Family homes return to city centre site after more than a century
Potential development opportunity in Hinckley
Family homes are making a return to a site in Leicester city centre for the first time in over a century at a new housing scheme near Humberstone Gate. The development will see 17 new family houses and six apartments being built in Erskine Street, as part of a ÂŁ2.6 million affordable housing scheme- the first new housing of its kind in the area since the late 1800s. Being built on the site of Victorian terraced houses, which were demolished and replaced with commercial properties in the second
Leicester City Mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby, Councillor Andy Connelly, Assistant Mayor for Housing, Julia Keeling, Head of Housing Development at Leicester City Council, Carl Larter, Director of Assets for Midland Heart, Matt Moore, Property Director at Westleigh Developments and Gary Turner, Head of Partnership and Investments at Westleigh Partnership Homes.
half of the 20th century, the scheme is a partnership between developer, Westleigh Partnership Homes, housing and care organisation, Midland Heart, and Leicester City Council. Continued on page 3 ...>
LAMBERT SMITH HAMPTON are offering for sale a site suitable for a range of uses, subject to planning.
The land - at Well Lane Car Park, Hinckley, Leicestershire - is currently used as a car park with barrier control in conjunction with the Leicestershire County Council offices on Upper Bond Street. An indicative scheme has been drawn up showing 6 houses as a possible scheme option, although any development remains subject to planning. Offers are invited for the freehold interest on a conditional or unconditional basis. Guide Price: ÂŁ225,000. For more information, or to arrange a viewing appointment, contact Jane Taylor at Lambert Smith Hampton on 0116 204 5976 or 07711 484874 or email: jtaylor@lsh.co.uk
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Cut red tape to boost house-building, says FMB Moves to cut red tape by streamlining housing standards would be a major boost to Britain’s small and mediumsized house builders, and will help to increase the supply and choice of new homes needed to address the growing housing crisis, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). As the Government launched its Housing Standards Review consultation process, Beatrice Orchard, Head of Communications at the FMB, responded: “Small and medium-sized house-builders are committed to providing high-quality housing tailored to meet local need, but the proliferation of an array of local, national and voluntary standards has added unnecessary complexity and cost to the house building industry in recent decades. These costs have a disproportionate impact on smaller firms and smaller developments.” Orchard continued: “It is essential we continue to bear down on unnecessary red tape and bureaucracy, to encourage more SME developers to bring new homes to market. SME builders are vital if we are going to address the spiralling housing deficit, and help people get a foot on the property ladder and prevent them from having to move away from their families and places of work because of rising house prices.” Orchard added: “There is no reason why this should entail any reduction in the standards of new homes being built; indeed clearer and more consistent national standards will be a huge improvement on the current complex system. We would also welcome steps to incorporate any nationally described standards proposed by the review into Building Regulations in future.” Orchard concluded: “The FMB is consulting with members on how to improve the supply of new homes in the UK, and will be responding to this consultation from the perspective of SMEs. One concern already identified is the suggestion that local authorities might be allowed to set minimum space standards, as this is already best regulated by developers responding intuitively to local demand.” To find out more about the Government’s Housing Standards Review, which is open for responses until 22nd October 2013, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/housing-standards-review-consultation
WESTLEIGH from page 1 Due to be complete in December 2013, the new development will consist of a range of two, three and four-bedroom houses, along with six one-bedroom apartments, one wheelchair-adapted property and associated off-street parking. Priority for the homes will be given to local people, and the project will offer much-needed affordable family homes in a central location. Leicester City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby, who visited the site recently, said: “This is a significant new housing development offering affordable family housing just a stone’s throw away from the city centre, and within easy reach of the Cultural Quarter and Humberstone Gate itself. “By working with Westleigh Partnership Homes we’re helping meet the city’s housing need and bring new use into this part of the city.” As well as Erskine Street, Westleigh Partnership Homes have also begun construction on two other Leicester sites at the former velodrome site on Saffron Lane and on derelict land at Crawford Close. These affordable schemes will result in a total of 98 new homes being built within the next 12 months across the city by the Whetstone-based developer, providing a mix of property styles including apartments, bungalows and family houses.
Leicester Community Centre wins LABC Building Excellence Award A community centre by local architectural practice SKM Architects Ltd wins Best Community Building at the LABC East Midlands Building Excellence Awards and achieves Finalist status in the Best Technical Innovation category. The Shree Sanatan Manavta Day Centre in Leicester was recognised not once but twice at the awards held at the East Midlands Conference Centre in Nottingham on 24th May 2013, attended by almost 300 people from the construction industry across the East Midlands. The day centre stands on the site of a former air raid shelter that had been purchased and extended by the local Shree Sanatan Mandir into a dining area and community hall, but was closed for health and safety concerns. Plans were eventually agreed for an accessible day centre with specialist facilities for its elderly Asian clientele. Proximity of neighbours, differences in ground levels and various construction problems related to the compact site were also overcome through close cooperation between the architects, developers and Leicester City’s Building Control team.
Sanjay Mistry, Managing Director of SKM Architects Ltd said: “Working closely with the Shree Sanatan Mandir we have revived a derelict piece of land which is now serving the community in a number of ways. The site presented a number of challenging circumstances which we have successfully overcome, resulting in a building which will hopefully stand the test of time. Leicester City’s Building Control, as well as Leicester City Council have both been fundamental members in the scheme, without which this project would not have been possible.
SKM Architects Ltd provided a first port-of-call for the client with in-house services for not only Planning and Building Control but also for interior design, project management and as consulting architects. We have worked tirelessly with the community on this project and are delighted that the efforts of all involved have been acknowledged by the LABC.” LABC Chief Executive Paul Everall said “Our regional Building Excellence Awards are an opportunity to celebrate good practice. All our winners demonstrated how attention
AWARD WINNER: The Shree Sanatan Manavta Day Centre in Leicester to detail and a positive working relationship with Building Control departments can achieve high quality and sustainable buildings fit for the future. Our awards are unique because they recognise how the work of local authority surveyors helps to improve building standards and boost sustainability and efficiency.” All regional award winners will go through to the LABC National Awards at The Brewery in London on 12th November 2013.
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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • SEPTEMBER 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069
Pupils take part in design project
Development opportunity in Melton BENTONS Estate Agents are inviting offers around £185,000 for a detached freehold public house with planning consent to demolish and replace with a three storey mixed development of ground floor offices and 6 two-bed apartments above on two further floors.
Throughout June, Years 5 and 6 at Packington C of E Primary School took part in a design project in conjunction with David Granger Architectural Design Ltd. Children in Mr Emery’s ‘Eagles’ class spent a morning with Sophie Paul discussing what architecture is and the role of designers. They also learnt a little about the company, which was started by David Granger 28 years ago, the variety of buildings designed and some of the challenges faced by designers. The children discovered that in order to become successful designers, they would need to work hard and develop their skills in Art and Design, Design Technology, Maths, Science, English and ICT! The Eagles class then had a go at measuring the dimensions of their classroom using professional survey equipment, including a laser measuring device. They were also shown how to draw a floor plan and had chance to try on some site clothing, including hard hat, steel toe capped boots and hi-vis jacket! The children were invited to take part in the ‘My Dream Design’ competition in which they used their new found design skills to transform the classroom into a room of their dreams, submitting floor plans and a written description of their designs. David Granger was impressed with the standard of entries and is excited about the prospect of so many budding designers for the future! Choosing the winners was no easy task, with a wide variety of imaginative and unique entries being submitted; everything from swimming pools and go kart tracks to a sky diving centre, a theatre and even an indoor farm! The winners were presented with prizes and certificates in Achievement Assembly on Friday 28th June. Everyone who took part in the competition also received a goody bag. • First Prize – Olivia Shelton-Smith • Second Prize – Ben Beanland • Third Prize – Jack Roe As First Prize winner of the Junior Designer Award, Olivia will also have the chance to spend some time at the office of David Granger Design on Mill Street, Packington, learning what it is like to be real designer and having a go at using design software.
The property – The Rutland Arms, 25 King Street, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire – also offers potential for renovation or conversion as an alternative scheme if required. A previous consent allowed for a restaurant with apartment above. For more information, contact Bentons on 01664 563892 or email: sales@bentons.co.uk
Gross Mortgage Lending 29% Stronger Than A Year Ago
The Council of Mortgage Lenders estimates that total gross mortgage lending in July increased to £16.6 billion, representing a rise of 12% from £14.8 billion in June and 29% higher than the total of £12.9 billion in July last year. This is the highest monthly estimate for gross lending since October 2008 (£18.6 billion). Commenting on market conditions in this month’s Market Commentary, CML market and data analyst Caroline Purdey observes: “An improvement in sentiment and activity continues to show in the UK housing and mortgage markets, with a more positive picture also starting to emerge in the economy. “Our forward estimate of gross mortgage lending in July reinforces a growing evidence base of a strengthening in the housing and mortgage markets.”
Overseal site for 3 bungalows
HOWKINS & HARRISON are offering for sale a development site with full planning permission (ref: 9/2012/1065) for 3 dormer bungalows. The site – at Valley Road, Overseal, South Derbyshire DE12 6NL – extends to 0.4 acres and is situated down a private drive. The Guide Price is £210,000. For more information, or to arrange a viewing, contact Iain Long at Howkins & Harrison on 01827 721380.
Morcott Little Chef for sale by auction on 12th September The Former Little Chef restaurant at Glaston Road, Morcott, Rutland LE15 9DL is being offered for sale at the Graham Penny Nottingham auction on Thursday 12th September 2013 (11.30am start). Described as ‘an excellent mixed use investment opportunity’, the property comprises a former 70-seater restaurant with 2-bed living accommodation above and numerous car parking spaces to front and side. The Guide Price is £100,000+. For more information, contact Graham Penny Auctions on 0115 958 8702 or visit the website at www.grahampennyauctions.com
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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • SEPTEMBER 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069
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Evington plot: Leicester developer celebrates 500th safety induction on construction project £95k+ READINGS Property Group
The final phase of a 650 bedroom student accommodation development in Leicester’s West End by local developer Jamie Lewis Residential under its CODE student accommodation brand recently celebrated having it’s 500th tradesman receiving a safety induction. It is estimated by the end of the project over 700 different trades will have worked on the site.
The £20 million pound final Jamie Lewis and Winvic staff and their sub contract supply chain phase of the project is being at the Western Road Development constructed by Winvic Build of Northampton and the majority of its sub contract chain on this scheme are from Leicester. This is the fifth large development undertaken by Jamie Lewis Residential within as many years and with planning permission already obtained for other projects in the city such as the conversion of the Great Central Railway wagon repair sheds and new build supermarket on Upperton Road the company hopes to be able to provide continued work to the local construction sector.
Prominent Melton premises suitable for a variety of uses ANDREW & ASHWELL are offering for sale a Grade II Listed building which is suitable for a variety of uses, subject to planning.
