, Ed Bracher, chief executive of the Riding for the Disabled Association, Prescient Power managing director Carl Benfield, Business Matters Magazine online editor Rebecca Jones, Transition Plus managing director and IoD North West director Steve Bennett and Dr Alistair Leake, Director of Policy at the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust.

The phrase: ‘Don’t take this the wrong way’ has a zero per cent success rate.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

RICS UK Residential Market Survey, September 2015

Residential sales move up a gear despite continued lack of stock

Ripley premises with consent for change of use to 5 dwellings

Sales balance picks up across the UK reaching a 16 month high – likely to continue through Autumn.

• Agreed sales rise at the fastest rate across the UK since May 2014 • Prices increase further across all parts of the UK • New buyer demand continues to outweigh instructions to sell

House sales picked up across the UK in September supported by a modest improvement in the availability of mortgage finance, according to the latest RICS UK Residential Market Survey.

Across the UK, agreed sales rose at the quickest pace since May 2014, with 14% more chartered surveyors seeing a rise. This is a 16 month high and the fifth consecutive month that sales have increased. The North, East Anglia, and Scotland posted the sharpest rises in activity over the month with the East Midlands the only region to see a material drop in sales albeit following an increase in the region in August.

The stronger sales trend in the UK is broadly reflective of an upturn in demand which has been visible in the data since the early spring.

Indeed, the number of new buyer enquiries rose for a sixth consecutive month across the country with 18% more chartered surveyors reporting a rise in demand.

The pattern being seen by chartered surveyors echoes recent lending data including that highlighted by the Bank of England, showing mortgage approvals at an eighteen month high and up 12% compared to a year ago. As the availability of mortgage finance appears to be improving, the average ‘perceived’ LTV ratio captured by respondents to the RICS survey edged up to 79.3% with first time buyers seeing credit conditions relax most noticeably over the month.

Although activity is picking up, the ongoing lack of new instructions and the resulting limited stock on the market continue to be an issue for the sustainability of the market. The number of new instructions has fallen in thirteen of the last fourteen months. Significantly, 40% of respondents feel the biggest factor behind the negative trend in new instructions is the lack of stock already for sale which is deterring would be movers as they struggle to find a suitable property to move on to.

The next most cited influence was economic uncertainty, followed by stretched affordability.

As a result of the persistent supply demand imbalance, the national house price indicator continues to rise strongly which is likely to be reflected in key house price indices over coming months and into the first half of 2016.

In the lettings market, tenant demand increased once more continuing the pattern seen by respondents since December 2014, and while new landlord instructions increased slightly for the third month in a row, they were still significantly outstripped by tenant demand. Over the next twelve months, chartered surveyors are forecasting rents to rise by 3% at the headline level.

Simon Rubinsohn, RICS Chief Economist, commented: “Activity is now picking up which is encouraging, but unless the stock being sold is replenished there is a limit to how sustainable this modest improvement in market turnover will prove to be. And, unfortunately, the indications are that we are locked in a cycle where the lack of available properties on agents’ books is itself deterring some potential vendors from thinking about putting their own property on the market.

“Against this backdrop, it is hard not to see prices continuing to move higher over the coming months and into the early part of 2016, notwithstanding the present concerns regarding the affordability of housing in some areas of the UK that are being highlighted by respondents.”

BB&J are offering for sale two buildings with consent for change of use to 5 dwellings.

The property - at 14 Shirley Road, Ripley, Derbyshire DE5 3HB currently benefits from a B1 (Business) use. By way of planning permission (ref: AVA/2012/0875) the property now benefits from consent for change of use to create 5 new residential dwellings (2 two-bed semis and 3 three-bed semis).

The asking price is £225,000.

For more information, or to arrange a visit, contact Natalie Bryan at BB&J on 01332 292825 or email: n.bryan@bbandj.co.uk

Growth of demand for permanent construction staff accelerates September data highlighted continued increases in demand for construction workers. The latest data from the Report on Jobs, published in mid-October by KPMG and the REC, showed that growth of demand for permanent staff accelerated whereas that for temp workers softened.

The index for permanent construction professionals rose from 61.9 in August to 64.7 in September and was above the average for all types of permanent staff (62.0). Construction was ranked third out of nine in the demand for staff ‘league table’.

Down from 57.5 in August to 56.5 in September, the index monitoring temporary construction vacancies was in eighth place out of the nine monitored sectors, ahead of only Executive/Professional. Furthermore, the reading was below the UK average of 58.9.

Richard Threlfall, Head of Infrastructure, Building and Construction said: “This latest data confirms the unrelenting pressure on the UK construction industry from both shortage and cost of labour. Over the last year construction has moved up the ranking to become the third highest sector in terms of demand for permanent staff, and this month’s report highlights critical shortages in construction estimators and temporary construction workers. Also notable is the continuing wage pressure with weekly earnings in the year to July jumping by 4%, significantly more than the 3.4% average for private sector wages and the 2.9% average for wage growth overall.

“October’s ONS stats suggested a drop in construction output, but we need to be really careful about drawing conclusions from month on month movements, especially for August which is inevitably a quieter month than July. The critical indicator is the year-on-year growth which for new work was over 3%. This latest jobs data is a more reliable bellwether of the real position of the industry: high demand; supply-constrained; cost-squeezed. It is good times for those who have invested in their workforce, hold their loyalty and can bring an experienced team to site; it is purgatory for those who are spending all their time scrambling about in the jobs market.”

The full report and historical data from the Report on Jobs are available by subscription. Please contact economics@markit.com.

I have all my ducks in a column. I really wish I knew how to use Excel.

Do you think dogs know there’s cheese in the world that doesn’t have surprise pills in it?

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

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I’m not allowed on cruise ships ever since that whole ‘poop deck’ misunderstanding.

05/06/2015 13:34

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

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Loughborough’s largest Robert celebrates quarter warehouse sold to century with homebuilder expanding local firm A loyal employee celebrating 25 years with Barratt Developments has spoken fondly of his years in the homebuilding industry.

A 155-year-old Loughborough-based manufacturer has moved into a newly refurbished 202,000 sq ft warehouse thanks to a sale through local surveyors Mather Jamie.

Charles Bentley & Son has spent three months transforming the former Morris Cranes warehouse on North Road, the largest of its type in Loughborough, with a new roof and floor which will allow it to accommodate its rapidly expanding e-commerce brand, BuyDirect4U. Established in 2005 as an online retailer sourcing home, garden and leisure products from around the world and selling directly online to European customers under the Bentley brand name, BuyDirect4U achieved an online sales increase of 68% in 2014 and has already surpassed this in 2015.

Alex Reid of Mather Jamie comments: “This is an excellent location for Charles Bentley & Son, as the former home of Morris Cranes is a well located, very large building that allows the company to significantly increase its storage capacity and expand its thriving business.

“A considerable amount of work has gone into this successful move, which will benefit Charles Bentley & Son and adds to the number of quality businesses establishing themselves or expanding into larger premises in the Loughborough area.”

The recent work done to the building, which was formerly owned by property investors Revelan, allows high internal clearance to its eaves, meaning Charles Bentley & Son can significantly increase its pallet storage capacity.

Andrew Steel, General Manager of Charles Bentley & Son, comments: “The move to our new warehouse has been one of our most ambitious projects to date, but it will allow us to create a more efficient pick, pack and ship operation. We have spent the last three months transforming the site, which was originally built for Morris Cranes, from a shell into a dedicated storage and dispatch facility.

“The company’s focus will remain on quality, value for money and service.

The additional space will not only allow us to expand the range of products we are able to offer, but will also give us enough space to create an onsite outlet store. We will also be building a dedicated photography studio with lifestyle sets, which will allow us to improve the quality of the images on our website.”

BuyDirect4U now has a team of 30 staff in its online sales department, working in conjunction with the Bentley head office, and sells more than 1,000 different products through its website.

Charles Bentley & Son Ltd formed in 1860 and is still owned by the original Bentley family, and is celebrating 155 years in business in 2015. The company originally started out providing brushes for Victorian chimney sweeps and is now a multi-million pound operation employing 175 people, with specialisms in the equestrian, cleaning and household sector.

Robert Galij (55), Planning Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes North Midlands, began working for David Wilson Homes as a planner in 1990, following time spent working in local government.

After moving to the company’s North Midlands division in 1997, his career with David Wilson Homes took off and he was promoted to Planning Director in 1999, a position he has held and excelled in since.

Robert’s 25 years’ service to the company was recently recognised with a Long Service Award. He said: “Working in local government gave me a good grounding, but I wanted to experience ‘real world’ planning and development so when the opportunity came along with David Wilson Homes I took it.

“The business has constantly changed and grown in the 25 years I’ve been working here. There have been a lot of changes in the planning process itself and of course challenges over the years – including recessions and new governments.

“The company always adapts though and has consistently delivered quality developments. It hasn’t been easy over the years with many changes to the planning system but I would definitely do it all over again. It is a great company to work for and I hope to keep contributing to future growth and success.”

Robert has celebrated a number of successes during his 25-year career, securing planning permission for thousands of homes across the midlands.

He continued: “I often act as the front man for the company, speaking to planning committees, politicians and inspectors seeking allocations of land for housing and securing planning permissions to build. Seeing development come forward is very rewarding. For example, I secured Outline Planning Permission for up to 1,150 homes at Fernwood, Newark in 1999 with the final plot recently completed on site.”

John Dillon, Managing Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes North Midlands, said: “I’d like to congratulate Robert on an amazing 25 years’ service. He’s truly been an asset to the company over the years and I wish him every success for the rest of his career.

“Robert is a prime example of the progression we can offer talented employees who choose to dedicate their careers to us. We’re committed to supporting our staff and making this a great place to work, so it’s no coincidence that many people choose to stay and advance within the company.”

Castledine & Co. Environmental Consultants We offer:

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

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

My Mum’s so pessimistic that if there was an Olympics for pessimism, she wouldn’t fancy her chances.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

report provides a sneak J Tomlinson completes New peak into the construction sector key refurb contract for in 2045 international business GE Hewden Goes Back to the Future 30km tall buildings with spaceports, driverless vehicles and mini-cities in the sky.

These are just a few of the things we can expect to see in 2045, according to a new report from equipment hire giant, Hewden.

A major refurbishment project for global technology organisation GE has been completed by J Tomlinson following a fire at the premises last year.

REFURB: (l-r): Matt Gosling, Project Manager at Rider Levett Bucknall, Tory Regan, from GE Measurement & Control, and Martin Gallagher, Construction Director at J Tomlinson.

The GE Measurement & Control site at Groby in Leicestershire includes a new world class clean room for silicon processing – a critical part of the manufacturing process for the advanced industrial pressure sensors made at the site. It is the only British manufacturer of pressure sensors and industrial calibrators that manufactures the key sensor element entirely in-house.

J Tomlinson’s role in the project involved refurbishing approximately 1,600m² of office accommodation over two floors, which had been damaged in the fire that originated in an adjoining building.

The £2 million office refurbishment was a joint venture between the company’s construction division and its electrical engineering services team.

Construction managing director at Nottingham-based J Tomlinson, Martin Gallagher, said: “GE is a major globally known business – the Groby site is one of 40 GE Measurement and Control facilities in 25 countries. J Tomlinson is proud to have carried out the refurbishment of its two-storey office block in Groby, which is a key part of its operation.”

The newly completed block has now been officially handed over by J Tomlinson following a refurbishment project which involved installing energy and cost-saving LED lighting alongside associated office electrical and building works.

With a combined 40-year history of silicon processing and sensor manufacturing at the Groby site – first by Druck Ltd and then by GE when it acquired Druck in 2002 – GE has earned a reputation for high quality, high accuracy pressure sensor equipment for aerospace, oil and gas, power generation and the automotive sector. Today, about 680 people work at the Groby site.

