November 2020 Leicestershire Builder by Michael Wilkinson

Bardon’s Barratt Developments Government urged not to ‘call Joins National Pledge to Boost Career Opportunities in’ homes plan ‘CALLING IN’ a major housing proposal would be inappropriate and delay the delivery of much-needed new homes, says the leader of Leicestershire County Council. Council leader, Nick Rushton, has written to Robert Jenrick, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, following a request from Alberto Costa MP for the application to be determined by the Secretary of State. The proposal to create up to 2,750 new homes, community facilities and business space near Lutterworth was approved by Harborough District Council’s Planning Committee in July. The letter states that the proposal is fully in line with Harborough’s local plan and includes a compliant amount of affordable housing. It recognises that some residents have concerns but adds that these have already been scrutinised in public by a planning inspector through the relatively recent local plan process - and then through the planning application process, resulting in a recommendation that the scheme be approved by Harborough District Council’s planners and a democratic decision by the Planning Committee. Mr Costa’s contribution speaking in support of the application at the committee meeting is also mentioned. Nick Rushton, county council leader, said: “It is understandable that as the local MP, Mr Costa thinks it is necessary to ask local residents for their views, but it is disingenuous if it raises expectations that development at Lutterworth East will not take place. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 ...>

FOLLOWING a launch event at Coalville’s Stephenson College on Wednesday 21st October, Barratt Developments PLC – based in Bardon - has unveiled a new action plan to increase access to career opportunities in the Barratt - (L-R) Rt Hon Justine Greening, Rob Tansey (HR housebuilding Director at Barratt Developments) and Ben Doody (Apprentice) sector.

The Social Mobility Pledge, co-founded by former Secretary of State for Education, Rt Hon Justine Greening, is set to ensure more people are able to progress in careers, unhindered by their background or lack of connections. As a signatory to the Pledge, Bardon-based Barratt Developments is one of a pioneering group of UK businesses and universities aiming to set a new and higher standard on boosting social mobility in Britain, with boardroom focus on environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) issues. As part of the launch event, Justine Greening was given an insight into the leading developer’s action plan and also had the chance to meet with a couple of apprentices who shared their stories of the opportunities presented to them whilst working for Barratt Developments. Justine said: “Achieving true social mobility in Britain and levelling up our country is a huge CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 ...>

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Have your say on £17.5m Shepshed school plans RESIDENTS are being urged to have their say about ambitious plans to transform education on the Shepshed Schools Campus over the next three years. A six-week consultation, launched by the county council on 29 September, is seeking views on a number of proposed changes to Iveshead School and St Botolphs Primary School, which are all based on the same site off Forest Street, as well as the development of further school places for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The schemes are estimated to cost around £17.5m and funded jointly by the county council and a Department for Education grant. The proposals will help meet demand for school places arising from new housing developments in the area as well as the need for further SEND places. The proposals are set out in stages and include: • Building a six-classroom block extension and adapting Iveshead School for secondary school pupils. This development will allow pupils to move from two separate buildings (secondary and high school) spread over the site into one dedicated school. This first stage will enable the school to open for the start of the 2021-22 academic year. • The second stage will see the former high school building transformed into a state of the art 630-place school for St Botolphs Primary School. This stage will be complete in early summer 2022 and the school will gradually increase places available in the following years to grow its capacity from 280 to 630 places. • The final stage will see the Department for Education (DfE) build a new 50-place school on the current St Botolphs school site for children with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. The first two stages of the building and refurbishment work relating to Iveshead and St Botolphs Schools will be carried out by construction firm Willmott Dixon and the new SEMH school will be built by contractors appointed by the DfE.

Government urged not to ‘call in’ homes plan FROM PAGE 1 “Lutterworth East is vital to Harborough District Council’s local plan, to deliver much needed investment, housing and infrastructure to this part of South Leicestershire. “Housing demand won’t go away - this will only delay a project which has been approved by a Government inspector and has received planning approval from the local planning authority - at which Mr Costa spoke in favour.” The scheme features: • Over 50 per cent green space – including Swift Valley Community Park, playing fields, allotments, woodland, trees and hedgerows and new ecological habitats • Foot and cycle paths – connecting with Lutterworth town centre, boosting walking and cycling • Nearly 60 acres of retail and business space creating 2,500 jobs • Two new primary schools - and funding for extra secondary school places • Roads and transport - improvements to main roads and M1 to boost capacity, a new M1 bridge, a new spine road to reduce town centre traffic plus new bus routes • A community hub – that could accommodate shops, restaurants, cafes, health centre and community hall • Ultra-fast broadband at each property No indication has been given as to when the Secretary of State will make a decision on the call in request.

Development site for 6 dwellings in Nailstone: £700k+

ALEXANDERS Estate Agents are offering for sale a development site with planning permission, (ref: 18/01288/FUL) granted by Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council, for the erection of 6 dwellings of mixed types. The site – at Main Street, Nailstone, Leicestershire – enjoys superb views to the north and western elevations, and the larger units will benefit from the addition of extra land in the form of individual paddocks. Offers in excess of £700,000 are invited. For more information, contact Alexanders on 01455 291471 or email: mbsales@alexandersestates.com

PLEDGE - from page 1 challenge but one that businesses and universities are rising to. They have a crucial role to play and can be an incredible force for good in spreading opportunities more evenly across communities and to people that have missed out for far too long. “The Covid-19 crisis has also reset the relationship between businesses and their customers, who expect them to be much more active on social purpose. I am delighted that Barratt Developments is at the forefront of this environment, social and corporate governance agenda. Publishing this action plan today sends out a clear signal that Barratt Developments is raising the standard of corporate ESG and I look forward to working closely with them in the important months ahead for our country.” The Social Mobility Pledge was cofounded by Justine Greening in 2018, after she left the Government, alongside UK entrepreneur David Harrison. It asks businesses and universities to commit to levelling up Britain by partnering with local schools, offering apprenticeships and using open and fair recruitment practices. The launch of Barratt Developments’ Opportunity Action Plan at Stephenson College was the culmination of months of work with the Social Mobility Pledge team. Mick Hinds, Director of Curriculum for Construction at Stephenson College, said: “The SMB Group (Stephenson Campus) are proud to be working with Barratt Developments in offering comprehensive industry focused apprenticeships supporting the requirements of the construction industry and the wider economy. “Our purpose is to improve opportunities for our students, underpinned by a commitment to excellence, innovation, and inclusion. This combination of local access to skills development within a strategic regional framework is at the heart of what we do. “Our students access high-quality learning and teaching in some excellent facilities with industrystandard resources and exceptional staff. This supports each student to achieve their full potential and contribute to sustainable economic growth and a thriving community.” Ben Doody, Bricklaying Apprentice with Barratt Developments, said: “Barratt always strives for high quality and standards. They’re a great employer, treating employees fairly and providing opportunities for selfimprovement. “Previously I didn’t really have any career goals, but I’ve now been given the direction I needed.”

If you see someone doing a crossword today, lean over them and say “7 up is Lemonade”.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Chancellor increases financial support for businesses and workers

Leicester City Waka Holdings (c/o Agent: Mr Alex Prowse, Astill Planning Consultants Ltd, 13 University Road, Leicester LE1 7RA) - Change of use and conversion to create 31no. student studios along with associated facilities and external alterations - at 36 Millstone Lane, Leicester LE1 5JN. Mr Mohamad (c/o Agent: Lot133 Ltd, PO Box 10789, Leicester LE8 8EN) – Change of use from shop to 3 self-contained flats – at 122 East Park Road, Leicester LE5 4QB. Mr Patel (c/o Agent: Lot133 Ltd, PO Box 10789, Leicester LE8 8EN) – Change of use of first and second floor from offices to 5 self-contained flats – at 57A Braunstone Gate, Leicester LE3 5LH. Leicester City Council (c/o Agent: Mrs Helen Wood, CPMG Architects, 23 Warser Gate, Nottingham NG1 1NU) – Two single storey storage areas for sports equipment, single storey extension to provide two new classrooms, alterations to the Junior School and single storey new build classroom block for the Junior School – at Overdale Infant & Junior Schools, Eastcourt Road, Leicester LE2 3YA. Pye Properties Ltd (c/o Agent: David Pritchard, Marrons Planning, 2 Colton Square, Leicester LE1 1QH) – Change of use of Class A floorspace to 14 residential units – at 33-49 Market Street, Leicester LE1 6DN. Leicester City Council (c/o Leicester City Council, Phoenix House, King Street, Leicester LE1 6RN) – Demolition of Toilet Block – at Foundry Square, Leicester LE1 3WW. Studio RN Ltd (c/o Agent: MasterPlan Design Ltd, Unit 23 Vulcan House, Vulcan Road, Leicester LE5 3EF) – Change of use of first floor to form 2 one-bed flats – at 1-3 Northampton Street, Leicester LE1 1PA. Helping Hands Carehome Ltd (c/o Agent: Mr Tailor, DT Designs Ltd, 74a Wyvern Avenue, Leicester LE4 7HH) – Proposed detached building and additional 10 beds for residential care home – at land rear of Goodwood Orchard Residential Care Home, 304 Uppingham Road, Leicester LE5 2BE.

THE GOVERNMENT has announced it will increase its winter support schemes to ensure livelihoods and jobs across the UK continue to be protected in the difficult months to come. In recognition of the challenging times ahead, the Chancellor Rishi Sunak said he would be increasing support through the existing Job Support and self-employed schemes, and expanding business grants to support companies in high-alert level areas. This builds on agreements reached with Local Authorities moving to Alert Level very high, with extra support for businesses, jobs and the economic recovery.

Job Support Scheme (JSS) RECOGNISING the pressure businesses in some sectors and areas are facing, the announcement lightens the burden of keeping on staff. When originally announced, the JSS – which will come into effect on November 1 – saw employers paying a third of their employees’ wages for hours not worked, and required employers to be working 33% of their normal hours. The new announcement reduces the employer contribution to those unworked hours to just 5%, and reduces the minimum hours requirements to 20%, so those working just one day a week will be eligible. That means that if someone was being paid £587 for their unworked hours, the government would be contributing £543 and their employer only £44. Employers will continue to receive the £1,000 Job Retention Bonus. The Job Support Scheme Closed for businesses legally required to close remains unchanged.

Self-employed grant THE ANNOUNCEMENT increases the amount of profits covered by the two forthcoming self-employed grants from 20 per cent to 40 per cent, meaning the maximum grant will increase from £1,875 to £3,750. This is a potential further £3.1bn of support to the self-employed through November to January, with a further grant to follow covering February to April.

Business Grants THE CHANCELLOR has also announced approved additional funding to support cash grants of up to £2,100 per month primarily for businesses in the hospitality, accommodation and leisure sector who may be adversely impacted by the restrictions in high-alert level areas. These grants will be available retrospectively for areas who have already been subject to restrictions, and come on top of higher levels of additional business support for Local Authorities moving into Tier 3 which, if scaled up across the country, would be worth more than £1 billion. These grants could benefit around 150,000 businesses in England, including hotels, restaurants, B&Bs and many more who aren’t legally required to close but have been adversely affected by local restrictions nonetheless.

Spend a penny

Plans to refurbish park toilets in £138,000 scheme TOILET facilities in seven popular city parks are set to be fully refurbished by Leicester City Council. Proposals for the £138,000 scheme would upgrade the facilities in Abbey Park, Aylestone recreation ground, Humberstone Park, Knighton Park, Nelson Mandela Park, Spinney Hill Park (East Park Road) and Western Park. New toilets would be installed, new external doors and grab rails fitted and ventilation improved – while a coat of paint would freshen up all seven facilities. Deputy city mayor Cllr Piara Singh Clair said: “We want our parks to be places where people enjoy spending their leisure time, so it’s really important that all the facilities on site are of a good standard. “This investment in the toilet facilities in these parks is muchneeded, and I’m sure the improvements will be appreciated by the hundreds of people who visit our parks every day.” Work to refurbish the toilets could get under way in January 2021, with all seven facilities due to be completed by spring 2021.

Site for 9 dwellings in Nether Broughton SHOULER & Son are asking £1.4 million for a residential development site with Outline Planning Permission (ref: 17/00636/OUT) for 9 dwellings. The 1.43 acre site – at Dalby Road, Nether Broughton, Leicestershire – is subject to a Section 106 Agreement.

In addition, there is an area of pasture land (18.14 acres) to the rear of the site. For more information, contact Shoulers on 01664 410166.

