September 2011 Notts Builder

Issue 2: SEPTEMBER 2011

Huge shortfall in planning permissions for new homes Figures released at the end of August in HBF’s latest Housing Pipeline report clearly demonstrate why Government must ignore recent scaremongering about its proposals for planning, and stand firm on its commitment to growth.

The decrease in planning permissions granted in Q2, to just 25,000, has further increased the gap between housing need and delivery.

Around 60,000 homes are required per quarter to meet the current housing shortfall.

Headline stats: · Just 25,171 residential planning permissions were granted in England in Q2 of 2011 · It is the second lowest number of permissions granted in a quarter in the last 5 years TURN TO PAGE 4

Prime redevelopment opportunity for sale in West Bridgford LAMBERT SMITH HAMPTON Estate Agents are offering for sale a prime redevelopment opportunity in the affluent Nottingham suburb of West Bridgford.

The property - The former Becket Upper School, Wilford Lane, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 7QY comprises a plot of brooadly rectangula configuration, with a range of mostly 20th century buildings connected with the site’s former use as a secondary school.

The buildings are mainly of 2storey brick construction and include classrooms, offices, assembly hall, caretaker’s house and ancillary areas.

The main buildings are wind and water tight but would otherwise require some refurbishment before most forms of occupation. The land is level and measures approximately 0.57 ha (1.4 acres) with frontages to both Wilford Lane and the River Trent of approximately 120 metres.

The property has an established use for educational purposes. The agents believe that the property is well suited for a variety of uses such as residential, offices, educational or some other form of residential or nonresidential institution such as medical use or a place of worship. (Further enquiries regarding planning should be directed to Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Planning Department on 0115 914 8458.)

Offers will be invited for the freehold interest. Viewing is strictly by prior appointment with the sole agents, Lambert Smith Hampton - telephone 0115 976 6603.

Surveyors raise £7,295 for Spinal Injuries A team of sixteen from Fisher German’s Market Harborough and Newark offices raised a total of £7,295 for the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) by swimming a distance greater than the English Channel crossing.

The team had to swim 1420 lengths simultaneously to meet their target ‘Channel crossing’ distance in just two hours. However, on the day the swimmers easily exceeded the required distance with the total length count reaching 2091, equating to one-and-a-half Channels.

Veronica Richards who organised the swim comments “I was very surprised about the distance we covered. The final length count is testament to all of the hard work our swimmers put in to raise money for such an inspirational and worthwhile cause. The money that we have raised so far is a fantastic amount and I am pleased to say it is still increasing on a daily basis.”

The event was supported on the day by the SIA’s former chairman Bart Hellyer who suffered a spinal injury more than forty years ago. The money raised will go towards supporting spinal cord injured individuals and their family from the moment an injury is caused for the rest of their lives.

To donate money to the Spinal Injuries Association, please visit www.justgiving.com/fgchannelchallenge.

Useful Website NCF - the local trade forum Nottinghamshire Construction Forum is the only pan-industry organisation for construction in the County.

It is a place where all sections of the construction community can network, identify common interests, examine issues - take action on them, and develop a very powerful support infrastructure.

Visit the website at: www.nottsconstruction.co.uk

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2011

After four karate lessons, I can now break a two inch board with my cast.

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2011

SUMMER AUCTION SUCCESS FOR HEB Published By: Builder Magazines PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT

Tel: (01530) 244069 Fax: (01530) 249557

Contact us by email at info@nottinghamshirebuilder.co.uk Visit the website at www.nottinghamshirebuilder.co.uk Over 3,500 copies distributed every month across Nottinghamshire by a combination of: •

By Post to SUBSCRIBERS and a rotating free mailing list • Through other local outlets, including trade counters SUBSCRIPTIONS: £20 PER YEAR (No VAT) TO SUBSCRIBE: CALL 01530 244069 and leave your details and we’ll invoice you later.

Printed in Ellistown, Leics

by Norwood Press Advert deadline 15th of month.

Published: 1st 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.

NOTTINGHAM property agent heb celebrated its busiest auction in two years with over three hundred people packed into the auction room buying 86 percent of the lots offered.

Partner and auctioneer Matt Hilton said “There was a real buzz in the auction room with sale prices achieving around 12 percent above the published guide prices.

“We were expecting a busy day following strong interest and increased viewing figures prior to the sale however, the amount of people turning up on the day did catch us by surprise. Before the sale started we had to bring in extra chairs and at one point people had to wait in the legal area as there was physically not enough space for everybody in the auction room”.

Of particular interest at the auction was 222 Ilkeston Road which was a fire damaged property. The property had severe damage but sits in a very prominent position.

“This property is effectively a shell but buyers could obviously see the potential of the property and the benefits of its location. Prior to the auction, interest in this property was extremely high and we had scores of viewings.

There was some aggressive bidding on the day and the property sold for over three times the guide price.”

The excellent sales results mirror national statistics provided by the Essential Information (EI) Group which show that auction results have been increasing during the last quarter. It is also believed that the volatile stock market, particularly in the proceeding days to the auction, had an effect as people have confidence again in the property market.

Other interesting lots included 119 Porchester Road which was being sold on behalf of receivers and included a house and workshop. Again, significant interest had been shown prior to the auction and a number of interested parties drove the price to £141,000 which was significantly in excess of the guide price of £100,000. This just goes to show that auctions can work extremely well for the right property often achieving more than traditional private treaty sales.

Matt added: “Lots particularly suited for auction sales include unusual properties or those with structural faults or fire damage. These are properties which are in a poor state of repair and seem to attract builders and developers; those people who are professional property buyers with cash funds and realise that auctions are an excellent trading environment, with the speed and simplicity of the transaction process only adding to the appeal.”

Following last week’s sales, heb has raised almost £6 million from auction sales alone this year. The next heb auction will take place on Wednesday 12 October at Nottingham Gateway Hotel, Nuthall Road, Nottingham NG8 6AZ at 2.30pm. For more information, contact Matt Hilton on 0115 9506611.

Two building plots plus a coach house conversion in Arnold DAVID JAMES Estate Agents are inviting offers in the region of £200,000 for two building plots and a coach house for conversion at 33 Sandfield Road, Arnold, Nottingham NG5 6QA. The building plots each have planning permission for 3-bed chalet style bungalows. The coach house has conditional planning permission for conversion and extension to create a two-storey dwelling.

For more information, contact David James on 0115 955 5550 or visit www,david-james.com

Commercial development opportunity at Bevercotes FISHER GERMAN Chartered Surveyors are offering for sale a traditional range of farm buildings which are available for commercial use, subject to obtaining planning permission.

The property is situated at Bevercotes, Newark, Nottinghamshire.

Viewing is by appointment only - contact Fisher German on 01777 709943 or email: retford@ fishergerman.co.uk

To Advertise in Former school premises with potential for other uses Nottinghamshire FHP Property Consultants are offering for sale the Greenholme Infants and Junior School at 392 Builder Magazine former Derby Road, Nottingham NG7 2DX. The 6,920 sq.ft. property, which was formerly a house, occupies a Contact Us On site of 0.402 acres including the playground. It has access directly off Derby Road plus a separate access off Faraday Road.

01530 244069 The property is considered by the agents to be suitable for a Our advertising rates are on page 19

nursery/infants school, a medical facility such as a doctors, dentists or physiotherapists, student accommodation, or offices - all subject to securing planning permission for a change of use.

The rear of the site, which comprises a playground accessible off Faraday Road, would also be suitable for residential development, subject to securing the relevant planning consent.

Offers in excess of £500,000 are required for the freehold interest with full vacant possession.

For more information, contact FHP on 0115 950 7577 or email: davidh@fhp.co.uk

I hate it when my foot falls asleep during the day because that means it will be up all night.

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2011

Potential development site: £30k GADSBY ORRIDGE are offering for sale a hard standing site with development potential, subject to planning.

The land is situated on Old Derby Road, close to the town centre of Eastwood, Nottingham.

The level site extends to approximately 288 sq.metres. It is triangular in shape, and has been unused for a number of years.

The site is adjacent to residential dwellings and offers the potential for development , subject to obtaining the necessary planning consents.

The asking price is £30,000. For more information, contact Gadsby Orridge on 01332 290390 or email: commercial@gadsbyorridge.co.uk

Plot for 4 dwellings in Grove, Retford

CHESTERTON HUMBERTS are offering for sale a 2 acre site with Outline Planning Permission for four dwellings and associated garages, car parking and access.

The property - Grove Hall Gardens, Main Street, Grove, Retford, Notts. DN22 - comprises the walled former kitchen garden to Grove Hall and adjacent car park, which until recent years was run as a plant nursery and garden centre.

Outline Planning Consent has been granted for residential development with a proposed layout of four substantial detached houses. The historic high brick wall of the garden area is a particular feature and is to be preserved.

The Guide Price is £500,000, and viewing is by appointment only.

For more information, contact Chesterton Humberts on 01476 514514 or email: grantham@ chestertonhumberts.com

Huge shortfall in planning permissions Continued from page 1 · 25,171 is 24% fewer than were granted in Q1 2011 · And 23% fewer than were granted in Q2 2010 · To meet projected household formations on average 60,000 permissions are required per Quarter Planning permissions granted now will, in the main, be built during the next three or four years. At a time when fewer homes are being built in England than at any time since the 1920s, the figures reveal the potential for intensifying the country’s housing crisis.

The report, complied for HBF by Glenigan, also puts the recent disputes over planning policy into perspective.

What should have been a sensible debate into the most important planning changes since WWII, has been hijacked by sensationalist and inaccurate claims from a number of anti-growth organisations determined to fight all and any development.

Emotive and misleading claims about development on greenbelt have blighted the ongoing consultation into the National Planning Framework (NPPF). The draft NPPF document empowers local people, businesses and charities to shape growth in their communities. It strikes a balance between economic growth, a presumption in favour of sustainable development and existing environmental protection.

The social effects of continuing the undersupply of homes are obvious: five million people languish on local authority waiting lists, millions more live in over-crowded and substandard accommodation, whilst first-time buyers have all but disappeared – further stagnating the housing market.

Speaking today, Stewart Baseley, Executive Chairman of the HBF, said:“These new figures paint a bleak picture. We already have an acute housing crisis that is affecting the quality of life of families, young and old, across the country and the economy. Today’s extremely low levels of permissions will only make things worse in the short term.

“The figures clearly reveal that while the debate about planning is currently being hijacked by irresponsible scaremongering from anti-growth groups our housing crisis is set to worsen.”

“Government must stand firm and deliver a planning system that supports home building and economic growth. If it doesn’t, the social and economic implications will be felt for generations.”

James Abraham, Economist at Glenigan, commented, “Planning approvals have been on a downward trend for eighteen months, and this continued over the second quarter of 2011. Although there was a pickup at the beginning of the year, the number of housing approvals has dropped to the lowest level in two years. The 29,100 units approved represented a 26% annual decline, and is less than half the number of houses approved on average per quarter in the years before the credit crunch.”

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The trouble with life is there’s no background music.

New Cover Removes Weather Worries for Construction Companies Projects which are completed late and over budget could soon be a thing of the past with a new weather protection cover, FMB Weather Protect, offered exclusively by the National Register of Warranted Builders (NRWB), a subsidiary of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) which is the largest trade association in the construction industry.

Construction companies simply fill out a form online which sets the level of protection they require from whichever extreme weather event could affect their project and then receive an automatic payout if they are unable to work due to the pre-chosen weather event such as severe frost or excessive rain. To calculate the cost of weather cover, simply go online www.celsiuspro. com/fmb or call 01223 508 407.

David Hill, Director of NRWB said: “We are proud to be the first to offer FMB Weather Protect to the construction industry in the UK. Many construction companies have felt the effect of more erratic weather in the UK, especially over the last two winters which caused further financial strain for many construction companies that were already suffering the effects of the economic downturn.”

Hill continued: “A considerable amount of construction work is done outside which means that weather can have a serious effect on a project, causing delays and adding extra cost as employees still have to be paid even if they can’t work and the risk of late charges on large contracts. This cover removes the worry of the financial strain that lost working days due to the weather can place on a construction company.”

The cover is being offered in conjunction with weather risk management expert CelsiusPro, reinsurer Swiss Re, and Aon Benfield Securities, the investment banking subsidiary of Aon Corporation (NYSE:AON).

Men who have pierced ears are better prepared for marriage.

They’ve experienced pain and bought jewellery.

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2011

Developers Celebrate Successful Launch Of Newton Park OVER 300 local homebuyers have helped to celebrate the launch of Newton Park, a new homes development located on the former site of RAF Newton in Nottinghamshire, which lifted off on Saturday the 9th July.

The developers, David Wilson and Bellway, paid homage to the history of the site by hosting an aviation themed event and invited local residents to come along and celebrate the unveiling of four brand new showhomes that showcases the excellent range of new homes that are now available to buy at this exciting new community.

The event started with a ribbon cutting ceremony when Group Captain C B ‘Sid’ Adcock BA RAF (Retd), who was the last station commander to serve at RAF Newton, officially marked the new showhomes as open.

He comments “It gives me great pleasure to be here at the launch event for the inauguration of the Newton Park housing development.

“As you can see, the developers have put a great deal of thought and effort into the development, and are successfully transforming part of what was once an RAF Station into a chic, modern community which would be a perfect place to call ‘home’.”

Subsequent highlights throughout the day included an RAF Newton heritage display by local author, Tim O’Brien, music from Nottingham Jazz and the complimentary hog roast.

And no aviation themed launch event would be complete without a fly over and air display by an actual RAF Chipmonk.

Philip Lacey, Sales Director at

David Wilson, comments “We’re delighted that so many local residents joined us at the official launch of Newton Park, it was a fantastic day which was thoroughly enjoyed by all those who attended.

“Newton Park is an extremely exciting project for us as a housebuilder, we’re building a superb selection of high quality family homes there and we look forward to welcoming more homebuyers to view our first class showhomes.”

Ben Smith, Sales Director at Bellway, adds “I don’t think the launch event could have gone any better than it did and we’re thrilled that so many homebuyers came along to help us celebrate the launch and of course, to view our stunning new showhomes.

“Newton Park is a fantastic development that offers a wide range of new homes that are suited to all types of homebuyers.

It promises to be an exciting new community too and we are confident that following the launch,

demand here is set to increase.”

David Wilson is currently building a selection of spacious four and five bedroom family homes priced from £249,995. To find out more call the sales hotline on 0844 811 5544 or log on to the website at www.dwh. co.uk David Wilson East Midlands was given a five star rating in this year’s HBF Customer Satisfaction Survey, in which consumers are asked if they are satisfied with the quality of their new home and whether they would recommend their builder to a friend.

Bellway currently offers a range of two, four and five bedroom homes priced from £119,950. To find out more call 01949 208 69 or log on to the website at www.bellway.co.uk Gary Sidney, the site manager has won the coveted NHBC Pride in the Job award for all his hard work at Poppyfields, one of Bellway’s flagship developments within the East Midlands.