Graham Dawber, business leader for the Groby site, said: “After a challenging 13 months, it is fantastic to have a new world class silicon facility where we can focus on meeting our customers’ needs now and in the future.”

President and CEO of GE UK & Ireland, Mark Elborne, was joined by local dignitaries, including the Mayor of Hinckley and Bosworth, Councillor Mrs Janice Richards, and members of the nearby community for an official opening and tour of the building.

The clean room building for silicon processing was recently completed by HCM Projects, with Precision Clean Rooms completing the rebuild of the 8,600 sq ft laboratory.

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Hewden’s ‘2045: Constructing the Future’ report, developed by renowned futurologist, Ian Pearson was launched today to coincide with the date Marty McFly and Dr Emmett Brown time-travelled to in the ‘80s blockbuster movie, Back to the Future II. The report takes a look at what the UK might look like in another 30 years, covering areas such as building design, transport, technology and health and safety.

“While we’re not all flying around in cars, there are a number of things, such as the use of drones, video conferencing and some of the physical structures that were portrayed very accurately in the movie,” said Futurologist, Ian Pearson.

“The acceleration of new technology has and will continue to be the biggest driver for change. As will look forward another 30 years we can expect to see a very different but exciting world,” added Pearson.

Some of the key findings of the report include: The London Skyline in 2045 will have super-tall structures and a spaceport In 2045 driverless vehicles will be the norm. Unlike the more futuristic curved look, vehicles will likely be box shaped to maximise on-street capacity.

Builders will have super-strength exoskeletons creating half-man, half-machine workers that can utilise a range of attachments.

The report also identified that in the future looks may be deceiving.

“Augmented reality will play a major role in the aesthetics of a building.

It’s likely that many buildings will actually be very plain, instead using AR to create visually appealing environments for those that visit,” said Pearson.

Heavily populated cities such as London are likely to change the most, according to the report, with space travel and development of new cities within cities some of the major changes.

“The use of super-strong carbon-based materials will enable us to build incredibly tall structures, some even up to 30km high. This will make space travel more convenient and for major transport hubs like London, going into space will be a regular occurrence in 2045,” added Pearson.

“A few of these structures may be so large that their capacity enables them to function as small cities in their own right, with all the usual city functions mixed within the same building,” he concluded.

The full 2045: Constructing the Future report can be downloaded from www.hewden-catalogue.co.uk/constructing-the-future/

I am extremely wise with credit cards and only use them to buy the things I could never afford otherwise.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

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I met my missus at a singles bar. Odd - I thought she was at home looking after the kids.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

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Save money this Christmas by simply buying your kids an Easter egg each and telling them they overslept.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

Leicester City The Clowes Arms (c/o Agent: Karan Chadha, MKC Design Consultants) Change of use of first floor and loft from rooms ancillary to public house to one 4-bed flat and one 2-bed flat, with dormers to front and rear - at 29 Portsmouth Road, Leicester.

Leicester Independent Living Consortium (c/o Agent: Lee Searles, Enzygo Ltd, The Byre, Woodend Lane, Cromhall, Gloucestershire GL12 8AA) - Two and three storey building containing 82 extra care flats, communal facilities and cafe at Former Queensmead School, Hamelin Road, Leicester.

Singla Properties Ltd (c/o Agent: Keshiv Sudera, Design Studio Architects Ltd, 1B Salisbury Road, Upper New walk, Leicester LE1 7QR) - Change of use from house to 2 flats - at 2 Westbury Road, Leicester.

Westdale Court Ltd (c/o Agent: Neil McMinn, Ink/Drawn Ltd, Federal Tower, 44 Abbey Street, Leicester LE1 3TD) - Four and six storey block of 104 flats to extend existing six storey block of 15 flats with 58 bedrooms at 118 Western Road, Leicester.

Leicester Independent Living Consortium (c/o Agent: Lee Searles, Enzygo Ltd, The Byre, Wootton under Edge, Gloucestershire GL12 8AA) Three storey building containing 73 extra care flats, communal facilities, landscaping and access road - at Tilling Road, Leicester.

Mrs Priti Sachdev (c/o Agent: Dennis Dziko, Zone Development, 7274 Western Road, Leicester LE3 0GE) - Change of use of second floor from 2 flats to 8 student bedsits - at 1820 Albion Street, Leicester.

Mr T O’Sullivan (c/o Agent: Andy Sell, AJS Architectural Services, 41 Braunstone Avenue, Leicester LE3 0JH) - Erection of 6 new dwellings adjacent to public house - at land adjacent to The Adventurers, Felley Way, Leicester LE3 9TA. Hazelton Homes/NHS Trust (c/o Agent: Kevin Twigger, KRT Associates Ltd, Rushall House, School Road, Brewood, Staffordshire ST19 9DS) - Erection of 18 dwellinghouses - at Former Towers Hospital, Herongate Road & Grosvenor Gate, Leicester.

Mr Nadeem Hussain (c/o Agent: Jamal Mahmud, JKM Building Design Ltd, 59 Longley Farm View, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S5 7JX) - Change of use from 2 houses to 4 flats, external staircase at rear plus alterations - at 6-8 Medway Street, Leicester.

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27

The bounce back begins • • • •

Glenigan Index for October down 2% year on year.

September and August both see strong levels of new construction project starts.

But a weak July, the result of election hiatus, holding back growth.

Project approvals point to widespread growth across the UK and across the industry’s sectors.

The construction industry has solidified further gains after a summer slump, according to figures released in mid-October by industry analysts Glenigan.

The latest Glenigan Index shows that construction activity is shaking off the effect of one of the most unpredictable elections in recent British history as confidence returns to the industry’s clients. The underlying value of new schemes starting on site was 2% lower than a year earlier during the third quarter. This drop was entirely due to a weak July; both August and September saw work well above a year earlier, driven by private housing, commercial and industrial project starts.

The strongest area of expansion was in private housing, where the value of starts was up 15% on a year earlier. The private residential sector has been the strongest construction sector during 2015 so far, with starts up 9% over the first three quarters of the year compared to this stage a year ago.

Non-residential starts as a whole were down 6% on a year earlier, as modest growth in private sector activity was insufficient to outweigh continued weakness across the public sector. Though industrial starts were up 10%, growth in retail (7%) and offices (3%) was weaker, while the hotel and leisure sector slipped back (-7%).

Glenigan Index for OctoberNonresidential starts were dragged back by the health and community and amenity sectors where starts were down by over a third on a year earlier.

More positively, education starts have edged back into growth, up 1% on a year earlier. Education starts have been buoyed during the third quarter by £20 million plus schemes at Edinburgh, Birmingham City and Leeds Universities.

Commenting on this month’s figures, Allan Wilén, Glenigan’s Economics Director, said: “Glenigan recorded an unprecedented freeze in university projects starting on site ahead of the election. However universities now appear to have renewed confidence in their funding and are pressing ahead with planned schemes.”

While starts have spluttered during 2015, there has been a steady flow of additions to the pipeline of future projects.

According to Allan Wilén: “During the first three quarters of this year the underlying value of projects receiving planning approval has risen by 15%. Moreover, of the 11 construction sectors, 9 have seen growth, pointing to progress across

the industry.”

The latest index figures show a decline in seven of the UK’s devolved nations and English regions, and growth in five. The West Midlands has bounced back strongly: Having seen declining activity for the last year, the value of starts rose a strong 41% on a year earlier. The North East also saw a strong 34% expansion, followed by Yorkshire and the Humber where starts were up 16%.

Of those areas seeing a decline, most were fairly modest. The North West, South East, South West and East Midlands all saw starts at between 2% and 6% down on

a year earlier. However sharper declines were recorded in Wales, Scotland and in the Capital, where starts were 19% lower than a year earlier.

Mr Wilén concluded: “Approvals are up in 11 of the 12 constituent English regions and nations of the UK, with only the capital seeing approvals down compared to a year earlier. This points to the recent rise in confidence, evidenced by the strong levels of starts during August and September, driving widespread growth in construction over the coming 12 months.”

The bishop came to our church today but I think he was an imposter. He never once moved diagonally.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

Growing skills shortage threatens PM’s plans for home ownership

Mr D V Shah (c/o Agent: David M Haynes Architect, 56 Leicester Road, Groby, Leicester LE6 0DJ) Notification of proposed change of use from offices to residential - at 150-152 London Road, Leicester.

The growing skills crisis in the building industry threatens the Prime Minister’s ambition to increase home ownership and will undermine wider economic growth.

Caremark Care Home (c/o Agent: Mrs Varsha Tailor, DT Designs Ltd, 74 Wyvern Avenue, Leicester LE4 7HH) Demolition of existing bungalow and outline application for a two-storey care home - at 339 Scraptoft Lane, Leicester.

Richard Simmons Ltd (c/o Agent: Ben Hall, Isherwood McCann, Rose Park, Lutterworth Road, Blaby, Leicester LE8 4DP) - Erection of 2 detached houses and associated garages following demolition of existing semi-detached houses at 86-88 Lutterworth Road, Leicester.

English 4 You (c/o: 71 Ecton Park Road, Northampton NN3 5LF) Change of use of second floor from offices to adult education centre - at 7-9 Horsefair Street, Leicester.

Tailored Space (UK) Ltd (c/o Agent: Matthew Staton, Staniforth Architects Ltd, The Warehouse, 1A Stamford Street, Leicester LE1 6NL) - Demolition of single storey central section; second floor extension and roof level extension to form 3 dormer windows, plus residential development of 13 studios - at The Pub, 12 New Walk, Leicester.

Redoak Projects C SA (c/o Agent: Luke Kenney, Staniforth Architects Ltd, The Warehouse, 1A Stamford Street, Leicester LE1 6NL) - Change of use from factory, six storey side extension, extension to roof to provide two new storeys to create 115 student flats - at Stamford Buildings, Stamford Street, Leicester.

Watergates Construction Ltd (c/o Agent: Tim Clark, KPW Architects, 170 Upper New Walk, Leicester LE1 7QA) - Alterations to residential care home - at Nuffield House, Barclay Street, Leicester.

Infill Land Consultants (c/o Agent: Mrs Varsha Tailor, DT Designs Ltd, 74 Wyvern Avenue, Leicester LE4 7HH) Demolition of buildings and residential development of 8 dwellings with associated parking and access - at 93 Barkby Road, Leicester.

Mr I Alimahomed (c/o Agent: Bernard Taruvinga, Kunstler Designs Architects, 31 Rutland Street, Leicester LE1 1RE) - Change of use from house to 3 self-contained flats, plus single storey extension and dormer extension at rear - at 12 Houghton Street, Leicester.

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Right To Rent Checks Introduced For Landlords In England The Government has announced that from 1st February 2016, all private landlords in England will have to check new tenants have the right to be in the UK before renting out their property.

Under the new rules, landlords who fail to check a potential tenant’s ‘Right to Rent’ will face penalties of up to £3,000 per tenant.

The new law will mean that private landlords, including those who sub-let or take in lodgers, must check the right of prospective tenants to be in the country to avoid being hit with a penalty.

Right to Rent was introduced in the Immigration Act 2014 as part of the Government’s reforms to build a fairer and more effective immigration system. The first phase was launched in parts of the West Midlands, and today’s announcement is the next stage of the scheme’s national roll out.

Immigration Minister James Brokenshire (pictured right) said: “Right to Rent checks are quick and simple, and many responsible landlords already do them as a matter of routine. We are providing landlords in England with all the advice and support they need before the checks go live on 1 February 2016.

“The new rules are part of the Immigration Act 2014 which introduced measures to reform the immigration system.