I was named after my older sister. And before my younger sister.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

When I was a boy, the Dead Sea was only sick.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Dozens of buildings removed from Leicester’s local heritage at risk list Akson Properties Ltd (c/o Agent: Design Studio Architects, Regent House, 7 Upper King Street, Leicester LE1 6XB) – Change of use from bridge club on ground floorand 2 residential flats to 8 student studio flats with a communal space on the ground floor and bike storage to the rear – at 1 St James Road, Leicester LE2 1HR. Leicester City Council (c/o Agent: Arcadis, 1st Floor, Cornerblock, 2 Cornwall Street, Birmingham B3 2DL) – Construction of 8 dwellings – at land at the corner of Austin Rise and Grantham Road, Leicester. Leicester City Council (c/o Agent: Arcadis, 1st Floor, Cornerblock, 2 Cornwall Street, Birmingham B3 2DL) – Erection of 5 three-bed dwellings on former garage court to the rear of numbers 94-102 Whitteney Drive North, 42-56 Brettell Road and 1-9 Camfield Drive, Leicester LE2 9AP. Mr Sajid Hasan (c/o Agent: Mr Rashid, 46 Heybridge Road, Leicester LE5 0AP) – Dormer extension to existing roof and first floor side extension to form one additional one-bed flat – at Flat, 10 Kings Newton Street, Leicester LE2 0DQ. Simon Postlethwaite (c/o Agent: T R Dobraszczyk RIBA, Cotherstone Lodge, Althorp, Northampton NN7 4HH) – Demolition of existing house and construction of three-storey building comprising 8 flats – at 193 Evington Lane, Leicester LE5 6DJ. Mr M Hosseini (c/o Agent: Mr Tailor, DT Designs Ltd, 74a Wyvern Avenue, Leicester LE4 7HH) – Change of use from office to 2 self-contained flats at first and second floors plus alterations – at 42 Market Place, Leicester LE1 5GF. Vadesha Properties Ltd (c/o Agent: Mr Adam Wilson, Wilson Architects Ltd, Unit S7 Sparkhouse Enterprise Building, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7DQ) – Change of use from dwelling to 2 flats – at 80 Beaumont Walk, Leicester LE4 0PQ. Mr Mohammed Suleman (c/o Agent:Mr Faizal Osman, 13 Architectural Consultants Ltd, c/o 8 Coplow Avenue, Evington, Leicester LE5 5WA) – Two-storey extension to the rear to create one additional flat – at 51 Evington Road, Leicester LE2 1QG.

EFFORTS to preserve Leicester’s rich architectural heritage have resulted in 25 properties being removed from a local list of historic buildings at risk. The Leicester Heritage at Risk Register was first published by Leicester City Council in October 2017. It originally listed 68 local properties that had been identified as being at risk due to long term vacancy and neglect. In the three years since its publication, extensive investment and efforts to repair, conserve and find new uses for these historic local assets have seen over one third of the buildings and structures restored and removed from the list The latest version of the register – published this week – now lists 56 properties, including 12 new entries which have been identified as needing intervention from the council’s building conservation team. The 25 properties removed from the register have been repaired and renovated either as a result of direct city council action or through private investment supported by the local authority. They are all now considered to be well-maintained and back in active use. Work already underway or programmed to start soon should see more buildings removed from the Leicester Heritage at Risk Register over the coming year. Cllr Adam Clarke, deputy city mayor and city council heritage champion, said: “We’re very proud of Leicester’s growing reputation as a leading centre for heritageled regeneration, and this update to our local Heritage at Risk Register shows how much we’ve achieved over the last three years. Successfully restoring and bringing back into use over a third of the historic buildings and structures identified as being at risk just three years ago is a tremendous achievement. “The council takes its role as custodian of the city’s architectural heritage very seriously, but we know we couldn’t have made such a positive impact on own. “By working closely with local stakeholders –including our two universities – we are continuing to attract major investment into the city. This is a vital part of our commitment to preserving and cherishing the city’s historic buildings and the valuable contribution they make to Leicester’s rich architectural heritage.”

One of the oldest properties removed from the list is the Turret Gateway on Castle View, (above) which dates back to c1422. The grade I-listed building had been included in the national Buildings at Risk Register since 2008. Specialist repair works commissioned by the city council were completed in early 2019 and the structure is now in good condition and fully accessible to the public. Other examples include the grade II-listed Braunstone Hall following its ambitious redevelopment as the Winstanley House hotel complex; the former Great Central Railway Station, which is due to open soon as an exciting new leisure attraction; and the landmark chimney and water tower of the former Wolsey Factory, which now add character to a new housing development. A further ten properties have been removed from the list as a result of work to refurbish historic buildings and bring them back into use as residential properties. These include part of the former Towers Hospital site; the North Bridge Mills factory in Frog Island; a locally listed former vicarage on St Peter’s Road and two properties in the historic Old Town (27 Friar Lane and 21 St Martins), which both benefitted from support from the Greyfriars Townscape Heritage Initiative. The Leicester Orthodox Synagogue building in Stoneygate, the former Wildt Bromley Factory in St Saviour’s Road and a set of Grade II-listed wrought iron railings on the corner of King Street and Regent Road has also all been removed from the local heritage at risk list following works.

Property at 140-142 New Walk is the only example to have been both added to and removed from the list in the last three years. Following the partial collapse of the building in December 2017, localised demolition work was carried out, with the facades retained. The original structure has now been rebuilt as a residential use with the existing facades repaired and refurbished.

Additions A further 12 properties have been added to the register over the last three years. These include the Odeon Arcade on Market Place, where the city council is now carrying out urgent repair and restoration work under a Section 215 Notice. This means the owner will be charged for the required works which they have neglected to carry out. Another notable addition is the nationally listed timber warehouse on Church Gate, which is a priority site for the recently announced £1.5m city centre Heritage Action Zone.

Likely removals Significant progress has also been made on a number of properties and these are likely to be removed from the local heritage at risk list soon. Examples include the 15th century Abbott Penny’s Wall at Abbey Park; the Church of St Peter in Highfields; the former Turkish Baths building on Friar Lane; the former Poor Law Offices on Pocklingtons Walk; and the Magazine Gateway – which dates back to c1410. The Leicester Heritage at Risk Register sits alongside Historic England’s national Heritage at Risk Register but includes a wider range of local buildings reflecting their local importance.

Boss: ‘You all worked really hard this year, I’m giving you all a cheque for £2,000. If you work the same next year, I’ll sign them’.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Mr Rashid Natha (c/o Agent: Mr M Imtiaz, Architecture365 Ltd, 20 Lynmouth Road, Leicester LE5 1NA) – Construction of part first floor, second floor and three-storey extension to shop and 4 selfcontained flats to form 4 additional self-contained flats (Amended plans) – at 86 Sparkenhoe Street, Leicester LE2 0TA. Shiraz Karim (c/o Agent: Mr Jonathan Richmond-Saint, JRS, 61 Linden Drive, Leicester LE5 6AJ) – Conversion from two-bedroom house to 2 one-bedroom flats – at 45 Dashwood Road, Leicester LE2 1PH. Obstrat Limited (c/o Agent: Mr Sama Mohamed, Yeme Architects, The Former Diplomat Hotel, 144 Sunbridge Road, Bradford BD1 2HA) – Demolition of existing building and redevelopment of site to construct a four and five storey building to provide 90 bedrooms of student accommodation (Amended plans) – at 59 Friar Lane, Leicester LE1 5RB.

Charnwood Borough Venture Properties Group Ltd (c/o Agent: Pegasus Planning Group) – Erection of 12 dwellings including access and other infrastructure – at Former Maltings Pub Car Park, Knightthorpe Road, Loughborough, Leics. LE11 4JP Secure Home Buy Developments Ltd (c/o Agent: Planning and Design Group (UK) Ltd) – Residential development of 4 detached bungalows with associated garages, formation of access, landscaping and related works – at 128 Cotes Road, Barrow upon Soar, Leics. LE12 8JS.

Multi-award success for Midlands contractor MIDLANDS contractor G F Tomlinson is celebrating being a successful finalist for both the East and West Midlands 2020 LABC Building Excellence Awards.

Announced via a virtual ceremony, the LABC Regional Building Excellence Awards are the largest business to business awards in the UK, and recognise outstanding public sector construction projects in 12 regions across England and Wales. Successful projects that G F Tomlinson delivered were winners of the ‘Best Small Commercial Project’ in the East Midlands awards, and ‘Best Public Service or Educational Building’ in the West Midlands Awards. Chesterfield-based project Ashgate Hospicecare was named as the winner of ‘Best Small Commercial Project’ in the East Midlands awards - completed last year, the refurbishment of the hospice included the creation of nine new private bedrooms for end of life care patients. G F Tomlinson has been a longstanding supporter of Ashgate Hospicecare, and as its designated charity partner, the firm has been supporting the important work of the hospice since 2016. Another successful project in the East Midlands Awards was The University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, and works involved the construction of a world-class educational facility for research into identifying breakthroughs in the treatment and diagnosis of serious diseases. The project was awarded highly commended for the ‘Best Public Service or Educational Building’ category in the awards. The Central Science Laboratories, Keele University project was the winner of the West Midlands ‘Best Public Service or Educational Building’ category, and works for this included the construction of a new 5,300 sq. metre, four-storey building which was completed in 2019, bringing state-of-the-art laboratories for geography, geology, forensic science and astrophysics courses to the Keele University Faculty of Natural Sciences. Andy Sewards, managing director at G F Tomlinson, said: “We are delighted to have been successful in both the East and West Midlands LABC Building Excellence Awards this year. “The awards recognise the hard work put into delivering high-quality public-sector schemes and all of our schemes that have been finalists in this years’ awards have made a positive impact on the local community – which is something that we are incredibly proud of. Well done to everyone involved.”

Nothing ruins a Friday more than realizing it’s actually Tuesday.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

rg+p secures place on £10.4m framework

Double building plot in Earl Shilton

A RARE OPPORTUNITY TO PURCHASE A QUALITY DOUBLE BUILDING PLOT WITH PLANNING PERMISSION FOR TWO QUALITY FOUR BEDROOMED DETACHED RESIDENCES

William Davis Ltd (c/o Agent: Marrons Planning) – Screening Opinion Request for residential development and associated uses – at land to the west of Tickow Lane, Shepshed, Leics. Bill Finney (c/o Agent: Linc Design Consultancy) – Siting of 11 holiday lodges at caravan site – at High Meadow Farm, Melton Road, Barrow upon Soar, Leics. Mr G Fletcher (c/o Agent: AMLI Design) – Site for 6 dwellings – at 89 Barkby Road, Syston, Leicester LE7 2AH. Elizabeth Scanlon (c/o Agent: ESP Design Ltd) – Demolition of existing buildings and structures and erection of a retirement village comprising three-storey building (containing 48 self-contained flats, communal lounge and guest room), and 12 bungalows – at Clear View Farm, Unit 11, 103 Loughborough Road, Quorn, Leics. LE12 8DU. Mono Roofing (c/o Agent: Bradgate Lettings) – Change of use of site to mixed uses – at Depot adjacent to Football Ground, Meadow Lane, Birstall, Leicester LE4 4EU. Mr Horsley (c/o Agent: Gordon White & Hood) – Erection of 2 detached dwellings and double garage – at 102 Warwick Avenue, Quorn, Leics. LE12 8HE. Mr Richard Reeves (c/o Agent: Swinfield Design) – Erection of 3 dwellings including demolition of existing dwelling – at 536 Loughborough Road, Birstall, Leicester LE4 3EG.

Oadby & Wigston Oadby Town Football Club (c/o Agent: Mr Brian Mullin, Marrons Planning, 2 Colton Square, Leicester LE1 1QH) – Erection of extension to clubhouse and associated terrace – at Oadby Town Football Club, Wigston Road, Oadby, Leicester LE2 5QG.

NW Leics.District Cadeby Homes Ltd (c/o Agent: Miss Marie Stacey, Pegasus Group, 4 The Courtyard, Church Street, Lockington, Derby DE74 2SL) – Development of 49 dwellings with on-site National Forest planting, areas of open spaces, and associated highways and drainage infrastructure (Reserved Matters of App Number 13/00956/OUTM) – at land off Grange Road, Hugglescote, Leicestershire.

Mitch Dale (left) and Rob Woolston (right), directors at rg+p

MULTI-DISCIPLINARY design practice, rg+p has secured a place on the EN:Procure Consultancy Framework, which will see £10.4m worth of investment in social housing and public sector projects across the East Midlands, North West and Yorkshire & Humber over the next four years.