Advertising Rates Advert Size

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65

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95

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95

130

£90.00

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Half-page

194

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Full-page

194

268

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Colour

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Development site for 16 industrial units in Basford HEB Estate Agents are offering for sale a development site with industrial planning permission for 16 units, totalling 14,460 sq.feet of accommodation.

The site - South of Northern Court, Basford, Nottingham NG6 0BJ - extends to 1 acre (0.41 hectares) and is being offered for sale by private treaty - price on application.

Contact heb on 0115 950 6611 or visit the website at www.heb.co.uk

VAT at 20% must be added to the above prices.

Free advert design - call 01530 244069 for details.

Booking deadline: 15th of each month The last thing I want to do is insult you, but it IS on the list.

A man walks by a table in a casino and passes three men and a dog playing cards. “That’s a very smart dog,” says the man.

“He’s not so clever,” says one of the players.

“Every time he gets a good hand, he wags his tail.”

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2011

£10,000 Cash Boost For Local Charity Nottingham-based charity, Family First, has won a coveted grant of £10,000 from Boots Charitable Trust.

The Family First Furniture Recycling Project, which has been based in Alfred Street for the past 46 years, has put the money to good use by purchasing a much needed van for furniture collections.

Family First, part of the LHAASRA social housing group, offers a free collection service for unwanted furniture, in good condition, which meets basic safety requirements.

Items are graded for quality, and are either earmarked for repairs and cleaning, or shipped to one of the charity’s four ‘Recycle Reuse’ stores in Mansfield, Sutton-inAshfield, Hucknall and Nottingham.

Yvonne Colebourne, business development manager, said: “We operate a rotation system, if an item doesn’t sell in two weeks in one store, we move it to one of the others. It keeps the stock fresh.”

“A lot of the furniture is also given away free to those in desperate need, due to fire or flood damage at their home for example.”

Yvonne continued: “There is a referral system made up of over 200 agents, such as charities, councils and social services. Over 700 people in need come to us through this system.”

If you wish to make a furniture donation, please call 0800 013 0497.

A52 Roadworks - July to November 2011 Work to install new pedestrian crossings and reduce congestion on the A52 will take place between the Bramcote and QMC roundabouts from Tuesday 19th July to Monday 7th November 2011.

The work will see the Priory Roundabout and QMC Roundabout become fully signalised with new crossings installed and the approach widened to increase capacity and reduce congestion.

Throughout the duration of the work, traffic management and lane closures will remain in place during the day (9.30am till 3.30pm) and night time (8.00pm till 6.00am).

Speed limits of 30mph will also be introduced throughout this period. Normal bus services remain unaffected, wherever possible.

Brickies go back to where it began

bookSHELF The Housebuilder’s Bible

by Mark Brinkley AMAZON PRICE: £15.50

A team of Mansfield construction workers are plying their trade at the very place where they learned their skills.

That’s because the bricklayers working on a re-roofing scheme at West Nottinghamshire College are all ex-students.

Building contractors A.R.G. (Mansfield) Ltd are currently replacing the roof of the three-storey block at the Mansfield college’s Derby Road campus.

The work, which forms part of a planned maintenance programme, includes rebuilding the parapet walls around the rooftop – a task being performed by brickies Glen Smith, Chris Wilby, Adam Beaver and Marc Smith, who all left the college between 2006 and 2011.

Adam, 19, from Sutton-in-Ashfield, and Marc, 18, from Rainworth, have both secured a three-month placement with A.R.G. upon leaving college in June after gaining level 2 bricklaying diplomas. They hope the industry experience leads to permanent employment with the company.

Meanwhile, Glen, 23, from Church Warsop, and Chris, 20, from Kirkbyin-Ashfield, joined in 2008 and 2009 respectively after achieving NVQ level 2 bricklaying qualifications.

Site foreman Jonathan Graham, 27, from Mansfield Woodhouse, is himself a former student, having studied NVQ level 3 joinery at the college between 2000 and 2003 while an apprentice at A.R.G. A.R.G. (Mansfield) Ltd’s managing director, Allan Gregory, who also trained as a joiner at West Notts between 1968 and 1972, said: “We’ve enjoyed a proud history of working with the college since I founded the company 18 years ago, which has

RETURN: Adam Beaver (front left) and Marc Smith (front right) put their bricklaying skills to the test, watched by fellow ex-West Notts College students (back, from left) site foreman Jonathan Graham and bricklayers Glen Smith and Chris Wilby. included taking on apprentices and ex-students as full-time employees.

“I wouldn’t be managing director of my own company if it wasn’t for the training I received at West Notts, and as a business that works closely with the college it’s our duty to assist wherever possible.

“We’re delighted to welcome Adam and Marc to the team so soon after they achieved their qualifications. What better way for them to put their skills into practice than by helping to lay 17,000 facing bricks?”

Tom Stevens, the college’s executive director of capital projects and estates, said: “I’m delighted that former students are not only working in the industries in which they were trained at college, but are also contributing towards the refurbishment and improvement of our buildings.”

The college and A.R.G. are both founder members of the North Nottinghamshire Construction Action Group of Employers (CAGE), which works with schools, colleges and employers to inspire young recruits into the construction industry.

A.R.G. recently completed an £860,000 extension and refurbishment at Tuxford Fire Station and has current contracts at the University of Derby, Grantham College, Nottingham City Hospital, the Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham; Alexander House, Mansfield, and Friesland School, Sandiacre.

The Housebuilder’s Bible is unique - the first book in its field to mix information and advice with detailed yardstick costings for residential building projects.

This new edition has been completely redesigned with new tables and improved illustrations - all in colour for the first time. The author is an experienced house builder and renovator and much of the detail in the book is drawn from trade experience. It’s very much an insider’s guide and experienced construction professionals have expressed amazement at the amount of detailed information in the book. Yet it’s accessible - many readers who have never been involved with building before have used this book to successfully build their own homes.

The eighth edition has been fully revised and updated to reflect recent changes in prices, Building Regulations and other legislation.

It also includes an expanded green building section, more information on extensions and a snagging list.

It’s an ideal companion for anybody, self builder or professional, who wants to know more about building well and on a budget.

Author Mark Brinkley is an experienced housebuilder and renovator and much of the detail in the book is drawn from trade experience. He is in demand as a speaker and author. He writes regularly in Homebuilding & Renovating magazine.

We know you’d go to the end of the world for us, but would you stay there?

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2011

Specialists in the sale of residential investment properties

Genuine Residential Investment Requirement

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for well funded national and international investors  single units or portfolios  flats/apartments or houses  student accommodation  let properties  derelict or part finished projects

Your Local Quantity Surveyor Offering Friendly, Professional Advice Free initial consultation All work undertaken from tender stage through to final account Covering all sectors of the industry including residential, social housing, commercial and industrial 35 years experience in the construction industry For more information please visit our website: www.mjsurveyingltd.com Email: mark@mjsurveying.plus.com Telephone Mark on 07969 830986

Advertise in Nottinghamshire Builder and reach over 3,000 local building-based companies every month.

Telephone: 0115 9120061

01530 244069

Email: mail@ms-estates.co.uk Website: www.ms-estates.co.uk

SALES LETTINGS  STUDENT ACCOMMODATION BUY-TO-LET FINANCE SURVEYS EPC’S

Email: info@nottinghamshirebuilder.co.uk

AR Demolition Ltd Specialists in demolition and site clearance Method Statements and risk assessments carried out for each individual contract All works carried out under CDM regulations CSCS Operatives CCDO Operatives CCPS Operatives High reach excavators Low Loader Hire Plant Hire Excavations AR Demolition Ltd 36 Main Street, Carlton, Nuneaton, CV13 0EZ www.ardemolition.co.uk Please contact us on: 01455 291221 info@ardemolition.co.uk

What you lack in intelligence, you more than make up for in stupidity.

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2011

EXCLUSIVE DEAL FOR LOCAL FIRST TIME BUYERS TWO Nottinghamshire-based companies are working together to provide the region’s first time buyers with an unmissable opportunity to achieve an affordable first step on to the property ladder.

Barratt East Midlands has teamed up with The Mansfield Building Society to offer an exclusive mortgage product to purchasers who chose to buy a new Barratt home on the recently introduced Government-backed scheme, FirstBuy. FirstBuy was announced by the Chancellor in March’s budget and aims to make home ownership more affordable by allowing eligible purchasers to initially buy a new home for just 75 per cent of the asking price and with a 5 per cent deposit.

The remaining 20 per cent is funded by a joint loan from Barratt and the Government’s Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

Barratt announced in June that it had received a FirstBuy allocation and has subsequently teamed up with The Mansfield Building Society to offer its customers an exclusive mortgage product.

Mark Wright, Managing Director at Barratt East Midlands, comments “As a housebuilder, we are dedicated to helping Nottinghamshire’s first time buyers get that valuable first foot on to the property ladder and mortgage deals which only require a small deposit are vital in making home ownership more accessible.

“Following our allocation of FirstBuy funds, we’ve teamed up with The Mansfield Building Society to ensure that our customers will not only be getting a high quality new home but a very competitive mortgage offer too.”

The Mansfield Building Society’s FirstBuy mortgage is an offset discounted scheme which links the mortgage with a non-interest earning savings account. This mortgage features an attractive discount of 2.60% off the Society’s standard variable rate of 5.59% resulting in an initial variable payable rate of 2.99%.

Nigel Quinton, Chief Executive at The Mansfield Building Society, comments “We are delighted to have joined forces with Barratt East Midlands to bring home ownership in reach for many people in our main operating area.

Initiatives of this kind have a pivotal role to play in these exceptional market conditions”.

Mark adds “Our FirstBuy allocation is limited and will be awarded to homebuyers on a first come, first served basis.

With that in mind, I’d encourage anyone who is looking for an affordable route in to home ownership, to get in touch today.”

Paul Spooner, executive director for the HCA Midlands said; “Thanks to FirstBuy, 2,500 first time buyers in the Midlands will be able to get a foot on the property ladder, while house builders including Barratt will benefit from an additional source of sales, giving a much-needed boost to the development industry.”

Station building plus three plots in Tibshelf

ELDER & TWELLS Estate Agents are offering an interesting development opportunity comprising a former station building with consent for conversion, plus three further building plots.

The site - Old Station Yard, Tibshelf, Near Alfreton, Derbyshire - extends to 1.66 acres or thereabouts, and is located in open countryside next to a recreational trail (the former railway line).

The former railway building has attractive architecture, and has planning consent for conversion and extension to form a residential dwelling. The site also includes three building plots with planning consent for three 4-bed detached executive homes.

The asking price is £450,000. For more information, contact Elder & Twells on 01773 535353 or email: info@ elderandtwells.co.uk

Plot for 3-bed detached: £75k+

REX GOODING Estate Agents are inviting offers for a single building plot with planning consent for a two storey dormer style bungalow with approx. 1,300 sq.feet of accommodation.

The plot - at Besecar Close, Nottingham NG4 - is for sale at offers over £75,000.

For more information, contact Rex Gooding on 0115 945 5553.

Stapleford plot: £45k+ ROBERT ELLIS Estate Agents are offering for sale a parcel of land with detailed planning permission to build a three-bed detached house.

The plot - at 69 New Eaton Road, Stapleford NG9 7EL - is for sale at an asking price of offers in excess of £75,000.

For more information, contact Robert Ellis on 0115 949 0044 or visit the website at www.robertellis. co.uk

Beeston semi requires improvement cash buyers only ROBERT ELLIS Estate Agents are offering for sale a three-bed semi-detached house which requires improvement.

The house - at King Street, Beeston, Nottingham NG9 2DL - is situated in a popular location with easy access to the QMC, Nottingham University and Nottingham City Centre.

Cash buyers only.

For more information, contact Robert Ellis on 0115 922 0888 or visit the website at www.robertellis. co.uk

My grandfather’s a little forgetful, but he likes to give me advice. One day, he took me aside and left me there.

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2011

Balfour Beatty tops Contractor League after resilient results Despite facing cuts in public spending in its UK and US construction markets, Balfour Beatty has reported a growing order book and an increase in underlying pre-tax profits from continuing operations to £138 million for the first half, up from £133 million previously.

However, the group’s share price fell by around 5 per cent in early trading. The company warned that reduced UK and US construction activity will impact its performance and hold back revenue growth. A shortage of specialist projects is also likely to restrain margins.

Figures compiled by construction information specialist Glenigan suggest that Balfour Beatty is holding its share of UK markets, despite growing competition from smaller rivals.

Balfour Beatty ranked first ahead of Laing O’Rourke in the year to July 2011 in a Glenigan league table that measures the success of the Top 50 contractors in winning contracts worth over £500,000 in the UK. Balfour Beatty won 238 contracts during the period, securing work worth £2,685.2 million. (In the previous year, to July 2010, Balfour Beatty was also first, winning 228 contracts worth £2175.8 million). By comparison, Laing O’Rourke won 41 contracts, worth a total of £2,541.1 million in the year to July 2011.

Amongst other rivals in the Glenigan league table: Morgan Sindall ranked third with 265 contracts worth £1,866.8 million in the year to July 2011; Kier ranked fourth winning 206 contracts worth £1,872.2 million and Galliford Try fifth with 85 contracts worth £1 220.4 million.

Balfour Beatty reported a 6 per cent rise in its order book to £15.5 billion for the half to July 1. Chief executive Ian Tyler said: “Looking ahead, we will continue to manage the business on the basis that market conditions will remain tough.” But he added: “We expect recovery in our markets in the medium term and we have positioned ourselves to take advantage of the growing demand longer-term for infrastructure across the globe.” Group turnover rose 1 per cent to £5,222 million.£317 million Greater Gabbard Offshore transmission asset.

Construction Business Failures Up By 8.6% Year On Year In Q2 According to the latest Business Failures figures from leading business information provider, Equifax, the number of businesses going bust has risen by 2.2% in Quarter 2 2011, compared to Quarter 1. Whilst business failures in the Construction Industry have risen sharply by 8.6%, compared to the same period last year, the good news is that Q1 versus Q2 2011 figures are slightly down by 1%.

The Retail sector recorded the greatest year-on-year increase in failures in Quarter 2 at 15.9% although when compared with Quarter 1 2011 there was a 1.9% drop in businesses going under which should be a positive sign for companies in this sector.

According to the latest figures from Equifax, the East Midlands appears to be the most resilient region across the country, with a year-on-year drop in failures of 11.3%. And this strong performance is also reflected when comparing failures in Q2 with Q1 2011, with a 10.3% fall. It’s a similar story in the West Midlands with a drop of 7.5% year-on-year and 8.7% compared to Q1 2011. However, businesses in other parts of the country are finding it harder to survive.

Key Numbers • 3.4% increase in businesses failing in Quarter 2 2011 compared to the same period in 2010 • 2.2% increase in failures for Quarter 2 2011 compared to Quarter 1 2011 • The North East sees the biggest year on year increase in companies failing • Quarter on Quarter, the South East shows the biggest rise in failures • The Retail sector records a 15.9% increase in failures Year on Year, although the Transport & Communications sector has highest Year on Year increase, at 17%

“This new Report is disappointing given that the trend for more than a year has been a reduction in companies failing,” says Mark Nuttall, Director, Equifax Commercial & SME Services. “But the story in the South East does reflect the fact that some businesses have just found it impossible to continue to keep their heads above water as the economy fails to pick-up to any great extent. The failures in the Retail sector in particular would indicate the lack of consumer confidence that has been reported recently.