Right to Rent is about deterring those who are illegally resident from remaining in the UK. Those with a legitimate right to be here will be able to prove this easily and will not be adversely affected.

“The Government’s new Immigration Bill builds on the reforms in last year’s Act, making it harder for people to live and work in the UK illegally.

The Bill proposes new measures to make it easier for landlords to evict illegal tenants as well as a new criminal offence targeted at unscrupulous landlords who repeatedly fail to carry out Right to Rent checks.”

The phased introduction of Right to Rent, starting in the West Midlands, was to allow time to assess how the measures work in practice and to carry out an evaluation, which has also been published today. An expert panel, including the Equality and Human Rights Commission, as well as representatives of landlords and letting agents, local authorities, and Crisis (the homelessness charity) has worked with the Government on the implementation and evaluation of the scheme.

Under Right to Rent, landlords should check identity documents for all new tenants and take copies. The scheme has been designed to make it straightforward for people to evidence their right to rent and a range of commonly available documents can be used.

The checks are backed up by codes of practice – including guidance on avoiding unlawful discrimination which was drawn up with the assistance of the Human Rights Commission.

Simple guidance to help both landlords and tenants understand the new rules is on GOV.UK. If a potential tenant has an outstanding immigration application or appeal with the Home Office, landlords can conduct a check on that person’s ‘right to rent’ via the Landlords Checking Service.

Responding to the findings of the FMB’s State of Trade Survey for Q3 2015, Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “The Prime Minister stated recently that he wants his legacy to be defined by increasing home ownership, but this won’t be possible without an ample supply of skilled construction workers.

“Our latest research shows that a skills ‘time bomb’ is in danger of exploding with a staggering 60% of small construction firms struggling to hire bricklayers. This has leapt up from 49% just three months ago. Looking at other vital trades, 54% of firms are struggling to hire carpenters and joiners, up from 47% in the previous quarter. If the skilled labour isn’t available, the Government’s ambitions for home ownership won’t be realised.”

Berry continued: “It’s not just house building and home ownership that are being hampered by the skills shortage.

The future economic growth of our country relies on major infrastructure projects, such as HS2 and Hinkley Point, being built.

We urgently need to boost our workforce by convincing people – in their thousands – to return to our industry or join us for the first time. Key to this is the need to address the severe shortfall in apprenticeships. The number of construction apprenticeships is insufficient and the on-going uncertainty surrounding the proposed Apprenticeship Levy is exacerbating the problem. What is very concerning is the fear that the proposed Apprenticeship Levy could deter employers from taking on apprentices at a time when we need them most.”

Berry concluded: “If we are to solve the skills crisis we need to raise the status of vocational training in this country and to promote the value of learning a skilled trade as a rewarding career.

For too long the emphasis has been too focused on going to university and unfortunately we are now seeing the result – too few skilled people to deliver the many building jobs that need to be done.”

My wife left me the other day, apparently because I’m ‘too formal’. So I sent her a letter of complaint.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

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Winners announced for East Midlands fbe Awards 2015 A small Derbyshire housing scheme has been crowned as the overall project of the year at the East Midlands fbe Awards 2015.

Category award winners also included the refurbishment and regeneration of the Malt Cross in Nottingham and the development of a new HQ for the Rutland Agricultural Society and new society and clubhouses for Oakham Rugby Club and Royce Rovers Football Club.

At a sell-out ceremony staged at the City Rooms in Leicester, around 150 people from the region’s construction sector gathered to hear about the schemes and the teams behind this year’s winning projects.

The overall winner was a scheme of six houses and two WINNERS: Compere John Hess, Alison Clamp from Midlands Rural Housing, Mike bungalows at Hannah Bowman Way in Youlgrave, Derbyshire, Brown from award sponsor Duncan & Toplis, David Gafney, from David Lewis developed by emh group and built by Lindum Construction Associates, Simon Chan from Lindum Construction, and Matt Rice from emh group. for Peak District Rural Housing Association and Youlgrave Community Trust. Other Jef Todd, regional chairman of The winner of the regeneration contractor and EP Consulting, who members of the team involved handled the M & E design. the East Midlands fbe, said: “We category was The Malt Cross, in the development of the mix had a record-breaking number of Nottingham - the refurbishment A new HQ for the Rutland of affordable rent and shared of Nottingham’s only surviving submissions entered for this year’s Agricultural Society and new ownership homes with priority awards, which was great. The Victorian music hall, built in 1877, society and clubhouses for for local people were architect diversity of the finalists and the and one of relatively few in the Oakham Rugby Club and Royce David Lewis Associates, structural winners illustrates the tremendous country. It was undertaken by the Rovers Football Club won the engineer HSP Consulting and Low variety of top quality construction Malt Cross Charitable Trust, and non-residential scheme category.

Carbon Box. projects that are undertaken in the nominated by William Saunders Submitted by developer and region. I’d like to thank everyone Partnership, who were the architect The project, which had earlier main contractor DW Hicks, other who entered and congratulate the and structural engineer for the taken the honours in the residential members of the team were LE1 project. winners and the teams behind the category, lies in the Peak District architects, structural engineer schemes.” village of Youlgrave and marked the Diamond Wood & Shaw and MDA Other team members were culmination of many years of work. contractor Taylor Pearson the Consulting.

Parallel lines have so much in common. It’s a shame they’ll never meet.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

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Site for 7 dwellings in Kegworth Mr Manjit Deol (c/o Agent: Ravi Panesar, RP Design Limited, 33 Launde Road, Oadby, Leicester LE2 4HH) - Change of use from house to 2 self-contained flats - at 4 Stroud Road, Leicester.

Mr & Mrs S Vanmali (c/o Agent: Dipak Mistry, DRM Architects, Heathley Park, 28 Duncombe Road, Leicester LE3 9EP) - Change of use of dwelling to 2 self-contained flats , plus single storey extension to rear - at 2 Vaughan Street, Leicester LE3 5JL. Mrs Shukhvir Jhutti (c/o Agent: Mrs varsha Tailor, DT Designs Ltd, 74 Wyvern Avenue, Leicester LE4 7HH) - Change of use from light industrial to 9 flats, plus management office and retail unit - at Central House, Great Central Street, Leicester LE1 4ND. Mr A Patel (c/o Agent: Kurosh Morad, KMC Consultancy, 60 St Annes Drive, Leicester LE2 8HT) - Change of use of ground floor from storage to 2 flats - at 28 Fosse Road Central, Leicester LE3 5PR. Mr A A Ahmed (c/o Agent: Amir Nankali, AMA UK Consultancy Ltd, 21 Ensign Business Centre, Westwood Way, Westwood Business Park, Coventry CV4 8JA) - Change of use of first and second floor from storage to 5 self-contained flats, access staircase at rear, plus new shop on Cambridge Street - at 123 Narborough Road, Leicester LE3 0PB. Mr J Sharda (c/o Agent: Keshiv Sudera, Design Studio Architects Ltd, 1B Salisbury Road, Upper New Walk, Leicester LE1 7QR) - at 36 Stuart Street, Leicester.

Mr Ashok Hira (c/o Agent: Manish Mistry, 12 Norbury Avenue, Leicester LE4 6NW) - Single and two storey extension at side of motor repair garage, plus alterations to roof - at 56 Lancashire Street, Leicester.

Dr V Gupta (c/o Agent: Paul Cleaver Architects, 5 Wellington Street, Leicester LE1 6HH) - Change of use from house to 2 flats plus single storey extension at rear - at 31 Tudor Road, Leicester.

Leicester City Council (c/o Agent: Oliver Roberts, Halsall Lloyd Partnership, 53 Forest Road East, Nottingham NG1 4HW) - Change of use from hostel to 8 flats - at 31-35 Lower Hastings Street, Leicester.

Dr Umesh Roy (c/o Agent: Malcolm Hall, The Drawing Room (Architects) Ltd, 130 Moat Street, Wigston, Leicestershire LE18 2GE) - Erection of care home - at 72 Lutterworth Road, Leicester.

MATHER JAMIE are offering for sale by Private Treaty a residential development site with Outline Planning Consent for 7 dwellings.

The property - 15-19 Dragwell, Kegworth, Leicestershire DE74 2EL - comprises the former Co-Op premises in the centre of the village.

This substantial two-storey building would suit a variety of uses including offices, doctors surgery, day nursery, dentists, and similar (subject to planning).

The site benefits from Outline Planning Consent (ref: 15/00102/4OC - granted 24th July 2015) for the demolition of the building and erection of up to 7 dwellings.

A web page dedicated to the sale of this site can be found at www.matherjamie.co.uk/dragwell For more information, or to arrange a viewing appointment, contact Gary Kirk at Mather Jamie on 01509 233433 or email: gary.kirk@matherjamie.co.uk

Planning system on the brink as local authorities suffer from lack of resource Some of England’s major cities are taking well over six months to determine major new planning applications with both developers and local authorities identifying a lack of resource within planning departments as a key barrier to development.

The majority of developers believe higher planning fees might be part of a potential solution, helping local authorities shorten waiting times and improve performance.

The average submission to determination time for a major planning application is 32 weeks across London, Greater Manchester and Bristol and the surrounding area, over double the government target of 13 weeks. In addition to this, and despite a worsening housing crisis, the overall volume of major applications determined in London fell by 26%, according to the fourth Annual Planning Survey from the British Property Federation and GL Hearn, part of Capita plc.

Both public and private sector respondents to the survey expressed concern with the lack of resources available to local planning authorities. Over half (55%) of local authorities say under-resourcing is a significant challenge and half (50%) believe the planning system is not operating as well as it was in 2010.

A significant 75% of applicants are dissatisfied with the length of time a planning application takes – up from 71% last year. The survey found that nearly two thirds (65%) of applicants would be happy to pay more if it would shorten determination times.

Key regional findings include: • In London, the average submission to determination time is 34 weeks – 6 weeks

longer than last year’s study (28 weeks) but a modest improvement from 2011/12 when it stood at 37 weeks; • The average submission to determination time is 27 weeks in both Greater Manchester, Bristol and the surrounding area; • The volume of major planning applications determined has fallen by 26% in London, increased by 19% in Manchester, and stayed the same in Bristol and the surrounding area; • In line with diminishing land opportunities in the capital, densification is a more prevalent priority for applicants in London (47%) compared to applicants in the North West (14%).

Commenting on the findings of this year’s Annual Planning Survey, Shaun Andrews, GL Hearn’s head of investor and developer planning, said: “In order to get Britain building again, we need to get Britain planning. Development activity is critical for our economy, not least in order to tackle the urgent housing crisis. This year’s Annual Planning Survey shows that the planning system needs investment – and that requires action across the board.

“We need to ensure that planning authorities have the right people with the right skills and powers in place to drive forward a growth agenda – and that the system is able to release the right resources

when it’s needed. For their part, developers need to speak with a single voice – and make it clear what levels of service they need and how much they are prepared to pay for it. “‘There is an urgent need to find bold new solutions to this shared challenge. Further streamlining of the system may well be part of the solution but to get Britain planning to enable growth requires investment. This is an industry-wide issue that needs us all to collaborate to prevent a poorly functioning planning system stifling economic growth.”

Melanie Leech, chief executive at the British Property Federation, commented: “This report shows quite clearly that local authority planning departments are struggling to cope as a result of the efforts to find savings across the public sector, and that this is having a negative impact on local authorities’ ability to deliver a timely and efficient service .

“The fact of the matter is that an effective planning system is crucial to enabling regeneration and development, and if government wants to meet the housing challenge and develop the commercial buildings that support our economy, it is going to need to take action.

“The report shows that there is potentially scope for the private sector to plug this gap, and we urge the government to begin a dialogue with the property industry to see how this might be taken forward.”