CASTLE ESTATES are offering for sale a double LAND AT THE REAR OF 150 HINCKLEY ROAD buildingEARL SHILTON LE9 7LE plot with planning Offers Over £250,000 permission (ref: 19/00517/ REM) granted by Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council for 2 four-bed detached residences. • Excellent Residential Area

• Convenient For All Amenities

• Planning Permission For Two Detached Properties

• Porch Leading To Hall

• Ground Floor Study

• Lounge

• Dining Kitchen & Utility

• Master Bedroom & Ensuite

• Three Further Bedrooms

• Parking, Garage & Gardens

info@castles-online.co.uk

be delivered under this framework aligns succinctly with our core business areas and we very much welcome the opportunity to get started.” The EN:Procure framework is divided into eight disciplines, and in addition to the architectural and principal designer services rg+p will undertake, other services are building surveying, party wall and stock conditioning; employers agent/quantity surveying; lifts consultancy; mechanical & electrical services; multi-disciplinary consultancy services; and structural & civil engineering. Commenting on the successful appointments, EN:Procure director of operations, Emma Mottram said: “Following a detailed and challenging test of so many tenderers’ capacity, competency and efficiency we are delighted to have achieved such a diverse offer in the Framework, with a mix of larger national practices as well as smaller local businesses. We are very much looking forward to working with them to find solutions that meet the needs of our members and their communities in the current challenging economic climate.”

rg+p was one of just 70 consultants appointed by EN:Procure, which is the specialist procurement arm of social housing consortium Efficiency North Holdings Limited, and will provide both architectural and principal designer services. Designed predominantly for social housing, the new framework can also be applied to other public buildings or premises owned and/or managed by Public Sector organisations, including schools, universities, infrastructure sites and offices. Rob Woolston, director at rg+p said: “We understand there were more than 600 applications for this framework so of course we were delighted to be ranked among the top candidates, in fact it’s a testament to the skills of our team that we are able to showcase such a breadth of expertise. The geographical spread of projects to

Development site for 5 detached dwellings in Sutton in Ashfield RICHARD WATKINSON & Partners are offering for sale a level development site of around 0,7 of an acre, with Outline Planning Permission (ref: V/2019/0423) granted by Ashfield District Council for 5 new detached dwellings.

Development Site Adjacent to Norcroft, 211 Wild Hill, Sutton‐In‐Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 3JF

The land – at the rear of 150 Hinckley Road, Earl Shilton, Leicestershire LE9 7LE – is situated just a short distance from Earl Shilton town centre. Offers over £250,000 are invited. For further information, contact Castle Estates on 01455 617977 or email: sales@castles-online.co.uk

East Midlands building contractor enters administration AN EAST Midlands-based family owned building contractor has entered administration. J A Ball Ltd officially ceased trading on 25 September with 18 employees being made redundant. The Leicestershire-based firm, worked directly with private developers, public sector organisations and businesses to provide full project management, and had experience in both housing and commercial developments, as well as refurbishments. COVID-19’s restrictions led to missed completion dates, hampering the company’s ability to meet its financial obligations and continue trading, that together with an onerous contract – resulting in a substantial cost overrun – ultimately eroded the available working capital. Insolvency Practitioner Michael Roome, from Smith Cooper’s Business Recovery and Insolvency team, was appointed to lead the process.

£570,000

The site – adjacent to Norcroft, 211 Wild Hill, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire NG17 3JF – borders open countryside and has south facing rear views. The asking price is £570,000. For full particulars, contact Richard Watkinson & Partners on 01623 626990 or email: mansfield@richardwatkinson.co.uk Tel: 01623 626990

The booking deadline for the next issue is 15th November.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Thringstone development opportunity for total of 7 units

Ms Henton (c/o Agent: Mr Mathew Humby, Ritchie & Ritchie LLP, The Manor House, Lichfield Street, Tamworth B79 7QF) – Erection of 2 dwellings including garaging and a new vehicular access – at 1-2 Hill Top, Main Street, Normanton Le Heath, Coalville, Leics. LE67 2TB. XL Designs (Midlands) Ltd (c/o Agent: Mr S Raju, R3Design Developments Ltd, The Glasshouse, 9 Hallam Close, Littlethorpe, Leicester LE19 2LA) – Erection of 4 detached dwellings to include parking, garaging and planting buffer (Resubmission) – at land off Manor Drive, Worthington, Leics. Mr Nitesh Patel (c/o Agent: Mr David Pattison, DPM (Design Project Management Services) Ltd, 9 Marlborough Way, Ashby de la Zouch, Leics. LE65 2NN) – Erection of two-storey rear extension and creation of 3 flats (shop to be retained) – at 10 Smisby Road, Ashby de la Zouch, Leics. LE65 2JL.

Harborough District Mr Parmer (c/o Agent: Design Studio Architects Ltd, Regent House, 7 Upper King Street, Leicester LE1 6XB) – Erection of 5 self-build dwellings – at land corner of Station Road and London Road, Great Glen, Leics. Mr Michael Broughton (c/o Agent: Lance Wiggins, Landmark Planning Limited, 10 Salisbury Road, Leicester LE1 7QR) – Erection of 5 holiday lodges with ancillary storage building, hardstanding and vehicle parking – at land OS 9798 0203 0001, Carlton Lane, Burton Overy, Leics. FW Property Limited (c/o Agent: Mr Jamie Anderson, Wilson Architects Ltd, Sparkhouse, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln LN6 7TS) – Creation of 2 additional apartments and external alterations – at Enigma Cafe Bar & Nightclub, 18 Coventry Road, Market Harborough, Leics. LE16 9BZ. Mr & Mrs J Bates (c/o Agent: Mr Alan Brown, ABDS Ltd, Boscarnon Farmhouse, Boscarnon St Keverne TR12 6NU) – Demolition of poultry shed and erection of 2 detached dwellings, revised vehicular access, external works and landscaping – at Fourways Farm, Debdale Lane, Smeeton Westerby, Leics. LE8 0QD.

Older people seeking out company and the safety net of Retirement Communities

Sharp rise in demand for Retirement Communities A SURVEY of UK Retirement Community operators has found a “very significant” increase in the number of older people enquiring about and moving to Retirement Communities providing care and support (such as retirement villages or extra care housing).

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Development opportunity at Elms Farm, Stordon Lane, Thringstone, Leicestershire. LE67 8US

HOWKINS & HARRISON are offering for sale a development opportunity for 5 new build properties and 2 conversions in a stunning location with views over the Leicestershire countryside. The property – at Elms Farm, Stordon Lane, Thringstone, Leicestershire LE67 8US – comprises a farmhouse and yard area. Outline Planning Permission (ref: 18/01928/OUT) has been granted by NW Leicestershire District Council for 5 new dwellings. Full Planning Permission (ref: 20/00197/FUL) has also been granted for conversion of 2 barns to dwellings. Price on application. For more information, contact Anna Meynell at Howkins & Harrison on 01530 877977 or email: anna.meynell@ howkinsandharrison.co.uk

85% of organisations surveyed by ARCO indicated that sales and lettings in the last month were higher than in the same period in 2019. 55% of respondents said that sales and lettings were at least 30% higher than in 2019, with 25% saying that sales and lettings were as much as 50% higher. ARCO’s members include not-for-profit operators such as Anchor Hanover and fast-growing private operators such as Audley Group and Legal & General-backed Inspired Villages Group. 65% of operators stated that the most common drivers of this increase were a desire for more company and social interaction, and customers realising that the houses they were previously living in were not suitable anymore (also 65%). 60% of operators also indicated that demand was driven by a desire to access a support network ahead of another period of lockdown. The Retirement Community sector is calling on the Government to create a Housing-with-Care Task Force to help unlock barriers to the expansion of the sector, as provision of housing options with on-site care and support in the UK is currently lagging far behind other countries. Michael Voges, Executive Director of ARCO, said: “These figures confirm a trend our members have been observing for a long time: there is a huge gap in the UK market for aspirational living options combining both social interaction and optional support services. An ever growing number of older people are reviewing their housing, support and care needs in the face of the current pandemic, and are seeking out Retirement Communities that enable them to live independently for as long as possible.”

Pair of barns for conversion

SHOULER & Son are offering for sale a pair of detached brick barns with planning consent for conversion into 2 detached dwellings. The barns – in Old Dalby, Near Melton, Leicestershire – will have a generous plot and a double garage each. Offers in excess of £360,000 are invited. For more information, contact Shoulers on 01664 410166.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Looking for a project?

Barns for conversion in Kneeton

Story's Yard Bridgford Road, Kneeton, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG13 8JS

O.I.R.O £450,000

RICHARD WATKINSON & PARTNERS for sale a T e l : are 0 1 6 3 6offering 611811 range of barns and traditional farm buildings with planning permission (ref: 20/00613/RELDEM) granted by Rushcliffe Borough Council for conversion and extension to create 3 dwellings , including demolition of partially collapsed structures beyond repair. The property – at Story’s Yard, Bridgford Road, Kneeton, Nottingham NG13 8JS – occupies a site of 1.01 acres or thereabouts. Floorplans, elevations and site plans are available to view on the Rushcliffe Borough Council website, or by application to the selling agents. Offers in the region of £450,000 are invited. For more information, contact Richard Watkinson & Partners on 01636 611811 or email: newark@richardwatkinson.co.uk

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

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Work begins on £10m highways scheme for new housing at Ashton Green Keyshel Interiors Ltd (c/o Agent: Mr Graeme Jenkins, Consultancy 4t5 Ltd, 19 Orchard Street, Fleckney, Leics. LE8 8AR) – Erection of a first floor rear extension to existing office building – at Keyshel House, Bank Street, Lutterworth, Leics. LE17 4AG. Venture Properties Group (c/o Agent: Amy Smith, Pegasus Group, Unit 4, The Courtyard, Church Street, Lockington, Derby DE74 2SL) – Erection of 27 dwellings with associated infrastructure including access, drainage and landscaping – at land north of Tymecross Gardens, Market Harborough, Leics. WellValley Homes Ltd (c/o Agent: Mr Chris Woods, Brp Architects, 1 Millers Yard, Roman Way, Market Harborough, Leics. LE16 7PW) – Erection of 6 dwellings with access, parking and landscaping (Revised Scheme) – at land north of Ashley Road, Medbourne, Leicestershire. Lynda Burditt (c/o Agent: Mr George Machin, GraceMachin Planning & Property, 2 Hollowstone, The Lace Market, Nottingham NG1 1JH) – Prior Approval for the proposed change of use of an agricultural building to 2 dwellinghouses – at land rear of Brooklyn House, Old Hall Lane, Lubenham, Leics. Mr Richard King (c/o Agent: Jon Tweddell Planning Ltd, Coble Quay, Amble, Northumberland NE65 0FB) – Part demolition of an industrial shed and the erection of a light industrial building comprising 7 units with parking and landscaping (Revised scheme) – at land west of Welham Lane, Great Bowden, Leics.

WORK has started on a major £10million highway infrastructure scheme designed to unlock further development land at Leicester City Council’s Ashton Green housing site. The project will see the creation of 2.8km of new roads and highway infrastructure to the west of Ashton Green Road, which will provide access to 40 hectares of development land earmarked for new housing. In 2018, Leicester was one of 133 councils to successfully bid for a share of the Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund, which aims to aims to help unlock potential for new housing development. The cash will pay for a new link road connecting Thurcaston Road and Ashton Green Road, along the north edge of the Samworths Bakery site. The work will also involve the construction of a main ‘spine’ road into the Ashton Green development along with drainage and other infrastructure for a future village centre. Thurcaston Road itself will be widened from its junction with Bennion Road to where it will join the new link road north of the

Aerial view of Ashton Green bakery. City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “These important highway works will help unlock a next phase of development at Ashton Green and the building of more than 3,000 new homes. “The funding from Homes England is a vital catalyst which will ultimately help attract an additional £150million of private investment from developers over the next five years. “Ashton Green is an essential part of the city’s commitment to building the 30,000 new homes needed in Leicester over the next ten to 15 years and will contribute greatly to the local economic growth.”

HALLSTEADS, DOVE HOLES, DERBYSHIRE SK17 8BU

Substantial development opportunity in Derbyshire

OFFERS IN EXCESS OF £2,000,000

Melton Borough Three Shires Ltd (c/o Agent: Mr Adam Murray, Andrew Granger & Co, Phoenix House, 52 High Street, Market Harborough, Leics. LE16 7AF) – Erection of 2 agricultural barns with ancillary office and welfare space, access, parking, drainage and landscaping – at land east of Wolds Farm, Landyke Lane, Scalford, Leics. David Quinn (c/o Agent: Dawson Group TCS Ltd, Fulwood Industrial Estate, Export Drive, Sutton in Ashfield, Notts. NG17 6AF) – Erection of a 560 sq.metre ambient storage warehouse and associated hard standing – at Kettleby Foods, 2 Samworth Way, Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE13 1GA.

erty, whose agents they are, give notice that: purchasers, and do not constitute, nor constitute part of, an offer or

Work is being carried out by Galliford Try, one of the UK’s leading regeneration and construction groups, under contract to the city council. The highways infrastructure works are expected to take around 14 months to complete. Leicester City Council is the principal landowner and promoter of the Ashton Green development, which is a mixed-use urban extension on a 320-acre greenfield site to the north of Leicester. Up to 30 per cent of the new homes to be built at Ashton Green will be affordable homes for rent and for shared ownership.