The property – 5 High Street, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LE13 0TR – comprises a mid-terrace threestorey building arranged to provide a ground floor sales area with ancillary storage accommodation to the first and second floors over. The total net internal floor area is 2,637 sq.feet. Offers in the region of £245,000 are invited for the freehold with vacant possession. For more information, or to arrange a viewing appointment, contact Jon Archer at Andrew & Ashwell on 0116 254 1220 or email: jaa@andash.co.uk
National Housing Standards Must Allow Local Authorities To Innovate The Government has published a housing standards consultation proposing changes to how areas including accessibility, space standards, security, water efficiency and energy efficiency are dealt with through both building regulations and planning policy. It says that the changes proposed would be a “radical reform of the framework of building regulations, guidance, local codes and standards which aimed to reduce bureaucracy and costs on housebuilders - supporting growth whilst delivering quality, sustainability, safety and accessibility”. The document suggests that Government is “minded at this stage to group the standards proposed in this consultation into a simple, short, ‘nationally described standards’ document that will reduce cost and complexity for housebuilders”. Responding to the consultation, Dr Hugh Ellis, TCPA Chief Planner said: “The TCPA understands the Government’s ambitions to simplify and consolidate national housing standards and offer certainty to the private sector across local authority boundaries. However, we must ensure that these still deliver for the long term economic, social and environmental well-being of communities. The Association wishes to see robust standards that individual local authorities can innovate upon, not be limited to. For example, the on-site renewable energy requirement for new builds set out in the ‘Merton Rule’ demonstrate how a local authority can pioneer new ways of working to deliver a low carbon economy above and beyond that offered by national Government guidance. The TCPA would also like to see the specific proposal of optional space standards made mandatory - rather than chosen from a standards ‘menu’ - to enable homes to be built that people can comfortably live in, provide storage and be readily adapted for improved accessibility.”
are inviting offers over £95,000 for a building plot at Wakerley Road, Evington, Leicester. The plot comprises a rectangular area of former garden land rising gently from the road frontage at Tavistock Drive. A unilateral undertaking has been agreed and signed with Leicester City Council which will result in a payment of £1,565.60 as developer’s contributions under the green space calculation. This relates to a three-bed dwelling and prospective purchasers should be aware that, in the event of an application to construct a four-bed or larger property, the contribution may increase in accordance with the local authority’s scale. Outline planning permission (ref: 20120699) was granted on 7th December 2012. For further details, contact Readings on 0116 222 7575 or email: sales@ readingspropertygroup.com
Prominent Bulwell site is suitable for a variety of uses FHP Property Consultants are offering for sale on a ‘subject to planning’ basis a prominent corner site at the junction of Main Street and Jennison Street in Bulwell, Nottinghamshire NG6 8EQ. The 1.13 acre site was previously used for car showroom purposes and part residential, and has been vacant for a number of years. Nottingham City Council are keen to see the site redeveloped and would consider a development of additional retail or showroom accommodation, a drive-through restaurant, a pub/diner, health acre, residential uses or other such uses as appropriate. Offers in the region of £750,000 plus VAT. For further information, contact David Hargreaves at FHP on 07876 396003 or email: davidh@fhp.co.uk I was just hugged and then mauled by a bipolar bear. I’d love to make money at home in my spare time. But counterfeiting is harder than you’d think.
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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • SEPTEMBER 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069
Pick Everard appointed for Development opportunity in Earl Shilton Scottish path upgrade Multi-disciplinary construction consultancy Pick Everard is working on a £1 million revamp of the Great Glen Way for the Highland Council and Forestry Commission Scotland.
The Great Glen is a geological fault line running between Fort William and Inverness and is a major route through the Highlands, between east and west. The area encompasses some of the best known landmarks in Scotland including Loch Ness, Ben Nevis, and Urquhart Castle. 11 miles of walking paths of this popular tourist attraction are being re-routed and resurfaced, and once completed will allow visitors more glorious views along the route. Conservefor Limited begins work next week on path upgrade, path realignment and the construction of new sections of the route which will continue through the winter, ready for spring 2014. Pick Everard’s Divisional Director in Scotland, Trevor Graham explains “The Great Glen Way was established a little over 10 years ago and is an increasingly popular long distance path for tourists and walkers. Significant portions lie within the Forestry Commission Estate, on forest roads. This re-routing separates recreational users from the operational activities of the Commission, improving safety. At the same time, by careful route selection, we can greatly improve the user experience. As a walker myself, this is an exciting project where Pick Everard will deliver a route exceeding all expectations in a tight timescale.” Jack Mackay, Recreation & Tourism Manager, Inverness, Ross & Skye Forest District comments, “Improving and upgrading the Great Glen Way is a part of a wider strategy for supporting green tourism in rural parts of Scotland and encouraging people of all ages to enjoy activity in the great outdoors.” Pick Everard is currently working on the Cuningar Loop Commonwealth Games legacy project, on the David Marshall Lodge in Achray Forest, part of Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, and on Kirroughtree and Clateringshaws Visitor Centres in Galloway Forest Park. Pick Everard is also leading a team working on the restoration of Northumberland Park to its Victorian glory for North Tyneside Council.
FOTHERGILL WYATT Estate Agents are offering for sale a residential development opportunity at Church Street, Earl Shilton, Leicestershire LE9 7DA. The 0.77 acre site has a substantial access and a flush-fronted two storey Victorian factory building to the front border. Currently tenanted on an ongoing periodic basis, the site is accessible and leads to a second warehouse building to the rear. Both buildings are in poor condition, based on external inspection. No residential planning permission currently exists on the site but discussions with the local authority returned a positive response for release from employment status to residential. Unconditional offers are invited, although conditional offers may be considered. For more information, contact Peter Wyatt at Fothergill Wyatt on 0116 270 5900 or email: peter@fothergillwyatt.com
Chaddesden development site: £230k
Wheels in motion for Polypipe to Paris bike ride
JEFFERY JONES Partnership are asking £230,000 for a residential development site at 102 Mayfield Road, Chaddesden, Derby DE21 6FW.
Directors from Polypipe, the UK’s leading manufacturer of plastic sustainable drainage and water management products, will be taking on a mammoth task for charity in September by using pedal power to get from Polypipe to Paris. The journey, which will see the team travel in excess of 250 miles in just under 72 hours, is being undertaken in aid of Rainbows Children’s Hospice. Taking part in the daunting ride will be Polypipe Directors and Senior Managers including Glen Sabin, Steve Kite, John Moss and Sean Robinson. The Polypipe riders will be joined by cyclists from key contractors Shanco, Carillion, McCann, NNS and Clarke Dove. Mick Ives, ex international professional cyclist and Team Boss of Polypipe sponsored MI Racing, will be providing the team with his invaluable support and cycling expertise. Polypipe has been a keen supporter of the Loughborough based charity, raising funds through raffles and other
activities, and will ask each of the riders taking part to raise a minimum of £500 to support the great work that Rainbows does. Starting out at Polypipe’s Horncastle facility in Lincolnshire, the riders will cycle the 65 miles to Polypipe in Loughborough and visit the Rainbows hospice – allowing those involved to see directly how the money raised will support the charity. The group will then depart for Calais, knowing that a gruelling two day cycle to Paris awaits them. Glen Sabin, Managing Director at Polypipe, said: “While the idea of cycling 250 miles in three days may be intimidating, I think I speak for everyone when I say we’re looking forward to it in the knowledge that we are supporting
such a worthwhile cause. “Rainbows Children’s Hospice is a fantastic charity that provides help to people in impossibly difficult situations, and is a charity that is close to the hearts of the riders. We’re thankful for all of the support that we’ve received so far and hope that we can raise enough money to make a real difference to Rainbows.” Thank you to all of Polypipe’s sponsors including: The Dower House Hotel, Quorn Grange Hotel and Circuit Hospitality. To learn more about the work that Rainbows Children’s Hospice does, visit www.rainbows.co.uk To donate to the Polypipe to Paris team’s fund, visit www.justgiving.com/ polypipetoparis
The property comprises a detached bungalow, set in extensive grounds, which requires total renovation and refurbishment. If the bungalow is to be demolished, plans have been drawn up for 7 houses on the site, subject to detailed planning permission. Outline planning permission (ref: DER/02/05/00244) was granted on 29 April 2005 (now lapsed). For more information, or to arrange a viewing, contact Jeffery Jones Partnership on 01332 200388 or email: property@jefferyjones. co.uk
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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • SEPTEMBER 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069
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Substantial office property suitable for a range of uses
NHBC introduces new land quality services and tightens inspection of apartments NHBC is introducing free new land quality and geotechnical services for its registered builders to help them with assessing land before they buy or develop it. The new services are part of a raft of changes aimed at giving NHBC builders better value for money and making it easier for them to do business with NHBC. Changes also include the formation of Area Technical Teams, combining the currently separate teams of engineers, surveyors and special risk project managers. Inspection areas have been re-shaped to align with the new Area Technical Teams and a new key stage inspection for apartments is being introduced to give greater focus on fire precautions. By aligning inspection teams with the Area Technical Teams, each inspection team and each project will have their own dedicated engineer, surveyor and special risk project manager to call on to help not only with design but also with any site issues. Commenting on the new changes, NHBC Operations Director Ian Davis said: “These changes have been developed to provide a more efficient service to our registered builders across the UK. We are confident that this latest phase of improvements will make it easier for our customers and improve accessibility on a range of our inspection and technical services.” Further details on the changes can be found at www.nhbc.co.uk/ NewsandComment The areas of the new Area Technical Managers are shown on the NHBC website at www.nhbc.co.uk/Contactus
LAMBERT SMITH HAMPTON are offering for sale the Former County Council Area Offices at 27 Upper Bond Street, Hinckley, Leicestershire LE10 1RH. The property comprises a large three storey office complex built around 1930s with a two storey 1950s extension. There is a separate two storey office at the rear. The site area measures approximately 0.19 hectares which allows for on site car parking. The floor area totals 19,419 sq.feet (1,804 sq.metres) and the building is considered suitable for either the existing use as offices or for alternative uses such as residential/community type uses subject to planning. Offers in the region of £475,000 are invited. For more information, contact Jane Taylor at Lambert Smith Hampton on 0116 204 5976 or email: jtaylor@lsh.co.uk
Part completed housing development in Heanor FHP Property Consultants are offering for sale a part completed housing development at 154 Derby Road, Heanor, Derbyshire DE75 7QL. The site has currently been part completed: 9 of the 14 plots are occupied and this sale is for the 5 remaining plots to include the roads and footpaths. Three of the plots are built to dpc level, including floors. In addition, electricity, gas and water are in place and garages to two of the plots are complete. Offers are invited in the region of £250,000. For further information, or to make arrangements to view, contact George Dunnicliff at FHP in Derby on 07876 396 008 or email: george@fhp.co.uk
Leicestershire Builder Magazine Published By: Builder Magazines PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT Tel: (01530) 244069 Fax: (01530) 249557 Email: info@buildermagazines.co.uk Web: www.buildermagazines.co.uk Over 3,500 copies distributed every month across Leicestershire & Rutland by a combination of: • By Post to SUBSCRIBERS and a rotating free mailing list (2,200 copies) • Through trade counters of local merchants (1,300 copies) SUBSCRIPTIONS: £20 PER YEAR (No VAT) TO SUBSCRIBE: CALL 01530 244069 and leave your details, or subscribe via our Website. We’ll invoice you later. Printed in Ellistown by: Norwood Press
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Stalking is when two people go for a long romantic walk together but only one of them knows it.