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I’m going to the annual meeting of impatient people next week. I can’t wait.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

Mr Michael Blanksby (c/o: 8 Coltsfoot Close, Oakham, Rutland LE15 7GB) - Two single storey link extensions to care home - at land at rear of 3,5 & 7 Holmwood Drive, Leicester.

Melton Borough Ashby Folville Land Trust (c/o Agent: Ross Thain & Co Ltd, 20 Belton Street, Stamford, Lincs.

PE9 2EF) - Demolition of derelict mushroom sheds and construction of 4 cottage dwellings with gardens and parking - at land between 15 & 21 Folville Street, Ashby Folville, Leics.

Homelink Properties (c/o Agent: D.Plunkett, Hallett Pollard Hilliar, 7 Sydney Wharf, Bath, Somerset BA2 4EF) - Outline application for 2 twobed dwellings - Reserved Matters - at The Homelands, 4 Dickmans Lane, Harby, Leics. LE14 4BG. Westleigh Partnerships Ltd (c/o Agent: Marrons, 1 Meridian South, Meridian Business Park, Leicester LE19 1WY) - Residential development comprising circa 50 dwellings together with associated infrastructure, open space, landscaping, storm water balancing pond, pumping station and diversion of public right of way - at Mill House Nurseries, Leicester Road, Melton Mowbray, Leics.

LE13 0DB. Mr D Haywood (c/o Agent: Maurice Fairhurst, 41 Wartnaby Road, Ab Kettleby, Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE14 3JJ) - Conversion to create 3 separate dwellings and provide residential curtilages for each - at Hill Farm, Waltham Lane, Harby, Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE14 4DB. Mr Darrell Fowler (c/o Agent: Jamie Hayward, Hayward McMullan Architects Ltd, 2 Gloucester Crescent, Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE13 0AQ) Convert barns into 2 dwellings - at Ashby Pastures, Pasture Lane, Ashby Folville, Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE14 2TT. Ms C Bates (c/o Agent: Richard Cooper, HSSP Architects Ltd, PERA Business Park, Nottingham Road, Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE13 0PB) Formation of work unit in outbuildings to rear of 6 Main Street & 1 King Street - at 6 Main Street, Twyford, Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE14 2HU. Mr David Mount (c/o: Manor Farm Farmhouse, Stonesby Road, Waltham on the Wolds, Melton Mowbray, Leics.

LE14 4AH) - Erection of storage building for machinery and produce - at Manor Farm Farmhouse, Stonesby Road, Waltham on the Wolds, Melton Mowbray, Leics.

LE14 4AH.

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Housing Bill: Property industry welcomes bold Local Plan measures but warns of home ownership preoccupation The leading trade body for the property industry has hailed the Government for taking the bold step of introducing deadlines for the creation of Local Plans for all local authorities across the UK. The British Property Federation (BPF) has welcomed measures that will be part of the Housing and Planning Bill that mean that government will intervene if local authorities do not have Local Plans in place by 2017, which it deems imperative for growth.

The organisation welcomed further measures that will be outlined in the Bill, including an extension of the office to residential permitted development right and automatic permission in principle on brownfield sites.

It has warned that Government must not be too focused on owner occupation however, and that it must encourage development of other tenures if it is to deliver new homes at scale. It has also outlined how new housing schemes must be accompanied by commercial development, such as shops and leisure facilities, to ensure that they are places where people really want to live.

Melanie Leech, chief executive of the British Property Federation, commented: “The housing challenge facing the UK is acute, and Government is being fairly punchy in the reforms it wants to make to the planning system to deliver new homes. The fact that it is prepared to take on the responsibility of Local Plans is particularly welcome as these are crucial to creating sustainable development in local communities.

“There are two things that Government must not forget in its headlong pursuit of creating new homes, however. One is that homes for owner occupation are not the only option. The build to rent sector has the potential to deliver a huge number of additional homes and to drive up standards in the rental sector, and must not be disregarded in favour of homes for sale - there is room for both.

“The other is that thriving communities need a mx of amenities to be a success. In order to create places where people want to live, there need to be places for people, to work, shop, and enjoy themselves, and planning policy must reflect that accordingly.”

Comment on specific proposals from Melanie Leech: • If councils fail to produce and bring into force an up to date Local Plan for new homes by 2017, Government will work with local people to ensure one is drawn up.

Ministers will shortly be bringing forward further details of how best to intervene when councils have failed to get started on their plans.

“This is a potentially game-changing announcement, and one we wholeheartedly support, since Local Plans are fundamental to growth. Local Plans provide certainty, which is Holy Grail for investors, and by ensuring that all local authorities have them in place will undoubtedly have a positive effect on investment.

“It is absolutely critical that hand in hand with this requirement comes a clear change in approach to local plans to make them slimmer, more targeted and more effective. This is particularly important now, given how many local authorities are under enormous pressure financially and strapped for time and resources.

“We look forward to the Local Plan Expert Group’s work in this area.”

• The Government will legislate to make a permanent permitted development right for office to residential – this will allow buildings to be replaced keeping the same external dimensions to provide much needed homes.

Current protections for areas such as the City of London will remain in place.

“We have long championed the extension of office to residential permitted development right, believing the policy to be a useful tool in breathing life back into underused commercial space. The policy was never designed to deliver a huge number of new homes, but any trip through our suburbs soon exposes redundant office space that with the best will in the world is never going to be brought back into commercial use, and for such situations this policy is helpful.

“We support the decision to keep current exemptions in place, as this is not a one-size-fits-all policy, and thriving commercial areas such as the City of London should be protected.”

• A new legal duty will be placed on councils to guarantee the delivery of Starter Homes on all reasonably sized new development sites, and to promote the scheme to first time buyers in their area.

Local authorities will be able to bid for a share of a £10 million Starter Homes fund - part of a £36million package to accelerate the delivery of starter homes - by helping councils prepare brownfield sites that would otherwise not be built for starter homes.

“Starter Homes is a welcome initiative, and we are supportive of the intention to create more housing for young people. It is crucial that the Government does not overlook other forms of tenure in its desire to create new homes for owner-occupation, however, and that it recognises the additional homes that can be delivered by the Build to Rent sector.

“We are concerned that a requirement to deliver Starter Homes as part of large schemes could damage investment into this sector, as fragmented sites are less appealing.

We will be seeking an exemption for the Build to Rent sector from the requirement to include Starter Homes onsite.

“We are working closely with officials to ensure that the practicalities of Starter Homes are fully worked out and that local authorities are not put under additional pressure to monitor purchases or sales in times of straightened resources.”

• Automatic planning permission in principle on brownfield sites – to build as many homes as possible while protecting the green belt “In theory, this is a great ideal as it should make it easier to identify land that has development potential. Whilst it looks good on the tin, however, it is going to be incredibly complex in practice. Local authorities, who will be responsible for maintaining the lists of brownfield land, simply do not have the resources to take on such a challenge.

“In addition to this, at the moment the permission in principle is only available for residential development.

We would prefer that Government recognises the need for all development on such sites, as homes are not enough by themselves, we must develop office, leisure and retail space as well to create cohesive communities.”

• Planning reforms to support small builders – placing a new duty on councils to help allocate land to people who want to build their own home “It is good to see small builders getting some support from the Government, and whilst this will not provide enormous numbers of homes, it will help diversify the offer and encourage innovative design and construction.”

• Selling off high value vacant assets – which will be reinvested in building new affordable homes “This is good news, but it is critical that the new affordable homes are indeed affordable to those who need them. These affordable homes must also be built in the right place, with good connectivity and community amenities nearby.”

My dad was fired from his job in road work for theft. I didn’t believe it at first, but when I got home all the signs were there.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

RICS UK Residential Market Survey, September 2015

Residential sales slip in East Midlands as lack of stock puts off buyers • • • •

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Leicester office building with potential for residential conversion

Dip in sales balance across the East Midlands likely to be reversed over coming months East Midlands is the only region in UK to see sales drop back materially during September But near term sales expectations still positive Price inflation set to accelerate in region driven by lack of new instructions

The East Midlands was the only region in the UK to see house sales drop in the last month, according to the latest RICS UK Residential Market Survey. Across the rest of the UK, house sales picked up due to a modest improvement in the availability of mortgage finance.

Agreed sales in the region have seen the sharpest decline since November INNES ENGLAND are offering for sale an attractive period 2014, with 21% more chartered surveyors reporting a decrease this month property which has been extended to provide good quality but this largely unwinds the rise recorded in August. office accommodation.

The weaker sales trend in the East Midlands is in part reflective of a lack of stock which has been visible in the data since the early spring. However, The brick built property - 104 Regent Road, Leicester LE1 7LT - has respondents to the survey also highlighted the shortfall in new build a pitched slate roof with a parapet wall upstand. Internally the 4,595 sq.ft. developments and the economic climate as factors deterring potential property provides an attractive arrangement of private and more open plan purchasers. Indeed, the number of new buyer enquiries dropped last office areas with the usual arrangement of WCs and kitchen facilities. month for the first time since February, with 4% more chartered surveyors There is a secure car park to the side of the property for 7 vehicles. reporting a decline.

The property has an existing and authorised planning consent for offices.

The slightly more upbeat headline results echo recent lending data A change to a residential use may be appropriate, and interested parties are including that highlighted by the Bank of England, showing mortgage requested to ring Leicester City Council on 0116 454 1000. approvals at an eighteen month high and up 12% compared to a year The asking price is £550,000, and VAT may be applicable. ago. As the availability of mortgage finance appears to be improving, the For further details, or to arrange a viewing, contact Peter Doleman at average ‘perceived’ LTV ratio captured by respondents to the RICS survey Innes England on 0116 255 5455 or email: pdoleman@innes-england.com. edged up to 79.3% with first time buyers seeing credit conditions relax most noticeably over the month.

Critically, the persistent supply demand imbalance is being reflected in the key RICS house price indicator which continues to rise strongly and is pointing to key house price indices picking up speed over coming months and into the first half of 2016. This trend is also strongly visible in the East Midlands.

In the lettings market, tenant demand in the East Midlands increased once more, continuing Over 40 engineering consultants a long-term pattern, while new from a Leicestershire firm have taken landlord instructions failed to part in an Army Activity Day at increase for the sixth month in a Kendrew Barracks in Oakham, Rutland. row. Over the next year, chartered M-EC Consulting Development Engineers joined surveyors across the UK are 203 (Loughborough) Transport Squadron RLC anticipating rents rising by 3% while to partake in the event, which was designed to the projection for the East Midlands provide an insight into basic military life, first aid is just a little below this. training, personal protective equipment and team Simon Rubinsohn, Chief activities. Together with their Reservist colleague, Rosie James, who is currently training with 203 Squadron RLC, Economist of RICS commented: the M-EC team were taught how to construct a shelter, cook army rations, basic safety and first aid as well as shown “The East Midlands activity data was camouflage equipment, concealment cream and CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear) personal a little softer this month but I am not protective clothing. convinced that this marks a turning “We have been actively involved with the Reserve Forces community for a few years and earlier this year, signed point for the market, particularly as the Corporate Covenant to pledge ongoing support and raise awareness of the benefits of employing Reservists,” there is some tentative evidence of explains M-EC’s managing director, Eddie Mewies. “Many of our employees have expressed an interest in learning a modest easing in credit conditions. more about the role so we approached 203 Squadron RLC to see if we could devise an activity day. We’re More ominously, there are further extremely grateful to Major Darren Knight, Captain Ben Wing and all the team for making us so welcome and indications that house prices are planning such a fun, challenging and informative event.” headed higher largely because of As part of the day, M-EC’s team was divided into smaller groups to practice CBRM and First Aid drills as well as the ongoing shortfall in stock which compete in a series of challenges to simulate rescue missions. Event organiser, Captain Ben Wing of 203 Squadron is leaving agents with diminishing RLC commented: “Today’s activities have been designed to give a feel for military life, build leadership and inventory levels. Against this confidence as well as being good fun. We want to engage with our local community and businesses so that they can backdrop, the likelihood is that find out more about 203 Transport Squadron RLC and how being a Reservist could benefit individuals in terms of property will continue to become new skills, fitness and gaining unique experiences. ever more unaffordable.”