WRIGHT MARSHALL Estate Agents are inviting offers in excess of £2 million for a substantial development opportunity at Hallsteads, Dove Holes, Derbyshire SK17 8BU. Dove Holes is located between Buxton and Chapel en le Frith. The proposed development site has planning permission for the erection of 83 units, including 25 affordable units with a mix of houses, apartments, bungalows and a retail unit. The planning application number is HPK/2013/0417 and Reserved Matters approval number is HPK/2016/0484. For more information, contact Nick Hale at Wright Marshall on 01298 23038 or email: nickhale@wrightmarshall.co.uk

Stamp duty holiday boosts viewings DATA published by Andrews, the south of England property group, shows viewings trebled in Q3 vs Q2 2020, as buyers took advantage of the stamp duty holiday announced by the Government in early July. Instructions were also up substantially over the same period, more than doubling (123%) versus Q2, as sellers buoyed by strong house price growth saw an opportunity, despite economic turbulence, to push through a sale with plenty of motivated buyers around. Viewings were up 205% in Q3 vs Q2 2020, with more than 17,000 viewings taking place during the quarter compared to less than 6,000 across Q2, as the stamp duty threshold increase to £500,000 came into effect on 8th July, and gave the market an immediate boost. Virtual viewings still made up a third of all viewings carried out in Q3, and this is likely to increase in the coming months if regional lockdowns are imposed across the south of the country.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

First stage of Coalville Shopping Centre revitalisation starts

GYLO, who acquired the Belvoir Shopping Centre in Coalville last year, has announced that following the approval of its planning application earlier this summer, it will now commence the first stage of its revitalisation. The plans envisage a major improvement to the feel and attractiveness of the public space with the introduction of new green spaces, improvements to the shop fronts, better connections to the car parking and the creation of a new town square where people can relax whilst shopping. Work started in October and is expected to be complete by Easter 2021. The operation of the shopping centre will be unaffected while the works take place. Linked to the new approach to the overall regeneration of the shopping centre is the management of the associated car parking. In April this year, ownership of three of the town centre’s car park passed from North West Leicestershire District Council to Gylo. Gylo has now invested in a new system based on automatic number plate recognition. Unlike the previous car parking regime which charged all users on entry, there will be two hours completely free of charge.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Up to 40% of UK retail space is not needed – here’s what can be done with it Leicestershire County Council – Proposed inert waste recycling facility with associated works – at APC Civils Limited, Plot B, Old Dalby Trading Estate, Station Road, Old Dalby, Leics. Mrs Hazel Stanley (c/o Agent: Mr Richard Ling, Richard Ling & Associates, 6 Arnold Lane, Gedling, Nottingham NG4 4BE) – Change of use of buildings within Use Class Order B1/B2/B8 and some in agricultural use to 5 residential units – at Barlows Lodge, Colston Lane, Harby, Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE14 4BE. Mr R Pilkington (c/o Agent: Mike Sibthorp Planning, Logan House, Lime Grove, Grantham NG31 9JD) – Residential development of 2 dwellings – at 19B High Street, Waltham on the Wolds, Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE14 4AH. Mr Brudenell (c/o Agent: Mr Wall, 30 Packington Hill, Kegworth, Derby DE74 2DF) – Erection of 6 dwellings with associated road and site works (Revised scheme) – at Field OS 3957, Manor Road, Easthorpe, Leics. NG13 0DU.

Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Gulf Ventures 2 Ltd (c/o Agent: Mr James Warrington, WSP, 8 First Street, Manchester M15 4RP) – Demolition of existing buildings and structures and erection of buildings for B2/B8 use with ancillary offices and welfare floorspace, gatehouse, service yards, parking and circulation routes, together with revised access from Peckleton Lane, associated hardstanding, landscaping, diversion of bridleway R119 and ancillary works – at land north of Neovia Logistics Services (UK) Ltd, Peckleton Lane, Desford, Leicester LE9 9JU. Mr Shane West (c/o Agent: Muthar Al-Salloum, MAS Architecture Ltd, Studio F105 & F106, The Atkins, Lower Bond Street, Hinckley, Leics. LE10 1QU) – Conversion of first, second & third floors to provide 4 flats, three-storey extension at side and rear plus single-storey extension at side – at The Dog & Gun Inn, 28 The Borough, Hinckley, Leics. LE10 1NL. Davidsons Developments Ltd (c/o Agent: Mrs Clare Eggington, Pegasus Group, Unit 5, The Priory, London Road, Sutton Coldfield B75 5SH) – Residential development of up to 120 dwellings – at Ashfield Farm, Kirkby Road, Desford, Leicester LE9 9JX.

The UK high street has been badly hit by COVID-19 restrictions and it is shining a spotlight on the huge amount of retail floorspace that is not needed. Paul Greenhalgh, Professor of Real Estate and Regeneration at Northumbria University, writes about the challenges facing the sector. COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc on retailers. Since tough new restrictions were introduced in parts of the UK during October, footfall on high streets, shopping centres and out-of-town retail parks has fallen: it is now down 32% year on year, with regional cities bearing the brunt. Many retailers are not paying rent, and some landlords are considering legal action. But as dreadful as COVID-19 has been, retail had serious existing problems. The reality is that there is far too much retail floorspace in the UK. Dealing with it is going to be one of the big challenges of this decade.

The retail crunch Retail employs more people than any other UK sector – about 2.9 million, two-thirds of whom work for the 75 largest companies, turning over around £394 billion in 2019. In recent years, these businesses have been wrestling with higher staff costs due to increases in the minimum wage; higher business rates (property taxes), especially for large shops in prime locations; a weaker pound since the Brexit vote of 2016, making imports more expensive; and online competition. The UK already had the third highest level of online shopping in the world before COVID-19 (16% of total retail spend, exceeded only by China and South Korea). Now online has become even more powerful, peaking in June at one-third of all UK retail sales. Wherever it settles, it will be higher than before the pandemic. Thanks to online shopping and the other pressures on physical retail, as much as 40% of shop floorspace may be permanently surplus to requirements. This is about 42 million square metres, equivalent to 175 Westfield Londons, 227 Metrocentres or 284 Bluewater shopping centres. This helps to explain why Intu, owner of large shopping centres like Gateshead’s Metrocentre, Manchester’s Arndale and Trafford Centres, and Birmingham’s Merry Hill, went into administration in

June. Many of its centres are now being sold or transferred to new management as the Intu Group is dismantled. Other big landlords have struggled too. Hammerson (whose centres include Brent Cross, Birmingham Bullring and Bristol Cabot Circus), British Land (Sheffield Meadowhall and Drake Circus in Plymouth) and Land Securities (Bluewater in Kent, Leeds White Rose and Buchanan Street in Glasgow) have been on a stock market rollercoaster and face a similar dilemma with their oversupply of retail floorspace.

Mitigating factors One silver lining of the pandemic has been landlords having to reframe their relationship with tenants. As proposed by the UK government’s voluntary code of practice, which came out in June, landlords must work with retailers for everyone to survive this period. This includes cutting rents to more sustainable levels. For example, the market is seeing a return to turnover rents, where tenants pay a percentage of turnover rather than a nominal “market” rent unrelated to prevailing economic conditions. Such flexibility may reduce empty floorspace to a certain extent. Another mitigating factor is that most retailers will still want some kind of presence on high streets or shopping centres. Indeed, the lockdown saw a big shift in domestic spending to local convenience and neighbourhood stores in the suburbs. Retailers have also been blending traditional and online sales by encouraging customers to order for next-day home delivery or click and collect. This gives them another reason to retain a physical presence. At the same time, online retailers such as Amazon are opening high street stores to complement their offering.

The way ahead Despite these innovations, there is still likely to be a large surplus of physical stores overall. So what can be done? Some space might be used as offices, though the pandemic has seen a huge rise in remote workers, some of whom may never resume the office commute. Making stores into cinemas, restaurants or bowling alleys is hardly a solution either, when the leisure sector is among the hardest hit by pandemic restrictions. Perhaps the most productive opportunity is to redevelop for a more varied mix of complementary uses – as echoed by leading retailer Bill Grimsey’s call to “build back better”. In towns and city centres, this could include universities and colleges

expanding their campuses; galleries, workshops and showrooms for the arts and creative sector; community enterprises and hubs; and health and wellbeing services which will be essential in the post COVID era, such as social care and mental health. Such uses could be assisted by public funding and landlords recognising that some tenants paying low rents are better than no tenants at all. Some redundant buildings and vacant upper floors could also be turned into homes – echoing the return to urban living of the 1990s and noughties. The government could reintroduce the living over the shop (LOTS) scheme, which subsidised such conversions during that era. Yet many buildings do not easily lend themselves to residential use. Utilities may struggle to provide refuse collection, water and sewerage connections, and parking spaces. Planning relaxations may sometimes remove the need for planning permission to change to residential use, but there are still complex building regulations, especially regarding fire protection and emergency access. Traditional high streets also have multiple owners, who don’t always cooperate. Town centre managers and business improvement districts (BIDs) can help here, though we may need to see BIDs that levy additional business rates on landlords rather than tenants, like in Germany, to bring landlords to the negotiating table. Shopping centres at least have the advantage of a single owner. As destinations in their own right, they are often regarded (rightly or wrongly) as too big to fail, particularly those woven into the fabric of city centres, such as Liverpool One or Eldon Square in Newcastle. Keeping them functioning will therefore be a high priority for the authorities. Some out-of-town shopping centres had plans for new residential and leisure developments even before the pandemic. An example is the project to build 2,000 new homes around the Gateshead Metrocentre. The idea would be to reorientate the centre, diversifying the mix of uses to serve a wider community, though it won’t be easy to create new family homes in an environment designed around the car. Such challenges are not particularly new: 25 years ago we would have called it “mixed-use regeneration”. This time it is driven by excess retail space, ironically much of it built on the former industrial sites that were regenerated in the 1980s and 1990s. This article was originally published in The Conversation.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Ibstock building plot: £75,000 HOWKINS & HARRISON are offering for sale a building plot with Outline Planning Permission (ref: 19/01234/OUT) granted by NW Leicestershire District Council for a single storeyPlot detached dwelling. Building for sale off Orchard

Street, Ibstock,

The plot – off Orchard Street, Ibstock, Leicestershire LE67 6LL – is being sold freehold with vacant possession upon completion. Guide Price: £75,000. Address For further details, contact Anna Meynell at Howkins & Harrison on 01530 877977 or email: anna.meynell@howkinsandharrison.co.uk

Coalville, Leicestershire. LE67 6LL

£440,000 leisure centre revamp GYM facilities at a popular Leicester leisure centre have been transformed, following a £440,000 revamp. Customers returning to the Aylestone Leisure Centre for the first time since lockdown will discover a newly-extended workout area, featuring a brand new 70-station gym. New flooring has been installed throughout, while air handling and lighting have been improved. A dedicated area for popular spin classes has also been created, featuring brand new bikes. While the gym and the pool at Aylestone are now open for business, the leisure centre’s sports hall is currently being used for coronavirus testing, so no bookings for racquet sports can be made. Group exercise classes are currently taking place in the ancillary hall.

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Tenders invited for large Melton development site Rare Limited (c/o Agent: Seymour Harris Architecture, 58 Oxford Street, Digbeth, Birmingham B5 5NR) – Construction of 2 brick structures comprising back up generator building and electrical switch room – at Rare Limited, Manor Park, Twycross, Atherstone, Warks. CV9 3RQ. Richborough Estates & Messrs. Vero (c/o Agent: Ms Angela Smedley, Fisher German LLP, The Estates Office, Norman Court, Ashby de la Zouch, Leics. LE65 2UZ) – Residential development up to 63 dwellings with associated access, landscaping, open space and drainage infrastructure – at land at Station Road, Market Bosworth, Leics. Earl Shilton Consortium (c/o Agent: Neil Hall, Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions UK Ltd, Gables House, Kenilworth Road, Leamington Spa, Warks. CV32 6JX) - Environmental Impact Assessment Scoping Request to assess the likely effects of the proposed development of residential development up to 1,500 dwellings, 5.3ha of employment land comprising a mix of B1, B2 and B8 uses, a two-form entry primary school, up to 2,000 sq m of retail floor space, up to 11.1ha of public open space including Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS), up to 6.4 ha of recreational open space and the provision of associated infrastructure – at Earl Shilton Sustainable Urban Extension (SUE), Mill Lane, Earl Shilton, Leicestershire. Mrs Evelyne Shouls (c/o: New Oak Farm, West End, Barton in the Beans, Nuneaton, Warks. CV13 0DG) – Agricultural storage building – at New Oak Farm, West End, Barton in the Beans, Nuneaton, Warks. CV13 0DG. Milner Arable (c/o Agent: Miss Jessica Herritty, Aspbury Planning, 20 Park Lane Business Centre, Park Lane, Basford, Nottingham NG6 0DW) – Erection of 2 agricultural buildings for the storage of agricultural machinery and grain – at land east of Bosworth Lane, Osbaston, Leics. Owl Partnerships Ltd, Rodney Edward Geary and Gillian Glover (c/o Agent: Mr David Pendle, Marrons Planning, Waterfront House, 35 Station Street, Nottingham NG2 3DQ) – Residential development of 48 dwellings with associated infrastructure, access and areas of open space – at land east of Ratby Lane, Markfield, Leics.

New Leicester link road opens

A NEW road that will improve bus journey times out of Leicester city centre opened for the first time on Sunday 18th October.