“However, it is also important to realise that we are now comparing figures to a steady fall in failures for the last 12-18 months, and the actual numbers of failures are still not as heavy as they were in early 2009.”

The latest report from Equifax mirrors a recent British Chambers of Commerce report, suggesting that the UK economy is recovering too slowly, with the BCC saying that more support is needed for private sector firms.

Coming a few weeks after a number of high profile failures, including Jane Norman, Moben Kitchens, Dolphin Bathrooms and T J Hughes, it also reinforces that whatever the size of an organisation, focus on credit management is an absolutely crucial component for survival.

“When we took a snapshot of business failures for April/May we could see the early signs of an increase in companies failing – with a 1.5% rise year-on–year,” continued Mark Nuttall.

“Our figures support other reports showing that the UK economy continues to remain fragile, so it’s not surprising that some businesses have just found it too difficult to survive. That’s why those businesses that have survived so far need to continue operating best practice, no matter which region they are in. Now is the time to harness the power of the latest risk management solutions to minimise the threat of bad debt and secure the future of their business.

PLANNING DEBATE MUST COVER SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS - not be hijacked by ‘anti-growth’ group scaremongering - says HBF The current Government consultation on planning policy is absolutely vital to the country’s future prosperity and social and economic wellbeing. It is therefore imperative that the debate is not hijacked by scaremongering from narrow minded anti-growth groups.

The consultation into the draft National Planning and Policy Framework will ultimately provide the ‘nuts and bolts’ detail on the new planning system and the new style local plans that will dictate what is built where.

With the country experiencing an acute housing crisis, that is having social implications in all areas and stunting economic growth, sensible debate encompassing all perspectives must be allowed. (See below for stats on housing crisis.)

The draft NPPF empowers local people, businesses and charities to shape growth in their communities. It strikes a balance between economic growth, a presumption in favour of sustainable development and existing environmental protection.

It does not in any way threaten the greenbelt, as many media reports, influenced by anti-growth groups

masquerading as environmentalists have suggested. Green belt continues to receive the highest level of protection as with current policy.

Stewart Baseley, executive chair of the Home Builders Federation said today; “This is the most important planning policy since the Town and Country Planning Act of 1947. It is vital we have a sensible debate and ensure we get it right.

Scaremongering by anti-growth groups has resulted in negative reports and a false impression that threatens to stunt constructive discussion over how to shape and guide development in the future.

We have an acute housing crisis

that has resulted in millions living in sub standard accommodation or on waiting lists and young people unable to buy their own home. To address this we need a planning system that balances social, economic and environmental concerns. The ongoing debate must focus on the wider needs of the country, not the narrow focus of a few.”

After 20 twenty years of marriage they are still in love. She loves the gardener, and he loves the lady next door.

10

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2011

Barns for sale with W.A.Barnes!

W.A.BARNES Estate Agents are offering for sale two barns with consent for residential conversion.

• Unit 4, Dilliner Wood Farm, Dilliner Lane, Newark, Notts NG22 8PN comprises a substantial barn, situated in an isolated rural position, with views over open farmland. Planning consent has been granted for conversion into a four-bedroom dwelling with good sized gardens. Offers in excess of £200,000 are invited.

• Unit 5, Dilliner Wood Farm, Dilliner Lane, Newark, Notts NG22 8PN is a substantial barn, also with aspect over open farmland. Planning consent has been granted for conversion to a four-bedroom dwelling with good sized gardens. Offers in excess of £250,000 are invited.

For more information about either of these properties, contact W.A.Barnes on 01623 554084.

Land & plot at Edingley CHESTERTON HUMBERTS are offering for sale

BY AUCTION (unless previously sold by private treaty) a rectangular plot of land with consent for the reuse of a derelict building on site to form a house.

The 1-acre plot of land - at Greaves Lane, Edingley, Newark, Notts. - has a price guide of £275,000.

The auction date has not been set, but is likely to be in October.

For more information, contact Chesterton Humberts on 01159 505444 or email: nottingham@ chestertonhumberts.com

Largest companies buck national trend in July with drop in insolvencies The latest Insolvency Index from Experian®, the global information services company, has revealed that the largest companies in the country – those employing 501 or more employees – experienced a year on year drop in insolvencies in July 2011. Thirteen per cent fewer large firms failed during July 2011 compared to July 2010.

Looking at the overall UK business population, the national rate of insolvencies increased with 0.10 per cent of firms failing in July 2011, up from 0.08 per cent in July 2010. The insolvency rate is calculated by comparing the number of businesses that failed with the total business population in Great Britain.

The overall financial strength score of businesses in the UK dropped from 80.93 in July 2010 to 79.84 in July this year. However, large companies saw their financial strength score improve from 84.20 to 86.13.

Businesses employing 51-100 people experienced the biggest annual increase in insolvencies, with the proportion of businesses failing growing from 0.15 per cent in July 2010 to 0.22 per cent in July this year. Firms with 11-25 employees saw the highest percentage of businesses fail in July 2011 (0.26 per cent of the population).

The North West of England saw 0.14 per cent of its firms fail, more than any other region. Scotland maintained the lowest insolvency rate with 0.07 per cent, while Yorkshire maintained its July 2010 insolvency rate of 0.13 per cent.

Max Firth, Managing Director of Experian Business Information Services, said: “When a large company becomes insolvent it can create a domino effect in the surrounding economy, so the improvement in insolvency rates with firms with more than 500 employees is good news. However, this doesn’t lessen the need for all organisations, regardless of their size or sector, to be mindful of the risks their customers, suppliers and partners can expose them to. It is vital that businesses fully understand the financial strength of those they do business with by checking their commercial credit score and late payment trends.”

Spondon Site with consent for 14 dwellings INNES ENGLAND are offering for sale a 0.6 acre site with planning consent for 14 dwellings.

The land - at Nottingham Road, Spondon, Derby - is currently made up of a car sales pitch to the front of the site and workshop premises to the rear.

The site currently has access off Nottingham Road with the workshop premises accessed off Anglers Lane.

The asking price is £400,000.

For more information, or to arrange a viewing appointment, contact Paul Simmons at Innes England on 01332 362244 or email: psimmons@innes-england. com

I wouldn’t say my car is old, but it’s insured against fire, theft and Vikings.

My mate Charlie has just bought a fantastic new offroad vehicle.

It’s a Reliant Robin 3x3.

Oyez, oyez! Show home opening marks development’s official launch THERE was plenty to shout about at Linden Homes’ new development in Retford in August with town crier Michael Wood announcing its official opening.

One of the company’s newest developments, The Maples will offer a selection of two, three and fourbedroom homes to suit all budget and lifestyle needs.

Work on the 41 homes, which will be designed to complement the existing surroundings, is well underway in a project worth an estimated £6 million.

Visitors now have the opportunity to see just what the development has to offer, thanks to the unveiling of a new luxury four-bedroom show home.

Potential home hunters also have the chance to reserve their preferred home from plan, with the first prices now released.

Prices currently range from £129,950 to £187,950, with the first new homes due for completion by October / November this year.

The photograph shows (left to right) Gizzy Murray (Linden Homes marketing manager) Melanie Parker ( Linden Homes Regional sales manager) Town Crier Michael Wood, Trax FM DJ Traxie, Fiona Vivian (Linden Homes sales executive) and Joanne Allan ( Linden Homes sales executive).

My auntie was a very cautious character. She even looked both ways before crossing her legs.

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2011 11

Former Rosewood Residential Care Home for sale in Radcliffe on Trent SAVILLS are offering for sale the Former Rosewood Residential Care Home at 84A Main Road, Radcliffe on Trent, Nottingham NG12 2BQ. The property, originally built in the 1930s, has been extended to facilitate its recent use as a care home.

It comprises a detached property with two storeys to the front elevation and three storeys to the rear due to the sloping nature of the site, and has grounds to the front and rear.

The property is currently configured into 15 bedrooms with ancillary living and bathroom accommodation. The Gross Internal Area is 4,995 sq.feet, and the site measures 0.19 acres.

The property is believed to have planning permission for the former Care Home Use (Use Class C2). The property is surrounded by residential dwelling houses and from discussions with the local planning department the agents believe it is likely that a reversion to this historic use will be allowed.

A scheme has been drawn up for conversion to six apartments, with the architects’ plans available on request.

Offers are invited for the freehold interest. For more information, contact Michael Donaghy at Savills on 0115 934 8030 or email: mdonaghy@savills.com

CONSULTATION ON HOUSING PLANS Trowell Parish Council are inviting local residents to take part in a public consultation over plans for new homes near the village.

Broxtowe Borough Council is planning to develop two greenfield sites in the Stapleford area. They include the site of Field Farm, north of Ilkeston Road, a proposed site for 450 homes.

The borough council is seeking to find space for nearly 6,000 homes in the borough by 2026, which would contribute towards plans to build 52,000 homes in Greater Nottingham over the next 15 years.

Maps of proposed sites in Broxtowe borough are available for viewing at Stapleford Library and at Beeston Town Hall until October 3. The plans can also be viewed online at www.broxtowe.gov.uk The parish council holds a public meeting about the plans at the parish hall, in Stapleford Road, from 7.45pm. on Wednesday, September 14.

A man goes to the doctor’s because his arm is covered in sores.

“What do you do for a living?” asks the doctor.

“I work in the circus,” says the man.

“It’s my job to give the elephants enemas. I have to shove my arm right up their backsides and clean them out.”

“My goodness,” says the doctor, “No wonder your arm is in such a state.

Don’t you think you should look for another job?”

“What?” says the man, “And give up show business?”

Self builds prove rich pickings for investors PROPERTY investors inspired by self build and home design programmes are snapping up land in auction rooms across the UK. Ambitious plans to increase the number of self build homes in the UK were recently announced by Housing Minister Grant Shapps.

This, coupled with the popularity of property programmes such as Grand Designs and The Restoration Man, has encouraged a nation of aspiring developers.

Experts are advising investors to buy now as the price of land is likely to be driven up as an increasing number of people consider this option.

Chris Baguley, director of specialist auction lender, Auction Finance Limited, said: “Investors can save thousands on the price they would pay for a house, if they build their own property, so it’s not surprising more people are considering this option. Investors buy either to live in the property themselves or to sell on and achieve strong profit margins by cutting out the builder’s margin. Some are even choosing to build to let.

“We’re lending more to self builders as land is selling especially well at auction, where deals can be snapped up if you can act fast. With the government drive to encourage more people into the self build sector, we’re likely to see the cost of land increase. If you want to take on a self build project, and have done your research, now could be a good time to invest, whether you’re an owner-occupier or a buy-to-let landlord.”

At present, self-builds make up one fifth of Britain’s new homes each year. In contrast, 50 per cent of homes in Europe are self-built.

This has prompted government action to encourage more investors.

It is predicted the number of self-build homes built each year could double in the next decade if the proposals are implemented.

Last month, The National Self Build Association, working with the government, published an action plan to promote the growth of self build in the UK. The report lists proposals to make more land available for self builders, less regulation and red tape and better independent advice to encourage more people to build their own homes.

Auction Finance Limited attends auctions across the UK and provides finance for land purchases before, during and after an auction takes place.

Wednesday 14th September 2011 SHONKI BROS. KAL SANGRA - at Leicester Racecourse, Leicester Road, Oadby, Leicester LE2 4AL - 5pm start - tel: 0116 254 3373 www.shonkibrothers.com Thursday 15th September 2011 - COTTONS - at Aston Villa Football Club, Villa Park, Birmingham B6 6HE - 11am start - tel: 0121 247 2233 visit www.cottons.co.uk

Tuesday 27th September 2011 - Howkins & Harrison - at The Appleby Inn, Appleby Magna, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE12 7AP - 6pm start.

- contact Iain Long at Howkins & Harrison on 01827 721384 or visit www.howkinsandharrison.co.uk

Wednesday 12th October 2011 - SHONKI BROS. lAL SANGRA - at Leicester City Football Club, Banks Lounge, The Walkers Stadium, Filbert Way, Leicester LE2 7FL - 5pm start - tel: 0116 255 7573 - www.shonkibros.com Thursday 13th October 2011 GRAHAM PENNY - at The Pedigree Suite, Derby County FC, Pride Park Stadium, Derby DE24 8XL - 11.30 am start - tel: 01332 2428 80 - www. grahampenny.com Thursday 20th October 2011 COTTONS - at Aston Villa Football Club, Villa Park, Birmingham B6 6HE - 11am start - tel: 0121 247 2233 visit www.cottons.co.uk Thursday 20th October 2011 SAVILLS - at The Centenary Suite, Nottingham Racecourse, Colwick Park, Colwick Road, Nottingham NG2 4BE - 2.30pm start - tel: 0115 934 8020 - visit: www.savills.co.uk/ auctions Wednesday 16th November 2011 - SHONKI BROS. KAL SANGRA - at Leicester Racecourse, Leicester Road, Oadby, Leicester LE2 4AL 5pm start - tel; 0116 254 3373 - www. shonkibrothers.com Thursday 1st December 2011 COTTONS - at Aston Villa Football Club, Villa Park, Birmingham B6 6HE - 11am start - tel: 0121 247 2233 - visit www.cottons.co.uk Thursday 1st December 2011 GRAHAM PENNY - at The Pedigree Suite, Derby County FC, Pride Park Stadium, Derby DE24 8XL - 11.30 am start - tel: 01332 242880 www.grahampenny.com

Estate Agents - send details of your auction dates and we’ll include them in this section FREE!

Winning isn’t everything; it’s also important to humiliate your opponent.

12

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2011

Electronic Templating Redevelopment project

FISHER GERMAN Chartered Surveyors are offering for sale a detached house with planning consent to demolish and replace the existing house with a 4-bedroomed house.

The property - at Blidworth Lane, Calverton, Nottingham NG14 - has a guide price of £550,000. For more information, or to arrange a viewing appointment, contact Fisher German on 01777 709943 or email: retford@ fishergerman.co.uk

Three plots in Burton Joyce DAVID JAMES Estate Agents are offering for sale three building plots at 56 Foxhill Road, Burton Joyce, Nottingham.

Planning permission has been granted for contemporary design of four-bedroomed houses on each plot. Offers in the region of £350,000 are invited for the whole, or £135,000 per plot.

Viewing is strictly through the agent, David James Estate Agents, on 0115 962 4213.

Development land in Rainworth JOHN SANKEY Estate Agents are offering for sale a 0.42 acre parcel of development land with Outline Planning Consent for three 4-bed detached bungalows.

The site - at The Hollies, Rainworth, Nottinghamshire NG21 0FZ - is situated in a pleasant cul-de-sac location and is considered an ideal opportunity for small developer.

The Guide Price is £200,000. For more information, contact John Sankey on 01623 627247 or email: enquiries@johnsankey.com

for The Worksurfacing Industry

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A bricklayer, a carpenter and an electrician were arguing about which was the oldest profession.