Engineering Consultants Tackle Army Activity Day

Can you believe that my neighbor knocked at my door at 2AM!? Luckily, I was up playing my drums.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

Right move for award-winning shop-fitter Magnum Care Ltd (c/o Agent: James Brindley, HSSP, PERA Innovation Park, Nottingham Road, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LE13 0PB) - Erection of 91-bed care home with associated access and parking provision - at Six Elms, 55 Asfordby Road, Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE13 0HN.

Harborough District Ben Bailey Homes Midlands (c/o: 1 Phoenix Park, Phoenix Centre, Nottingham NG8 6BA) - Erection of 99 dwellings (substitution of house types of 07/00360/REM) - at Farndon Fields, Farndon Road, Market Harborough, Leics.

Saddington Parish Meeting (c/o Agent: Mark Marshall, Martin Ward & Keeling Ltd, 137 Aldridge Road, Perry Barr, Birmingham B42 2ET) - Erection of one bungalow with associated garage, 2 semi-detached cottages, creation of new access road and Village Green - at land at Weir Road, Saddington, Leicestershire.

Rookwell Drive Field Trust (c/o Agent: Andrew Granger & Co, Phoenix House, 52 High Street, Market Harborough, Leics. LE16 7AF) - Erection of up to 40 dwellings with associated access, pedestrian links, public open space, car parking, landscaping & drainage (Revised scheme) - at land at end of Dunmore Road, Market Harborough, Leics.

Barratt Homes (c/o: 2 Horizon Place, Nottingham Business Park, Nottingham NG15 8GH) - Outline application for up to 100 dwellings at land east of Wentworth Close, Kibworth Beauchamp, Leics.

Brudenell Estates (c/o Agent: Landmark Planning Ltd, 10 Salisbury Road, Leicester LE1 7QR) - Conversion of farm buildings to 4 dwellings including new garages, alterations to vehicular access, landscaping plus extension to existing farmhouse - at Pastures Farm, Stockerston Road, Blaston, Leics.

LE16 8DF Seven Locks Housing (c/o Agent: Pelham Architects, 12/14 Pelham Road, Nottingham NG5 1AP) Demolition of 7-35 Knights Close - at Sheltered Accommodation, 7-35 Knights Close, Billesdon, Leics.

Redrow Homes South Midlands (c/o Agent: Barton Willmore, Regent House, 4 Homer Road, Solihull, West Midlands B91 3QQ) - Erection of up to 70 dwellings to include structural landscaping, open space and other ancillary works - at land off Berry Close, Great Bowden, Leics.

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Moving to modern premises in a prime location is set to boost expansion for an award-winning Leicester shop-fitting company.

Leading East Midlands commercial property specialist Andrew and Ashwell has recently acquired almost 31,000 sq ft of warehouse and office space on Gorse Hill Industrial Estate for Clements Ltd. The move is scheduled for next month, with the prospect of further jobs in the pipeline.

Established for over 20 years in Parker Drive, Clements delivers cutting edge commercial spaces reflecting high quality brand vision. With clients including fashion and beauty industry icons Lanvin, Louboutin and Alexander McQueen, the firm was announced as Retail and Leisure International’s Contractor of the Year this summer.

Major investment in the new building will create additional office accommodation, alongside a state of the art, multi-discipline production unit. The building has the bonus of a large car park and close proximity to the A46 Western bypass, with fast access

Outside of new premises at Gorse Hill, directors of Clements (L-R) Mike Duxbury, Simon Duxbury and Robin Duxbury. to motorway and major road networks.

Simon Duxbury, Managing Director at Clements, said the move was part of the firm’s blueprint for on-going expansion.

“This substantial investment is a statement of our confidence in the future and will create an excellent working environment for our staff, as well as increasing employment

Development site in Rosliston for 13 dwellings JOHN GERMAN Estate Agents are offering for sale a superb development site with a design and layout for 13 dwellings.

The site - at Burton Road, Rosliston, Derbyshire - has Outline Planning Permission (ref: T/2014/1127) for 9 dwellings for the open market and 4 affordable houses.

Under Section 106, the developer must make contributions in respect of £371.93 towards additional waste management, £34,352.34 for secondary school places at the William Allitt School, £28.61 per dwelling towards improved waste recycling.

The site is also subject to a Tree Preservation Order.

The Guide Price is £799,950.

For more information, contact John German on 01283 512244 or email: burton@johngerman.co.uk

and enhancing the service we can offer our international clients.”

Malcolm Grayson, Director at Andrew and Ashwell, added: “Gorse Hill Industrial Estate is a popular location for national and international companies, since it not only offers high quality, modern premises, but easy access to road networks and will provide many advantages for Clements’ continued success. We wish them well.”

‘Generation Buy’ needs ‘Generation Build’ The Prime Minister’s pledge to replace ‘Generation Rent’ with ‘Generation Buy’ will only be possible if the Government succeeds in enabling house builders to boost the supply of new homes, warns the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “The Prime Minister is right to put home ownership at the heart of his Government’s vision. For too long we have been suffering the worst housing crisis since the end of the Second World War. It’s crucial that we improve affordability and options for those looking to get on the housing ladder.”

Berry continued: “To create a ‘Generation Buy’, we need to create a ‘Generation Build’.

This means having a more dynamic house building industry in which smaller firms and new entrants can prosper and grow, so that we can deliver small scale housing developments in every village, every town, and every city. We also need to make use of previously-developed land to take the pressure off the green belt. It will also mean attracting a new generation of talented workers into the construction industry to overcome current skills shortages and meet the expanding demand for its services.

These are both challenges and exciting opportunities and we look forward to working with the Government to make the Prime Minister’s vision a reality.”

I’m really pleased with my new fridge magnet. So far I’ve got eight fridges.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

Calling local BUILDERS and DEVELOPERS send us your postal address and we’ll add you to our rotating mailing list.

Fantastic!

Email: info@ buildermagazines. co.uk

The reason I hate mornings so much is that they start while I’m still sleeping.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

Mr D Graves (c/o Agent: The Drawing Room (Architects) Ltd, 130 Moat Street, Wigston, Leicester LE18 2GE) - Erection of 3 dwellings - at Station Cottage, Uppingham Road, East Norton, Leics. LE7 9XL. Jelson Limited (c/o Agent: Mrs Catherine Mumby, Bilfinger GVA, 3 Brindleyplace, Birmingham B1 2LB) - Erection of 100 dwellings with associated garages, hardstanding and public open space - at land east of Broughton Way, Broughton Astley, Leics.

Mr David Myers (c/o Agent: Corporate Architecture, Venari House, 1 Trimbush Way, Market Harborough, Leics. LE16 7XY) - Demolition of existing timber office/workshop and stores; erection of new retail unit, office and store; alteration and extension of existing retail units; erection of 2 apartments and change of use of former offices to retail unit and cafe - at The Old Railway Station, Station Road, Great Glen, Leics. LE8 9FP. Grace Homes Limited (c/o: 4 Melbourne House, Corbygate Business Park, Priors Haw Road, Corby, Northamptonshire NN17 5JG) - Erection of up to 28 dwellings - at land at Main Street, Lubenham, Leicestershire.

Mr & Mrs Bevin (c/o Agent: Andrew Twigg & Associates Ltd, Toys Yard, Gold Street, Clipston, Market Harborough, Leics. LE16 9RR) Demolition of existing bungalow and erection of 2 detached dwellings and associated access - at Primrose Cottage, Fir Tree Lane, Swinford, Leicestershire LE17 6BH. Mr Andrew Longley (c/o: 47 Gardiner Street, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 9QN) - Erection of an ancillary building - at 47 Gardiner Street, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 9QN. Marrons Planning (c/o: 1 Meridian South, Meridian Business Park, Leicester LE19 1WY) - Erection of 2 office/research buildings with associated parking and landscaping (Revised scheme) at Bruntingthorpe Industrial Estate, Mere Road, Upper Bruntingthorpe, Leicestershire LE17 5QZ. Crouch Recovery (c/o Agent: Wells McFarlane, The Old Bank, 14 Bank Street, Lutterworth, Leicestershire LE17 4AG) - Demolition of existing commercial building and erection of an industrial building - at Crouch Recovery, Kibworth Service Station, Harborough Road, Kibworth Harcourt, Leicestershire LE8 0RB.

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MAKING WORK EXPERIENCE WORK IN CONSTRUCTION The importance of giving construction students access to hands-on experience on site – helping them get job-ready by developing their skills in a real-life working environment – is universally accepted.

So why do some companies still shy away from offering work placements – and where work placements are offered, how can you make sure that both employer and students get the most out of them?

Andrew Barlow, work experience coordinator for Leicester College, is clear that he’d like to see a ‘step change’ in the number of construction employers willing to offer work experience placements. He points out that work experience is a great way for firms to encourage more young people into construction, raise their own company profile, and recruit new employees. Furthermore, some placements give the employer the chance to carry out what’s effectively an ‘extended interview’ before making a job or apprenticeship offer.

The further education college – which has this year undertaken a major programme of work placements with construction firm Stepnell – has brought in a number of measures to encourage more employers to get involved with its work experience programme, including greater support for employers before, during and after the work experience placements.

Careful planning and preparation and the management of expectations on both sides has also been a key part of the programme which has seen Stepnell providing up to 50 week-long placements for Leicester College construction students this year.

Students worked on a new-build project by Stepnell to create a new Motor Vehicle Workshop at the College, as well as a scheme at the city’s De Montfort University creating a new conference venue.

The right fit Ensuring a good match between the student and work placement is always essential for work experience to work out, says Andrew Barlow: “There has to be a direct correlation between on- and off-the-job training so that the work experience complements the student’s current programme of study. The student must fully understand their role in meeting employer expectations in areas such as health and safety and time-keeping, while the employer must also be clear about their responsibility in providing opportunities for the learner to develop their skills in the work place.”

As well as being carefully selected, students are given a briefing

by Stepnell on the rules and requirements on site in advance and also receive a full induction from the site team. A member of the site team is appointed to be their mentor once the placement begins.

Stepnell best practice manager Karen Ryan says a major benefit of the Leicester College programme

has been the protocols which have been developed to coordinate the essential paperwork, including the students’ personal details, risk assessments and the necessary insurance cover. That perceived administrative burden can be a major disincentive for construction firms to engage with work experience, she points out, along with the time needed to manage students on site.

Stepnell has developed a work experience pack for each student which compiles all the necessary risk assessments, health and safety and trade-related questionnaires which must be completed by the student as well as providing a record for the student’s time on site where their experience is logged and feedback is given on their performance.

Stepnell has also provided additional support from an administrator who works with the student and site team to ensure that all the paperwork is completed. The administrator also liaises directly with the College to ensure that any problems that might arise, such as nonattendance, are quickly identified and resolved.

Stepnell is now working with Leicester College to look at other ways of further promoting placements to other construction

Leicester College students taking part in a work experience placement with Stepnell. firms. The company has a strong record of delivering work placements for both school and college students as part of its commitment to encouraging more young people into construction. It previously led the Minster College training initiative in Herefordshire which saw 1,500 students from local schools and colleges gaining experience of a live construction site.