CARTER JONAS are offering for sale BY INFORMAL TENDER a residential development site with Outline Planning Permission (ref: 18/00359/OUT) for up to 290 dwellings. The site – at Sysonby Farm, Nottingham Road, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LE13 0NX – extends to approximately 41.85 acres, and currently comprises rolling country farmland, with a limited number of agricultural buildings. FOR SALE BY INFORMAL TENDER - All tenders must be received at Leicestershire County Council’s offices in an envelope provided by them marked on the outside ‘tender for Sysonby Farm Nottingham Road Melton Mowbray’ by 12 noon on Wednesday 2nd December 2020. Leicestershire County Council reserve the right not to accept the highest, or indeed, any offer. • Informal Tender Date: 12 noon Wednesday 2nd December 2020 • Post-bid interviews: week commencing Monday 7th December 2020 • Post Bid report to LCC Friday 18th December 2020 • Preferred Bidder confirmed w/c 11 January 2021 For further information please contact either: Mathew Forster on M: 07901 511344 or email mathew.forster@carterjonas.co.uk or call Richard Combes on 07879 635547 or email on richard.combes@carterjonas.co.uk

Property developer snaps up former Molson Coors brewery in Burton-on-Trent THE FORMER Molson Coors South Brewery site in Burtonon-Trent has been sold by Colliers International to DayDako Developments Limited. The 5.77-acre site includes two Grade-II listed buildings and is situated in a dedicated regeneration area.

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The new road – Savoy Street – links Belgrave Gate with Mansfield Street, providing a quick route out of the city centre for buses leaving the Haymarket bus station and forming part of a new, improved route for pedestrians between the city’s two bus stations. As part of the £4million scheme, which got under way last November, both Mansfield Street and Sandacre Street have been reconstructed and upgraded. The Savoy Street scheme is part of the North City Centre Accessibility Improvement Programme of linked transport and public realm improvement works, comprising several individual schemes. The whole programme is supported by a £8.96m allocation from the Local Growth Fund, a pot of government funding awarded to the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership Limited (LLEP) for projects that benefit the local area and economy. The new road takes its name from the art deco cinema that opened on Belgrave Gate in 1937. Later known as the ABC, the Savoy was demolished by its owners in 2007 after lying empty for years. A giant mural, inspired by the Savoy and two other long-gone venues on Belgrave Gate – the Floral Hall and the Palace Theatre – now provides a fitting backdrop to the new road.

Our recently expanded bespoke joinery shop opens its doors on 2nd November

✔ MADE TO MEASURE SERVICE ✔ DOOR ALTERATIONS ✔ A HUGE RANGE OF GATES, GARAGE DOORS AND INTERNAL DOORS IN STOCK

01530 810223

Merisons Bespoke Joinery 2a Thornborough Road, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 3TH

merisons.co.uk/bespoke-joinery

Time marches on and sooner or later you realize it is marching across your face.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Interesting auction lots for sale with Kal Sangra Shonki Brothers The following properties are due to beRoad, offered for sale at the 73 Markfield Groby, Leicester LE6 0FL LOT next Kal Sangra Shonki Brothers Auction Behind Closed GUIDE PRICE: £150,000 £175,000 Doors on Wednesday 11th November 2020 at- 2.30pm:

Family run business based in Leicestershire and working throughout

the Country specialising in all types of groundworks and fencing LOT 10: 73 Markfield contracts within the Residential, Commercial and Industrial Sectors. Road, Groby, Leicester LE6 0FL: A detached 2-bed, dormer bungalow with single storey side extension, requiring modernisation or redevelopment. Potential to create a large two storey detached house with 4 bedrooms, subject to planning. GUIDE PRICE: 2-4 Central Road, Hugglescote, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 2FD LOT £150,000-£175,000. GUIDE PRICE: £160,000 - £170,000 LOT 13: 2-4 Central Road, Hugglescote, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 2FD: Located on the corner of Grange Road and opposite Hugglescote Community Centre. A 3-bed end-terrace RESIDENTIAL with adjoining workshop on a corner plot of 490 sq.m. Location: A Groundworks Surfacing The property is located on the main A50 and near to St Phillips and St James Church. scheme has been drawn up Civils Fencing Description: for development of the siteA detached dormer with 2 Street bedrooms, central heating, 10 Britannia & 1-2 gas Sheila Mee Place, Shepshed Leicestershire LOT bungalow LE12 9AE double glazing and single storey side extension. The property to 7 flats, subject to planning. requires modernisation or redevelopment to a detached 2 storey 24 GUIDE PRICE: £425,000 - £450,000 GUIDE PRICE: £160,000- property subject to planning. T: 01455 247959 E: info@glymptonconstruction.co.uk Accommodation: £170,000. Ground Floor: www.glymptonconstruction.co.uk Entrance hallway, lounge/diner, kitchen and utility room, 2 bedrooms, LOT 24: 10 Britannia shower room. Dormer: Street & 1-2 Sheila Planning: Room with storage. • Potential to redevelop to a large 2 storey detached house with 4 Mee Place, Shepshed, Side Extension: bedrooms subject to planning. 2 rooms, kitchen, shower room, WC • Local Authority: Hinckley & Bosworth (01455) 255777. Leicestershire LE12 9AE: Outside: RESIDENTIAL / DEVELOPMENT Tenure: Front garden with off road parking, gated side access to large rear A substantial lot comprising Location: of approximately 342 sqft (31.8 sqm). Freehold. garden with workshop The property is located on the corner of Grange Road and opposite a 3-bed detached house plus Solicitors: Hugglescote Community Centre. Energy Performance Certificate: Thomas Flavell & Sons Solicitors, Church Walk, Hinckley, Rating 56, Band D. Description: 2 two-bed townhouses, a LE10 1DN ~ Tel: (01455) 610747 ~ Ref: C Moore An end terrace with adjoining workshop on a Road, corner plot of 490 sqm. Leicestershire 4 Knighton Park Stoneygate, Leicester LE2 1ZA LOT ANDREW The property has 3 bedrooms, double glazing and gas central two-storey workshop, single IMPORTANT heating.NOTICE: Scheme drawn up for development of the site to 7 flats. 16 GRANGER & Co has / COMMERCIAL / PART INVESTMENT storey workshop and double RESIDENTIAL 10 February 2021 Accommodation: GUIDE PRICE: £750,000 - £800,000 Ground Floor: Entrance hall, large through lounge, kitchen/diner. garage. All of the properties moved from their First Floor: are accessed via a private 3 bedrooms, bathroom. office on the High Workshop: driveway. GUIDE PRICE: Large showroom/workshop: 595 sqft (55.4 sqm), 6 further rooms. Street, following 25 Outside: £425,000-£450,000. Rear garden, side plot with parking for 5 vehicles. years situated in the Planning: LOT 25: 4 Knighton • potential for residential development, a scheme has been drawn for Tenure: town centre. Freehold. 7 self contained flats subject to planning. Park Road, Stoneygate, • Local Authority: North West Leicestershire (01530) 454666. Solicitors: The relocation was Headleys Solicitors, 39A Station Road, Lutterworth, Leicestershire Energy Performance Certificate: Leicester LE2 1ZA: A LE17 4AP ~ Tel: (01455) 554466 ~originally Ref: K McCole Rating 55, Band D. planned for large three-storey with 19 Spring this year, but basement semi-detached Covid-19 meant it was villa, converted to 4 selftemporarily put on hold. contained flats. To the rear is LOT Flats 1-10, Melton House, 32 Park Road, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LE13 1TT Andrew Granger & a garage and store, and this GUIDE PRICE: £150,000 - £175,000 Co are now making / DEVELOPMENT / INVESTMENT area has planning permission RESIDENTIAL Location: Accommodation & Tenancies: themselves at home at for redevelopment to a their new premises on detached two-storey coach Description: Forest Road and Rupert house with two bedrooms Harrison, Director, and two bathrooms. Current explains the reason behind Planning: rental income: £27,540 • the move: “As a business p.a.x. Estimated rental value: Rupert Harrison, Director, and David we’re always planning and £36,600 p.a.x. GUIDE PRICE: •• Woodfield, Director, of Andrew Granger looking ahead, and while £750,000-£800,000. & Co outside their new office on Forest none of us were obviously Tenure: LOT 28: Flats 1-10, Road, Loughborough. anticipating Covid-19, prior Melton House, 32 Park Solicitors: to that it felt like the right Road, Melton Mowbray, RESIDENTIAL INVESTMENT On behalf of EMH Homes time to find ourselves a more modern office with parking available for Leicestershire LE13 1TT: A large Grade II Listed three-storey detached visitors. property converted to 10 self-contained flats. The property requires repair “The three departments that operate from the Loughborough office – and modernisation. The property32 has been vandalised, and the buildings 10 February 2021 estate agency, lettings and rural – will now combine in an open plan setting are fire-damaged. There is also evidence of structural movement. GUIDE and we’re all very much looking forward to this way of working once we PRICE: £150,000-£175,000. are all office based again, rather than the majority of us currently working • This will be a BEHIND CLOSED DOORS AUCTION. Bidding will be via from home”. • • the internet, telephone or proxy. Live stream video will be available. • The property firm’s Loughborough office has now moved to 44-46 Forest For more information, contact Kal Sangra Shonki Brothers on 0116 254 Road, Loughborough. 3373 or email: info@shonkibrothers.com

Loughborough property firm relocates after 25 years in town centre

for identification purposes only

NEXT AUCTION DATE:

*Please see Important Notice to Bidders (pages 4-5) for definition of guide price. Location:

85 Granby Street, Leicester LE1 6FB Tel: 0116 254 3373

Entries now being taken Property Floor

The properties are located in the village centre, off Belton Street and near to the Shepshed Word of Life Church.

Description:

Accommodation EPC Rating, Band

Tenancy

Email: info@shonkibrothers.com www.shonkibrothers.com

Rent (£) pax

10 BRITANNIA STREET

A substantial lot comprising of a detached house with 3 bedrooms, 2 townhouses with two bedrooms each, 2 storey workshop, single storey workshop and double garage. All the properties are accessed via a private driveway.

Ground

Entrance hall, L shaped through lounge/diner, kitchen, conservatory, WC

69, C

vacant

First

3 double bedrooms 2 with vanity unit and shower cubicles, bathroom

Freehold, subject to existing tenancies.

Ground

Workshop

Solicitors:

First

376 sqft (35.0 sqm) with car pit 265 sqft (24.6 sqm)

Ground

278 sqft (26.0 sqm)

72, C

periodic

5,820

72, C

Expiring 28.03.2021

5,940

Tenure:

Bird Wilford & Sale, 20 Church Gate, Loughborough LE11 1UD Tel: (01509) 232611 ~ Ref: R Rollings

Double Garage

proposed scheme

1 SHEILA MEE PLACE Ground First

Lounge, kitchen 2 bedrooms, bathroom

2 SHEILA MEE PLACE Ground First

Lounge, kitchen 2 bedrooms, bathroom

Communal driveway to all properties WORKSHOP Ground

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

219 sqft Edit (20.03 sqm)

All purchasers will be required to produce proof of identity (2 forms), as well as their 10% deposit (no cash deposits) Current Rental Income

11,760

BUYERS FEE:

The successful purchaser will be required to pay the Auctioneers a buyer's fee of £1,800 (incl VAT).

28 30

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

NEXT AUCTION DATE:

*Please see Important Notice to Bidders (pages 4-5) for definition of guide price.

85 Granby Street, Leicester LE1 6FB Tel: 0116 254 3373

10 February 2021

Email: info@shonkibrothers.com www.shonkibrothers.com

Entries now being taken

The property is located in a conservation area and is off London Road, near to Victoria Park and the University of Leicester.

Floor

A large 3 storey with basement semi detached villa converted to 4 self contained flats with emergency lighting, fire alarm system and smoke detectors. To the rear there is a garage and store, this area has planning permission for redevelopment to a detached 2 storey coach house with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Planning has been granted for the demolition of the existing garage and outbuilding and the construction of a detached dwelling with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Planning Application No. 2019140 dated 24.02.2020. Local Authority: Leicester City Council (0116) 454 3000.

SQFT (SQM) approx

EPC AST

Basement

Flat ACCOMMODATION

2 rooms

733 (68.1)

Ground

2 receptions room, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom

1,435 58, (133.4) D

First rear

Entrance hallway, lounge, 623 kitchen, bedroom, (58.0) bathroom

First front

Entrance hallway, 409 lounge/kitchen, bedroom, (38.1) bathroom

Second

Entrance hallway, lounge, 921 kitchen, 2 bedrooms, (85.6) bathroom

Outside

Large garden, garage, outbuilding, parking

Current Rent (£) pax

12 months from 04.09.2020

9,000

74, C

12 months from 28.09.2019

7,200

71, C

12 months from 14.09.2018

6,600

40, E 6 months 19.12.2017

4,740

Current Rental Income

27,540

Estimated Rental Value

36,600

Freehold, subject to existing tenancies.