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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • SEPTEMBER 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069
Cottage with adjacent plot: Guide £75k+ A two-bed cottage, let at £375 per calendar month, together with an adjacent building plot with Outline Planning Consent for a twobed cottage, is being offered for sale at the Graham Penny Derby Auction on Thursday 5th September 2013 (11.30am start). The property – 57 Parkside, Belper DE56 1HY – has a Guide Price of £75,000+. For further details, contact Graham Penny Auctions on 01332 242880 or visit the website at www. grahampennyauctions.com
Mill complex with consent for 22 apartments JEFFERY JONES Partnership are inviting offers over £300,000 for a three-storey former mill complex with planning permission for 22 apartments and 5 ground floor workstations. The property - Tanglewood Mill, Coke Street, Derby DE1 1NE is close to the city centre and would be suitable for sale of individual units or for long term investment. For further details, contact Jeffery Jones Partnership on 01332 200388 or email: property@jefferyjones. co.uk
Barn for conversion in Harby RICHARD WATKINSON & Partners are offering for sale a barn with planning permission for conversion. The property – at Burden Lane, Harby, Leicestershire – is located in the heart of the village, has a wealth of potential and comes with off-street parking. The asking price is £74,950. For more information, contact Richard Watkinson & Partners on 01949 836678 or email: bingham@ richardwatkinson.co.uk
Builders’ Problems SOLVED Judgement in Default Problem: I really hope that you can help. I am the owner of a SME construction company (not limited). Most of my work is new build single unit dwellings carried out to a be-spoke design. In mid-2011 I was approached by a developer and asked whether I wanted to tender for a small development of 3 large detached houses on the Leicestershire / Northamptonshire border, which I said yes. Having submitted a tender, the developer then came back and said he wanted to go ahead with me but on the basis that the architectural practice is novated, meaning that the project would become design and build. I have had plenty of experience of D&B projects, so this did not faze me, and I subsequently entered into an agreement. However, the architectural practice was a nightmare, and I eventually sacked them and brought in another firm, allowing the project to be completed. Between October last year and March this year, I have been constantly pestered by the novated architectural practice, who believes I owe it almost £10,000, which I deny. Even if I did owe it this money, I have a counter-claim for losses as a result of their poor performance. Then from April 2013, the architectural practice went quiet. Then out of the blue on 15 July 2013, I had a visit from High Court Enforcement Officers demanding an immediate payment of over £11,000, or alternatively they would seize goods to the value of the demand – I had no choice but to pay up! It turns out that the architectural practice issued proceedings in the County Court in April 2013, but gave the address of my old office, which I moved from in December 2012 – and the architectural practice knew this! What can I do?
Zahir, Leicester
Response: Hello Zahir. All is not lost but you must act swiftly! What has happened is that because you have not acknowledged service of the claim nor responded by putting in a defence within the pre-requisite time, the architectural practice has obtained what is called a judgement in default. It has then transferred the judgement to the High Court and obtained a Writ of Fieri Facias which then allows High Court Enforcement Officers to execute the Writ. You will need to make an interim application (form 244) and apply to the Court to have the judgement in default set aside. The form must be accompanied by a witness statement and evidence. To support your application, you will need to show that a) you have a real prospect of being able to successfully defend the claim and / or b) that service was not valid. In order to show that you do have a real prospect of being able to successfully defend the claim, you will need to provide the evidence to show that you do not owe it any monies and the evidence of your counter-claim. However, it would appear in any event that you have a good chance to show that the address for service is wrong. Service of a claim is the procedure used to give legal notice to a defendant of a court’s exercise of its jurisdiction over the defendant, enabling the defendant to respond to the proceedings before the court. If you can therefore show that the claim was not issued to the correct address, then your application should be successful and the following rules of the Civil Procedure Rules (“CPR”) will be helpful: • Under CPR 6.9(2), where an individual is being sued in the name of a business, the place of service is to be at the usual or last known residence of the individual or the principal or last known place of business. • CPR 6.9(3) states that where a claimant has reason to believe that the address of the defendant is an address at which the defendant no longer resides or carries on business, the claimant must take reasonable steps to ascertain the address of the defendant’s current residence or place of business. Assuming therefore that not only was the architectural practice aware that you had moved offices, but was also aware of your new address, you should be successful with your application. If you are going to make an application to set aside, I would strongly recommend that you use the services of a solicitor as such matters are complex and daunting for the inexperienced. Good luck. Michael P. Gerard © Michael P. Gerard MSc, PGDipLaw, PGDipBar, FCIOB, MCIArb, MAE The advice provided is intended to be of a general guide only and should not be viewed as providing a definitive legal analysis.
Author background Michael is a Barrister, Chartered Builder, Registered Adjudicator & Accredited Expert in quantum and planning matters. He is Managing Director of Michael Gerard & Co www.michael-gerard.co.uk, a company of chartered building consultants and quantity surveyors who provide a specialised service in the areas of construction law, quantum, programming, business recovery and insolvency support to the construction industry. Michael is also a consultant with Silver Shemmings LLP, a London practice of solicitors specialising in construction.
Clipstone site for 7 houses: £200k guide RICHARD Watkinson & Partners are offering for sale a parcel of building land with conditional planning permission for the erection of 7 houses. The land is situated at Vicars Court, Clipstone Village, Nottinghamshire and the planning permission is subject to the signing of a Section 106 Agreement to provide two of the units as social housing. The Guide Price is £200,000. For more information, contact Richard Watkinson & Partners on 01623 626990 or email: Mansfield@richardwatkinson.co.uk
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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • SEPTEMBER 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069
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Leicester factory for sale: £350k
INTALI are offering for sale a single storey factory divided into six individual working areas with the addition of a first floor office suite. The property – 73 Grace Road, Leicester LE2 8AZ – has a gross internal area of 965.5 sq.metres. The asking price is £350,000. For more information, contact Intali on 08444 148 100 or visit the website at www.intali.com
Builder’s yard in Langley Mill A builder’s yard at Station Road, Langley Mill, Heanor, Derbyshire is being offered for sale at the Graham Penny Nottingham auction on Thursday 12th September 2013 (11.30am start). The 0.74 acre site has a sales office and storage building and has been used as a builder’s yard for many years. It is also considered suitable for alternative uses, including residential or care home, subject to obtaining the necessary planning consent. Guide Price: £115,000. For more information, contact Graham Penny Auctions on 0115 958 8702 or visit the website at www. grahampennyauctions.com
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RICS July 2013 UK Residential Market Survey The UK housing market appears to have finally turned a corner as buyers returned to the market in their biggest numbers for four years, says the latest RICS Residential Market Survey (13 August 2013). During July, the amount of potential buyers looking to enter the market grew at the fastest rate since July 2009, as a net balance of 53 percent more chartered surveyors reported increases in demand. Since the start of the year, buyers have gradually been returning to test the market - thanks in no small part to government finance initiatives - yet the amount of would-be buyers seen in July saw a sizable peak. Significantly, this growth was seen in each and every part of the UK as the recovery, initially focused in the South East, spread to regions across the country. The West Midlands
and the North East - areas which have suffered more than most since the market crash - experienced the biggest increases in buyer activity in July. Consequentially, prices rose in the country for the fourth consecutive month and grew at their fastest rate since the market peak of November 2006. Notably, this was not only confined to more affluent parts of the country such as London, but every region saw growth as we enter the end of the summer period. In tandem with rising buyer confidence, more potential sellers looked to test the market and place their homes up for sale. Last month, 15 percent more respondents reported rises rather than falls in new instructions. This reading has now been in positive territory for the last six months. However in each of these months it has been outstripped by the change in new buyer enquires.
Looking ahead, it seems that prices across the country are going to continue to rise further, with a net balance of 35 percent more surveyors predicting increases. Meanwhile, transaction levels are also expected to grow, as 53 percent more respondents expect sales to rise rather than fall over the coming three months. Peter Bolton King, RICS Global Residential Director, said: “These results are great news of the property market as it looks like at long last a recovery could be around the corner. Growth in buyer numbers and prices have been happening in some parts of the country since the beginning of the year but this is the first time that everywhere has experienced some improvement. It is clearly good news that those parts of the property market that were struggling are at last showing some signs of life.”
Derelict Long Eaton pub makes way for new homes Rippon Homes is set to bring its homes to Long Eaton for the first time after finding an ideal location for home buyers wanting a family-friendly and convenient place to call home. The new three and four-bedroom homes will be built on the site of the former Lion and Dragon pub, which is derelict and will be demolished in order to make way for the new homes. The local house builder will develop a new community of nine Rippon homes, after Land Negotiator, Paula Fisher, sealed a deal on land located on Wilmot Street. Paula comments: “As a local company we are committed to building new homes in Nottinghamshire and currently have developments in Mansfield, Forest Town and Bilsthorpe, but we are also keen to bring our popular family homes to other areas. “This location has everything we look for when considering potential developments, it’s ideal for those wanting to be within easy reach of local amenities and is sure to be popular with families thanks to its close proximity to the local primary school, which has a fantastic reputation. “It’s also located in a quiet residential area, so the small collection of homes we plan to build will create a familyfriendly community in this growing town. The house builder is currently looking for land in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Lincolnshire. Find out more by visiting www.ripponhomes.co.uk or call 0800 169 7644.
RICS UK Commercial Market Survey, Q2 2013 Businesses across the country are slowly looking to expand by taking on more premises in which to house their operations, according to the latest RICS Commercial Market Survey. Interest from would-be tenants of shops, offices and factories saw a rise during the run up to summer with a net balance of 15% more surveyors reporting increases in demand. While the lion’s share of this growth was seen in London, all areas of the country saw something of an uplift. Although activity is still subdued at a headline level, the results of the latest RICS report are consistent with the signs of recovery that has been visible in much other recent economic news flow. In tandem with rising demand, the amount of available property dipped slightly which, in turn, led to expectations for future rents stabilising. Since 2008, predictions for the amount of rent business premises will generate has been very much in the doldrums so this could be a further sign that a corner is slowly being turned. Significantly, it would also seem that the amount of newly built commercial premises is beginning to stabilise. As with rental values, the downturn saw construction levels drop considerably yet no notable falls have been evident for some time – the amount of office space built last quarter even rose. It has been well publicised that the commercial property sector across much of the country has been struggling since the onset of the credit crunch. London has been something of an exception but at long last, there are some green shoots beginning to sprout in other parts of the UK. It is still early days and the rental outlook looks challenging both in some localities and some sub-sectors. However, the generally better numbers on tenant demand are an encouraging pointer to the future.
Simon Rubinsohn, RICS Chief Economist Talk about care free. He’s got a snooze button on his smoke alarm.