The company has historically recruited new staff members through placements - and is likely to make job offers to some of the Leicester College students - but building its own workforce isn’t the main motive, stresses Karen Ryan: “For us, it’s more about getting the message out and raising awareness.

It’s perhaps never been more important to let the next generation know more about our industry and the opportunity it offers for a wellpaid, technically challenging and rewarding career.”

If any Leicester-based company is interested in finding out more about work experience, please contact Andrew Barlow at Leicester College - email abarlow@lec.ac.uk or call 0116 224 2097.

If you’re not supposed to eat at night, why is there a light bulb in the refrigerator?

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

BPF comments on Shadow Housing Minster proposals for home ownership review

Mr & Mrs A Bridgwood (c/o Agent: Staniforth Architects, The Warehouse, 1A Stamford Street, Leicester LE1 6NL) - Conversion of existing stable block and garden house to 5 dwellings, installation of new vehicular access, parking and landscaping - at Stable Cottage, Tilton Lane, Billesdon, Leicestershire LE7 9DS. IDI Gazeley Ltd (c/o Agent: Now Planning Limited, St George’s House, 6 St George’s Way, Leicester LE1 6SH) - Hybrid Planning Application comprising: (1) Outline application for demolition of existing buildings and erection of up to 427,200 sq metres of Storage and Distribution with ancillary offices, up to 3,700 sq metres for a Logistics Institute of Technology with associated playing field, up to 9,000 sq metres of small business space, up to 300 sq metre estate office with conference facility and exhibition centre, creation of a Country Park, landscaping, formation of access road from Magna Park, creation of roundabouts, partial realignment of Mere Lane, upgrading of A5 to dual carriageway, creation of roundabout access on A5, creation of SuDS facilities and associated infrastructure and landscaping works; (2) Detailed application for the creation of a 140 space HGV parking pacility, associated gatehouse and HGV Driver Training Centre, vehicle wash and fuelling facilities, and a rail freight shuttle terminal, with associated hardstanding, landscaping and SuDS facilities on land adjacent to Asda George Headquarters - at land at Mere Lane, Bittesby, Leicestershire.

Unnamed Applicant (c/o Agent: Marrons Planning, 1 Meridian South, Meridian Business Park, Leicester LE19 1WY) - Erection of 2 detached dwellings with associated access and landscaping (Revised scheme) - at Thatched Cottage, Main Street, Burton Overy, Leicestershire LE8 9DL. Mr Andrew Milne (c/o Agent: GB A and E Ltd, Ryton Organic Gardens, Wolston Lane, Ryton-on-Dunsmore, Rugby, Warwickshire CV8 3LG) Erection of 9 dwellings with vehicular access (Revised scheme) - at land north of Lutterworth Bypass, Moorbarns Lane, Lutterworth, Leicestershire.

Kibworth Working Men’s Club (c/o Agent: Hillcoat Architects, Bignal House, 15A Bignal Drive, Leicester Forest East, Leicester LE3 3QF) Erection of 4 two storey terraced dwellings and alteration to existing Working Men’s Club car park - at Kibworth Working Men’s Club, 47 Fleckney Road, Kibworth Beauchamp, Leicestershire LE8 0HF.

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The British Property Federation (BPF) has commented on proposals made by Shadow Housing Minister John Healey at the Labour Party Conference to undertake an independent review into home ownership, led by Peter Redfern, Chief Executive of Taylor Wimpey.

Redfern will be joined by: • Dame Kate Barker CBE, a Senior Adviser to Credit Suisse • Terrie Alafat, the Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Housing • Ian Mulheirn, the Director of Consulting at Oxford Economics Melanie Leech, chief executive of the British Property Federation, commented: “The Labour Party has made a good start to showing it is pro housing-delivery, but if it is to meet all needs, that must be regardless of tenure.

“This was something that was recommended in the Labour-commissioned Lyons Review, which came out pre-election, and which we hope to see readopted as policy. If the country is to deliver anything close to the 250,000 homes a year, it needs all tenures to be firing on all cylinders. That means building for sale and social rent, but also supporting the growing institutional investment in Build-to-Rent.

“The review has some excellent, very able people on it, and they no doubt will get to the bottom of the question posed. Why homeownership is static is a fair question to ask and understand. The more important question, however, is how do we increase supply?”

Insulation industry chief calls for urgent action

by Government after Mark Group goes into administration Neil Marshall, Chief Executive of the National Insulation Association has repeated his call for the Government to fast track the development of its new long term, sustainable policy framework for home energy efficiency and introduce urgent transitional arrangements in the meantime to address the current hiatus within the market and industry.

The move comes following the announcement in October that the Mark Group, one of the UKs largest insulation installers has gone into administration resulting in over 900 job losses.

Neil Marshall said: “The changes made to the Energy Company Obligation scheme in 2014 coupled with Government decisions in July 2015 not to provide further funding to the Green Deal Finance Company and to end the Green Deal Home Improvement Fund with immediate effect without alternatives in place has resulted in a collapse in insulation activity levels. The sad news of the Mark Group going into administration is a clear indication of the impact this is now having on the insulation industry.

“Whilst Government has outlined its intention to introduce a new long term policy framework for energy efficiency which we welcome, the insulation industry is currently in a state of crisis as a result of the absence of robust transitional arrangements to bridge the gap until the new polices and schemes are introduced. Without urgent intervention there will be further casualties, job losses and a loss of confidence to invest among insulation companies all of which will impact on the industry’s ability to scale up to support the delivery of the Governments longer term ambitions.

“Given October’s news which clearly demonstrates the scale of the problems facing the industry at present we would urge DECC Ministers to work with the industry in putting in place urgent actions to address the crisis.”

William Davis Ltd (c/o Agent: Insight Town Planning Ltd, Harborough Innovation Centre, Leicester Road, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 7WB) - Erection of up to 30,700 sq metres of commercial buildings - at Airfield Business Park, Leicester Road, Lubenham, Leicestershire.

Mr Charles Smith (c/o Agent: Rod Kilsby Partnership, 3 High Bank, High Street, Spratton, Northamptonshire NN6 8HZ) - Demolition of barn and stable block; alteration to vehicular access, erection of 2 detached bungalows, 4 detached dwellings and detached double garage to serve existing bungalow - at Quarry Farm Stables, Lutterworth Road, North Kilworth, Leicestershire LE17 6HW.

Rutland County Mr Justin Wilson (c/o: 8 Phorpres Close, Hampton, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PE7 8FZ) Demolition of existing public house and outbuilding and erection of 3 detached and 2 semi-detached houses - at The Crown Inn, Crown Lane, Tinwell, Stamford PE9 3UF. Wilds Lodge School (c/o Agent: Ross Thain & Co Ltd, 20 Belton Street, Stamford PE9 2EF) - Extension to school to accommodate an Assembly/Theatre, Adminstration Offices, Staff Room and Counselling Rooms - at Wilds Lodge, Stamford Road, Empingham, Oakham, Rutland LE15 8QQ.

N.W.Leics. District Mr K Lal (c/o Agent: Glynn Deakin, 49 The Crescent, Cradley Heath, West Midlands B64 7JS) - Change of use into restaurant, take away and hairdressers at ground floor, 2 selfcontained flats at first floor and new external staircase - at Greenhill Post office, Cropston Drive, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 4HT. Mr R D White (c/o Agent: Housemartin Designs, The Carthouse, Charnells Court, Main Street, Swepstone, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 2SG) - Alterations and extensions to existing dwelling to form 5 residential units with associated car parking and formation of a new vehicle and pedestrian access - at 56 Chapel Street, Ibstock, Leicestershire LE67 6HE. Mr R D White (c/o Agent: Housemartin Designs, The Carthouse, Charnells Court, Main Street, Swepstone, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 2SG) - Erection of 2 buildings for up to 7 residential units along with associated vehicle parking and the formation of a new vehicle and pedestrian access - at 56 Chapel Street, Ibstock, Leics. LE67 6HE.

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I have been to many places but my goal is to go everywhere.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

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Tel: 0116 2853 777 Leema Technologies Limited.

The Warehouse, 1a Stamford Street, Leicester LE1 6NL

Residential Development Opportunity London Road, Great Glen, Leicestershire LE8 9DJ    

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A healthy sleep not only makes your life longer, but also shortens the workday.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

Children Learn About Construction At Vale View

Pupils from Higham-on-the-Hill Church of England Primary School spent an afternoon outside the classroom learning about construction processes and site safety at David Wilson Homes’ Vale View development in Highamon-the-Hill, Leicestershire.

A group of 10 pupils and two teaching staff met the experienced construction team to learn about the range of skills and trades working on site, as well as to highlight the dangers of building sites ahead of the half-term break. And as part of the visit the youngsters were kitted out in protective hard hats and hi-visibility vests.

The children, aged between seven and 10, also found out more about the project taking place at Vale View, and were taken on a tour of the development’s show home by Site Manager Craig Ison (pictured above).

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Available Next Day

Why is the day that you do laundry, cook, clean, iron and so on, called a day off?

LOCAL & NATIONAL Coverage

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

Mr Roger Purewal (c/o Agent: Nayan Padhiar, SKM Design, 8 De Montfort Mews, Leicester LE1 7FW) Change of use of ground floor to shop and hot food take away; change of use of first floor to 6 residential units including two-storey extension - at The Halfway House, 128 Belvior Road, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 3PQ.

Potential building plot in Scraptoft Cadeby Homes (c/o Agent: James Botterill, HSSP Architects Limited, PERA Business Park, Nottingham Road, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LE13 0PB) - variation of condition 13 of planning permission 11/00382/REM in order to allow for the erection of 11 dwellings with an amended lighting scheme - at 107 Central Road, Hugglescote, Leicestershire LE67 2FL.

Wrenbury Properties Ltd (c/o Agent: RG+P, 130 New Walk, Leicester LE1 7JA) - Residential development of up to 45 dwellings - at land south of The Green, Donington le Heath, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 2GE. Mr & Mrs Dakin (c/o Agent: Ms Caroline Chave, Chave Planning, Enterprise Centre, Bridge Street, Derby DE1 3LD) - Partial demolition of farm buildings, conversion and extension of remaining farm building to form one dwelling along with the erection of 3 additional dwellings and alterations to access - at Hallfield Farm, 1 Hall Gate, Diseworth, Derbyshire DE74 2QJ. Mr & Mrs Dakin (c/o Agent: Ms Caroline Chave, Chave Planning, Enterprise Centre, Bridge Street, Derby DE1 3LD) - Partial demolition of farm building, conversion and extension of remaining farm buildings to form 2 dwellings along with the erection of 6 additional dwellings and alterations to access - at Village Farm, 36 Hall Gate, Diseworth, Derbyshire DE74 2QJ. Mr & Mrs Fleetham (c/o Agent: Paul Taylor, Thomas Taylor Planning Ltd, Castle House, South Street, Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire LE65 1BR) - Demolition of existing 5 poultry houses and associated feed silos and erection of 3 detached dwellings - at Poultry Farm, Normanton Road, Packington, Leicestershire.

Mrs Caroline Smithers (c/o Agent: William Bates, 451 London Road, Leicester LE2 3JW) - Erection of single storey extension to existing Community College dining hall - at Ibstock Community College, Central Avenue, Ibstock, Leicestershire LE67 6NE. Mr N Myatt (c/o Agent: Malcolm Goodall, The Drawing Room (Architects) Ltd, 130 Moat Street, Wigston, Leicester LE18 2GE) Erection of 2 dwellings - at 95 Swallow Dale, Thringstone, Leicestershire LE67 8LY.

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Oadby & Wigston

MOORE & YORK are offering for sale a potential building plot - subject to obtaining planning permission - at the rear of 49 Nursery Road, Scraptoft, Leicester.