Bond Adams, Richmond House, 94 London Road, Leicester LE2 0QS Tel: (0116) 285 8080 ~ Ref: Z Dakri

Accommodation: Flat

Floor

SQFT (SQM)

Ground

452 (42)

pending

Ground

387 (36)

pending

Ground

495 (46)

pending

EPC

First

452 (42)

MAIN BUILDING

Location:

The property is located in the town centre off Nottingham Road, near to the junction of Buckminster Road/Courtenay Road and the Buckminster Road Baptist Church. NOTICE: IMPORTANT

Description:

*Please see Important Notice to Bidders (pages 4-5) for definition of guide price.

4 5

387 (36)

22. F

pending 85 Granby Street, Leicester LE1 6FB

First 495 (46) 67, D Tel: 0116 254 3373 Second 516 (48) pending Email: info@shonkibrothers.com Entries now being taken www.shonkibrothers.com REAR WING (2 storey duplex with G/F: lounge/kitchen & F/F: bedroom & bathroom)

Note:

The property has been vandalised and the outbuildings are fire damaged. There is evidence of structural movement. No offers will be accepted on this lot prior to the auction. The sale will be subject to the Buyer paying the Seller's legal and auctioneer’s fees.

NEXT AUCTIONFirst DATE:

A large Grade II listed 3 storey detached property converted to 10 self contained flats, three being duplex all with one bedroom, double glazing and electric heating. The property requires repair and modernisation.

Ground & First

419 (39)

Ground & First

419 (39)

52,E

Ground & First

441 (41)

40, E

Outside

Front, side & rear gardens, outbuildings at rear

50, E

Tenure:

Freehold.

Solicitors:

Browne Jacobson, Mowbray House, Castle Meadow Road, Nottingham NG2 1BJ Tel: (0330) 045 2242 ~ Ref: R Patel

Sometimes I fall asleep at night with my clothes on; I’m going to have all my clothes made out of blankets. 36

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

*Please see Important Notice to Bidders (pages 4-5) for definition of guide price.

NEXT AUCTION DATE:

10 February 2021

85 Granby Street, Leicester LE1 6FB Tel: 0116 254 3373 Email: info@shonkibrothers.com

make the move

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

PRESS RELEASE:Site 22 October 2020 for 9 Contract awards continue upwards trendupwards in September Contract awards continue trend in September garages nd

in Market Harborough

THE TOTAL value of construction contract awards in September 2020 was £5.4 billion based on a three-month Owl Homes (c/o Agent: Mr Richard The total value of construction awards in September 2020 was £5.4 billion based on a three-month rolling rollingcontract average. West, Cerda Planning Ltd, Vesey average. This is 21.2% higher forhigher August is alsoand 13.8% than than September 2019. Quarterly analysis This isthan 21.2% thanand for August is alsohigher 13.8% higher House, 5-7 High Street, Sutton September 2019. Quarterly analysis indicates that total construction indicates that total construction contract awards were valued at £13.5 billion in Q3 2020. This is 47.1% higher than Q2 Coldfield B72 1XH) – Erection contract awards were valued at £13.5 billion in Q3 2020. This is 47.1% of 5 dwellings – at land east but is 8.4% lower than forhigher Q3 2019. monthly data has in September to £6.0 billion which is than Raw Q2 but is 8.4% lower thanseen for Q3significant 2019. Rawuplift monthly data has of Peckleton Lane, Desford, seen significant in September to £6.0 billion which is an increase of of 52.5% on the £3.9 billion uplift in August. Leicester an LE9increase 9JU.

52.5% on the £3.9 billion in August.

Rushcliffe Borough East Bridgford Homes (c/o Agent: Mr David Hutchinson, Boyer Planning, Unit 1A Cedars Office Park, Butt Lane, Loughborough, Leics. LE12 5EE) – Full planning permission for the erection of 88 dwellings, access and associated infrastructure – at OS Field 8500, Butt Lane, East Bridgford, Nottinghamshire.

PRESS RELEASE: 22nd October 2020

Contract awards continue upwards trend in September

NAYLORS Estate Agents are offering for sale a parcel of The total value of construction contract awards in September 2020 was £5.4 billion based on a three-month rolling with planning consent average. This is 21.2% higher than for August and is also 13.8% higher than September 2019. land Quarterly analysisAt Land Clipston Street indicates that total construction contract awards were valued at £13.5 billion in Q3 2020. This is 47.1% higher18/00733/FUL) than Q2 (ref: for the but is 8.4% lower than for Q3 2019. Raw monthly data has seen significant uplift in September to £6.0 billion which is development of 9 garages. an increase of 52.5% on the £3.9 billion in August.

MARKET HARBOROUGH The 4339FH sq.metre plot – at LE16 Clipston Street, Market Harborough, Leicestershire Mr Ian Hardwick (c/o Agent: Katie LE16 9FH – has been levelled and Searle, HSSP Architects Ltd, Pera Business Park, Nottingham Road, laid to hardcore. Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE13 0PB) The planning consent allows for – Erection of 2 B1 industrial units theLand development of aconsent 4-garage with planning for the develop with associated parking – at Vale nineto garages. Planning 18/00733/FU block the south and areference 5-garage Scaffolding Services Ltd, Station block to the north. Each garage Road, Upper Broughton, Notts. 443 Sqwith Meters a vacant comme willExtending be singletostorey, overhead The latest edition of the Economic & Construction Market Review from LE14 3BH. in a residential area on the south side of doors. Some will have rear industry analysts Barbour ABI, highlights levelsfrom of construction contract Barbour ABI, Harborough. The latest edition of the Economic & Construction Market Review industry analysts highlights pedestrian doors. levels values awarded across Great Britain. Mr Cameron McHugh (c/o of construction contract values awarded across Great Britain. Guide Price: £90,000. Analysis by sector indicates that residential maintained lead status in Agent: Mr Dino Labbate, Swish The latest edition of the Economic & Construction Market Review from industry analysts Barbour ABI, highlights levels For more information, contact Architecture Ltd, Unit 2B, 100 September accounting for 32.8% of awarded awards. Infrastructure was the second of construction contract values across Great Britain. Analysis by sector indicates thatsector residential maintained lead status inof September accounting for 32.8% of awards. Naylors on 01858 450020 or email: Melton Road, West Bridgford, Notts. largest in September with attributable share 20.8% of awards. The Analysis by sector indicates that residential maintained lead status in September accounting for 32.8% of awards. NG2 6EP) –Infrastructure Demolition of existing sales@naylorsestateagents.com commercial & retail sector was the third largest this month accruing 16.1% was the second largest sector in September with attributable share ofshare 20.8% awards. The commercial Infrastructure was the second largest sector in September with attributable of 20.8%of of awards. The commercial dwelling for the construction of one of the total. & retail sector was the third largest this month accruing 16.1% of the total. & retail sector was the third largest this month accruing 16.1% of the total. detached four-bedroom dwelling Regional analysis fronting Johns Road and 2 semishows that London was 19 High Street, Swadlincote, DE11 8JE detached three-bedroom dwellings Tel: 01283 217251 the leading region in fronting Grantham Road – at 2 *Landÿat*ÿLittleÿHome,ÿCotonÿPark,ÿSwadlincote,ÿDE12 September with 22.6% Johns Road, Radcliffe on Trent, £799,950 of awards. The second Nottinghamshire NG12 2GW. largest region was the East of England with Mr Charles Fish (c/o Agent: Mr 13.7% of awards and James Dealtry-Smith, Leonard was followed by the Design Architects, 4th Floor, West Midlands which Albion House, 5-13 Canal Street, accounted for 11.0% of Nottingham NG1 7EG) – Application awards. for prior approval for proposed change of use from office to 4 Commenting on the apartments – at Bridgford House, figures, Tom Hall, Chief Pavilion Road, West Bridgford, Economist at Barbour ABI and AMA Research said, “After 3 months of Nottingham. recovering activity, contract awards over July-September returned to preCADLEY CAULDWELL CADLEYÿCAULDWELLÿareÿexcited toÿbringÿtoÿtheÿmarketÿthisÿpotentialÿbuildingÿ Covid 19 average levels. Given the size of the shock to the construction plot.ÿLocatedÿinÿtheÿquietÿvillageÿofÿCoton Parkÿcloseÿtoÿmajorÿrouteÿways.ÿ Estate Agents are bringing 1.25ÿofÿanÿAcreÿofÿland.ÿForÿmoreÿinformationÿpleaseÿcontactÿCADLEYÿCAULDWELLÿ Mr Nick Stanford (c/o: Penn industry and the wider economy that is cause for celebration. However, estate agentsÿonÿ01283ÿ217251. Cottage, Field Lane, Widmerpool, to the market a 1.25 acre these numbers will contain an element of catch-up from the lost activity Notts. NG12 5QD) – Erection of 2 parcel of potential building in April-June, so underlying activity is likely to be somewhat weaker than passive house dwellings including the headline numbers. The recovery so far has been evident more in the land at Little Home, Coton garages (Resubmission) – at land public and infrastructure sectors, with the commercially minded sectors Park, Swadlincote, Derby. south of Main Street, Kinoulton, remaining slightly subdued. With significant uncertainties remaining it will Price on application. For more Nottinghamshire. be interesting to see how the situation evolves over the coming months” information, contact Cadley Download the full report here: http://ubm.io/2FRLrwm Cauldwell on 01283 217251. Mr Lenagh (c/o Agent: Mr Dino

Potential building land in Coton Park

*BUILDINGÿPLOT*

Labbate, Swish Architecture Ltd, Unit 2B, 100 Melton Road, West Bridgford, Notts. NG2 6EP) – Construction of 3 dwellings following demolition of the existing dwelling (Resubmission) – at 6 Grange Park, West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire NG2 6HW.

1.25ÿOFÿANÿACRE

LocatedÿinÿtheÿquietÿvillageÿofÿCotonÿPark

ESTATE AGENTS

Are you selling building plots, development sites, properties requiring renovation, or properties which would benefit from a change of use? If so, send us particulars and we’ll mention them FREE in brief editorial form in Leicestershire Builder. Our email address is: info@buildermagazines.co.uk Thanks!

I got a king sized bed; I don’t know any kings, but if one came over, I guess he’d be comfortable.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Councillors approve Rutland response to Government’s Planning White Paper RUTLAND COUNTY Councillors have unanimously approved the Council’s response to Government proposals that seek to make significant changes to national planning policy. Full Council on Monday 12 October set out to review the Government’s new Planning White Paper, called “Planning for the Future”, which is intended to streamline and modernise the current national planning process. The White Paper was launched in August 2020 and all local authorities have until 29 October 2020 to provide their feedback as part of a wide-ranging consultation. The Paper proposes several key reforms, including: • Simplifying local plans and creating three different categories of land to be identified for future Growth, Renewal, or Protect • Providing identified Growth areas with outline planning approval. These areas would be designated for substantial development, such as new settlements or urban extensions • Proposing that Renewal areas would also be considered favourably for development, but within a specified criterion • Ensuring Protect areas – green belt, conservation areas and areas of outstanding beauty - remain untouched Following a detailed discussion, all 23 Councillors present at the meeting voted unanimously to approve the Council’s response to the White Paper Consultation, which raises a number of questions about the Government’s proposals.

ADDISON HUNT Chartered Quantity Surveyors & Project Managers CLIENT SERVICES

CONTRACTOR SERVICES

• Cost Management

• Commercial Support

• Employer’s Agent

• Estimating

• Project Management

• Assistance on Site

• Quality Monitoring

• Adhoc / Special Tasks

• Development Monitoring

• Site Management

Office address: 12 Great Central Rd, Loughborough Leicestershire LE11 1RW Telephone: 01509 351 004 Email: loughborough@addisonhunt.co.uk Website: www.addisonhunt.co.uk

I angered the clerk in a clothing shop today; she asked me what size I was and I said actual, because I am not to scale.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

New housing ‘algorithm’ would cause more problems than it would solve, says RTPI Bloor Homes (c/o: 7 Calico Business Park, Sandy Way, Amington, Tamworth B77 4BF) - Approval of reserved matters (appearance, landscaping, layout and scale) pursuant to outline planning permission 18/02700/OUT for residential development of 85 dwellings – at land east of Nos. 1-9 Springfield Close, Cropwell Bishop, Notts. Mrs Dino Labbate (c/o Agent: Mr Dino Labbate, Swish Architecture Ltd, Unit 2B, 100 Melton Road, West Bridgford, Notts. NG2 6EP) – Erection of three-storey side extension to create Class E offices – at 45 Loughborough Road, West Bridgford, Notts. NG2 7LA. David Wilson Homes East Midlands (c/o: Cartwright Way, Forest Business Park, Bardon Hill, Leicester LE67 1GL) – Application for approval of access, appearance, landscaping, layout and scale of Outline permission 16/01881/OUT for the erection of 235 dwellings – at land north of Rempstone Road, East Leake, Notts.