“We built the Pyramids,” says the bricklayer, “We must have been the first.”

“We built Noah’s Ark before the Pyramids,” says the carpenter, “We were first.”

The electrician says, “You’re both wrong. When God said ‘Let there be light,’ it came on straight away. We must have been there to put in the wiring.”

Residential development opportunity in Mapperley Park, Nottingham SAVILLS are offering for sale a freehold residential site which is suitable for a variety of uses.

The site is located on Woodborough Road in Mapperley Park and is approximately 2.4 km (1.5 miles) northeast of Nottingham city centre.

The site extends to approximately 1.44 hectares (3.57 acres) and is bounded to the east by Woodborough Road and the south, west and north by large detached residential properties.

The site is for sale as a whole or as two separate lots: Lot A, 379-381 Woodborough Road comprises a site of approximately 0.74 ha (1.84 acres) and currently accommodates a traditional brick built, three storey detached Victorian villa most recently used as offices.

Lot B, 383-387 Woodborough Road, extends to approximately 0.7 ha (1.73 acres) and contains a number of vacant buildings of varying age and character, including a stable lodge fronting onto Woodborough Road.

Residential development is encouraged as the site is designated in the Nottingham Local Plan as being within a Primarily Residential Area. Both lots are subject to informal planning guidance which can be found on the Nottingham City Council website (www.nottinghamcity.gov. uk) which highlights key development principles.

The existing building on 379-381 Woodborough Road is of Architectural Merit and, along with the mature trees, it is intended to remain. The site has potential for a further two high quality detached dwellings. 383-387 Woodborough Road’s stable lodge is a building of Architectural Merit and along with the mature trees it is intended to remain. A high quality residential development is envisaged on the rest of the site.

Both sites are offered freehold with vacant possession.

Offers are sought in the region of: • Lot A - £600,000 • Lot B - £900,000 Accompanied viewings only. Viewings can be arranged through Savills by appointment. Telephone Andrew Galloway at Savills on 0115 934 8112 or email: agalloway@savills.com

Help Us Make Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine Relevant To YOU! Which parts of Nottinghamshire Builder do you like? And which do you hate?

Which bits do you find most useful? And which aspects would you be happy to see less of?

SEND US YOUR COMMENTS AND WE’LL DO OUR BEST TO OBLIGE! Our email address is info@nottinghamshirebuilder,co.uk The only cure for insomnia is to get more sleep.

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2011 13

RICS supports Government’s position on planning

Former chapel for sale in Loughborough

Nottingham City NCC Property (c/o Mr.D.Prowett, Loxley House, Station Street, Nottingham NG2 3NG) - Demolition of elderly persons’ home - at Hazel Hill Old People’s Home, Beckhampton Road, Nottingham NG5 5NE.

INNES ENGLAND are inviting offers in the region of £175,000 for a detached former chapel building of 1,584 sq.ft. floor area.

The property - at 17 Forest Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3NW occupies a prominent location on Forest Road, a few hundred yards from the main shopping centre of Loughborough town centre.

Internally, the space comprises an open hall with ancillary office and storage areas with a fully fitted kitchen and the benefit of a disabled wc. There are uPVC double glazed windows throughout.

Keir & Hall (c/o Agent: CBP Architects, Mr.S.Birch, 44 The Ropewalk, Nottingham NG1 5DW) - Demolition of existing building for erection of student and retail development - at 95 Talbot Street, Nottingham NG1 5GN. Mr.Richard Crowden (c/o Agent: Rick Cobham Design Ltd, 3 Brightmoor Street, Lace Market, Nottingham NG1 1FD) - Conversion of existing sub station to artist studio - at Cable Sub Station, South East Of 51 Squires Avenue, Nottingham.

The Governors of Nottingham High School (c/o Agent: RDA Consultant Architects, Mr.J.McGuinness, 2 St Peters gate, Nottingham NG1 2JG) - Alterations for conversion of existing building to part ground floor retail (A2) and 12 self-contained apartments - at 1-2 St Peter’s Church Walk, Nottingham NG1 2JR. Belair Building (c/o Agent: Maber Associates, Mr Keith Hayday, 17 Barker Gate, Nottingham NG1 1JU) - Erection of serviced apartment complex and associated works - at Site of B Siegel, Maiden Lane, Notttingham.

Winchester Properties (c/o Agent: CBP Architects, Mr.Keith Clark, 44 The Ropewalk, Nottingham NG1 5EL) - Outline application for the erection of dwellings following demolition of existing buildings - at National Dry Cleaners, Winchester Street, Nottingham NG5 4DR

Offers in the region of £175,000 are invited for the freehold with vacant possession.

For more information, contact Steve Scott at Innes England on 0116 255 5455 or email: sscott@ innes-england.com

African Community Centre (c/o Agent: Capita Symonds, Mr Andy Rogers, ICON Business Centre, Lake View Drive, Sherwood Park, Nottingham NG15 0DT) - Change of use to community centre - at 16-18 St Marks Street, Nottingham NG3 1DE.

Howkins & Harrison Property Auction Several interesting lots are being offered for sale at the Howkins & Harrison Collective Property Auction on Tuesday 27th September 2011 at The Appleby Inn, Appleby Magna, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE12 7AP - 6pm start.

For more information, contact Iain Long at Howkins & Harrison on 01827 721384 or visit www.howkinsandharrison.co.uk

Mr.J.Lubinski (c/o Agent: Molyneux Smith Chartered Architects, 52 Gertrude Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 5DB) - Erection of two storey extensions to side & rear to form extension to existing dwelling and 2 new self-contained apartments - at 103 Eltham Drive, Nottingham NG8 6BP. Spencer Construction (c/o Agent: 19-10 Consulting Ltd, john Crich, Mansfield Business Centre, Ashfield Avenue, Mansfield, Notts. NG18 2AE) - Outline application for the erection

of 5 dwellings following demolition of snooker hall - at 62 Arnold Road, Nottingham NG6 0DZ. Mr L Jackson (c/o Agent:Gaskell Building Surveyors, Mr.D.Lacey, Victoria House, 104 Mansfield Road, Nottingham NG1 3HD) - Erection of 2 semi-detached dwellings following demolition of existing building - at 73 Piccadilly, Nottingham NG6 9FG. Westfield Shoppingtowns Ltd (c/o Agent: Indigo Planning, Miss Caroline Wilberforce, Swan Court, Worple Road, London SW19 4JS) - Alteration to the Broadmarsh Centre comprising demolition of the structure above Lister Gate Square and formation of an open north-south pedestrian street; remodelled service bridge over the north-south street; remodelled corner of unit 1/2 on corner - at Broadmarsh Centre, Lister Gate, Nottingham.

Rushcliffe Mr.C.Bailey (c/o Agent: Mr.S.Birch, CBP Architects, 44 The Ropewalk, Nottingham NG1 5DW) - Twenty three apartments with access and parking - at Bridgford Lodge Nursing Home, 15-19 Bridgford Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 6AN. Mr.Montague (c/o Agent: Mr.T.Orsborn, Verb Architects, The Coach House, 10 Millicent Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 7LD) - Formation of 2 additional flats - at 78 Musters Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 7PS. Mr.N.Skerritt (c/o Agent: Mr.R.Hughes, 5 Royal Standard House, Standard Hill, Nottingham NG1 6FX) - Nine dwellings (affordable housing) with access and car parking - at Land at Main Street, Flintham, Nottinghamshire NG23 5LA.

Newark & Sherwood Robobond Ltd (c/o Agent: Mr.Guy Taylor, Guy St John Taylor Associates, Top Lock Studio, Navigation Yard, Millgate, Newark, Notts. NG24 4TN) Conversion of former hotel to provide new bar/restaurant and 5 retail units at ground floor level, 7 self-contained flats at first floor level and erection of 2 dwellings to rear - at Ye Olde Market, 19 Castle Gate, Newark, Notts. NG24 1AZ. Mr.Matthew Wilkinson (c/o Agent: Derek Morris Architects, The Studio, Malt Kiln Road, Fenton, Lincoln LN1 2EW) - Demolition of existing petrol station kiosk, construction of convenience food store to include new petrol sales & pump controls - at BP Service Station, Albert Street, Newark, Notts. NG24 4BQ.

Continued on page 15

When you’ve seen one shopping centre, you’ve seen a mall.

RICS has welcomed the Government’s draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) as a significant step forward in enabling the growth the UK requires.

RICS believes delivering sustainable economic growth is in everyone’s interest, whether it be badly needed employment or equally important affordable housing. The existing planning system however well intentioned has failed to deliver the homes, infrastructure and jobs/investment that UK Plc needs as an urgent national priority. The reforms proposed by Government to bring about a planning system which is more workable for the local community and more responsive to public need are therefore to be welcomed.

This concise outline of strategic national planning policy retains its focus on economic development but emphasises the need to achieve this in a sustainable way. Businesses and other potential employers need the clarity and certainty which RICS believes the Government’s draft NPPF provides. We also believe that the draft strikes the right balance in safeguarding the environment and promoting strong, vibrant and healthy communities.

The NPPF sets out clear and concise guidelines for local authorities to ensure that the English countryside is protected and improved. RICS believes this is a clear intention to protect the UK’s natural environment whilst seeking to encourage the sustainable development the UK needs.

Approval for store Plans to build a Tesco supermarket in Sandiacre have been given council approval.

Erewash Borough Council gave planning permission for the project, which developers say would create 206 jobs, at a planning meeting at the end of July.

Proposals include a food store, car park and recycling centre in Mark Street and land south of Station Road.

The local heritage group, traders and councils representing Sandiacre, Stapleford, Broxtowe and Risley, oppose the plans.

The planning committee was told Tesco would spend more than £750,000 in Sandiacre.

14

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2011

Land for 5 houses in Heanor: offers invited

Interesting properties in the next Bagshaws Residential Auction: 14th Sept The next Bagshaws Residential Property Auction takes place at Derby County Pride Park Stadium, Pride Park, Derby DE24 8XL on Wednesday 14th September 2011, starting at 11.30am.

The following properties will be of interest to local builders and developers: LOT 4: Land adjacent to 7 Derby Road, Heanor, Derbyshire DE75 7QG

ELDER & TWELLS Estate Agents are inviting offers for a residential development site with Outline Planning Consent for five detached houses on good sized plots.

The site - at Claxton Street, Heanor, Derbyshire DE75 7QS - extends to approximately 0.7 acres, and is sloping.

Outline Planning Permission (ref: AVA/2006/1391), which was granted on 8th January 2007, is available for inspection at the Heanor office of Elder & Twells.

The site is owned by Elder & Twells Limited and as such this is a disclosable interest under the 1979 Estate Agency Act. Offers are invited. Contact Elder & Twells on 01773 535353.

News from Glenigan

Social Housing and Health Construction Starts Increase

Social housing and health construction projects starting on site increased in the three months to July as an increase in refurbishment and extension work outweighed the drop in new build work which followed last year’s Comprehensive Spending Review started to materialise. Social housing project starts increased by 19%, the first increase in seven months, while health projects starts increased by 17%.

Three social housing refurbishment projects in London with a total value of £180 million accounted for a significant portion of the increase. Two of these projects were commissioned by Homes for Islington and the other is a 21,000 homes repair project for the London Borough for Tower Hamlets.

In the health sector, the South West, North West and London all saw increases in project starts in the three months to July. Most notably the South West enjoyed a 15% increase over the period and accounted for 20% of all new project starts across the country in the sector. The largest project to start was a £70 million hospital ward block for the United Bristol Healthcare Trust scheduled to take two years. The main contractor for this project is Laing O’Rourke. The company is also main contractor for a £20 million hospital extension in Blackpool. Care home project starts also featured strongly across the UK in the three months to July.

Overall, the underlying value of construction project starts across all sectors was 8% lower than a year ago as the rate of decline slowed.

“The South West, West Midlands and South East all experienced growth in project starts in the three months to July, while the North East, East Midlands and Scotland experienced the largest declines” commented James Abraham, economist, Glenigan. In other sectors, private housing saw a 24% year on year decline in project starts, education a 23% decline and civil engineering a 7% decline.

An excellent opportunity to purchase a primarily level development site in a cul de sac position. The land is void of any form of planning permission so would make an excellent opportunity for the incoming purchaser to create their own style and design of property, subject to obtaining the appropriate consents.

Guide Price: £54,000.

LOT 12: Land adjacent to 67 Arundel Street, Derby DE22 3PG

Building plot with planning permission for the erection of a three-bed detached property.

Guide price: £36,000.

LOT 20: Building Plot adjacent to 99 Newton Road, Winshill, Burton on Trent DE15 0TT

A rare opportunity to purchase an individual building plot with planning permission for a four bedroom detached home overlooking the River Trent.

Guide Price: £80,000.

LOT 26: 305 Burton Road, Derby DE23 6AG

An excellent opportunity to purchase this substantial former care home situated in delightful grounds facing Whitaker Road.

The property has planning permission for separation of the right hand portion of the property to recreate one three-storey 4/5 bedroom residential property with access off Burton Road. (ref: DER/09/08/01320/PRI) In addition planning has been granted for the erection of 8 apartments with access off Whitaker Road.

Guide price: £290,000.

LOT 29: 388 Valley Road, Basford, Nottingham NG5 1HY

A detached three-bedroom property situated in a prominent position.

Guide Price: £95,000 LOT 35: 81 Newton Lane, Cossall, Nottingham NG16 2SB

Situated in a cul-de-sac position, this is a three-bedroom detached property with a larger than average garden.

Guide price: £130,000.

For more information about any of these properties, contact Bagshaws Residential on 01332 361 308 or visit: www.bagshawsauctions.co.uk

The hardest thing about prizefighting is picking up your teeth wearing a boxing glove.

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2011 15

PRIVATE FINANCE VITAL TO DELIVERING NEW INFRASTRUCTURE – CBI Continued from page 13 Newark Rowing Club (c/o Agent: Wm Saunders Partnership LLP, Sheppard Lockton House, Caffarata Way, Newark on Trent, Notts.

NG24 2TN) - Proposed club house replacement - at Newark Rowing Club, Farndon Road, Newark on Trent, Notts. NG24 4SE. Mr.Richard Craven-Smith-Milnes (c/o Agent: Mr.Nick Grace, Savills, 9 Fletcher Gate, Nottingham NG1 1QQ) - Conversion of former farm buildings to 3 dwellings - at Manor Farm, Hockerton Road, Southwell, Notts.

NG25 0PP. Forest Holidays LLP (c/o Agent: Mr.Steven Hearn, Concept Town Planning Ltd, Sambrook Hall, Noble Street, Wem, Shropshire SY4 5DZ) - Erection of 5 holiday cabins - at Sherwood Pines Forest Park, Mansfield Road, Old Clipstone, Notts.