The plot measures approximately 0.25 acres and has fencing to its boundaries.

The asking price is £215,000. The Vendor will consider conditional offers.

For more information, contact Moore & York on 0116 255 8666 or email: Leicester@mooreandyork.co.uk

Prime lets reflect growing demand for office space Growing demand for office space has led to the lease of prime premises at Meridian Business Park, with the prospect of new employment opportunities.

Leading East Midlands commercial property specialist Andrew and Ashwell has recently completed deals on two sets of modern office units on Harcourt Way, for Samworth Brothers and The Greenray Group.

Meridian Business Park is a premier commercial location, close to the M1 and M69 motorway junctions, with Harcourt Way a designated office zone near the main Meridian Park entrance.

Leasing two large, open plan office units here, totaling over 3,250 sq ft, marks continued IT Kelvin Wilson of Andrew expansion for Melton-based specialist + Ashwell welcomes local food producer Samworth Brothers, manager to their new property whose leading brands include Walkers and Dickinson and Morris pork pies.

Lincoln-based The Greenray Group provides servicing solutions to the industrial gas turbine and steam turbine markets worldwide and has taken over 2,500 sq ft of open plan office space over two floors.

In recent months the firm has launched Greenray Control Solutions Ltd; a new arm of the business, providing control system upgrades, retrofits and technical support.

Kelvin Wilson for Andrew and Ashwell said dwindling stock levels reflect continued improvement in letting prime office accommodation.

“There is increasing demand for good quality office space and one of the main reasons for the popularity of units on Harcourt Way is the close proximity to the M1, proving an excellent location for staff and clients to conduct business. Our current stock levels would certainly suggest the market is improving.”

D Barnacle (c/o Agent: Anthony Day, Rose Park, Lutterworth Road, Blaby, Leicester LE8 4DP) - Change of use of existing doctors surgery to residential care home and a new dwelling with new linking structure to Kingswood Lodge - at Kingswood Lodge Care Home, Kingswood Court, Long Street, Wigston, Leicester LE18 2BP.

Blaby Mr David Van Beveren (c/o Agent: Neil Goodman, N.Goodman Associates Ltd, 262 Higham Lane, Nuneaton, Warks. CV11 6AR) - Erection of 4 three-bed semi-detached houses and one three-bed dormer dwelling with associated car parking - at 37 Salisbury Avenue, Croft, Leicestershire LE9 3EJ. EMH Homes (c/o Agent: BRP Architects, 1 Millers Yard, Roman Way, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 7PN) - Erection of 6 affordable dwellings and associated car parking - at land off Poplars Road, Croft, Leicestershire.

W A Curtis & Sons (c/o Agent: Rupert Bendell, Wells McFarlane, The Old Bank, 14 Bank Street, Lutterworth, Leics. LE17 4AJ) Erection of industrial building with associated yard, parking area, onsite access and landscape buffer - at Armston Farm, Broughton Road, Cosby, Leicestershire.

Mr David Miles (c/o Agent: Landmark Planning, 10 Salisbury Road, Leicester LE1 7QR) - Erection of 10 semi-detached dwellings - at land to the rear of 66-106 Station Road, Glenfield, Leicester LE3 8BR. Mr O Griffiths (c/o Agent: Peter Thompson ADT, 49 Leicester Road, Broughton Astley, Leicestershire LE9 6QE) - Erection of detached three storey building comprising 3 twobed apartments, associated parking and amenity space - at land off Regent Road, Countesthorpe, Leicestershire .

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My Dad was a workaholic. Every time someone mentioned work, he got drunk.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

Premier Inn Hotels Ltd (c/o Agent: Walsingham Planning, Bourne House, Cores End Road, Bourne End, Bucks. SL8 5AR) - Two storey rear extension to hotel complex to provide 20 additional bedrooms - at Premier Inn, Hinckley Road, Leicester Forest East, Leicester LE3 3GD. The Governors of All Saints C of E Primary School (c/o Agent: YMD Boon Ltd, York House, Fernie Road, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 7PH) - Demolition of existing classroom and proposed single storey extension comprising 2 classrooms and associated facilities - at School, Bassett Lane, Sapcote, Leicestershire LE9 4FB.

Charnwood Borough Unnamed Applicant (c/o Agent: The Drawing Room (Architects) Ltd) - Erection of 12 dwellings and associated access road (Resubmission of application P/14/0966/2) - at Loughborough Road, Hathern, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE12 5HY. Mr Mark & Liam Schofield (c/o Agent: Brian Dearlove Partnership) - Extension to student halls to provide 3 cluster apartments, one warden apartment and erection of building for 4 cluster apartments - at Essex Lodge, 194 Ashby Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire.

Mr David Clarke - Proposed change of use from care home to 3 dwellings and erection of 2 double garages - at 33 and 35 Church Hill, and 2 Netherhall Close, Birstall, Leicester LE4 4DN. Everards Brewery (c/o Agent: Corporate Architecture) - Erection of 3 three-storey dwellings (Amendment) at The Greyhound Inn, 25 Melton Road, Burton on the Wolds, Leicestershire LE12 5AG. Mr Simon Thompson - Change of use to residential - at Cropston Water Treatment Works, Bradgate Road, Cropston, Leicestershire LE7 7GB. Mr Jon Musson (c/o Agent: Quorn Plan Services) - Site for the erection of 4 chalet bungalows and 11 flats with associated landscaping and parking, following demolition of factory/warehouse - at 32 Charnwood Road, Shepshed, Leicestershire LE12 9QF. Preci-Spark Ltd (c/o Agent: Alan Wigglesworth) - Erection of extension to factory - at Preci-Spark, Railway Terrace, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 1HW.

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Barratt busts mortgage myths as quarter of young people give up on home ownership Nearly a quarter (23%) of 25 to 34-year-olds in the East Midlands have given up on buying a home as they don’t think they’ll be able to get the deposit together, according to research by Barratt Homes.

The homebuilder’s recent study has shown that consumer attitudes to home buying have yet to catch up with the recovery in mortgage lending, with misconceptions and confusion around the house buying process hampering the aspirations of potential homebuyers.

Top Three mortgage misconceptions: 1.

A tendency to overestimate the required deposit by three times: In the East Midlands, more than a half of consumers think the average deposit needed to buy a new home is 20% or more of the purchase price, but in reality with schemes like Help to Buy, it can be as little as 5%*.

2. An exaggerated view of how long the mortgage process will take: Despite most mortgage offers coming through within less than three weeks, on average people in the East Midlands think that they will have to wait five and a half weeks to hear back from their bank, and 12% think it will take longer than 10 weeks.

3. Assuming spending checks will take too long: On average, East Midlanders considering buying a new home believe they need to provide almost seven months’ worth of bank statements, with almost a third (29%) expecting to be asked to show them for the last year.

Yet this is not normally the case and most people simply need to demonstrate their spending habits via a budget planner form.

Despite most East Midlanders thinking they would have to provide numerous bank statements, only one in four (23%) expected to be asked how often they spend on clothes, while more than half (53%) did not expect to be asked how much they spent on socialising.

Adrian MacDiarmid, Head of Mortgage Lender Relations at Barratt Developments, said: “Our research highlighted that consumer attitudes have not kept up with the fact that the mortgage market has recovered strongly.

“But also it reveals misconceptions about what is needed when it comes to applying for a mortgage, from deposits through to questions asked as part of the mortgage process. We have lots of advice available to help buyers navigate the mortgage process - from online tools to our panel of recommended independent mortgage advisers.

“Mortgage rates are at an all-time low and although we know that they will increase at some point, buyers who are concerned about how this might affect them should consider some of the fixed rate schemes available that will give them the security of knowing that their payments will stay the same for the initial period of the mortgage.

“We believe that now is a great time to consider buying a home. From the Help to Buy scheme to our Deposit Boost programme, there are lots of ways to get onto the property ladder with a mortgage that you’re comfortable with.”

It is still perfectly possible for people in their mid-thirties to afford their own property, as illustrated by newly-wed first-time buyers Elizabeth and Matthew Ely, from Nottingham, who moved into a new three-bedroom home at the Hucknall development of Merlin Park less than a year ago, following three years of renting.

“We wanted a home big enough to start a family but didn’t want to have to spend any extra time or expense doing it up once we were in, as we both work full time,” explained HR Assistant Elizabeth (31).

Elizabeth and Matthew The Elys took advantage of the popular Ely in their new Barratt Help to Buy scheme, which allows buyers home at Merlin Park, in to purchase a new home up to the value of Hucknall. £600,000 with just a 5% deposit.

Mr & Mrs Woolley (c/o Agent: Hayward McMullan Architects Ltd) Change of use from offices to residential (Revised scheme) - at The Old Woodyard, 102 Prestwold Lane, Prestwold, Leicestershire LE12 5SH.

Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Leicestershire County Council (c/o Agent: Mrs Lisa Turner, EE Consultancy, 12 Pear Tree Close, Shuttington, Near Tamworth, Staffs.

B79 0DU) - Erection of community hub - at Congerstone School, Shackerstone Road, Congerstone, Nuneaton, Warks. CV13 6NH. Mr K Marlow (c/o Agent: Brooks Building Plans, The Old Factory Offices, 8 Hawley Road, Hinckley, Leicestershire LE10 0PR) - Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of 2 dwellings - at 32 Beryl Avenue, Hinckley, Leicestershire LE10 0ES. Mr F Brogan (c/o Agent: Housemartin Designs, The Carthouse, Charnells Court, Upperfields Farm, Swepstone, Leicestershire LE67 2SG) - Erection of 2 dwellings with garaging for the adjoining farmhouse and associated parking (Revised scheme) - at Sycamore Farm, Main Street, Barton in the Beans, Leicestershire.

Blaby plot: £130,000 YOUR MOVE are offering for sale a residential building plot at Grove Road, Blaby, Leicester.

The level rectangular plot measures approximately 503 sq.metres and the proposed development is the erection of one detached dwelling with shared access.

The asking price is £130,000.

For further information, contact Your Move on 0116 277 7159 or email: blaby@your-move.co.uk

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

The complete lack of evidence is the surest sign that the conspiracy is working.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

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windows

The best value trade windows and doors from Leicestershire’s leading windowmaker

www.coalvilleglass.co.uk For over 40 years Coalville Glass & Glazing has been manufacturing the highest quality windows, doors and conservatories – and supplying glass and ancillaries - right here in Coalville…

For local builders and tradespeople For major housebuilders nationwide For homeowners across the Midlands Friendly family service, competitive pricing, quality products and fast turnaround on trade orders – this is what has made us first choice suppliers of windows, doors and conservatories for decades.

For a free quote, or to visit our factory and showroom and see the quality first hand call us:

01530 837014 or email info@coalvilleglass.co.uk

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Antiques are things one generation buys, the next generation gets rid of, and the following generation buys again.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

Lighting up Leicester, Ventola Projects takes on Lumbers Electrical installations, LED lighting and shop fitting specialists, Ventola Projects have completed the highly specialised job of all the lighting and re-wiring of the new Lumbers Jewellers store in Leicester, which opened on the 28th September.

Lumbers, who has been providing fine jewellery, luxury watch brands, coloured diamonds and all the brightest and best jewellery brands to Leicester since 1881, recently made the move from their 6,500 sq ft store to their new 16,000 sq ft store on the High Street. Taking over the space from the historic Dominoes toy store in Leicester, Lumbers wanted to create a new space which would also increase its offering to its customers.

Ventola Projects was appointed by Lumbers to overhaul and update the wiring in the building as well as implement all new lighting in store, which aligned with Lumbers’ new luxurious look and vision for the store.