Rugby Borough Mr Marshall (c/o Agent: Rebecca Walker, Chapman Design LLP, Lelleford House, Coventry Road, Rugby CV23 9DT) – Demolition of existing structures and erection of 2 detached dwellings (Resubmission) – at Springfield, Cawston Lane, Dunchurch, Warks. CV22 7RX. AC Lloyd Holdings Ltd (c/o Agent: Michelle Simpson-Gallego, Pegasus Group, 5 The Priory, Old London Road, Canwell, Sutton Coldfield B75 5SH) - Erection of up to 475 dwellings, with land for a Primary School, reserved land for Secondary School Provision/Secondary School Sports Provision with vehicular access off Central Park Drive and Emergency Vehicle Access off Newton Lane with associated green infrastructure and public open space provision – at land to the east of Central Park Drive, Coton Park East, Rugby. Chiesa Developments Ltd (c/o Agent: Mr Peter Wilkinson, Landmark Planning Limited, 10 Salisbury Road, Leicester LE1 7QR) – Change of use from a nightclub to 9 dwellings and associated alterations – at Brotherhood House, Gas Street, Rugby, Warks. CV21 2TX.

A PROPOSED new algorithm to calculate housing need across the UK would cause more problems than it would solve especially in the north of England, the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has said. In its formal response to the government’s consultation on Changes to the current planning system, the RTPI said the proposed new method would do little towards the prime minister’s ‘levelling up’ agenda and could actually exacerbate current imbalances in housing requirement in the north of England. The Institute also said the new formula would result in unprecedented high housing targets in the south of England, which would be undeliverable by some local authorities due to lack of available land. The new formula would update the current standard method, introduced in 2018, to take into account the gap between house prices and income over the past 10 years, rather than the current one year. According to the government this would create a more agile system that would achieve better distribution of homes in more high-demand areas in line with its ambition to build 300,000 new homes a year. But the RTPI argues that it would result in fewer homes being built in the north of England and undeliverable targets in the south. Head of policy, Richard Blyth, called for a ‘proper democratic national debate on matters of this importance, not just a formula’. He said: “We are concerned that the government is looking at our current planning system through the limited lens of purely achieving its gross housing target of 300,000. “The new formula would be particularly challenging for places such as London and the south-east where

they would be required to build 161% more homes; while the north would actually be required to build 28% fewer homes. “This simply does not make sense and could risk destroying large areas of countryside in the south, while leaving urban brownfield sites in the north unused.” He added that the high numbers proposed for some parts of the country would also make it very challenging to meet wider sustainability objectives and could put too much pressure on existing infrastructure. “Our planning system should be the mechanism to ensure that not only that the right quality homes are delivered in the right places, but also has to include everything that is needed to ensure homes are built within economically vibrant, connected, resilient and sustainable places as we have consistently said in our Plan The World We Need campaign.” The RTPI also said the government’s proposal for “first homes” in the consultation was too focused on home ownership, saying the planning system should enable a wider variety of models so more people can access affordable, quality housing with security of tenure now. The Institute is calling for more exemptions to prevent developments on sensitive rural areas to be included. And while supportive of proposals to give SME house builders greater access to the market, the RTPI said the proposals in the consultation leave too many loopholes and confuse the role of SME house builders. Finally, it said that the proposals to extend permissions in principle must include ways of ensuring that local planning authorities can claw back their costs, as permissions in principle still require considerable input from local planners and without planning fees they are a net cost to underresourced planning authorities.

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East Northants. Rushden Town Council (c/o Agent: Mr Jagdeep Bhavra, Hinton Cook Architects, 8 Linford Forum, Rockingham Drive, Linford Wood east, Milton Keynes MK14 6LY) – Outline application for demolition of the existing rugby club and erection of up to 150 dwellings , open space and associated works – at Manor Park, Bedford Road, Rushden, Northants. NN10 0SA. Mr Ricky Simmonds (c/o: 4 Alfred Street, Rushden, Northants. NN10 9YS) – Conversion of offices to 4 flats – at 4 Alfred Street, Rushden, Northants. NN10 9YS. OHL Limited (c/o Agent: Miss Charlotte Gore, Fisher German LLP, 40 High Street, Market Harborough, Leics. LE16 7NX) – Conversion of existing residential dwelling into a boutique hotel with five en-suite bedrooms, conversion of a traditional thatched barn into three further en-suite bedrooms and conversion of a traditional agricultural barn into an event & activity space – at Pavilion House, The Apple Store & The Goat Herd Shed, Ashton Wold, Ashton PE8 5LF. Countryside Properties (c/o: Partnerships North (South Midlands, Unit 3100, Park Square, Birmingham Business Park, Solihull B37 7YN) – Erection of 54 dwellings – at land off Addington Road, Irthlingborough. Society of Merchant Venturers (c/o Agent: Mr Gareth Watts, Savills (UK) Ltd, Stuart House, St John’s Street, Peterborough PE1 5DD) – Change of use of agricultural buildings to dwellinghouses – at Manor Farm, Lowick Road, Aldwincle, Northants. NN14 3EL. Resham plc (c/o Agent: Mr Alan Gunne-Jones, Planning & Development Associates Ltd, 118 Pall Mall, London SW1Y 5ED) – Erection of a block of 6 flats with associated vehicular access, parking & landscaping – at land off St Peters Way, Irthlingborough, Northants. NN9 5SD.

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Make three correct guesses consecutively and you will establish yourself as an expert.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

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

SWANNINGTON, LEICESTERSHIRE Guide Price: £425,000 A highly desirable barn for conversion in unrivalled location Single barn conversion Set in 1.5 acres Situated in open countryside Well connected to midlands motorway networks Additional 7 acres available Contact Mike or Tori at our Ashby Office 01530 877977 (Option 2)

THRINGSTONE, LEICESTERSHIRE Guide Price: POA A development opportunity for 5 new build properties & 2 conversions Stunning location 2 barn conversions and 4 new builds 4 bedroom farmhouse Planning permissions 20/00197/FUL and 18/01928/OUT North West Leicestershire District Council Additional garden land available Contact Anna at our Ashby Office 01530 877977 (Option 2) TELEPHONE 01530 877977 opt 2 / EMAIL ashrural@howkinsandharrison.co.uk Old Cottage Hospital, Leicester Road, Ashby de la Zouch. LE65 1DB Offices at Atherstone / Ashby de la Zouch / Rugby / Lutterworth / Towcester / Daventry / Northampton / Henley-in-Arden

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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Builders’ Problems SOLVED

Customer refusing access to complete the works PROBLEM:

RESPONSE:

My company recently fitted a new bathroom. All finished, except for a purpose made mirror, which arrived damaged and had to be sent back and remade. I agreed with the customer that £1,500.00 could be held back until a new mirror was made, delivered and fitted. The mirror is now ready, but the customer is refusing to accept delivery unless I arrange for another bathroom fitter to fix the mirror. The problem is, I only employ one-bathroom fitter. Can the customer demand that I use another fitter? Do I have a right to terminate the contract if the customer refuses to accept delivery and / or access to the property to complete the work? Thank you.

That said, the facts will be crucial as to whether your customer has wrongly repudiated the contract, as your customer may have good reason to refuse to allow the original bathroom fitter access to the property. For example, if the fitter was rude, disrespectful or used unacceptable language. However, given that the customer still wants the mirror delivered and installed, and given that you want to be paid, I suggest that you explore a way round this, especially as the sum of money involved is nominal. Perhaps you could employ a sub-contractor to install the mirror or could you install the mirror yourself? Failing that, you could approach your customer and see if there is any way that your fitter could be allowed to return, perhaps under supervision? Good luck. © Michael Gerard 2020 The advice provided is intended to be of a general guide only and should not be viewed as providing a definitive legal analysis.

Hi. I hope you can advise me on where my company legally stands with a customer. The sum involved is small, but it is the principle of the matter as the customer has been an absolutely nightmare to deal with.

I am of course unaware of what written terms you may have agreed (expressly or by conduct), with your customer and whether those terms are binding (insofar that the terms are compliant with consumer law), but nevertheless there will at least be an implied term that your customer allows you access in order to carry out the contract works, failure of which could mean that your customer has wrongly repudiated the contract and you can therefore elect to accept the repudiatory breach or affirm the contract.

Shepshed plot: £110k ALEXANDERS Estate Agents are offering for sale a single building plot with detailed planning permission (ref: P/19/0468/2) granted by Charnwood Borough Council for a three-bed detached family home, with private gardens and off-road parking. The plot – at Leicester Road, Leicester Road Shepshed Shepshed, Leicestershire – is being offered at an asking price of £110,000. For more information, contact Alexanders on 01509 861222 or email: lbrsales@alexanders-estates.com

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

COALVILLE: Newmarket work to resume as new contractors appointed WORK TO BUILD a new indoor market in Coalville will resume now new contractors have been appointed to complete the project. The North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) project to transform the former Litten Tree Pub into a brand-new indoor space for traditional market stalls and a modern food court is now expected to be completed by in early 2021. Contractors, Crowngate, will begin working on Newmarket in Marlborough Square on Monday 19 October to finish the remaining 40 per cent of building works. Earlier this year, Westone Housing Ltd were forced to pull out of the contract due to the pressures Covid-19 placed on the dayto-day operation of the business.

Leicestershire Builder Magazine Published By: Builder Magazines PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT Tel: (01530) 244069 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 (2,500 copies) • Through trade counters of local merchants (1,000 copies) SUBSCRIPTIONS: £20 PER YEAR (No VAT) TO SUBSCRIBE: CALL 01530 244069 and leave your details, or subscribe via our Website. We’ll invoice you later. Printed in Ellistown by: Norwood Press

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

The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Editorial/Production Team. The inclusion of any group or organisation in this publication does not necessarily imply a recommendation of its aims, methods or policies. Builder Magazines cannot be held responsible for the information disclosed by advertisements, all of which are accepted in good faith. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine, but no liability can be accepted for loss or inconvenience caused as a result of error or omission. Builder Magazines reserves the right to amend, shorten or refuse to publish articles and/or advertisements submitted for publication. All property details contained within this magazine are to be regarded as being for outline guidance only. All potential interested parties are requested to check individual availability of premises for accuracy of details with the relevant selling agents before proceeding further.

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If things get any better, I may have to hire someone to help me enjoy it.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Home improvements underpinning construction recovery, says FMB EARLY OCTOBER’S ONS construction output data showing the increase in private repair and maintenance work by 35.6% in the three months to August has been a welcome boost for British builders but uncertainty remains for the wider construction industry, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “A busy summer of home upgrades has been a welcome boost for the building industry but growing concerns about the strength of the economy might affect consumer confidence. The latest State of Trade data from the FMB shows that 4 in 5 builders are predicting material costs to increase in the months ahead. Given growing Brexit concerns it will be important that the Government works with the industry to ensure that supply chains aren’t disrupted. Any future delays and increase in costs would impact on the scope for the industry to ‘build, build, build’ our way to recovery.”

A Subscription to Leicestershire Builder Magazine would make a marvellous Christmas present for the builder in your life!

Call 01530 244069 to arrange it, or fill in the form on page 31. Thanks!

RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT SITE

Part Common Farm, Ashby Road, Melbourne, Derbyshire, DE73 8DN. An opportunity to acquire two traditional barns with full planning permission for the conversion into two dwellings. - Rare opportunity to acquire Traditional Red brick farm buildings in a courtyard setting surrounded by rolling open countryside. - With planning consent (ref 9/2009/1043). - Two units with a total floor area of approx. 5,300 sq ft. creating a 4 bed and a 3 bed unit. - Located close to the highly sought after market town of Melbourne in South Derbyshire, enjoying magnificent views over open farmland. - The site is offered for sale as a whole by private treaty.

Guide Price: £495,000 -

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Agent: Hamish Byers Tel: 07917 851024 E-mail: hamish.byers@matherjamie.co.uk Mather Jamie Ltd, 3 Bank Court, Weldon Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 5RF Online information pack available at: www.matherjamie.co.uk/commonfarm

Ever notice how random chance always picks you for jury duty, but not to win the lottery?

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Thousands of construction workers don’t realise they’re owed a tax refund as result of the pandemic

Villages hall improves facilities thanks to grant

2020 has been a tough year financially for almost everyone. With redundancies, pay cuts and enforced business closures, many construction workers are desperately seeking ways to support themselves. Tommys Tax (www.tommystax.com) was founded in 2015 and has since secured a total of £20 million in refunds for clients. They launched their free app in April 2020 and it has helped over 10,000 people. On average, they currently secure £3,000 for those on PAYE and £2,800 for the self-employed. 80% of their client base are construction workers. Founder and tax expert, Tommy McNally says: “Just under half of the UK workforce (around 15 million people) worked from home during the pandemic. Many of these people are missing out on tax rebates because they incurred job expenses. That’s because claiming a refund is complicated and many people don’t have the time, or know how, to find out what they’re owed. “The situation is made worse this year because of the number of redundancies as a result of the pandemic (almost 200,000 in September). Unless they find another job immediately, most of these people will have overpaid on tax. That’s because income tax is based on your anticipated annual salary, divided into 12 equal payments. But if you lose your job before the end of the tax year, then you won’t have earned the amount originally estimated and your tax bill should be reduced. “It’s also worth checking whether you’ve claimed for everything you’re entitled to. Most employed people don’t realise they can claim for things they buy for work, including travel costs, food or uniform. And if you’re one of the lucky 15 million people who have been working from home, you’ve been using your own utilities, so you should claim for that too. It’s also really common for people to be on the wrong tax code – because they’re working a lot of overtime or have fluctuating earnings, such as commission-based jobs that can also result in overpayment of tax.” Tommys Tax gives construction workers and business owners all the tools they need to manage their finances – including bookkeeping, invoicing, tax calculators and the ability to get a tax refund that can come within as little as 72 hours. In addition to helping employees, Tommys Tax App helps the self-employed, particularly those on CIS (the Construction Industry Scheme).