Mr & Mrs G Gray (c/o Agent: Mr Matt Hubbard, Antony Aspbury Associates Ltd, 20 Park Lane Business Centre, Park Lane, Basford, Nottingham NG2 5AN) - Demolition of dwelling and associated boarding kennels & cattery, removal of 5 static caravans and the redevelopment of the site with a replacement dwelling and 3 bungalows - at 92 Caythorpe Road, Caythorpe, Nottingham NG14 7EB. Mr & Mrs Jeff Pitkin (c/o Agent: Mr John Krawczyk, 26 Park Street, Mansfield Woodhouse, Notts. NG19 8ED) - Erection of 5 no. 1½ storey detached dwellings - at Land to the rear of Majeka, Wellow Road, Ollerton, Notts. NG22 9AX. Willoughby 396 (c/o Agent: Mr Chris Dawkins, Guy St John Taylor Associates, Top Lock Studio, Navigation Yard, Millgate, Newark, Notts. NG24 4TN) - Conversion of building into 9 residential units and 6 offices - at Thorpe’s Warehouse, Navigation Yard, Millgate, Newark, Notts.

Mr.Malcolm Broomhead (c/o Agent: Mr Chris Dawkins, Guy St John Taylor Associates, Top Lock Studio, Navigation Yard, Millgate, Newark, Notts. NG24 4TN) - Demolition of bungalow and erection of one bungalow and 2 two-storey houses - at 20 Church Street, Edwinstowe, Mansfield, Notts. NG21 9QA. Newark Property Developments (c/o Agent: David Fleming, 9 Bankers Brae, Balfron, Glasgow G63 0PY) - Proposed retail development comprising 6 units for bulky goods/ Open A1/Open A1 convenience uses and provision of car parking - at Land off North Gate, Newark on Trent,

Notts.

Carmalor Homes Ltd (of The Coach House, Savile Road, Main Street, Eakring, Notts. NG22 0BL - Proposed residential development of 4 bungalows - at Silverwood, Broomfield Lane, Farnsfield, Notts.

NG22 8LQ.

Mansfield Longden Terrace Miners’ Welfare (c/o Agent: Alisdair Russell, Caven Associates Ltd, 139 Middleton Boulevard, Nottingham NG8 1FW) - New community centre to replace an existing Miners’ Welfare and Bowls Club (both to be demolished) - at Longden Terrace Welfare Club, Longden Terrace, Warsop, Notts.

NG20 0NQ. Baco Ltd (c/o Agent: Mr.P.Butler, PBA Ltd, Top Cottage, 7 Top Road, Croxton Kerrial, Grantham, Lincs.

NG32 1QB) - Erection of 2 semidetached bungalows - at Rear of 29 Chestnut Grove, Mansfield Woodhouse, Notts. NG19 8NS. Mr.Sean Mahan (c/o Agent: Nick Grace, Savills, 9 Fletcher Gate, Nottingham NG1 1QQ) - Aplication to replace an extant planning permission to extend time limit for implementation of construction of 4 detached houses and 1 detached bungalow - at Sandilands, Old Sookholme Lane, Warsop, Notts.

NG20 0DA. LHA-ASRA Group (c/o Agent: KPW Architects, 170 Upper New Walk, Leicester LE1 7QA) - Residential development of 22 new dwellings (for intermediate affordable rent) with access, car parking, gardens and landscaping - at Land to east and west of Greenshank Road, Warsop Vale, Notts. NG20 8XH. RSD Mansfield Ltd (c/o Agent: Mr.Mark Flatman, IPLAN Solutions Ltd, PO Box 9170, Loughborough, Leics. LE12 8ZQ -) - Demolition of former public house and erection of 10 dwellings - at M.A.Hubbards, Birding Street, Mansfield, Notts. NG19 7DZ. Tesco Stores Ltd (c/o Agent: Mr A Brand, Development Planning Partnership, West One, 63-67 Bromham Road, Bedford MK40 2FG.) - Erection of new foodstore following partial demolition of the Strand Bingo Hall and building to the north of 38 Church Street, and demolition of 19 & 19a Burns Lane and other industrial buildings - at Land off Burns Lane, Warsop, Notts.

Continued on page 16

The Government is right to look closely at how the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) is used and must act on the lessons learned.

But it should also recognise that private “Given the current finance must play a vital role in delivering new roads, hospitals and schools, the CBI state of the public said in August. finances, private The UK badly needs to invest in meeting the finance must be country’s need for improved infrastructure, an option if the to ensure that we don’t fall behind our competitors. With the public finances so public is to continue constrained, much of the investment to to access quality maintain and build infrastructure will need to new schools, come from private finance. hospitals and other In a new report, Building Strong Foundations: Financing UK Infrastructure, infrastructure at an the CBI puts forward a package of measures affordable price.” to boost infrastructure investment through effective public-private partnerships.

Dr.Neil Bentley Dr Neil Bentley, CBI Deputy DirectorGeneral, said: “A successful economy depends on high-quality economic and social infrastructure. Given the current state of the public finances, private finance must be an option if the public is to continue to access quality new schools, hospitals and other infrastructure at an affordable price.

“We want the Government to publish a clear, long-term pipeline of projects so that investors can have the confidence to put their money in the UK. Infrastructure spending also offers one of the biggest bangs for buck in terms of additional economic activity, so this is a chance to generate jobs, growth and build for the future.”

The CBI’s report highlights the benefits that the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) has already delivered for taxpayers, through better designs, sharing risk and including maintenance in the overall cost of the project. In the last decade more than 700 PFI projects have been both approved and financially backed, including more than 120 healthcare initiatives.

Dr Bentley added: “Thanks to the use of private finance and expertise, hundreds of hospitals, schools and homes have been built, with the vast majority delivered on time and on budget. But let’s be clear, private finance should only be used when it offers best value for money.

“PFI mustn’t be viewed as the solution on every occasion, but when it has been used effectively it has delivered huge improvements in the UK’s infrastructure.

“Businesses understand that the use of PFI must evolve and that we need to develop new ways to pay for our infrastructure. But ministers must stand up for the role that private finance has to play and decide sooner rather than later how to use it to best effect.”

Measures the CBI is calling for to boost infrastructure investment and ensure value for money include: · The Government should consult with industry to develop a range of standardised designs for infrastructure, including schools, hospitals and prisons. · The Government should introduce legislation to extend local authority borrowing powers to enable them to accelerate Tax Increment Funding schemes. · Facilities management services, such as cleaning, should be re-tendered regularly throughout the contract to ensure they deliver value for money. · The Cabinet Office needs to produce guidelines requiring contracting authorities to provide standardised data on service cost and quality to allow services to be benchmarked effectively. · The Government should set out a clear plan for future infrastructure to allow businesses and investors to invest with confidence, with a five-year outlook. · Planning reforms must focus on removing delays and uncertainties. · Contracting authorities should retain risks which are more cost effective being kept in-house. Insurance and energy services are examples of areas where economies of scale can lead to significant savings. · The Government should introduce a clear and simple payment mechanism to incentivise continual improvements in services. · The Cabinet Office should use lean procurement techniques and strip out bureaucracy for private-public partnership projects to maximise savings, as well as setting out clear timescales at the outset of each project.

You tried your best and you failed miserably. The lesson is never try.

16

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2011

Sandiacre-based Lovell helps Morgan Sindall Group’s results Continued from page 15 Mr.R.Morrell (c/o Agent: Mr.P.Noble, Coda Studios Ltd, Hope Works, 25 Mowbray Street, Sheffield S3 8EL) - Demolition of existing club house and construction of 6 apartments and 8 houses - at Arnold Daybrook & Bestwood Constitutional Club, Prior Road, Daybrook, Notts.

NG5 6AW.

Lincoln Road, Tuxford, Newark, Notts.

NG22 0HR.

Mr.Brendon Finn (c/o Agent: Brian Yerbury, 6 Sunninghill Rise, Arnold, Notts. NG5 8ES) - Alterations to garages to provide two single storey domestic dwellings - at Land off Festus Street, Netherfield, Nottingham NG4 2LN

Grainger Electrical Services (UK) Ltd (c/o Agent, 54 Book Shop Chambers, King Street, Southwell, Notts. NG25 0EN) - Proposed industrial building to form 3 new units for B1, B2 & B8 Use - at Land off High Grounds Way, Rhodesia, Worksop, Notts.

Applicant (c/o Agent: Jonathan Best, Blue Sky Planning, Bourne House, 475 Godstone Road, Caterham, Surrey CR3 0BL) - Demolition of existing restaurant building and redevelopment to provide three buildings for restaurant/cafe use - at Victoria Retail Park, Victoria Park Way, Netherfield, Nottingham NG4 2PA. Mrs.J.Simpson (c/o Agent: Andrew Stevenson Associates, 21A High Street, Great Dunmow, Essex CM6 1AB) - Renewal of outline application for the erection of 2 dwellings - at 4 Gorse Hill Ravenshead, Nottingham NG15 9AF.

Broxtowe Hofton & Son Ltd - Application to extend time limit for implementation of planning permission to construct 8 dwellings - at Workshop & Premises, Roberts Yard, Beeston, Notts. NG9 2LJ Miss Deborah Wilkinson - Convert existing property to form 2 residential units - at Truman Street Methodist Church, Truman Street, Kimberley, Notts.

Applicant (c/o Agent: Mr Aaron Smith, Unit A, Bourton Business Centre, Manor Farm, Buckingham, Bucks.) - Demolition of public house and erection of 7 dwellings - at Foresters Arms, 254 Main Street, Newthorpe, Notts. NG16 2DN. George Spencer Academy Trust (c/o Agent: Ms Janette Clarke, St Mary’s Hall, 17 Barker Gate, The Lace market, Nottingham NG1 1JU) - Construction of sports centre - at George Spencer Academy, Arthur Mee Road, Stapleford, Notts. NG9 7EW.

Bassetlaw Mr.Binning (c/o Agent: Mr.J.Adams, Appletree Cottage, The Green, Dunham on Trent, Newark, Notts.

NG22 0TU) - Convert existing dwelling into 2 separate dwellings - at 43

ASDA Stores (c/o Agent: Mr.Philip Grant, 2 Hardman Street, Manchester M3 3HF) - Erect A1 retail convenience store - at Land forming part of Harworth Colliery, Scrooby Road, Harworth, Doncaster.

Mr.Williams (c/o Agent: Miss Roarty, Studio North, 76-78 The Lowgate Centre, Lowgate, Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire HU1 1HP) - Erect 29 non-permanent holiday lodges with associated engineering works, including access roads - at Land at Clumber Lane, Worksop, Notts.

Mrs.A.Deakin (c/o Agent: Mr.H.Taylor, The Old Rectory, Rectory Road, Treswell, Retford, Notts.

DN22 0EH) - Erect pair of semidetached cottages (renewal of outline application) - at Land at Torksey Street, rampton, Retford, Notts. DN22 0HT. Mr.Reed (c/o Agent: Mr.Garfitt, 31 Hall Drive, Worksop, Notts. S80 3GB) - Change of use from office to 3 apartments with alterations to existing apartment and erection of 2 apartments at the rear of the property - at 40-42 Carlton Road, Worksop, Notts. S80 1PH. Mrs.Brumpton (c/o Agent: Mr.Taylor, The Old Rectory, Rectory Road, Treswell, retford, Notts. DN22 0EH) Erect 2 semi-detached dwellings and construct new access) - at Land adjacent to April Cottage, The Green, Dunham on Trent, Newark, Notts.

NG22 0TU. Mr.Philip Ryde (c/o Agent: Mr.C.Moxon, Newcastle Chambers, 45 Carlton Road, Worksop, Notts. S80 1PD) - Conversion of shops, offices, bar and restaurant into 10 residential units) - at 124 Bridge Street, Worksop, Notts.

Affordable housing, regeneration and maintenance specialist Lovell, which has local offices at Bostocks Lane, Sandiacare, has contributed to a solid set of half year results released on 8 August 2011 by its parent, construction and regeneration group Morgan Sindall Group plc.

Morgan Sindall Group, which operates through five divisions of construction and infrastructure, affordable housing, fit out, urban regeneration and investments, announced solid results in line with expectations for the six months to 30 June 2011. The Group’s profit before tax, amortisation of intangible assets and non-recurring items was £19.5 million (2010: £23.1 million) on revenue of £1.09 billion (2010: £982 million). The Group also reports a strong order book of £3.5 billion supplemented by a £1.8 billion pipeline of regeneration schemes. A further £0.8 billion of these schemes are at preferred bidder stage. Adjusted earnings per share for the period were 35.1p (2010: 42.0p). The Board has declared a maintained interim dividend of 12.0p (2010: 12.0p).

Lovell managing director Stewart Davenport says: “It’s almost one year since we completed the high-profile acquisition of interests in a large number of social housing contracts from Connaught. This was a landmark deal for Lovell and we are delighted at the speed and success of the integration process during the first half of the year. Lovell now has a unique ability to deliver one of the most comprehensive offerings in the affordable housing market. We are a genuine one-stop shop, whether it is for responsive or planned maintenance, new-build housing, regeneration or refurbishment. Our order book is holding up very well, in what remains a difficult market, and our performance is in line with our expectations. We are constantly looking at new ways to build and grow Lovell and the recent announcement that we have won two contracts to provide photovoltaic solar panels to our customers is evidence of this. These are exciting times to be part of Lovell and we are all looking forward to the rest of 2011.”

Since February 2011, Lovell’s Eastern region has secured contracts worth £18.29 million in total turnover. Key projects include: • A £2 million design-and build contract for 19 super-green homes for City of York Council built to Level 5 of the Code for Sustainable Homes.

• A £7.4 million scheme to design and build 50 new homes to Level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes at Stockton on Tees for Muse Developments.

• A £5.4 million design-and-build scheme to create 41 affordable homes for Guinness Northern Counties in Wath-upon-Dearne.

• A £2 million contract to carry out planned repairs and disabled adaptations to homes in Doncaster for Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council.

Other major projects include a large-scale regeneration scheme for Derby City Council. As part of Compendium Living, a joint venture with housing association Riverside, Lovell has been chosen to deliver the £105 million Castleward Urban Village regeneration scheme in Derby. Compendium is Derby City Council’s preferred partner for the scheme.

The scheme will involve the construction of around 800 new homes as well as commercial and retail units.

Lovell is also building two mixed tenure housing developments, together worth £20 million, for Doncaster Council. The schemes – at Hyde Park, Doncaster and Mexborough - will create 162 homes for affordable rent, shared ownership (through the Lovell Choice shared ownership scheme) and for open market sale.

Earlier this year, Lovell, property developer Maple Grove Developments and Craven District Council signed a deal for a £40 million development programme set to provide a significant economic boost for Skipton in North Yorkshire. Lovell will deliver the housing element of the scheme, valued at £30 million.

Mr.Hawke (c/o Agent: Mr Kitson, Trinity College Farm, Great North Road, Barnby Moor, retford, Notts.

DN22 8QQ) - Outline application to erect 2 dwellings with additional car parking for 3 adjacent cottages - at Land adjacent to High Gables, Great North Road, Torworth, Notts.

Continued on page 19

I always arrive late at the office, but I make up for it by leaving early.

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2011 17

Nottingham site with potential for redevelopment

Site for a pair of 3-bed semis ELDER & TWELLS Estate Agents are offering for sale a building plot with planning consent for a pair of threestorey, three bedroom semidetached dwellings.