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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • SEPTEMBER 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069
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Plot for bungalow in Belper A plot with detailed planning permission for a two-bed detached bungalow is being offered for sale at the Graham Penny Derby Auction on Thursday 5th September 2013 (11.30am start). The plot – at the rear of 192 Kilbourne Road, Belper, DE56 1SB – has a Guide Price of £50,000. For further details, contact Graham Penny Auctions on 01332 242880 or visit the website at www. grahampennyauctions.com
CITB announces improved Grants Scheme The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has announced key changes to its Grants Scheme which are designed to encourage the industry to take advantage of the funding available to help them train. The improvements, which will benefit all grant claiming employers, became effective from August 1st 2013. A summary of the key changes is available on the CITB website at www.citb.co.uk/en-GB/NewsEvents/grant-scheme-changesfunding-industry-training/
AS REPORTED in the Leicester Mercury, a £7 million project to build affordable housing in Blaby has received a £1.4 million boost from the Government. East Midlands Housing Group
Work has commenced on a £1.1m Rural Exception housing scheme in the village of Carlton, Leicestershire. Award-winning, Loughboroughbased contractor and developer William Davis Ltd is building 11 new homes on Nailstone Road on behalf of Nottingham Community Housing Association (NCHA) in a partnership project with Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, Leicestershire County Council and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA). The new homes are the result of lengthy consultation with local residents by Carlton Parish Council, Shackerstone Parish Council and the Leicestershire Rural Housing Enabler to address the long-standing need for affordable LAUNCH: Planting a new tree to mark the start of building works for 11 housing in this rural area. new homes in Carlton, Leicestershire. (L-R) Judith Boston, councillor, Built to achieve Code for Sustainable Carlton Parish Council; Richard Cornes, partnerships director, William Homes level 3, the two bedroom Davis Ltd; Paul Moat, technical services director, NCHA; Ian Sarson, vice houses and bungalows will feature solar chair, Carlton Parish Council; Chris Peat, clerk to Carlton Parish Council; heated hot water which help tenants Councillor Michael Mullaney, Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council and save money on their electricity bills. Bill Sharp, councillor, Carlton Parish Council. Stephen Fisher, business development manager, William the funding contributions made Council Executive Member for Davis said: “We are pleased to have by the HCA, Hinckley & Bosworth Housing, said: “HBBC is proud commenced work on this Rural Borough Council, Leicestershire to be working in partnership Exception site and demonstrate our County Council and NCHA have with Nottingham Community expertise in this sector. Over the allowed this project to move Housing Association, Leicestershire coming months, we look forward forward and we look forward to the County Council and the Homes to the creation of these energy properties being made available in and Communities Agency to efficient homes, which we hope will 2014 to the local community.” deliver new affordable housing address some of the shortfall of high in a settlement where there is Leicestershire County Council quality, affordable housing in rural currently no affordable housing cabinet member Ivan Ould, said: locations.” provision. These 11 properties “We want villages like Carlton to Allan Fisher, NCHA’s assistant help to fulfil the council’s objective thrive and that’s why the county director of development and to deliver decent, well managed council has contributed £55,000 of new business explains NCHA’s and affordable housing for people New Homes Bonus funding for this commitment to rural developments: who would be unable to meet their scheme, ensuring local families can “NCHA will continue to find ways in needs in the open market.” afford to live in the village.” difficult economic times to deliver The homes on Nailstone Road are Councillor Michael Mullaney, much needed affordable housing due for completion in March 2014. Hinckley and Bosworth Borough in rural communities. At Carlton
£1.4m boost for major housing plan (EMH Group) is planning to build 50 new homes in the district by spring 2015 and was given the grant last month. The new houses will be aimed at housing older and disabled people.
Chan Kataria, chief executive of EMH Group, told the Leicester Mercury: “With an ageing population and changing demographics, the need for more specialised housing to support older
people and disabled adults to live as independently as possible is more important than ever. “We are delighted that through a strong partnership we have been successful in bringing funding for these much needed homes to Blaby.”
I wish people who have trouble communicating would just shut up.
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17
Threshing barn with consent for conversion
RICHARD WATKINSON & Partners are offering for sale a traditional threshing barn with full planning permission for conversion to a dwelling and work unit. The barn – at Stokes Fields Farm, Elston, Nottinghamshire – stands with a substantial range of modern farm buildings and a grass paddock. Total site area: 4 acres. Offers in the region of £330,000 are invited. For more information, contact Richard Watkinson & Partners on 01636 611811 or email: Newark@richardwatkinson.co.uk
Help to Buy ‘needs small developers to succeed’ The Government needs to incentivise smaller housing developers to build more homes to help meet the rising demand sparked by the Help to Buy scheme, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Help to Buy has contributed to an upturn in demand in the housing market, while mortgage approvals have also seen a significant year-on-year increase. To remove the obstacles restricting the supply of new homes, the Government needs to ensure small developers have access to the business finance they need to get projects off the ground. They will also need to place renewed emphasis on improving the supply of smaller, easier-to-deliver sites and reduce the cumulative burden of regulation and developer contributions, which so often discourages smaller developers from bringing new homes to market. Brian Berry, the Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders, said: “The Help to Buy initiative is helping to revitalise the flagging housing market, and the Government is to be applauded for having worked hard to make the scheme more accessible to small builders and developers. Rekindling demand in this way helps create the environment for developers to start bringing more homes to market, but there is still a long way to go before we are once again building the 200,000plus new homes we need each year just to keep pace with demand.” Berry continued: “In 1988 SME house builders built two thirds of new homes in the UK, but now that proportion has dropped to just one third. This trend has not been helped by the recent recession, the worst in living memory. To build on the current tentative upturn in economic conditions, and to secure the diversity of housing supply, we need government at all levels to properly engage with smaller housebuilders to establish how we can bring more homes to market.” Berry concluded: “To avoid any risk of the Help to Buy scheme creating a housing bubble, the Government now needs to increase the supply of land. It should also lift local authority borrowing caps to help build more social and affordable housing.”
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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • SEPTEMBER 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069
Redevelopment opportunity in Coventry LOVEITTS Estate Agents are offering for sale BY AUCTION a prominently situated commercial site with potential for redevelopment, subject to planning. The 1.7 acre site – at Rowleys Green Lane/Judds Lane, Coventry CV6 6AL – faces the Ricoh Arena and is currently occupied by a variety of old workshop buildings. For sale BY AUCTION – at De Vere Village Hotel, Coventry Business Park, Coventry CV4 9GZ on Thursday 26th September 2013 at 6.30pm. The Guide Price is £450,000. For more information, contact Loveitts on 024 7652 7789 or email: auctions@loveitts.co.uk
Trade news from BIBBY The story for Bibby Financial Services’ clients in the construction sector is one of continued growth over the course of six consecutive quarters, going back to Q1 2012. The Index for the sector in Q2 2013 stands at 110.2, up from 102.6 in the previous quarter and significantly up on 99.6 from Q2 2012. The sector could in fact be in line for a record year of growth as the first two quarters of 2013 are the highest performing Q1 and Q2 in the sector across the entire Index, going back to 2007. This continued and sustained rate of increased turnover performance is being driven in part by initiatives announced in recent months to help boost the housing market, such as Funding for Lending and the Help to Buy Scheme. Karen Rawlinson, Director of Construction Finance at Bibby Financial Services said: “These results are encouraging and much of this growth can be attributed to the house-building recovery. It seems as though the Help to Buy scheme is having a real impact, which is positive.” Mind if I borrow your scissors, hammer, and a knife? And a light sabre if you have it. I’ve got one of those ‘Easy Open’ packages here.
Free half-day event in Coalville
Construction industry workers invited to find out about the dangers of dust
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is inviting representatives of the construction industry to a free seminar about the dangers of dust. Every year 500 workers die from the effects of inhaling dust from materials such as concrete, wood, mortar, gypsum or sandstone. The half day event, organised by the Working Well Together group, takes place in Coalville, Leicestershire, on Friday 20 September. It aims to raise awareness among managers, supervisors and operatives of the health problems caused by dust and the simple steps that should be taken to control it. Practical sessions and demonstrations will focus on extraction systems, water suppression and respiratory protective equipment. Chris Lucas, of HSE’s Health Risk Management Unit, who will be speaking at the event, explained: “Construction dust is not just a nuisance, it is a serious risk to workers’ health. Regularly breathing in even small amounts of dust over a long time can cause life-changing and life-threatening lung diseases, including cancer. “Common jobs like cutting or grinding concrete, chasing out mortar, drilling in enclosed spaces or sanding wood can be high risk if not properly controlled.” For more information or to book a place contact HSE visiting officer Ian Weekes on 0115 971 2871 Anyone unable to attend who would like to find out more can download a free information sheet from http://www. hse.gov.uk/pubns/cis36.pdf
Former Government Minister Calls For New Housing Vision
With housebuilding levels at their lowest levels since the 1920s and housing affordability worsening, a former Government Minister and leading housing expert, the Rt Hon Nick Raynsford MP, has set out his vision for how the sector can begin to repair itself. In a lecture given in memory of Sir Frederic J Osborn and published in a paper entitled ‘The challenge of the housing crisis’, Nick Raynsford lays out the challenges facing the housing sector: “We have a hopelessly inadequate supply of housing, chronic affordability problems, rising homelessness, a serious backlog of poor conditions and inefficient energy performance, and a legacy of social segregation to tackle. Few commentators would disagree with most of this analysis, nor deny the extent to which housing in Britain today is in crisis. But while there will be widespread agreement about the extent of most of the problems, there is no agreement about solutions.” Raynsford believes that the current Government’s response centred around demand side solutions like the mortgage ‘Help to Buy’ scheme, incentives and planning reform have not led to the necessary changes for a more functional housebuilding model. Raynsford argues: • Three years of upheaval in the planning system has resulted in fewer, not more consents for new housing. • After a detailed examination of the New Homes Bonus, the National Audit Office recently concluded: ‘We found no association between individual local authorities’ planning application approval rates and their number of homes qualifying
for the Bonus’. In other words, this expensive incentive scheme appears to have had no significant effect. • How in the absence of any linking mechanism between national estimates of housing need and local decisions on supply, the Government could ensure the requisite number of homes is delivered. Few informed commentators expect the much hyped ‘Duty to Co-operate’ to provide an effective solution. Raynsford also calls for a gradual and socially just rebalancing in housing benefit expenditure against that spent on housing delivery, stating that we are currently spending £25 billion on housing subsidies, but with £23 billion on Housing Benefit and a little under £2 billion on supporting social and affordable housebuilding. However, he warns that: “The process of rebalancing national housing expenditure in favour of investment is neither simple nor quick. Rapidly withdrawing or reducing Housing Benefit from those people who depend on it would be a recipe for evictions and homelessness. But that is not to say that a start cannot be made.” and for the sensible, but realistic expansion of the private rented sector.” He also argues that delivering more and better housing is not an either/or question of new settlements versus urban regeneration, but that both are
needed. Nick Raynsford writes: “We urgently need a new vision for housing and the development of new communities. Current policies are clearly failing, and a different approach is urgently called for. That new vision has to ensure a substantial increase in the supply of new homes, and has equally to ensure that the new supply is affordable. At the same time we must focus on building successful new communities, whether as part of urban regeneration or through new settlements. The agenda should be about high-quality, well designed and environmentally progressive developments that are popular and which meet wider social and economic objectives. This commitment to quality can, I believe, help over time to overcome the fierce opposition which new housing development proposals too often attract. All of this requires a confident planning system that understands society’s needs but also works to make possible good new developments that will prove sustainable and attractive in the long term. Never more than today do we require brave planners who understand their responsibilities and society’s aspirations, and who work to ensure that the two come together to create an expanded housebuilding programme and a commitment to sustainable communities.”