Utilising Ventola’s unique CLS-LED and VAvR Digital tape as the two main key components to the lighting in the new space, Ventola Projects was able to deliver something truly spectacular for Lumbers.

Mick Ventola, owner of Ventola Projects, says of the work on Lumbers Jewellers, “Myself and the Ventola team are proud to be part of such a fantastic project, this was an excellent opportunity to showcase our lighting and work with some great people, everyone has worked extremely hard and the results definitely speak for themselves” Dominic Gommersall, Managing Director at Lumbers Jewellers says of his appointment of Ventola Projects, “Knowing the exceptional work that Ventola Projects deliver internationally as well as locally, we knew they would be the perfect choice for lighting up our store.”

Based in the heart of the country in Leicester, Ventola Projects are perfectly positioned to offer electrical installation, LED lighting and project management services across the UK. This project is a fantastic opportunity seeing Leicester based businesses working together in the transformation of the new Lumbers store.

Energy efficiency is one of the key concerns for Ventola Projects and they are always looking for new ways to reduce energy consumption, particularly by replacing old lighting systems. From simple electrical installations to innovative LED lighting projects, Ventola Projects approaches each job with enthusiasm and a dedication to excellence.

The high-end jewellery store in Leicester has opened its 16,000 sq ft new store in High Street after spending 15 years at its previous location on Market Street. The new shop is now spread across

three floors including a retail area, VIP section and office space.

A number of luxury brands have been added to the store making it something really special. The store has taken a modern look on board without losing its heritage making it a fantastic place for Leicester to embrace.

Lumbers’ new space wouldn’t be the same without exceptional lighting on a luxurious scale and Ventola Projects has helped to deliver this vision for the jewellers, in the heart of Leicester.

For more information on Ventola Projects, visit: http://ventola.co.uk

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Your Local Blakes Stockists are: Rollings Builders Merchants, Local stockist: TRADE TOOLS OF LEICESTERTel: 0116 283 1200 Cannock Street, Leicester.

Tel: (0116) 276-0275

My neighbour asked if he could use my lawnmower and I told him, of course, so long as he didn’t take it out of my garden.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

If you can find the titles of 12 TV DETECTIVES in the Wordsearch grid on the right, you could win yourself a £20 Meal Voucher to spend at Frankie & Benny’s New York Italian Restaurant.

All you have to do to go into the draw is find - and mark a line through - the names of 12 TV DETECTIVES. These can run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!).

Send your marked entry forms to: WHO LOVES YA BABY, Leicestershire Builder, “We’re the Sweeney, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to son, and we haven’t arrive by Friday 20th November 2015. Please had any dinner.” remember to fill in your name and address.

The senders of the first correct entry drawn out of the hat will win the Frankie & Benny’s Voucher. Good luck!

Last Month’s Wordsearch Winner was: MRS K. RIDGWAY of Station Road, Earl Shilton Congratulations! Your Frankie & Benny’s Voucher will be with you soon.

M U N G A M S A M O H T F W R L

J I M B E R G E R A C J V E I Q

M T C Y R S S H A E T A H J T T

T G O M M E N S D K R C M A J H

J S L R J M X K Z J T K O N E E

O I O V I L O U Q E O R S E K N

T L M R L O P T L L B E S T P A

F Y M R F H P F C F M G I E M V

P L V D O K A E N H U A R N Y T

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Z L G I B C C M L Q L N G N B D

F P U H I O K A K U O A L I F I

S V E S S L Z F J A C X I S M V

J E S A O R F R O Y E R G O X L

C E Q Z J E O J V R L I E N O P

J I K V X H Y J G H D I L H V V

Here are the 12 Jazz Musicians you have to find:

F B A Y W S K A J O K O E H T B

Here are the 12 TV Detectives you have to find:

COLUMBO • GIL GRISSOM • HERCULE POIROT COLUMBO JACK FROST • JACK REGAN • JANE TENNISON GILGRISSOM JESSICA FLETCHER • JIM BERGERAC • JIM ROCKFORD HERCULEPOIROT SHERLOCK HOLMES • THEO KOJAK • THOMAS MAGNUM JACKFROST JACKREGAN Name: ..............................................................................................................

JANETENNISON JESSICAFLETCHER Address: .............................................................................................................

JIMBERGERAC JIMROCKFORD .............................................................................Postcode: .............................

SHERLOCKHOLMES THEOKOJAK THOMASMAGNUM

Exciting new homes coming soon to Measham following success of Nursery Gardens

A new community is now in place at David Wilson Homes’ Nursery Gardens development after the final home was snapped up.

Following over a year of sales success, all 61 homes at the popular development in Measham are now sold.

Local homebuyers can still purchase their ideal home with David Wilson Homes though, as the five star developer will be staying in Measham to build more quality homes at its brand new development Nursery Fields.

Steve Smith, (right) Sales Director at David Wilson Homes East Midlands, said: “We’re thrilled that so much interest was shown for our Nursery Gardens development and we’ve been able to create a brand new community in the heart of Measham.

“Measham is a fantastic location for many people to set down roots which is why we’re pleased to announce that we will have a brand new development coming soon in the village.

People can register their interest now to receive updates on this exciting new development.”

Potential development site Created by Puzzlemak in Stockingford

LOVEITTS are offering for sale BY AUCTION a parcel of land with potential for development, subject to obtaining local authority consent.

The land - adjacent to 138 Church Road, Stockingford, Nuneaton, Warks. CV10 8LG - is roughly rectangular in shape and has a frontage of 10.31 metres and a depth of 44.74 metres. The approximate site area is 0.078 acres.

There is no current planning permission on this land. For further information regarding potential use, please contact Nuneaton 7 bedworth Borough Council on 02476 376328 or email: planning @nuneatonandbedworth.gov.uk The land is being offered for sale by PUBLIC AUCTION on Thursday 19th November 2015 at 6.30pm at the Village Urban Resort, Dolomite Avenue, Canley, Coventry CV4 9GZ. The Guide Price is £20,000-£25,000.

For more information, contact Loveitts on 024 7652 7789 or email: auctions@loveitts.co.uk

The sun is going to go out in 4 billion years, and you sit there and act like everything is fine.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

Maintenance-free grass option for new home buyers and developers – with a technology twist With sales of maintenancefree grass expanding by over 20% year-on-year, the number of home owners that don’t want to spend their spare time cutting grass has never been greater. Now, thanks to Wonderlawn, developers can earn extra profit by offering it to their customers without risk as a maintenance-free optional extra.

Today’s new artificial grasses are a very far cry from the brash, harsh and instantly flat products from ten years ago, and leading the field is Wonderlawn.

Its looks great and can be used all year round, almost becoming an outdoor living area – no matter what the British weather or hosepipe ban throws at it.

Even after a rainstorm there is no danger of muddy shoes, muddy clothes, muddy children or muddy houses, and no turning of the lawn into a quagmire either.

Wonderlawn looks and feels natural, it doesn’t fall flat and there is even a new twist that overcomes an old problem.

When a dog or other animal wanders onto the grass the chances are that it will pee, and that isn’t hygienic and the ammonia produced smells nasty.

No more. Wonderlawn exclusively uses a naturally occurring organic material to absorb the urine, stopping it forming a fetid gas. This bacterial ammonia is trapped until it’s released by the next shower of rain, when it simply runs deep into the ground, leaving the infill revitalised and ready to do its job all over again.

So the lawn is ideal for pet owners as well.

And with Wonderlawn it’s even easier to remove dog mess than it is with natural grass. The infill is natural, organic, and environmentally friendly.

As an added benefit it also keeps your lawn feeling pliant to the touch and prevents the grass from flattening.

Old-style artificial lawns (“monofilament”) are designed to be nothing more than colourfast and hard wearing. In other words they are “green and plastic”. Wonderlawn is different. It uses cutting edge technology to produce fibres that are specially shaped to prevent flattening, yet they are soft and colourful enough to be similar to a real lawn. Combined with the patented organic infill it is the only hygienic artificial grass that looks and feels real, recovers after use and is 100% recyclable.

Developers can not only profit from the trouble-free Wonderlawn option but they can offer it to their clients risk free, and then rest easy with the knowledge that Wonderlawn is the only company in the UK that provides a full ten year guarantee – not just on grass colour, but on its wear, tear and installation as well!

FORTICRETE LAUNCHES INDUSTRY LEADING ROOF TILE FIXING SPECIFICATION WEBSITE Forticrete, the UK’s leading manufacturer of concrete construction products, has launched a new roof tile fixing specification website designed to speed up and simplify the specification process for housebuilders and developers.

Previously, housebuilders and developers were required to complete a manual request a roof tile fixing specification which was sent to Forticrete’s Technical Department. Once received, Forticrete’s Technical Department then produced a fixing specification highlighting how the roof of a particular project should be fixed to guarantee performance and comply with BS5534 However, significantly reducing lead-times and further strengthening its level of service to customers, Forticrete’s new easy to navigate website enables housebuilders and developers to complete a request for a roof tile fixing specification in just a few clicks.

John Lambert, general manager at Forticrete, commented: “The roof is the most exposed area of any building and the one where incorrect detailing can have a major detrimental effect to both the exterior and interior. Therefore, as a customer focused supplier to the UK construction industry, we hold a long-standing commitment to continually improve service levels for our customers.

“With that in mind, we felt it necessary to provide housebuilders and developers with a website that enables them to identify the correct roof tile fixing specification for their projects at speed and with minimal effort. Our new roof tile fixing specification website provides exactly that.”

To view Forticrete’s new roof tile fixing specification website, visit: www. myforticreteroof.co.uk

Site for 14 units in Sharnford: £1.5m KING WEST are offering for sale a residential development opportunity comprising a site with planning permission for 14 units, an existing dwelling and agricultural land with future planning potential, extending if total to 3.49 acres.

The property - The Limes, Sharnford, Leicestershire LE10 3PG - comprises a character detached property of brick and slate construction having accommodation on two floors and a range of outbuildings. the house is in need of some updating and renovation, but has the potential to provide a spacious and comfortable village residence.

Outline Planning Permission (ref: 12/0810/1/PX) was issued on 28th May 2013 for 2 detached dwellings on land to the north of ‘The Limes’, comprising the workshop, part of the yard and part of the garden.

Outline Planning Permission (ref: 14/0013/1/OX) was issued on 12th September 2014 for up to 12 dwellings on land comprising the remainder of the yard area and part of the agricultural land. The planning permission is subject to a Section 106 Agreement which relates to an off-site open space financial contribution and an education financial contribution.

An uplift clause will be imposed on the balance of the agricultural land for a period of 20 years, so that in the event of planning permission being granted for a more valuable use, 50% of the increase in value over the then agricultural valuewill become payable to the current owner. the property is being offered for sale by private treaty as a whole.

Unconditional offers are invited in the region of £1.5 million.

For more information, contact Andrew Cowling at King West on 01858 435977 or email: acowling@kingwest.co.uk

The family that sticks together should bathe more often.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069

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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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Worksurfacing Industry Seabrook Digital Solutions Ltd

Tel: 01455 889726 Mobile: 0772 309 2474 For more information, visit www.seabrookdigital.com My kids are very optimistic. Every glass they leave sitting around the house is at least half full.

Cheap Autumn Deals L200 Barbarian * from £195/mth

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Van Leasing Leicester Ltd trading as Vanarama Leicester North is an Appointed Representative of Autorama UK Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Our FCA Register number is 482841. As a FCA regulated credit broker we can introduce you to a select group of lenders, details of these lenders are available on request. All products are subject to credit acceptance and a £125+vat Arrangement Fee. Our VAT number is 842814720. Please note calls may be monitored or recorded.

Vanarama A5 Advert_AutumnDeals2015.indd 1

16/10/2015 16:50

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