The land - at Abbott Street, Heanor, Derbyshire - is located in a popular residential area on the edge of Heanor town centre.

The site measures 11.15m wide by 26.2m deep on the eastern boundary, and 17.3m deep on the western boundary. The plot currently contains a storage building.

The asking price is £60,000.

For more information, contact Elder & Twells on 01773 535353 or visit www.elderandtwells.co.uk

REX GOODING Estate Agents are offering a rare opportunity to acquire three properties fronting Alfreton Road, and one house with large garage fronting Holden Street behind.

Plot in Old Church Warsop JOHN SANKEY Estate Agents are offering for sale a building plot with planning consent for a twobed detached bungalow at Rectory Road, Old Church Warsop, Nottinghamshire NG20 0RU. The 279 sq.yard plot currently forms part of the rear garden of Number 2 Rectory Road, and will have a frontage of 18.4 metres to Weetman Avenue. The depth of the plot will be 18.8 metres approx.

The asking price is £74,000.

For more information, contact John Sankey on 01623 627247 or email: enquiries@johnsankey.com

The properties are known as 31, 33 & 35 Alfreton Road, Nottingham and 32 Holden Street, Nottingham.

The unique arrangement creates an opportunity to redevelop the site and allow access off two streets.

Numbers 31 & 33 Alfreton Road consist of commercial premises to the ground floor and one bedroom duplex apartments to the first and second floors. Number 35 Alfreton Road has recently been converted to a residential house with living room and kitchen to the ground floor, double bedroom and bathroom to the first floor, and double bedroom to the second floor. Number 32 Holden Street is a two double-bedroom cottage with living room and kitchen to the ground floor and two double bedrooms and bathroom to the first floor.

The three properties on Alfreton Road back onto a shared rear courtyard and the rear garden of 32 Holden Street. The site area totals 220 square metres.

The Guide Price for the freehold is £435,000.

For more information, contact Rex Gooding Estate Agents on 0115 9455 553.

Landlord Optimism Highest Since 2007 Landlord optimism is at its highest point for almost four years, according to the National Landlords Association (NLA), who published their Landlord Optimism Index in August.

Sixty-five per cent of landlords surveyed rated prospects for their own lettings business over the next three months as “very good” or “good”.

Landlords are also increasingly optimistic about the overall state of the private rented sector (PRS), with 54 per cent rating the industry’s prospects as “good or very good”, an increase of 8 per cent compared with the NLA’s findings during the second quarter of 2010.

However, landlords remain less certain about the state of the UK financial market with only 6 per cent rating this positively, a decrease of 3 per cent compared with the same time last year.

David Salusbury, NLA Chairman, commented: “After a challenging few years, it is encouraging to hear that the majority of landlords are feeling positive about their lettings business and the overall state of the privaterented sector.

“The increasing availability of buyto-let mortgages and strong demand for rental accommodation is further stimulating positive sentiments, with rent arrears appearing to stabilise and void periods decreasing in recent months.

“The private-rented sector is demonstrating its resilience, in marked contrast to some other industries and investments.

“Like other business people, it is clear that landlords are not immune from the effects of financial uncertainty. The fragile state of the economy is a concern for landlords, many of whom have mortgages to pay or rely on their property portfolios to earn a living.

Bassetlaw Council clarifies the planning process Bassetlaw District Council has adopted a new set of guidelines to ensure that the approval of plans for property development and alterations are much more transparent.

Portfolio holder for Community Prosperity and Planning, Cllr David Pressley, says “The sheer volume, diversity and complexity of planning applications received by the Council means that the Planning Committee, consisting of elected members of the Council, cannot possibly deal with them all within the laid-down time scales.

There is therefore a system in place

of delegated authority to deal with some applications by either the professional planning officers or the Planning Consultation Group [PCG].

“The PCG consists of the Chairman, Vice Chairman and Opposition Spokesman of the Planning Committee, plus one other member of the Planning Committee chosen on a rota basis. Also present is the Council’s Development Control Manager or one of the Principal Planners.

“The new guidelines set out the criteria for determining the circumstances in which delegated powers can be used, which applications should automatically

be referred to the PCG as well as those that should automatically be referred to the Planning Committee.

“When considering an application that doesn’t obviously meet these criteria, planning officers will use their judgement to determine whether it raises issues that justify consideration at the PCG or by the full Committee.

“In the interest of transparency, planning officers will, in future, prepare a written report of each meeting of the Planning Consultation Group [PCG]. This will include a section summarising any relevant issues arising from the discussion and noting any specific points that Members wish

I recently turned sixty. Practically a third of my life is over.

to be recorded. This report will be added to the application file and will be available for inspection as a record of the considerations taken into account in determining the application.”

Dave Armiger, Head of Community Prosperity, says “The new guidelines cover the huge array of circumstances and legalities that determine the nature of each and every planning application. There are far too many of these to even give examples and anyone who wants to find out how the guidelines work should refer to the Planning pages on the Council’s website.”

18

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2011

Mapperley house with development potential

Mansfield plot

Nightingale Conant CD Set of the Month

JOHN SANKEY Estate Agents are offering a residential building plot at Windsor Road, Mansfield, Notts. NG18 4EB. Planning consent was granted by Mansfield District Council on 25th November 2009 under reference no. 2009/0626/ST for a detached three-bed chalet style dwelling.

There is a brick built garage on the site which will need to be demolished when the new property is built.

The asking price is £65,000.

For more information, contact John Sankey on 01623 627247 or email: enquiries@johnsankey.com

Development opportunity in Ilkeston

By Edward (Ned) Hallowell, M.D. CD Version - 6 Compact Discs/PDF Workbook - Price: £35.72

DAVID JAMES Estate Agents are offering for sale a traditional bay fronted detached house which has potential for redevelopment of the site.

The four-bedroomed property - 92 Plains Road, Mapperley, Nottingham NG3 5RH - stands in a plot which is 74 feet wide by 230 feet deep, and offers the potential to redevelop the whole site.

The property stands approximately 90 feet back from the road with a horseshoe tarmac drive providing a drive on/drive off facility and leading to a forecourt providing additional off street parking.

Offers in the region of £495,000 are invited.

Viewing is strictly through the agent - contact David James Estate Agents on 0115 962 4213.

ELDER & TWELLS Estate Agents are offering for sale a former joinery factory with planning permission for a terrace of four twobedroomed dwellings.

The property - Yeomans Joinery Shop and Grounds, Providence Place, Ilkeston, Derbyshire DE7 8AL - occupies a site of 24.38m by 16.76m approximately.

Planning permission has been granted by Erewash Borough Council for the demolition of the existing commercial building and erection of a terrace of four two-bedroomed dwellings (ref: ERE/0108/0036).

Offers over £120,000 are invited.

For more information, or to arrange a viewing appointment, contact Elder & Twells on 01773 535353.

REMEMBER!

We include details of development properties free-of-charge in editorial form.

So, if you’re selling an interesting development property, email details to: info@nottinghamshirebuilder.co.uk and we’ll give the property a free mention.

You know it makes sense!

Success Strategies for the Crazy Busy

Neptunus To Exhibit Most Energy Efficient Temporary Structure At Leisure Industry Week Temporary structures specialist, Neptunus will be showcasing its latest range of semipermanent sports and leisure facilities at Leisure Industry Week (LIW) at the NEC Birmingham from September 20 – 22 September (Stand 18F160).

LIW is the UK’s leading and most influential trade show for out of home leisure businesses, with seven sectors covering Play & Attractions, Health & Fitness, Pool & Spa, Eat & Drink, Leisure Facilities, Licensed Business and Sport.

Neptunus will be exhibiting the Flexolution - the most energy efficient semi-permanent structure currently available in today’s market, for the first time at the show.

Compared to other semi-permanent structures, the Flexolution has superior acoustic and thermal properties and offers an A-Rated energy performance under the EU Energy Performance in Buildings Directive.

The Flexolution is constructed from aluminium columns and laminated wooden trusses. The walls are made of insulated sandwich panels or insulated glass, giving better noise reduction and excellent thermal capabilities. In addition, every component of the Flexolution can easily be dismantled and reused, thus reducing its overall CO2 footprint.

UK Managing Director at Neptunus, April Trasler comments: “Due to a greater emphasis on sustainability, the temporary structures market has developed rapidly in the last few years. At Neptunus we are continually working on new developments to ensure we stay at the forefront of industry changes and are able to meet customers’ needs.”

You may thrive in an atmosphere of high adrenaline, high energy, and high excitement.

But if you find yourself going the next step further, when you become so busy that you’re not enjoying much of anything and feeling chronically frustrated, you have what attention deficit disorder expert Edward Hallowell, M.D., calls “culturally induced Attention Deficit Disorder.”

Similar to ADD, people who are crazy busy get easily distracted sidetracked, have trouble prioritizing, and tend to procrastinate. There’s just too much demanding their attention advances in technology, longer work days, escalating demands, and higher expectations at home.

However, just as ADD can be properly managed, our busy lives can be managed too. In this groundbreaking program, Success Strategies for the CrazyBusy, you’ll build a manageable game plan for turning a hectic life into a fun, productive, rewarding, and satisfying life.

For example, you’ll learn how to: • Move from the F State: frenzied, flailing, fearful, forgetful, furious - to the C State: cool, calm, clear, consistent, curious and courteous • Deal more effectively with cell phones and email so they don’t overrun your life • Quantitatively rate how you’re spending your time - and re-engineer your life based on your priorities • Love the word “no” • Replenish and maintain energy throughout the day • Make work effortless on demanding days by getting into a rhythm and flow • Keep your brain sharp with a sevenstep plan for peak performance Plus other methods and practical suggestions you can tailor to the kind of life you lead and what you value most.

If you find yourself pulled in a million different directions, here’s your opportunity to take back control and get more done than ever before!

Buy online at: www.nightingaleconant.co.uk

A gentleman is a man who can play the accordion but doesn’t.

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2011 19

Properties for sale with Escritt Barrell & Golding THE following development properties are being offered for sale on the website of Escritt barrell & Golding: Continued from page 16

Notts.

Mr Astill (c/o Agent: Miss Buxton, Spawforths, Junction 41 Business Court, East Ardsley, Leeds WF3 2AB) - Erect 9 bungalows with associated garages - at Land off Bramley Way, Misterton, Doncaster.

Mr Lee Patil (c/o Agent: Mr M Clay, The Coach House, 2 High Street, South Anston, Sheffield S25 5AY) - New nursing home building - at Ashley Nursing Home, Sunnyside, Worksop S81 7LN. Mr.Parkes (c/o Agent: Mr.J.Adams, Appletree Cottage, The Green, Dunham on Trent, Newark, Notts.

NG22 0TU) - Convert furniture showroom into 5 flats - at 78-80 Carolgate, Retford, Notts. DN22 6EF. R G Carter Building Ltd (of Maple Road, Kings Lynn, Norfolk PE34 3AF) - Erection of 9 industrial units - at Land at Aurillac Way, Hallcroft Industrial Estate, Retford, Notts.

Mr.Andrew Reynolds (c/o Agent: Mr.D.Pollard, Portland Lodge, 32A Highland Grove, Worksop, Notts. S81 0JN) - Erect 2 dwellings and construct new access - at Land rear of 26 Town Street, Sutton Cum Lound, Retford, Notts.

Mrs.Laura Mihaita (of 2 Orchard Place, Nottingham Business Park, Nottingham NG8 6PX) - Erect 48 dwellings and associated garages - at Part of Former Bridon Works Site, Off Tunnel Road, Retford, Notts.

Ashfield Mr.Bajaj (c/o Agent: Grover Lewis Associates Ltd) - Outline application for the construction of a residential care home with car parking, landscaping and access improvements - at Site of former Keepers Cottage, Nottingham Road, Sutton in Ashfield,

Taylor Wimpey UK Ltd (c/o Agent: Barton Willmore) - Works to accommodate a surface and foul water drainage scheme to serve proposed residential development - at Land south of Forest Road, Annesley Woodhouse, Notts.

BACO Developments (c/o Agent: PBA Ltd) - Two dwellings - at 92 Lowmoor Road, Kirkby in Ashfield, Notts.

The Wheatley Group of Companies - Conversion of existing offices to create 5 apartments - at 3 Diamond Avenue, Kirkby in Ashfield, Notts.

Haydock Finances (c/o Agent: Townsend Planning Consultants) - Erection of 7 town houses - at The Bridge, Lucknow Drive, Sutton in Ashfield, Notts.

Mr.Summerfield (c/o Agent: Nottinghamshire County Council) Erection of Sports Hall and associated external works - at St Andrews Primary School, Mansfield Road, Skegby, Sutton in Ashfield, Notts.

The Welbeck Estates Company Ltd (c/o Agent: Jackson Design Associates) - Conversion of existing building into 7 residential units - at The Old Police Station, Brook Street, Sutton in Ashfield, Notts.

Birchway Properties Ltd (c/o Agent: Mr.T.Lawton) - Demolish disused former factory building and erect 3 bungalows and 4 flats with parking - at Land at 110a Hardwick Lane, Sutton in Ashfield, Notts.

Persimmon Homes North Midlands (c/o Agent: Optime Surveyors) - Conservation area consent for conversion of existing building to 2 semi-detached dwellings - at Former Annesley Colliery,

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• Development Site with Outline Planning Permission for the erection of 6 one-bed apartments at Norton Street, Grantham, Lincs. Offers around £190,000 are invited.

• A prime corner plot with Outline Planning Permission for for one detached dwelling at Barrowby Road, Grantham, Lincs. Offers over £130,000 are invited.

• Individual residential building plot with planning consent for a substantial 4-bed detached dwelling at Plot 8, Anchor Farm, Swinstead, Lincs. Price: £110,000.

• An interesting opportunity for a builder/developer to acquire an edge of village building plot at Sedgebrook Road, Allington, Lincs. Planning permission has been granted for a detached threebed chalet style bungalow. Price: £92,000.

• Building plot with Outline Planning Permission for a single dwelling at Russell Road, Leasingham, Lincs. Price: £85,000.

• Building plot with detailed planning consent for a four-bed detached house at Grantham Road, Sleaford. Offers over £77,500 are invited.

• A substantial freehold building plot with planning permission for a three-bed detached bungalow and a large garage, situated in a no-through-road/non-estate location at Whiteleather Square, Billingborough, Near Sleaford.

Offers in excess of £75,000 are invited.

• A valuable freehold residential building plot with Outline Planning Permission for one dwelling. Plot has frontage of 21m and an overall depth of 16m. Offers in region of £69,500 are invited.

For more information about any of these plots, contact Escritt Barrell & Golding on 01476 565 371 or visit the website at www.egbproperty. co.uk

CONSTRUCTION SECTOR STEADIES BUT LONG ROAD AHEAD The number of administrations in the construction sector fell 16% from 101 to 85 in the second quarter of the year, curbing the rising trend of the previous three quarters, and returning to the level seen at the same time last year.