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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • SEPTEMBER 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069
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NIA and CITB introduce new Internal Wall Insulation Specialist UpSkilling Training Programme
23
Six week placement with Wilmott Dixon
Jack at heart of multimillion revamp project
The National Insulation Association (NIA) in partnership with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has developed a new Internal Wall Insulation (IWI) Specialist Up-Skilling Training Programme (SUP) designed to support the increase in IWI industry capacity that will be needed under the Green Deal and Energy Company Obligation. The SUP will provide support to companies seeking to carry out IWI by providing specialist training and qualifications. Neil Marshall, Chief Executive of the NIA commented: “Underpinning the Green Deal and ECO is the Publically Available Specification PAS 2030 which sets out the requirements and specification for the installation of energy efficient measures and the Minimum Technical Competencies that installers must possess. The NIA has therefore worked closely with the CITB in developing this SUP which will provide much needed support for companies wishing to carryout IWI and we commend this programme to the industry.” Bill Brown, Project Manager for the initial pilot scheme* commented: “The information gathered during pilots enabled this new IWI Training Scheme to be developed in conjunction with the NIA to ensure it met the needs of the industry. The NIA formed a special working group comprising industry experts from both manufacturing and installing companies to develop the SUP and I would like to thank them for their support. “The SUP training scheme is now available nationally, supported by CITB grants and DECC funding.” Organisations and companies interested in this programme should contact the CITB direct at enquiry. nsac@citb.co.uk Organisations interested in NIA membership should contact the association on 01525 383313 or email info@nia-uk.org
A young Harborough man has been given the opportunity to gain work experience at the heart of a multi-million pound redevelopment project. Jack Thurston (pictured on site) was selected to work with contractor Willmott Dixon as they transform the former council offices into a cultural and heritage hub set to open early next year. The Grade II listed building, in Adam & Eve Street, is currently being redeveloped by Willmott Dixon on behalf of Harborough District Council, which owns the site, as part of a £5.75m project. When complete, The Symington Building, as it will be known, will accommodate the Harborough District Council headquarters and integrated library and museum, as well as shops, businesses. As part of the project, Willmott Dixon and Harborough District Council wanted to offer opportunities to local people who were keen to gain useful work experience. Jack, 23, from Knoll Street, Market Harborough, who was taken on for a six-week placement, said: “I’ve enjoyed the scope of the work and the varying tasks each day. It’s helped improve my skills and gain a really good knowledge of the construction industry.” As part of his role, Jack was tasked to undertake health & safety and quality assurance support, photograph key stages of the project, assist with safety promotion and interior design work, and also look at the social, economic & environmental sustainability of the project. Willmott Dixon wants to provide more opportunities for work placements and are currently working with the Job Centre to recruit more people. Jack added: “If you can’t get any paid work then work experience is a good idea because future employers may be more interested if you have gained extra skills.”
Proposal for 4,500 homes to the east of Thurmaston As reported in the Leicester Mercury, plans for a 4,500home expansion of the city are being considered by council officials. Investment management firm CEG has put forward proposals to develop an 800-acre site on the edge of the city to the east of Thurmaston. The area, which falls within the boundaries of Charnwood borough, has long been earmarked for house building. CEG has sent paperwork to Charnwood Borough Council planners seeking advice ahead of an application which is anticipated in the autumn. CEG documents indicate the 4,500 homes would be accompanied by 13 acres of industrial and office space, a town centre with shops and a large food store, plus three primary schools. The developer is also setting aside 19 acres for a potential secondary school and land for parks and sports pitches. A site for travellers would be developed next to the A607.
• The cool part about naming your kid is you don’t have to add 6 numbers to make sure the name is available. • Told the doctor I thought I had athlete’s foot. He looked at me and said, “I don’t think you have athlete’s anything.” • My chief contribution to society is being “The Worst Case Scenario.”
Leicester City Deckchair Ltd (c/o Agent: Staniforth Architects Ltd, The Warehouse, 1A Stamford Street, Leicester LE1 6NL) – Change of use from public house with extensions to sides and roof to form 45 student bedrooms in 25 flats – at Former Black Boy Public House, Albion Street, Leicester. BLE Properties Ltd (c/o Agent: Ink/Drawn Ltd, 9 Welford Place, Leicester LE1 6ZH) – Nine additional self-contained flats – at The Best Connection Group Ltd, 72 Charles Street, Leicester. Inclusion Healthcare Ltd (c/o Agent: Lance Wiggins, Landmark Planning Ltd, 10 Salisbury Road, Leicester LE1 7QR) – Change of use of ground floor from factory to mixed use comprising of non-residential institution and offices – at 64 Mansfield Street, Leicester. Mr Julian Levy (c/o Agent: Ian Palmer, Staniforth Architects Ltd., The Warehouse, 1A Stamford Street, Leicester LE1 6NL) – Variation of condition 12 attached to planning permission 20100417 to allow for the provision of 7 additional flats – at Crown Building, Corner of Upper Brown Street & Newarke Street, Leicester. RG+P Limited (c/o: 130 New Walk, Leicester LE1 7JA) – Screening opinion as to whether an environmental statement is required in relation to the redevelopment of the site with up to 132 dwellings – at Former Mundella College, Wycombe Road, Leicester. Aldi Stores Ltd (c/o Agent: Dalkin Scotton Partnership Architects Ltd, 216 Fort Dunlop, Fort Parkway, Birmingham B24 9FD) – Retail food store – at Fletton Close, Leicester. Mr Graham Ferriman (c/o Agent: ADM Surveyors Ltd, 3A The Parade, Needham Avenue, Glen Parva, Leicester LE2 9JW) – Change of use of ground floor and part of first floor from nightclub to 4 flats – at 29-31 Wharf Street South, Leicester. GS Property Holdings Ltd (c/o Agent: Landmark Planning Ltd, 10 Salisbury Road, Leicester LE1 7QR) – Change of use of ground floor from retail to retail, financial & professional services, restaurant, bar and/or take away; change of use of first floor from retail to community and/or leisure; external alterations to enable the subdivision of existing premises to 9 units – at 13 Buckminster Road, Leicester.
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I have a condition that renders me unable to go on a diet. I get hungry.
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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • SEPTEMBER 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069
New research shows potential for serious cuts to Stamp Duty
Continued from page 23 ...> Grandeur Capital Ltd (c/o Agent: Ink/Drawn Ltd, 9 Welford Place, Leicester LE1 6ZH) – Change of use from warehouse to 14 studio flats and alterations to roof – at 29-31 York Road, Leicester. Mr Ghumaan (c/o Agent: Ink/Drawn Ltd, 9 Welford Place, Leicester LE1 6ZH) – Change of use from industrial unit and two storey extension to form 1 light industrial and 4 retail/office units on the ground floor and 12 selfcontained flats above – at New Star Fashions, 117 Doncaster Road, Leicester. Leicester Cathedral (c/o Agent: Philip Dodd, Architects LE1, 38 Nelson Street, Leicester LE1 7BA) – Change of use from offices to 3 houses – at 1-5 St Martins East, Leicester. Nathan Associates (c/o: 3 Nelson Close, Ettington, Stratford upon Avon, Warks. CV37 7SL) – Prior notification of change of use from offices to 10 flats – at Kobe House, 18/30 Charles Street, Leicester. Mrs Gillian Bolton (c/o Agent: Mrs H Prangley, Plan Research, 65 Middleton Place, Loughborough, Leics. LE11 2BY) – Demolition of garages and erection of 2 dwellings – at land opposite No.50 Ripon Street, Leicester. Mr Dhiraj Morjaria (c/o Agent: Dennis Dziko, B3 Regent Court, Rawson Street, Leicester LE1 6UP) – Change of use from house in multiple occupation to 5 flats – at 321 East Park Road, Leicester. Paresh Parmer (c/o Agent: Mrs Caroline Simpson-Watkinson, Harborough London Ltd, 15 Half Moon Crescent, Leicester LE2 4HD) – Change of use from office to residential flats – at 136-140 London Road, Leicester. Northern Trust (c/o Agent: Kyle Welburn, WSP, The Victoria, 150182 The Quays, Salford M50 3SP) – Screening opinion as to whether an environmental statement is required in relation to demolition of existing buildings and redevelopment with up to 100 dwellings – at Evelyn Road and Evesham Road, Faircharm Industrial Estate, Leicester.
Charnwood Marrons – Request for screening opinion for residential development of 2 new build properties and conversion of existing outbuildings to 4 residential units – at Ratcliffe Hall, 1 Main Street, Ratcliffe on the Wreake, Leics. LE7 4SN.
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New report shows how Stamp Duty could be simplified and cut without significantly impacting revenue to the Treasury LSE research shows that cutting Stamp Duty significantly increases the number of housing transactions Analysis from Walbrook Economics shows how an increase in transactions would mean new tax receipts and mitigate the cost of cutting Stamp Duty Land Tax
The Tax Payers’ Alliance (TPA) believes that Stamp Duty is an unfair double tax and should eventually be abolished. It stops young people buying a home and starting a family; discourages elderly people from downsizing and makes it harder for people to move to new places for new jobs. The TPA recently launched the Stamp Out Stamp Duty campaign calling for a cut in Stamp Duty, but new analysis shows that substantial reforms to ease the burden on home-buyers and limit the economic distortions created by the tax are possible with little or even no impact on overall tax receipts.