Nottingham site with consent for 42 apartments or 91 student beds FOR LAMB SALE Property HARRIS RESIDENTIAL/ Consultancy areSTUDENT offering LAND for ACCOMMODATION sale a cleared parcel COWAN STREET, of land with planning NOTTINGHAM, permission for residential NG1 1DY accommodation or student development. 0.23 ACRE SITE

The 0.23 acre site - at Cowan (0.094 HA) APPROX. Street, Nottingham NG1 1DY - hasWWW.COWANSTREET.CO.UK Outline Planning Permission (ref: 18/00565/POUT) with a signed S106 agreement from Nottingham City Council, for either 42 residential apartments or 91 student beds. Offers are sought on an unconditional basis. The property is elected for VAT. For more information, contact Chris Jones at Harris Lamb on 0121 410 2496 or email: chris.jones@harrislamb.com

WA Barnes next property auction WA BARNES’next ONLINE AUCTION will be on Thursday 19th November 2020. Visit www.wabarnes.co.uk for details of the lots on offer.

A VILLAGE HALL in Fleckney has introduced new toilet facilities thanks to a grant. Harborough District Council allocated more than £48,000 to support the project from Section 106 funding – developer contributions to improve community facilities in areas where housing has been built. Fundraising by community groups also contributed to the project. The refurbished toilet block has further enhanced the village hall used by drama groups, fitness groups, history group, WI, guides, karate and kickboxing groups, whist drive, pre-school nursery and for church meetings, birthday parties, wedding receptions, and craft fairs. This follows on from new air conditioning and heating equipment installed at the village hall in 2017, thanks to nearly £8,000 from Section 106 funding. OutlineTim planning Marshall, Chair of the consent for 42 Fleckney Village Hall Management apartments or 91 student Committee, said: “The newly beds refurbished toilet block is a longawaited and important addition to Fleckney Village Hall. My thanks to the committee members who led the project - Darren Parlby and John Beynon, our architect

Pictured: John Beynon, vice chair of the village hall committee, and Tim Marshall, chair of the village hall committee receive a plaque from Alison McDaid and Nada Hankin from Harborough District Council and technical advisor Graeme Jenkins, our builders and all the friends, colleagues and groups that contributed their time and expertise, and who raised funds for the project over very many months. Of course, projects of this size are a very big deal for any village hall, and we owe special thanks to Harborough District Council for their support in providing the funding that made the project possible.” Cllr Simon Whelband, Harborough District Council Cabinet lead on Wellbeing, Communities & Housing, said: “We are pleased that the Council has once again been able to allocate this funding to improve this muchused village hall. It is important, after a challenging year for everyone, that this hall continues to provide an opportunity for people to come together and take part in activities in a safe and comfortable environment.”

East Midlands property professional’s home staging book makes Amazon’s best seller list HOME STAGING expert Elaine Penhaul became an Amazon bestselling author last month after the launch of her first book – ‘Sell High, Sell Fast - How to sell your home for the best possible price, in the quickest possible time’. The book reached the number one best-selling spot in Amazon’s real estate and multi-level marketing kindle categories, as well as ranking at number six in the property and real estate financing category for paperbacks.

Elaine Penhaul

I read somewhere that 26 is too old to still live with your parents; it was on a note, in my room.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Permission granted for rooftop extension in Nottingham city centre PLANS TO add a rooftop extension to Whitefriars House in Friar Lane to house seven highquality serviced apartments have been approved. Planning permission had previously been agreed to create ten apartments within the unoccupied space on the upper floors, and the entire redevelopment plan for the 17 high quality serviced apartments is now expected to be developed. Each self-contained unit will come complete with a fully equipped kitchen, dining and living area, along with associated bedrooms. The development, designed by Nottingham-based architects CPMG Architects, will see a lightweight ‘loft’ storey added, with a standing seam mansard roof and elegant dormer windows. High-quality aluminium windows with side ventilation panels will be used, with the colour of the frames selected to create a unified palette of colours to tie the whole building together.

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I want my children to have all the things I couldn’t afford … then I want to move in with them.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Can we be more optimistic about the UK Construction Industry? B REXIT, a global pandemic, and an industry that’s been in the doldrums for some time – it’s not been easy for the construction industry of late. But can those in the sector start to be more optimistic?

While lockdown restrictions are eased and the sector is boosted by a £1.3 billion government investment to build new houses, we look at how the future of construction is finally seeing better days ahead.

Signs of a recovery? Looking for an early marker of economic recovery in the construction industry, many look towards improvements on the HIS Markit/CIPS Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rating. Used to highlight global economic trends in the manufacturing and service sectors, June’s record jump of 11.4 index points was a five-month high—and a statistic that shows a correlation between lockdowns easing and economies starting to recover. However, as the global index indicates improvements across a wide board, not just the UK, we must investigate the domestic situation to unveil the true state of the country’s current construction situation. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), construction output in the UK fell by 40% in April this year, following lockdown restrictions that have created a 38.1% fall in repair and maintenance works and a further 41.2% decrease in new work. These are representative of the biggest drops since records began a decade ago, leaving behind a financial hole of £5.1 billion to recover. May’s figures show a small sign of improvement for construction output, with an 8.2% increase— compared to April’s figure—being accredited to the easing of lockdown restrictions. Recent publications show a steady recovery for the industry, with a record 23.5% growth in output in June. While this still falls behind pre-lockdown figures, it does indicate that there is some reason for optimism in the sector. Although the ONS does admit the difficulty in portraying if the pandemic has been solely responsible for the damaging results, there is growing anxiety of how future outbreaks will affect the industry.

A helping hand from the government

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick announced that the government were attempting to fill the £5.1 billion hole caused by the reduction in output by approving thousands of infrastructure and housing projects with a sturdy £1.3 billion investment. The move is part of the government’s plan to deliver upgrades to local infrastructure and boost skills to help trigger a green economy recovery. The aims of the investment are clear. With 45,000 new homes, the creation of 85,000 jobs, and a reduction of 65 million kilograms of CO2 emissions in England. It’s a perfectly timed boost for an ailing industry desperate for a helping hand to kickstart its recovery.

Safety is paramount Of course, the recovery will take time if we expect to see the same level of productive output as before the pandemic, but it’s important to remember how the easing of restrictions will affect the people returning to work in construction— and how their health and safety takes priority. Where the normal health and safety regulations will always be made to ensure the wellbeing of workers, the virus has added the pressure of social distancing and hygiene guidelines to contend with. The focus on worker safety has

never been greater. One piece of legislation that ensures the safety of workers and buildings is the Building Safety Bill, which regulates building practices but also ensures the building is safe after it has been completed. Another, the Construction Leadership Council’s Site Operating Procedures during Covid-19 are aimed at protecting workforces from the virus. The first is known for its significant introduction following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, and the second will continue to be reviewed. The guidelines have already had five iterations, with plenty more issues to be produced if the pandemic continues to change at a speed that feels like it’s overnight. Both are intended to improve the working conditions in the construction industry, and they’re important for progressing the industry beyond lockdown and into the future. These documents are not technically connected, but they exist to be used together. Without the Safety Bill, you run the risk of unsafe buildings being built in a dangerous way, and without the guidelines for working during Covid-19, you can’t implement the new ways in which buildings have to be built, all the way from design to completion. After all, the workers and the workplaces are at the centre of this

Site for 9 dwellings in Warsop JOHN SANKEY Estate Agents are offering for sale a prominent corner site with Outline Planning Permission (ref: 2016/0028/ NT) granted by Mansfield District Council for 8 semidetached dwellings and Land at Oak Garage, 2 Hetts Lane, Warsop, Nottinghamshire NG20 0AS one detached dwelling. £385,000

An excellent development opportunity. Outline Planning has been granted to develop this site to offer nine new dwellings The land– at Oak Garage, 2 Hetts Lane, Warsop, Nottinghamshire consisting of eight semi detached properties and one detached dwelling. The site occupies a prominent corner position in a very popular residential location close to Warsop centre, schools and local bus services. A copy of the Outline Planning NG20 0AS – extendsapproval dated the 14th November 2016 is attached together with a site plan and a copy of the 106 agreement. The plot to approximately 1,805 sq.metres (0.446 of an size extends to approximately 1805 square metres or approximately 0.446 of an acre. This has not been checked on site acre). and is taken from the site plan and information given by the architect. The total site is shown outlined in red on the plan which is for identification purposes only. Please contact the office to arrange a personal inspection. The asking price is £385,000. For further information, contact John Sankey on 01623 627247 or email: enquiries@johnsankey.com

issue. Life on a construction site can be challenging. It’s less about collaborative working spaces and more using the land in which the building is being built on. The consideration of on-site facilities is vitally important during construction projects. Many companies use the adaptability of a storage container to suit a number of purposes, including as offices, canteens, drying rooms, toilet blocks, and for storage—all in varying sizes and layouts. But the close proximities of these sites makes it difficult to organise social distancing measures for staff, especially with the threat of closure if the guidance is not adhered to. Fortunately, industry experts have launched a course that can ensure staff can stay safe during the pandemic. CovCert is an online programme designed to provide employees with an understanding of how to work safely and minimise the risks from Covid-19. Construction workforce specialist Sphere Solutions and industry expert Green Hat Consulting have collaborated on the initiative. It intends to educate and ensure that construction sites continue to be safe and compliant. Discussing the course, Andrew Warring, managing director of Green Hat Consulting, said: “CovCert is aimed at employees who are returning to work on construction sites. The courses are intended to raise Covid-19 awareness and provide employees with the knowledge required to minimise the risk of transmission and infection within the workplace, as well as providing an induction for new employees and informing on up to date guidance.” This should help those who are anxious of returning to the workplace to be more confident of how it can be made safe and another step towards returning to the normality we knew before lockdown, benefitting the company they work for and the project they’re working on. There’s still a lot of work to be done to combat the uncertainties in the industry, whether it is because of the virus or Brexit. But the slight indications that show a positive trajectory for the industry is cause for optimism. With such an unpredictable landscape for the world of construction, it’s important that small steps are made as frequently as possible to avoid another decade in the doldrums.

I find that the further I go back, the better things were, whether they happened or not.

Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • NOVEMBER 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Former bricklayer builds name for himself as an artist AN ARTICLE by Dalya Alberge in the Daily Telegraph described how a builder who was “ridiculed” every day by fellow bricklayers for his love of art has become one of Britain’s most sought-after painters. Gary Bunt, who worked on building sites and as a painter decorator for 35 years, will exhibit at London’s Portland Gallery this month where his work is in such demand it is being sold through a ballot. The 63-year-old sold one painting for £24,000 earlier this year at Sotheby’s, and there is currently a waiting list of 1,500 collectors waiting to get their hands on his work.

DO YOU HAVE AN ARTISTIC SIDE? Tell our readers all about it - email: info@buildermagazines.co.uk

Increase in Construction Companies Adopting Construction Solutions COINS (Construction Industry Solutions Ltd) has announced that there are now over 100,000 users of its construction solutions across the world. With global construction professionals using COINS solutions to manage thousands of projects, this Slough-based company, which now has offices across the world, boasts more than 40 years’ experience delivering construction software and services for project management, operations, finance and supply chain management. Robert Brown, (pictured, right), COINS Group CEO comments:“The growth from 60,000 to over 100,000 active users of COINS solutions over the last few years is a tremendous achievement. This statistic not only highlights the underlying growth in the business but also demonstrates the continuing value that both our existing and new customers see in our construction industry specific solutions and underlying domain expertise.” In the UK, COINS customers include the UK’s number one housebuilder, Barratt Developments; Robertson one of the largest independently owned construction, infrastructure and support services companies; and top independent engineering and services business NG Bailey. Cloud based construction solutions are more important now than ever before, as traditional business models and on-premise-based IT systems don’t support the new way of work ushered in by COVID-19. COINS’ landmark offering COINS Construction Cloud, built and hosted on Microsoft Azure, benefits from cloud and mobile first technology that naturally supports remote work; users need only a web browser and internet access. COINS has a strong social ethos and COINS Foundation, the not-for-profit organization of the COINS group, aims to use the power of business to create a better and more sustainable future and to address issues of social justice To discover more, visit https://www.coins-global.com/

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