Rupert Rawcliffe, construction sector director at finance and business advisors Grant Thornton UK LLP comments: “The disturbing trend of increasing construction business failures for three consecutive quarters has finally been curbed with a 16% fall in administrations in Q2 2011 compared to Q1.

“Construction businesses are usually the first to feel the pain when the economy is hit. As such, the spike in Q1 2011 highlights the severe impact bad weather conditions had on the industry - as work was put on hold, cash-flow suffered and those businesses that were already on the brink tipped over the edge.

“In contrast, Q2 marked the hottest April for 100 years and as projects got moving again confidence picked up.

“With overall corporate failures rising slightly in Q2 2011 across the UK economy, the fall in construction administrations during this period demonstrates a resilience among businesses in this sector. As recession hits construction first these companies are battle hardened and are fighting very hard to compete. They will have an absolute focus on managing cash flow and will have learnt how to maximise funding via leveraging their assets via asset based lending and specialist finance.

“The still high number of failures does however reflect the tough economic environment and is now no worse or better than we saw during the first part of last year. Construction firms have seen work levels remain low and margins remain under pressure with the workforce now intensively deployed, stretching resources.

“This also mirrors the results of the Grant Thornton/ICAEW Business Confidence Monitor (BCM) from Q2 which showed that sector confidence has increased marginally since the beginning of 2011 but remains cautious,” Rawcliffe concluded.

Who says nothing is impossible? I’ve been doing nothing for years.

20

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2011

Builders’ Problems SOLVED

Monies withheld Problem: I work as a contracts manager for a large specialist sub-contractor.

Despite the tough economic times of recent years, we have not only continued to be busy and profitable, but since the majority of our work is derived from a small core of clientele, cash flow has been very good.

About 16 months ago we were invited to tender for a project just outside Manchester, the main contractor of which we had not previously worked for. We decided to tender for the work and won.

The value of the sub-contract was just over £2million. Bar a few snags, the work is now completed.

However, we are now having trouble obtaining our monies from the main contractor.

At the end of May 2011 we submitted a valuation, which claimed a net sum of about £190,000, with the cumulative value not being much less than the final account total. At the end of June I had not heard anything from the main contractor so I started to chase them. A few days later I received a letter from them which reduced the valuation to zero. According to the reasons given by the main contractor, our valuation was reduced partly by a disagreement to the variation account (representing about one-quarter of the reduction), and partly to do with a massive deduction for delays (we are not responsible for any delays).

I would appreciate your assistance.

I am not too sure what to do next as I have not come across a situation like this before. We do have a written order which includes a succinct set of terms. These terms include for provisions such as monthly valuations, standard of work and variations to be in writing.

I hope that you are able to provide some advice.

Trevor, Ruddington Response: Hello Trevor.

Your problem sounds like a typical spurious claim at the end of a project by a main contractor who is either seeking assistance with its own cash flow or, is attempting to use bully boy tactics to acquire additional profits.

From your brief, in monetary terms there is approximately a £47,500 difference in relation to the variation account and

Staff ARE getting younger!

AR Demolition Ltd are currently demolishing the former Tresham College in Kettering, to make way for 48 private houses and 59 retirement homes.

Back in May, their office was contacted by a Mr.Foster to ask if his 8-yearold son William could visit the site. William has autism and is very interested in the changing landscapes of Kettering. AR Demolition are always keen to to engage the local community, so a visit was arranged.

All went very well, and Mr.Foster wrote a letter of thanks, saying: “Just to let you know William had a fantastic time at the Kettering site. I think the grin will be fixed to his face forever. He could not have wished for a better time, and as he got to keep the hard hat and vest as well, he is so happy.”

Well done to AR Demolition!

A simple gesture can make a big difference. Has YOUR company made someone’s day? Drop a line to us and we’ll include a mention in a future issue. Email us at: info@nottinghamshirebuilder.co.uk

approximately £142,500 has been set-off against the account for delay.

As I have not seen the written Terms and Conditions that regulate the Sub-contract, I am assuming that the payment Terms are either similar to that of Part 2 of the Scheme for Construction Contracts, or that Part 2 of the Scheme for Construction Contracts apply. The Scheme for Construction Contracts are implied into a construction contract under the Housing Grants Construction and Regenerations Act (“HGCRA”), if the construction contract does not have an adequate payment mechanism or fails to comply with the HGCRA. This means that it is mandatory for the main contractor to issue a payment notice (under section 110) and a withholding notice (under section 111), within certain time frames.

Looking at the proposed set-off first therefore, under the Scheme for Construction Contracts, the final date for payment is 17 days

Author background Michael is a Barrister, Chartered Builder, Registered Adjudicator & Accredited Expert in quantum and planning matters.

He is Managing Director of Michael Gerard & Co www.michael-gerard.co.uk a company of chartered building consultants and quantity surveyors who provide a specialised service in the areas of construction law, quantum, programming, business recovery and insolvency support to the construction industry.

after you submitted your valuation (or the end date of the relevant valuation period. Therefore, assuming that you correctly submitted your valuation on 31 May 2011, you should have received payment no later than 17 June 2011. In between these dates, you must have received a withholding notice at least 7 days before the 17 June 2011. If the main contractor failed to issue a withholding notice, then it cannot deduct the £147,500 for the purported delay – even if you did cause a delay. The reason for this is that the withholding notice must be issued on time.

The money deducted against the variation account is different to the delay damages. Although the main contractor has made a deduction against the account, this is not technically monies that fall under the ambit of section 111. If the main contractor can show that you have overcharged on the variation account (say for example, over measured an item), then in fact the money was never due to you and hence, no withholding notice is required.

I certainly would challenge both deductions, although the deduction for the purported delay would appear to be the item that you should have confidence in pursuing via statutory adjudication.

Best of luck. © Michael P. Gerard MSc, PGDipLaw, PGDipBar, FCIOB, MCIArb, MAE The advice provided is intended to be of a general guide only and should not be viewed as providing a definitive legal analysis.

Survey reflects a sense of positivity and optimism

In August, the National Landlords Association (NLA) published their Landlord Optimism Index, which revealed that landlords are increasingly optimistic about the future of the lettings industry.

“The National Landlords Association (NLA) Landlord Optimism Index reflects the general feeling of our landlords, many of whom are planning to expand their portfolios in the coming months and years,” says MD of Belvoir Lettings, Dorian Gonsalves.

“We have seen rents increasing by 3 to 5 % a year, a healthy level of increase which is in line with inflation.

The outlook is very good and there is a sense of positivity and optimism across the industry.

Inside every older person is a younger person wondering what the hell happened.

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2011 21

Tel: 0116 2853 777 Leema Technologies Limited.

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

I love cooking with wine. Sometimes I even put it in the food.

22

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2011

EUROCELL RESCUES COUPLE FROM COWBOY BUILDERS Did you see Cowboy Builders - on Thursday 11th August?

Melinda Messenger and her copresenter Dom Littlewood asked Eurocell for help in rescuing a property in Guildford where the couple had been on the receiving end of a botched extension job – made worse by a bill for £53,000!

Diane, the owner, who suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, had been trying to make her home as comfortable as possible by building an extension, but ended up being forced to sleep in a temporary bedroom that was freezing cold due to the roof not being secured properly.

Once Melinda and Dom saw the problem, and working to the brief set by their design team, they approached the Eurocell branch in Hayes, which was able to supply everything they needed. After hearing the couple’s plight, Eurocell kindly agreed to donate French doors, two windows and a glass lantern style conservatory roof, as well as fascias and soffits.

The windows and doors were then fabricated and installed by Paragon Profiles, a Eurocell fabricator based

You’ve probably seen or heard these before, but they make us laugh every time we read them.

They are (allegedly real) quotes from letters to Islington Council’s Housing Department ...

in Farnborough, Surrey. A team from Eurocell installed the lantern roof, whilst the Super Blue glass for the project was donated by Tufflex, a Eurocell supplier.

Melinda showed her appreciation by visiting the Hayes branch after the refurbishment work had been completed. Melinda added: “Diane and Simon love the transformation and actually cried with joy – it was very emotional for everyone.”

Eurocell is the UK’s leading PVC-

THANKS, LADS!: Melinda Messenger thanking Eurocell Hayes branch for donating product.

U window, door and conservatory specialist with a network of fabricators and installers around the country who offer a bespoke, professional service.

Consultation extended for Mapperley Golf Course proposals GEDLING Borough Council has listened to residents and extended the consultation period on a major development proposal.

The consultation on the future of Mapperley Golf Course, which started on 25 July and was due to close on 19 September, will be extended by a further two weeks until Monday 3 October.

Announcing the extension, Cllr John Clarke, Leader of Gedling Borough Council, said: “We’ve had a good response to the consultation on the future of the Golf Course, with over 40 responses already received and more coming in daily. We have also had comments that local residents and businesses need more time in order to fully understand the proposals and the impact they might have on their homes and premises. We are however developing our strategic planning documents in partnership with other councils and are constrained by timetables relating to that on how long we could consult for. Having listened to the comments we’ve received, and in line with the approach taken by others in Greater Nottingham, we now consider it appropriate to extend the consultation by

Having a laugh!

two weeks so everyone has the opportunity to comment.”

The proposals for the Golf Course include developing it in association with the Gedling Colliery site to accommodate up to 1,900 houses, a supermarket, businesses units, access road and a Country Park.

The council is keen to hear from anyone who has comments on the proposal, which is the first stage in the process of allocating sites for future development.

Cllr Clarke added: “We want to hear all views on the proposals at this stage, but this is not the only chance that the public will have to comment. If we decide to develop the proposals, the next stage will be the formal consultation on the Publication Draft of the emerging Core Strategy in early 2012, with a view to adopting the Core Strategy by the end of 2012. It’s important that we stick to this timetable to allocate sites for development so we can demonstrate that we have sufficient land for future growth in sustainable locations.”

The two week extension to the

consultation only applies to the Locally Distinct Housing Issues for Gedling Borough Council document, which proposes Mapperley Golf Course as an additional development site.

The consultation on the Housing Provision Position Paper and a Climate Change Policy will close on 19 September.

To view the documents and make comments please visit: www. gedling.gov.uk and click on Have Your Say. Copies of the documents and response forms are also available at the following locations: • • •

•

St George’s Centre, Netherfield Bestwood Miners Welfare and Bestwood Post Office Libraries including Arnold, Burton Joyce, Calverton, Carlton, Carton Hill, Gedling, Hucknall, Mapperley, Ravenshead and Woodthorpe Nuffield Fitness and Wellbeing Centre, Plains Road, Mapperley

The speed of time is one second per second.

• “I want some repairs done to my cooker as it has backfired and burnt my knob off.”

• “I wish to complain that my father hurt his ankle very badly when he put his foot in the hole in his back passage.”

• “Their 18 year old son is continuously banging his balls against my fence.”

• “I wish to report that tiles are missing from the roof of the outside toilet and I think it was bad wind the other night that blew them off.”

• “The lavatory seat is cracked, where do I stand?”

• “I am writing on behalf of my sink which is coming away from the wall.”

• “Will you please send someone to mend the garden path. My wife tripped and fell on it yesterday and now she is pregnant.”

• “I request your permission to remove my drawers in the kitchen.”

• “Can you please tell me when the repairs will be done as my wife is about to become an expectant mother.”

• “I am still having trouble with smoke in my built in drawers.”

• “The toilet is blocked and we cannot bath the children until it is cleared.”

• “Will you please send a man to look at my water, it is a funny colour and not fit to drink.”

• “Our lavatory seat is broken in half and now it is in three pieces.”

• “The man next door has a large erection in the back garden, which is unsightly and dangerous.”

• “Our kitchen floor is damp.

We have two children and would like a third so will you please send someone around to do something about it.”

• “I am a single woman living in a downstairs flat and would be pleased if you could do something about the noise made by the man I have on top of me every night.”

• “Please send a man with clean tools to finish the job and satisfy the wife.”

• “I have had the Clerk of the Works down on the floor six times, but still have no satisfaction.”

• “We are getting married in September and would like it in the garden before we move into the house.”

• “This is to let you know that our lavatory seat is broken and we can’t get BBC2.”

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2011 23

Tomorrow’s Tilers Pick Up Top Awards

Breedon Aggregates completes purchase of C&G Concrete Limited Breedon Aggregates Limited, the UK’s largest independent aggregates producer, has reached agreement to acquire (through a wholly owned subsidiary) the business and assets of C&G Concrete Limited (in administration) (“C&G”) from the joint administrators for £10.15 million (including deferred consideration).

East Midlands Ceramics has awarded top prizes to two talented young tilers from New College Nottingham’s (ncn) Basford Hall campus.

Simroy Witson (right) receives his EMC Tiles award for the most improved tiler from NCN Basford Hall’s Director of Construction, Kevin Gowdy.

EMC Tiles has strong links with the college and sponsors annual awards to the most promising newcomers to the industry, as well as supporting the tiling course throughout the year with a variety of events This year’s winners were Aaron Cook, apprentice of the year and Simroy Witson, most improved tiler.

EMC Tiles managing director, Barry Slawson said: “It is essential to support up and coming youngsters and to ensure they are taught the highest standards and traditions of the industry.

“As the region’s leading ceramic tile supplier, we believe it is vital for us to play a full role in ensuring the quality of future tile fixers.

“EMC Tiles is a fervent supporter of training for the industry and this

years awards have gone to two very deserving winners.”

The prizes were Rubi TX700 and TS40 Tile cutters, donated by Rubi. ncn Wall and Floor Tiling Lecturer, John Chambers, said: “The support we get from a prestigious company like EMC Tiles is extremely valuable to us and our students and we are most grateful for it.

“Our long established link with the company helps us to maintain the highest standards and our students are exceptionally well regarded throughout the industry.”

John Chambers was himself presented with the college’s Endeavour Award for outstanding achievement in working with students.

Residential development opportunity for sale in Mansfield SAVILLS are offering for sale a parcel of development land with potential for residential development.

The 0.52 acre site - at 38 Fisher Lane, Mansfield, Notts. NG18 2SB - is roughly rectangular, with a loose aggregate covering, and with the vast majority of buildings having been demolished.

The site has previously been used as a cash and carry. The site has had full planning permission for a scheme of 23 apartments, but this expired on 12 Jan 2010.

Offers are invited. For more information, contact Michael Donaghy at Savills on 0115 934 8050 or email: mdonaghy@savills.com

C&G operates three sand and gravel quarries and 13 ready-mixed concrete and mortar plants in Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire and Humberside. In 2010 C&G produced 330,000 tonnes of aggregates and 155,000 cubic metres of concrete, mortar and screeds. Sales revenue in 2010 was approximately £12 million.

The acquired assets include a substantial and strategically valuable sand and gravel operation at Norton Bottoms in Lincolnshire. C&G also owns a number of other assets, including a farm of 286 acres with planned mineral deposits near Woodhall Spa in Lincolnshire. In total, C&G has planned mineral reserves of 6.6 million tonnes and potential further resources of 17.6 million tonnes.

The acquisition is an excellent geographical and operational fit for Breedon Aggregates, linking the Company’s existing operations in the East Midlands and East Anglia and significantly enhancing its reserves and the scale of its ready-mixed concrete business.