Key findings of this research Stamp Duty Land Tax raised £6.1bn in 2011/12 with residential property accounting for £4.2bn of that total. This represents 0.8 per cent of the £549bn of taxes raised in that year. Work by Best and Kleven in their recent paper, ‘Housing market Responses to Transaction Taxes; Evidence From Notches and Stimulus in the UK (June 2013)’, clearly demonstrates a link between Stamp Duty transaction tax rates and valuations and activity levels. Reducing the rate of Stamp Duty by 1 per cent has increased volumes by 20% over a 16 month time frame in the past, with a permanent positive effect in the longer term. Walbrook Economics estimate around 1.1m jobs are dependent directly and indirectly on the housing market. The fall in housing activity has cost 80,000 construction jobs and 80,000 to 100,000 associated positions in other trades. They estimate that the decline in transaction volumes has cost the Treasury in excess of £1.3bn p.a. in lost Income Tax and National Insurance. VAT receipts will also be affected by the reduction in economic activity and their estimate is that the decline in transactions has reduced VAT receipts by £1.75bn p.a. Stamp Duty accounts for less than 30% of the total tax receipts associated with housing transactions overall. Therefore – if higher tax rates reduce transaction volumes – higher receipts from other taxes, as well as more people paying the remaining Stamp Duty rates, will mitigate the loss in revenue when Stamp Duty is cut. The TPA presents three proposals, all of which are designed to simplify Stamp Duty and reduce the burden on home-buyers: Proposal 1 - Move to a marginal tax: The slab rate structure of Stamp Duty is unfair and creates enormous distortions. If people only paid each rate on the value above its threshold, rather than paying the highest rate for which their property is liable on the entire value, that would be a substantial tax cut and remove those anomalies. This proposal would particularly benefit those at the middle to low end of the market. Proposal 2 - Double the thresholds: Stamp Duty currently has 5 rates, between 1% and 7%. If the thresholds were doubled, 77% of all transactions in 2011/12 would have been exempt from any Stamp Duty Land Tax. This proposal would also particularly benefit those at the middle to low end of the market. Proposal 3 - Halve the rates: Halving Stamp Duty rates would send a clear signal to householders that the Government was determined to encourage home ownership and mobility, and would benefit all home-buyers. Each of these proposals would provide a substantial economic stimulus at little or no cost to the Exchequer. As the economy is finally showing some signs of recovery, this is an ideal time to act and cut Stamp Duty, before it becomes even more onerous. Matthew Sinclair, Chief Executive of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said: “Stamp Duty is an unfair double tax that stops young people buying a home and starting a family, discourages elderly people from downsizing and makes it harder to move to new places for new jobs. The Government could cut Stamp Duty with a limited impact on the amount of money going into the Treasury’s coffers, as lower taxes would encourage more people to move and therefore increase the number of transactions being taxed. Politicians should seize this golden opportunity to reduce the burden and make things easier for the hundreds of thousands of people looking to buy or sell a home each year.”
It’s hard to face the problem, when the problem is your face.
Prime building land in Earl Shilton: £70k ANDREW GRANGER & Co are inviting offers around £70,000 for a former builder’s yard with planning permission (ref: 12/00393/FUL) for one substantial detached dwelling. The 0.111 acre site – at 36 Melton Street, Earl Shilton, Leicestershire LE9 7FP - is located within a mature residential area with a mixture of period town houses and modern houses and bungalows. The site is level, providing easy access to services and offering a south facing rear garden. An area of adjoining land, which is in separate ownership, is understood to be currently for sale at offers around £45,000. The combined site area could provide an alternative development comprising 3 three-bed town houses, subject to planning. For more information, contact Michael Granger at Andrew Granger & Co on 01858 439087 or email: Michael.granger@ andrewgranger.co.uk
£4.5m injection for new homes As reported in the Leicester Mercury, a Government grant of £4.5 million will help construct more than 180 low-cost homes in Leicester over the next three years. The grant has been made by the Homes and Communities Agency, following discussions with Leicester City Council and local housing associations, developers and the Department for Health. It will help finance the construction of new flats and houses across the city, which will be managed by housing associations. Sites in Knighton Fields Road West, Bendbow Rise, Queensmead, Sandhills Avenue, Manor Farm, Lutterworth Road, Erskine Street, Crawford Close, Kerrial Road and Chadwell Road, have been earmarked for development. Building work has already started in a number of places and each scheme should be completed by March, 2016. The city council will contribute money from its own “Right to Buy” receipts, from sold council homes, as well as providing land at a discount rate.
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House-buying boosted across the county First-time buyers in every district in Leicestershire have benefited from county council support, new figures have revealed. The council has supported 242 low-cost mortgage applications, totalling £26.9 million, of which 181 have been completed – with the most applications coming from Blaby and Charnwood. Last September, the county council agreed to lend Lloyds TSB £10 million, enabling it to offer lowcost mortgages to up to 400 firsttime buyers. Under the scheme, buyers have to find a deposit of just five per cent. The council has just released its latest investment of £2 million for the scheme, taking the total to £7.4 million. The council revealed the number of mortgages approved in each district: • Blaby: 62 approvals, £7.9m purchase price, £7.5m mortgages • Charnwood: 55 approvals, £6.3m purchase price, £5.9m mortgages • Harborough: 13 approvals, £1.7m purchase price, £1.6m mortgages • Hinckley & Bosworth: 32 approvals, £3.7m purchase price, £2.8m mortgages • Melton: 27 approvals, £3.4m purchase price, £3.2m mortgages • North West Leicestershire: 34 approvals, £4.0m purchase price, £3.7m mortgages • Oadby & Wigston: 19 approvals, £2.4m purchase price, £2.2m mortgages County council leader Nick Rushton said: Lending our money for mortgages helps people into homes, boosts the economy and enables the council to get its money back, with interest, from the bank.”
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Dave Smith achieves perfection
Hinckley apprentice is ‘Student of the Year’
An apprentice surveyor employed by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council’s Housing Repairs Team has been declared ‘Student of the Year’ by the National Federation of Builders (NFB). Thirty-year-old Dave Smith from Hinckley received the award after being the only student in the entire country to achieve perfect course attendance and a perfect score in his formal college assessments. As well as a certificate, Dave was awarded with a £100 voucher and a cup at an award ceremony attended by a representative from the NFB at Leicester College last month. Dave, who trained for the NFB National Certificate at Leicester College last year, now plans to continue training this year by taking a HND Modern Apprenticeship with the aim of qualifying as a building surveyor. Dave is not the only craft apprentice to achieve great things this year. Another talented craft apprentice employed by the Borough Council, 20-year-old
TALENTED: Dave Smith (with Cup) and Ashley Payne are congratulated on their success Ashley Payne from Barwell, completed what should have been a two-year apprenticeship in carpentry in just one year and still managed to qualify with distinction. Now Ashley, who trained at North Warwickshire and Hinckley College, is working as a carpenter for the Borough Council’s Housing Repairs team. Bill Cullen, Deputy Chief Executive at Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council said: “The council and I personally are very proud of the achievements of Dave and Ashley. This success underlines the hard work and commitment they have both given to this organisation during their apprenticeship training. It also highlights the benefits of investing in apprenticeships and the valued contribution they can make to organisations such as ours and for many businesses. The council will therefore continue working with partners and local businesses to further promote and develop apprenticeship opportunities within the borough.”
BARWELL CENTRE Development / Retail site Situated Stapleton Lane / Kirkby Road / Top Town Over £1,000,000 planned to improve position surrounding address by authorities. £250 million Barwell extension recently passed planning application to include 2500 homes. A major scheme on the site is at a 4 year stage with H&BBC. All plans available on approach.
Price: £650,000 - offers considered. All enquiries please email franbarker123@ hotmail.co.uk
The British have a reputation for keeping calm even when there is no crisis.
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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • SEPTEMBER 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069
Popularity Of Home Parks Soars Continued from page 24 ...> Mr D Pawley (c/o Agent: PD Architecture) – Erection of 2 bungalows – at land at rear of 135 Ratcliffe Road, Sileby, Leics. LE12 7PX. Mr Klaus Kaiser (c/o Agent: A+G Architects Ltd) – Refurbishment of existing shop and frontage, removal of existing warehouse plus extension to and renovation of existing buildings to form new fitness centre – at 13a14 High Street, Loughborough, Leics. LE11 2PY. Sedgwick Associates – Request for screening opinion for proposed development of up to 270 dwellings and infrastructure – at land off Hathern Road, Shepshed, Leics. Mrs Wendy Bell (c/o Agent: MA Design) – proposed 2 new dormer bungalows with replacement garaging – at 7 Albert Avenue, Sileby, Loughborough, Leics. LE12 7TA. Davidsons (c/o Agent: Pegasus Planning Group) – Residential development of land for up to 35 dwellings – at land north of Groby Road, Anstey, Leicester. Solus Homes Ltd (c/o Agent: HSSP Architects Ltd) – Demolition of existing bungalow and erection of 1 three-bed bungalow to the front and 3 two storey detached homes to the rear – at 302 Beacon Road, Loughborough, Leics. LE11 2RD. Marrons Planning Ltd (c/o Agent: Marrons Solicitors) – Erection of 2 dwellings, conversion of outbuildings to 4 dwellings following part demolition – at Ratcliffe Hall, 1 Main Street, Ratcliffe on the Wreake, Leics. LE7 4SN Mr Chris Shield (c/o Agent: Marrons) – Demolition of industrial buildings and proposed conversion of existing agricultural outbuildings to form 7 new dwellings – at Queniborough Lodge, 1446 Melton Road, Queniborough, Leicester LE7 3FN. Mrs Lynda Michalska (c/o Agent: Kunstler Designs Architects) – Conversion & change of use of an old people’s home to 6 self-contained flats – at 15 Mayfield Drive, Loughborough, Leics. LE11 2EA. Davidsons Developments Ltd (c/o Agent: Pegasus Planning Group) – Residential development of up to 57 dwellings – at land adjacent to Gynsill Court, Gynsill Lane, Anstey, Leicester.
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• 200,000 Britons now live in park homes (BHHPA)
• 95% of residents are 55 years of age or older (BHHPA) • New Mobile Homes Act introduced to protect mobile home owners in May 2013 The national housing market may now be showing much-welcomed signs of recovery as house prices rise at the fastest pace for 6 years but one sector has been enjoying a less well publicized boom even in the face of the worst recession for 40 years. The mobile or park home sector has risen in popularity in recent times attracting not only those in their golden years but also younger individuals, couples and even families keen to take advantage of the lower purchase and running costs as well as strong community feeling present on many home parks. According to the John Boston, spokesperson of the British Holiday & Home Parks Association (BHHPA), some 200,000 Britons now live in park homes and whilst the dominant demographic, some 95%, is those over 55 years of age, the proportion of younger residents is growing. Boston comments, “Far from the negative images of ‘trailer parks’ often portrayed by the media, holiday and home parks are aspirational not desperate places offering individuals, couples, families and retirees alike good quality, affordable housing within a community in some of the most stunning parts of the country.” Yet despite their growing popularity, the supply of new mobile homes has not kept up with demand and waiting lists are now common at many parks. Richard Patterson, Director of online estate agency, My Online Estate Agent, comments, “Mobile homes have become somewhat of a rarity in today’s marketplace. Due to planning restrictions, few new mobile homes are constructed so when a property such as the 3 bedroom home now available in Preston comes up for sale, we always see a flurry of interest with a sale often agreed quicker than traditional bricks and mortar homes.” Indeed so fierce is the competition for park homes that a new law designed to protect mobile home residents in England has just been introduced. The Mobile Homes Act, passed in May 2013, aims to stop park owners from interfering with mobile home transactions and purchasing homes themselves at knock-down prices. As mobile home owners do not own the land upon which their property sits, they had previously been vulnerable to unscrupulous or unfair practices by park owners but ministers insists that this new Act will no longer be able to block sales. Patterson comments, “The new Mobile Home Act 2013 can only be a positive step forward for mobile home owners. For too long park home residents have been at the mercy of park owners but now, as numbers grow, their voices are being heard with this new government Act offering much needed legal protection.”
Keyworth plot: £55k+ A building plot with full planning permission for an architect designed two-bed property is being offered for sale at the Graham Penny Nottingham auction on Thursday 12th September 2013 (11.30am start). The plot – at Blind Lane, Keyworth, Nottinghamshire NG12 5GH – has a Guide Price of £55,000+. For more information, contact Graham Penny Auctions on 0115 958 8702 or visit the website at www.grahampennyauctions.com
Development properties for sale with BB&J The following development properties are being offered for sale by BB&J Estate Agents: Development land at Stoney Street, Sutton in Ashfield, NG17 4GH – comprising a roughly rectangular, level grassed site extending to approximately 0.32 acres, with extended road frontage to Stoney Street. The site has full planning permission (ref: 2010/0506) for the erection of 9 three-bed townhouses arranged in three blocks, with gardens and 15 car parking spaces to the rear. Offers in the region of £195,000 are invited. • Residential development site at the former Den Day Nursery, Sleetmore Lane, Somercotes, DE55 1RB – comprising a roughly rectangular, cleared and levelled parcel of land extending to approximately 0.28 acres. The site has planning permission (ref: AVA/2007/0103) for 8 apartments and 4 townhouses. The asking price is £250,000. • Residential development site at Sherwood Street, Mansfield Woodhouse NG19 7NS – comprising a cleared 0.1 acre rectangular parcel of land with planning consent (ref: 2005/0861/NT) for 4 two-bed apartments and repositioning of the access. Foundations have been constructed so that the planning permission would not lapse. Offers in the region of £65,000 are invited for the freehold. • Development site at 75-85 Elton Road, Derby DE24 8EF – comprising a roughly square 0.19 acre cleared parcel of vacant land secured by a perimeter palisade/brick fence. The site has Outline Planning Permission (ref: 12/09/01425) for a terrace of 6 townhouses. Offers in excess of £110,000 are invited. For more information about any of these properties, contact Chris Wright at BB&J on 01332 292825 or email: c.wright@bbandj.co.uk •
I’m so fat, I was diagnosed with a flesh-eating disease and the doctor gave me 13 years to live.
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Leicestershire companies host free road show on buy-to-let property investment A group of Leicestershire businesses are holding a free road show on buy-to-let property investing next month, providing a range of expert advice from a local estate agent, accountancy firm, solicitors and building society mortgage provider.
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
Designed to be a one stop shop for both experienced and potential investors, the Investor Road Show is being held at the Waterfront Restaurant (1st floor suite) in Union Wharf, Market Harborough on Saturday 14th September between 10am and 2pm. Estate agents and chartered surveyors Andrew Granger & Co will be showcasing some of their investment-friendly properties with financial advice available from local chartered accountants E T Peirson & Sons. Market Harborough Building Society (MHBS) will also be present to discuss their buy-to-let mortgage products, whilst Wartnaby Hefford Solicitors will be on hand to offer legal information and guidance. “The glimmers of economic recovery are having a positive effect upon the property market and investing in property to let or sell has become an attractive proposition once more,” explains Jill Griffiths, partner at Andrew Granger & Co. “We have had an increasing number of enquiries from potential investors over the past six months. We hope that this free event will help introduce both new and experienced investors to trusted local businesses who will be able to successfully guide them through the process.” Jake Hider of MHBS adds “The low interest rate environment has resulted in great rates on buy-to-let mortgages, making investment in property a more attractive proposition. We are helping customers who are adding bricks and mortar into their pension plans.” Free to attend and with no appointment necessary, people can turn up to the Investor Road Show at any time from 10am to 2pm. For more information, contact Jill Griffiths of Andrew Granger & Co on 01858 439096 or email jill.griffiths@andrewgranger.co.uk.
Selling plots or development properties?
GET A FREE MENTION! We include brief details of development properties free-of-charge in editorial form. So, if you’re selling an interesting development property, building plot or property for conversion, email details to: info@buildermagazines.co.uk and we’ll give the property a free mention. Tremendous!
I am so clever that sometimes I don’t understand a single word of what I am saying.
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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • SEPTEMBER 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069
Top Tips for Home Improvers Are you planning on updating your home or starting a renovation? Michael Holmes (pictured right), spokesperson for The National Home Improvement Show, 27-29 September, Olympia, London explains how to finance your project and save on your build costs:
‘Concentrate on the basics when it comes to specification’
NEED OFFICE SPACE? WWW.RAYNSWAYPROPERTIES.CO.UK
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Most people have a preconceived idea that the cost of material, labour and appliances will be really expensive. However, when on a tight budget, simple methods and materials that house builders have been using for years are usually the best option. For instance, a four bedroom detached house may need 15,000 bricks but by opting for the cheaply priced ones you could save yourself £10,500 in the process.
‘Corners add costs’ A simple four corner house is cheaper to build than a six corner house because every time you add a corner you increase the build cost per m2. The simple ‘up and down’ roof required for a four corner house also makes it cheaper to build and allows you the option of opening up a third floor which can increase your floor area by 40 per cent. This will save you tens of thousands of pounds in build cost on your project.
‘Other ways to save money’ •
Utilise the attic space: If you make use of your attic you can increase your useable floor area and value by up to 40 per cent at a minimal extra cost. If there is enough space it can be transformed into an office or lounge or can become a study or an extra bedroom. • Roof tiles: By opting for large-format concrete tiles you will end up saving more than if you purchase small, handmade tiles or those from natural materials when the prices will be significantly more. • Don’t include a chimney: Chimneys are costly to build and modern houses don’t need them. They stick out from the side wall and can significantly reduce the floor area of your house. By not including one in your self-build home, you can save around £2,000-£8,000. • Quoins and surrounds: Quoins are masonry blocks placed at the corner of a wall or window which provide a surrounding feature or decoration. A cheaper and equally effective option is to use contrasting brick or a raised render painted in a different colour. • Exclude bay windows: They require more work underground to form the foundations and you will also need special corner bricks and lintels and, usually, an insulated, tiled roof and internal ceiling for this. The lead flashings and cavity trays have to be handmade and fitted making this more expensive. As a result there is usually an extra cost of around £2,000£4,000 per bay. • Keep landscaping simple and turf the garden: An average garden area can be transformed for less than £500. To turf all your garden areas by yourself just level, rake to remove stones then roll and get the turf ordered. • Gravel: To make your driveway and pathway look better there are many types and colours of gravel to choose from and they can be mixed and matched to good effect. Always aim to order full loads rather than the tonne bags as this will save you money. • Patios: ‘2x2’ concrete riven-effect slabs can be bought for just a few pounds each and will quickly give you a decent patio area. • Fencing: An alternative and much easier way of putting up post and rail fencing is by using metal spikes instead of concrete to set the posts in position. This will make it faster, easier and cheaper and you could even do it yourself. Visitors can get expert advice from Michael Holmes at The National Home Improvement Show taking place from 27-29 September 2013 at Olympia, London. Standard tickets are £12 in advance or £17 on the door (children under 16 go free). For more information and tickets, visit www.improveyourhomeshow. co.uk or call the ticket hotline on 0844 854 0503.
YOUR LOCAL COMMERCIAL PROPERTY PEOPLE
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By the time they had diminished from 50 to eight, the other dwarves began to suspect ‘Hungry’.
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Blaby David Wilson Homes East Midlands (c/o Agent: Chloe Renner, John Ormond House, 899 Silbury Boulevard, Central Milton Keynes MK9 3XJ) – Proposed new scout hut – at land east of Grace Road, Sapcote, Leicester.
Thursday 5th September 2013 - CPBIGWOOD - at Aston Villa Football Club, Holte Suite, Aston, Birmingham B6 6HE - 11am-6pm tel: 0121 233 5046 - www.bigwood. uk.com Thursday 5th September 2013 GRAHAM PENNY - The Pedigree Suite, Derby County F.C, Pride Park Stadium, Derby - 11.30am start - tel: 01332 242880 - www.grahampenny. com Wednesday 11th September 2013BAGSHAWS RESIDENTIAL - at Derbyshire County Cricket Club, Grandstand Road, Derby, DE21 6AF - 11.30 start - tel: 01332 361308 - email: auctions.derby@ sequencehome.co.uk - www. bagshawsauctions.co.uk Thursday 12th September 2013 - COTTONS - at Aston Villa FC, Villa Park, Birmingham B6 6HE - 11am start - tel: 0121 247 2233 or email: auctions@cottons.co.uk Thursday 12th September 2013 - GRAHAM PENNY - Nottingham Racecourse, Colwick Park , Nottingham - 11.30am start - tel: 01159 588 702 - www.grahampenny. com Thursday 3rd October 2013 - READINGS - at The Underwood Suite, Leicester Tigers R.F.C., Welford Road, Leicester LE2 7TR - tel: 0116 2227575 or email www. auctionhouse.uk.net Thursday 10th October 2013 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 Thursday 17th October 2013 GRAHAM PENNY - The Pedigree Suite, Derby County F.C, Pride Park Stadium, Derby - 11.30am start - tel: 01332 242880 - www.grahampenny. com Wednesday 23rd October 2013BAGSHAWS RESIDENTIAL - at Derbyshire County Cricket Club, Grandstand Road, Derby, DE21 6AF - 11.30 start - tel: 01332 361308 - email: auctions.derby@ sequencehome.co.uk - www. bagshawsauctions.co.uk
Thursday 24th October 2013 - CPBIGWOOD - at Aston Villa Football Club, Holte Suite, Aston, Birmingham B6 6HE - 11am-6pm - tel: 0121 233 5046 - www.bigwood. uk.com
Canalside development site for sale in Leicester INTALI are offering for sale a development site at Ross Walk in Leicester.
The BUSM site comprises a 24-acre scheme granted planning consent in 2009 for over 1,000 residential units over a phased development. Phase 1 has now been completed providing 60 houses and 59 apartments. Phase 2 was completed in Spring 2012 providing 72 new houses. The site owners are seeking to establish interest from healthcare operators and sheltered apartment developers for the sale of approximately one acre of land fronting the canal. Expressions of interest are invited. Price on application. For more information, contact Intali on 08444 148 100 or visit the website at www.intali.com
Plans submitted for new food park PLANS have been submitted for a new £5.6million food park providing specialist business space for the food and drink industry. Leicester Food Park, which is planned for a city council-owned site off Lewisher Road in the north-east of the city, will provide 19,250 sq ft of new, high-quality, bespoke ‘food-grade’ units. There are plans for nine units, ranging in size from 1,000 to 5,000 sq ft, to encourage start-up and smaller grow-on businesses in the food and drink manufacturing industry. It is estimated the scheme will create more than 80 jobs and attract, or encourage the creation of, up to 35 businesses. At full occupancy, it will generate an estimated £60,000 a year in rental income. City mayor Peter Soulsby said: “Food and drink manufacturing is one of the priorities we have identified in our Economic Action Plan. We know that there is a demand for tailor-made premises such as these. “A new food park in Leicester will boost the city’s jobs market and raise investor confidence. Leicestershire has a reputation as a ‘food capital’ and this project will build on those links, establishing Leicester as an attractive and dynamic place for food and drink businesses to thrive.” A bid has been submitted to the European Regional Development Fund for over £3m towards the scheme, with the remaining funding provided by the city council. It is anticipated that the plans will be considered in September.