Commenting on the acquisition Peter Tom CBE, executive chairman, said: “We are delighted to have secured such a high quality business as our first bolt-on acquisition and look forward to welcoming C&G’s employees into the group. C&G has a strong market position and excellent asset base in Lincolnshire and South Humberside and we see significant growth potential in the business. We also expect to be able to deliver useful synergy savings and operational improvements following the acquisition.

“We continue to review a number of other acquisition opportunities as we seek to build on the excellent platform we have created in Breedon Aggregates.”

C&G was founded in Newark, Nottinghamshire in 1958 and expanded into Lincolnshire and South Humberside during the 1970s and ’80s. It is an integrated aggregates and ready-mixed concrete business which also produces mortar and screeds. It employs around 130 people.

It owns three operational sand and gravel quarries at Kettleby, Kirkstead and Norton Bottoms in Lincolnshire. It also operates 13 ready-mixed concrete and mortar plants in the region, extending from Peterborough in the south to Grimsby and Elsham in the north. Its fleet of over 100 vehicles includes tippers, artics, mixers and tankers.

The business was put into administration on 16 May 2011.

Breedon Aggregates Limited is the largest independent aggregates group in the UK, after the five global majors. Following the acquisition of C&G Concrete, it operates 26 quarries, 18 asphalt plants and 40 concrete (including mortar) plants in England and Scotland and employs approximately 830 people. The group has nearly 200 million tonnes of mineral reserves and resources in the UK. Breedon Aggregates’ strategy is to grow through consolidation of the UK heavyside building materials sector.

Send us your trade news please!

Our readers are a nosey bunch, and they like to read about what’s happening in the local building trade.

If you have some interesting news about your firm, drop us a line and we’ll mention it in a future issue.

Email details to: info@nottinghamshirebuilder.co.uk You know it makes sense!

It’s hard to make a comeback when you haven’t been anywhere.

24

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2011

Ceramic Tiles Make Practical And Economic Sense For Landlords It doesn’t matter what section of the market you are renting to – hard wearing ceramic tiles have a lot to offer landlords.

They are an economical and practical way to cover floors and walls with a long lasting and resilient material – and they look good too.

Experienced landlords have discovered that ceramic tiles have an immediate tenant appeal, to put their property head and shoulders above the competition.

Now is the peak time for landlords to be sprucing up their properties ready for the September rush.

Students are away for the summer and established tenants may well be taking a holiday – creating an opportunity to carry out some decorating and maintenance.

Local ceramic tile supplier, East Midland Ceramics, which has a showroom and warehouse on the Southglade Business Park, Hucknall Road, Nottingham, has a five point guide to help landlords take full advantage of everything ceramic tiles have to offer.

EMC Tiles managing director, Barry Slawson says: “Landlords want the most economical and long lasting materials for their kitchen and bathroom floors and walls.

Ceramic tiles fit the bill perfectly.

“And just because they are reasonably priced – it doesn’t mean that they can’t be stylish too.

“We are suggesting five great reasons why ceramic tiles will be an asset to your property.”

1. Properly fitted ceramic tiles will last for years – so there is no need to keep on replacing floor coverings on a regular basis. The initial outlay may be slightly more – but you’ll reap the dividends in future.

2. Ceramic tiles are tough and easy to clean. A spilled glass of wine or dropped curry will ruin most floorcoverings. Ceramic tiles can be cleaned with just a wipe. Landlords want to protect their property and ceramic tiles will stand up to the clumsiest tenant.

3. Hygiene is a key issue. Ceramic tiles on the floor and walls around the toilet will create a sanitary environment, easy to keep spotlessly clean.

4. If you are renting in the luxury end of the market, stylish ceramic tiles will give your property that irresistible film star quality discriminating, professional tenants demand. Your letting agent will thank you too for making their job so much easier in finding a satisfied tenant.

5. There is no better way to add value to your property for such an economical outlay. If the time comes to sell – those wonderful ceramic tiles will look as good as the day they were first fitted.

Barry Slawson says: “EMC Tiles is the leading supplier of a vast range of stocked and ready to fix ceramic tiles - from budget ranges to bespoke styles. Our low prices are unrivalled.

“During our 32 years in the business, we have helped hundreds of landlords to improve their properties.

Our friendly, expert staff will be happy to help with all the information you need and we can even recommend a to class professional tile fixer.”

Ceramic tiles help to create a safe, sanitary and attractive environment which looks great and is easy to keep clean.

We flew on a very old aeroplane. It had an outside toilet.

New framework agreement for BSP Consulting Civil and structural engineering firm BSP Consulting has been appointed onto a new framework agreement.

The appointment to the Cross Keys Framework marks the eighth framework agreement achieved by the company, which is based in Nottingham and has offices in Derby, Leicester and Sheffield.

It means that BSP is now one of the approved consulting engineers for the Cross Keys group, a social housing provider with plans to build around 700 new homes over the next four years.

The group covers an area around Peterborough, and under the framework agreement, BSP will now be able to bid for consultant engineering work for any new social housing schemes that the group builds.

“This is excellent news for BSP Consulting,” said BSP business development director Jef Todd (pictured above). “Being appointed to a framework agreement is very often the first step in being able to win work with a group or an organisation, so it means that BSP is well placed to tender for potential new schemes that the Cross Keys group may have in the future.”

The company was launched in Nottingham in 1999 and now has offices in Oxford Street, Nottingham, Pride Park, Derby, De Montfort Street, Leicester and Vincent House, Solly Street, Sheffield.

Previous framework agreements BSP has been appointed to include the Keepmoat Homes Framework, the Cambridgeshire Partnerships Framework, the University of Leicester’s Consultancy Framework and NHS Leicestershire County and Rutland.

The firm now has framework agreements in three sectors – social housing, health and education.

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2011 25

Otters Feel Right At Home With Barratt OTTERS residing on the River Trent close to Barratt East Midlands’ Riverside Walk development in Newark-on-Trent can feel right at home thanks to a special relaxation unit that the company has constructed.

Commercial land for sale in Hucknall

Barratt instructed ecology consultant’s EMEC Ecology to create the relaxation unit, which is known throughout the industry as an artificial laying up site, in order to provide a suitable alternative environment for otters.

The work involved making use of an existing pipe to enhance the habitat and create a suitable living environment for otters. The pipe was covered in concrete and covered with a wildflower seed mix and then surrounded by plants that provide further cover and act as a buffer between the laying up site and the development.

The otter population suffered a dramatic decline during the 20th Century which was mainly attributed to pollution but thanks to this latest feature, Barratt is hoping to make the otters on the River Trent feel right at home and encourage the species to thrive.

Steve Ralph, Senior Ecologist at EMEC Ecology, comments “Otters are fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act and are classified as a European protected species so great care had to be taken to ensure that any potential otters residing on the River Trent were not disturbed during building work at Barratt’s development.

“The artificial laying up site was part of an extensive mitigation scheme that we undertook which also involved planting shrubs on the periphery of the site that would act as a buffer to keep noise disruption to a minimum. We are pleased to report that the mitigation was a success and we hope to inspect the site throughout the spring to check for evidence that it is being used.”

Trevor Rockley, Technical Manager at Barratt East Midlands, comments “The construction of the artificial laying up site demonstrates our commitment to sustaining natural habitats and we hope that just like the residents of Riverside Walk, the otters enjoy using their new home.”

Barratt’s Riverside Walk development is located on North Gate in Newark.

INNES ENGLAND are inviting offers for a 2.74 acre parcel of commercial land situated in a prominent location at Watnall Road, Hucknall, Nottinghamshire NG15 7LB. The land comprises an open site with two points of access from Watnall Road and Daniels Way. At present the unit has a large concrete forecourt with a detached industrial unit to the rear.

Offers are invited.

For more information, contact Scott Osborne at Innes England on 0115 924 3243 or email: sosborne@innes-england.com

New Sales Manager Appointed At David Wilson BARDON-based housebuilder, David Wilson East Midlands, has appointed a new sales manager to oversee a selection of its new homes developments within its expanding portfolio.

The division is launching no less than four new developments over the next six months including Parkers Place in Mountsorrel and Discovery Gardens in Coalville, and has employed experienced sales man, Stephen Smith, to take on the challenge of heading up the sales teams on a number of its existing schemes.

Stephen joins the five star housebuilder after a long and varied career in the housing industry. His most recent position was as Land and New Homes Manager at an estate agency in Lincoln and prior to that he has

worked at a number of other developers.

Stephen, from Newark in Nottinghamshire, comments “David Wilson Homes are undeniably perceived as the best in their field and since working in the housing industry, I’ve always aspired to work for the company.

“I’m especially pleased to be employed by the East Midlands division as it’s the homeland of David Wilson Homes and has an exemplary reputation for its level of customer service and its quality of build.”

Stephen has been tasked with looking after a selection of developments within north and south Leicestershire including Kibworth Meadows in Kibworth, Farndon Fields in Market Harborough, Scholars Grange in Scraptoft, The Chestnuts in Syston as well as Heritage Gardens in Desborough.

He adds “I’m really pleased with the developments I’ve been allocated, they are all of a very high standard and archetypal David Wilson schemes in terms of the quality of build, the thoughtful design of the street scenes and the homes on offer.

I would like to help you out. Which way did you come in?

David Wilson’s New Sales Manager Stephen Smith David Wilson East Midlands is currently building a selection of quality new homes throughout Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Northamptonshire and Rugby.

26

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2011

PRIZE WORDSEARCH

Win a £25 Frankie & Benny’s Voucher! find 12 THRILLER WRITERS in the Wordsearch puzzle below, and you could win a £25 Frankie & Benny’s Voucher.

To go into the draw for the prizes, all you have to do is find - and mark a line through - the names of 12 well-known thriller writers.

These can run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!).

Send your entry to: THRILL A MINUTE, Nottinghamshire Builder, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to arrive by Saturday 17th September 2011. Remember to include your name and address. The first all-correct entry drawn out of the Editor’s brand new Fedora Hat will win the voucher. Good luck!

Here are the names you have to find: DEAN KOONTZ • FREDERICK FORSYTH • HARLAN COBEN

JOHN Search GRISHAM •Puzzle JOHN LE CARRE • KARIN SLAUGHTER Word LEN DEIGHTON • MICHAEL CRICHTON • PD JAMES PHILIP K DICK • SIMON KERNICK • STEPHEN KING

H I C I T Y O T V X Z H M K H G

P T Y Q C O S N I L K A A Z B H

J U Y W D E B M Q C L R H Q E S

C O S S M S K U I T I L S J E I

M D H A R T D D C N O A I N G M

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P M L E I E A K E A K O N J L K

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Name: ...................................................................................................

DEANKOONTZ

FREDERICKFORSYTH HARLANCOBEN JOHNGRISHAM ..............................................................................................................

JOHNLECARRE .............................................. Postcode: ................................................

KARINSLAUGHTER LENDEIGHTON MICHAELCRICHTON Last Month’s PDJAMES Competition PHILIPKDICK SIMONKERNICK Winner is from STEPHENKING Address: ................................................................................................

New Appointment At Savills Savills has appointed Joshua Knight as a Graduate Development Surveyor in its Nottingham team.

Joshua has recently graduated from Reading University with a BSc in Land Management and will shortly be receiving Masters in Land Management from the same university.

Joshua joins the already eight strong development team at Savills Nottingham and will work with clients such as Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council.

Andrew Brentnall, Development Director at Savills Nottingham, comments: “The development team at Savills works on some of the UK’s biggest residential land deals and we’re happy to welcome Joshua to the team. Savills won this year’s ‘Best Graduate Employer’ award with The Times and we wish him every success with his future career here.”

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Make-overs for two shops thanks to shop front grant scheme Two businesses in Gedling Borough have been given a shop front facelift thanks to a new pilot scheme introduced by Gedling Borough Council and funded by Gedling Homes.

Home Deli in Arnold has received a £2,000 contribution towards a new shop front and Silver Marlin Fish and Chips in Carlton received £460 towards re-pointing of brickwork and redecoration of rendering to the front of the property.

The Shop Front Grant Scheme, which was launched in March this year, is a discretionary grant scheme that aims to enhance the physical appearance of independent retail shops and create a thriving retail experience for residents of and visitors to Gedling Borough.

The scheme gives businesses up to 50% of the cost of works, up to a maximum grant of £2,000, towards external improvements. Works can include repairing or replacing shop fronts, essential external repairs (including brickwork, woodwork, guttering, rendering and signage) or decoration.

The scheme was promoted through flyers alongside the annual Business Rates letters. It’s received an excellent response, with over 90 expressions of interest resulting in more than 20 applications from a range of businesses. It has been funded by Gedling Homes’ Public Realm Works programme. Money set aside for the scheme this year has now been allocated and the council hopes to run the scheme again next year.

Cllr Roy Allan, Portfolio Holder for Economic & Strategic Development Portfolio at Gedling Borough Council said: “We are committed to supporting local businesses and this grant scheme is a helping hand to give shop fronts a new lease of life and gives a welcome boost to our shopping areas. We are offering a range of support and advice to businesses to help them through the economic climate and I’m pleased this latest initiative has been such a success.”

Grantham!

The winner of last month’s Prize Crossword Created Competition was: MICK EVANS of Gladstone Terrace, Grantham, Lincs.

Congratulations! Your £25 Frankie & Benny’s Voucher will be with you within 21 days.

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Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2011 27

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The New Construction Act - Be Prepared or Pay! The Construction Act is Changing and if you are not prepared you may find yourself seriously out of pocket. If you do not issue the correct notices under the Act, as a Client you could be forced to pay for works which have not been properly carried out, and you will be unable to correct the position until the next pay date.

The new Construction Act has changed the way payments are made. You will need to update your internal procedures and notices as there is a greater emphasis on the giving of timely notices, and the payee has greater rights in the absence of the correct notices being given on time.

You may think that because you don’t operate with written contracts, adjudication does not apply to you, but beware because the changes to the Construction Act means that Adjudication will be available on a wider range of construction contracts. Previously statutory adjudication was only available where the construction contract’s terms were ALL in writing. The new Act now allows statutory adjudication in any construction contract, provided that the adjudication provision is in writing. The number of adjudications are likely to increase.

This could pose serious traps if you and your employees are not up to date.

You will be aware that previously, there were no consequences to a failure to give a payment notice.

Under the new Act if the paying party fails to give a timely payment notice, the receiving party can issue a default payment notice setting out what they consider to be due. This is a significant change and shifts the balance of power of the parties 180 degrees. In short, if you don’t tell your contractor what you are going to pay him, you have to pay him the amount he told you was due, irrespective of how accurate his bill is. For a contractor this is a wonderful opportunity to ensure fair payment, but the consequences for a client who fails to give a notice is obvious.

You must ensure that all contract managers are aware of the potential consequences of a failure to issue timely payment notices and pay less notices, to ensure that default payment notices from contractors (if received) are carefully considered and pay less notices are issued on time where

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It is plain to see the benefit the new act may have on cashflow, particularly for smaller construction companies. However, there are pitfalls for the unwary and those who don’t want to get caught out must get prepared.

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