David Wilson Homes East Midlands (c/o Agent: Chloe Renner, John Ormond House, 899 Silbury Boulevard, Central Milton Keynes MK9 3XJ) – Proposed residential development (maximum 90 dwellings) – at land east of Grace Road, Sapcote, Leicester. Jelson Ltd (c/o Agent: GVA Grimley, 3 Brindleyplace, Birmingham B1 2JB) – Proposed residential development (maximum 105 dwellings) – at land off Huncote Road, Stoney Stanton, Leics. Davidsons Developments Ltd (c/o Agent: Paul Waterfield, Wilson House, Leicester House, Ibstock, Leics. LE67 6HP) - Proposed residential development for 29 dwellings – at land to the south of Dog & Gun Lane, Whetstone, Leicester LE8 6LJ. Unnamed Applicant (c/o Agent: Pegasus Planning Group, 4 The Courtyard, Church Street, Lockington, Derbyshire DE74 2SL) – Erection or 10 detached dwellings – at land off Willoughby Road, Countesthorpe, Leics.
Oadby & Wigston Mr R Wright (c/o Agent: N Goodman Associates Ltd, 262 Higham Lane, Nuneaton, Warks. CV11 6AR) – Erection of three storey building to accommodate 4 flats – at Regent House, 27 London Road, Oadby, Leicester LE2 5DL.
NW Leics. Ian Trew (c/o Agent: Cerda Planning Ltd, Suite 322 Fort Dunlop, Fort Parkway, Birmingham B24 9FD) – Residential development of up to 65 dwellings – at land at Ibstock Road, Ravenstone, Coalville, Leics. LE67 2AH. Cameron Homes Ltd (c/o Agent: JVH Town Planning Consultants Ltd, Houndhill Courtyard, Houndhill, Marchington, Staffs. ST14 8LN) – Residential development for 27 dwellings including demolition/ conversion of former school – at land off Church Lane, Ravenstone, Coalville, Leics. LE67 2AE.
Continued on page 30 ...>
Broken promises don’t bother me at all. I just wonder why they keep believing me.
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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • SEPTEMBER 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069
Continued from page 29 ...> Kegworth Parish Council (c/o: 1 London Road, Kegworth, DE74 2EU) – Erection of changing room block – at George V Playing Fields, Nottingham Road, Kegworth. Mr C Hill (c/o Agent: Andrew Large, The Estate Office, Staunton Harold Hall, Melbourne Road, Ashby de la Zouch, Leics. LE65 1RT) – Erection of 14 dwellings along with conversion of ticket sales office to residential, demolition of redundant buildings and creation of new access – at Swainspark Site, Spring Cottage Road, Overseal, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE12 6NA. Cadeby Homes Limited (c/o Agent: James Botterill, HSSP Architects Ltd, Pera Innovation Park, Nottingham Road, Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE13 0PB) – Erection of 3 detached dwellings – at land adjacent to 7 Hawley Close, Hugglescote, Coalville, Leics. LE67 2BP. Mr Paul Watkins (c/o Agent: Andy Dowding, Franklin Ellis Architects, the Old Pumphouse, 5 The Ropewalk, Nottingham NG1 5DU) – Erection of 20 industrial units – at land at Coalfield Way, Ashby de la Zouch, Leics. Mr James Matthews (c/o: Calico Business Park, Sandy Way, Amington, Tamworth B77 4DS) – Erection of 26 dwellings (amended scheme) – at land to rear of 112 Park Lane, Castle Donington, Derby. Mr Jason Ridgway (c/o Agent: WRA Ltd, Welcome House, High Street, Cheslyn Hay, Walsall WS6 7AB) – Erection of 18 dwellings – at land off New Street, Measham, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE12 7JN.
Harborough Mr A Mayer (c/o Agent: Peter Thompson, Peter Thompson ADT Ltd, Providence House, 49 Leicester Road, Broughton Astley, Leicester LE9 6QE) – Demolition of existing bungalow and outbuildings and erection of 2 dwellings – at 28 Middle Street, Foxton, Leics. LE16 7RE. Jelson Ltd (c/o Agent: David Granger Design Ltd, The Old Dairy, Mill Street, packington, Ashby de la Zouch, Leics. LE65 1WN) – Erection of 128 dwellings and associated garages (reserved matters) – at Open space 123 Pulford Drive, Thurnby, Leicester.
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Office development not restricted to business quarter
Changes will encourage jobs and regeneration schemes
BUILDING new office spaces and creating construction industry jobs will be made easier under plans being put forward by Leicester City Council. It wants to change existing guidelines which cover office developments, employment and training, to expand the areas in which developers can create high-quality offices, and help to create more job and training opportunities. The proposals will encourage developers to build top-grade office space anywhere in the city centre, rather than just in the areas near Leicester Station which were previously designated as the new business quarter. In addition, the council wants to see construction employment and training opportunities provided as a contractual obligation as part of any large-scale major planning applications. The proposals follow a major project carried out in 2012, known as the Leicester Office Market Review, which saw Leicester City Council working with landowners, developers and existing businesses to establish what their priorities were in terms of creating and nurturing office space in the city. The results of that extensive review gave a comprehensive insight into the market for quality office space in the city, and what developers and businesses wanted to see done to help attract and retain jobs. The next stage is to amend the existing guidelines covering office developments, employment and training, which are included in a series of formal policies. In order to do so, the city council is running a public consultation so people can have a chance to give their views on the proposals. The consultation runs until August 22. Any policy changes need to be agreed by the Government’s Planning Inspector. If there are no unresolved objections at the end of the consultation period, the changes will be approved either in writing or by a formal examination in public. Once adopted by the council, the changes should be in place by the start of 2014. Leicester City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: “The Leicester Office Market Review gave us a real insight into the current situation, and has also prompted landowners and developers to come forward with new opportunities for top-class office developments. “Experience has shown that schemes like this play a vital role in retaining and attracting new jobs and investment, as well as stimulating regeneration of the city centre. “In the current economic climate it is vital that we can help encourage developers and investors, and ensure that major development schemes bring with them opportunities for local construction industry jobs. “These proposed changes will really give a boost to developers looking to create top-quality office space in the city, as well as generating much-needed work and training opportunities.” To find out more or take part in the consultation, visit www.leicester.gov.uk/corestrategy
Mansfield site for apartment block: £100k RICHARD WATKINSON & Partners are asking £100,000 for a building plot with planning permission for a two-storey 6-unit L-shaped apartment block. The land – at Cliff Street, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire – has a site area of approximately 926 sq.metres. For more information, contact Richard Watkinson & Partners on 01623 626990 or email: Mansfield@ richardwatkinson.co.uk
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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • SEPTEMBER 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069
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New statute ENSIGN PROVES ITS for scrap STRENGTH AT MAJOR metal dealers NEW DATA CENTRE The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 received royal assent in February 2013 and is due to come into force on 1st October 2013.
Iron technology leader Saint-Gobain PAM UK, part of leading materials company Saint-Gobain, has secured a major contract to supply its acclaimed Ensign below ground drainage system to the new Santander Data Centre in Leicester.
The Act will replace the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964 and Part 1 of Vehicles (Crime) Act 2001 which relates to motor salvage operators. The new legislation will require that any persons collecting, buying or selling scrap will require a Scrap Metal Dealer Licence that will be issued by the District Council. There will be a charge for this licence. There will be two types of licence: • A site licence; • A collector’s licence. An application needs to be made for one or both of these licences and a fee will be payable to the District Council. You will also need to obtain a basic criminal record disclosure form as part of the application process. Any person who carries out business as a scrap metal dealer without this licence may be liable on conviction to a maximum fine of £5,000. Your collector’s licence will allow you to collect scrap only within the authority area that it was issued. You will need to apply for collector’s licences from separate authorities should you wish to operate in more than one District. Please note this does not replace the Waste Carrier’s Licence.
The Santander Data Centre is part of a £200m expansion to Santander’s Leicester business park development, due for completion in November 2013. The project consists of two identical buildings each being more than 160,000 square feet in size. With the pipes to be encased in concrete in an underground tanking area, Ensign was chosen for its strength, durability, longevity and unrivalled resistance to ground movement. The range boasts strong resistance to sheer pressures and can easily withstand any jetting or rodding required should any blockages occur within the system. Derrick Brookes, Technical Sales Manager at Saint-Gobain PAM UK, commented: “Winning this contract is further proof of the high quality and high performance Ensign offers. The system combines all the proven attributes of cast iron, and is able to provide a true ‘fit-and-forget’ solution for this project. The system had to be able to cope with the stress cement inflicts on the pipes, and also require minimal maintenance because of the difficulty in reaching the pipes after installation.” The below ground system was supplied by Saint-Gobain PAM UK to main contractor Birse Civils. For further information on Saint-Gobain PAM UK, visit www.saint-gobainpam.co.uk/soil-press
Retail-to-resi plan could ‘breathe life’ into high streets
The British Property Federation (BPF) has welcomed the publication of a consultation that could see vacant high street shops converted into homes, but warned the government must learn lessons from similar office to residential proposals. The average high street vacancy rate stands at over 14 per cent as the pressure of both the financial crisis and long-term issues such as the rise of internet shopping and the increasing burden of business rates, tells. The BPF believes there’s little point harking back to the high streets of old and alternative uses for empty shops - particularly those outside a retail core – should be found. The Federation has repeatedly urged government to consider housing and even community uses such as doctor’s surgeries.
Jablite Launches Premium Insulation for Inverted Roofs Jablite’s new high performance grey insulation for inverted flat roofs, Jablite Premium Flat Roof Inverted has just been launched. This premiumquality insulation product offers the best thermal conductivity for inverted flat roofs in the UK marketplace today, giving a declared thermal conductivity of 0.031 W/mK and a corrected* thermal conductivity of 0.035 W/mK “I am really pleased that Jablite is launching the highest performing inverted roof insulation; this outstanding new product is the result of an intensive research and development process,” says Richard Lee, Managing Director, Jablite. Jablite Premium Flat Roof Inverted delivers an improved thermal performance that is over 8% better than Jablite Flat Roof Inverted (FRI) and it has been given an A+ rating in the prestigious BRE Green Guide to Specification. Like Jablite FRI this new premium insulation has outstanding compression properties. It can be specified to the thickness required and supplied in single, easy-to-install boards that are available in 5mm increments, between 50 to 250mm. The boards are the same large, but convenient, 1200 x 1200mm, size. “This is further evidence of our commitment to innovation and product development and, I am pleased to say, we have more in the pipeline,” adds Richard. For more information visit www.jablite.co.uk
We had to get rid of the kids - one of the dogs was allergic.
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Continued from page 30 ...> Jelson Ltd (c/o Agent: GVA, 3 Brindleyplace, Birmingham B1 2JB) – Mixed use development comprising up to 310 residential units, a food store, petrol station, community leisure/sports building, medical centre, employment units and a variety of areas for for formal and informal sport and recreation - at land east and west of Broughton Way, Broughton Astley, Leics. Sandrion (c/o Agent: Leaf Architecture & Design Ltd, Gate House Office 1, Valley Way, Welland Business Park, Market Harborough, Leics. LE16 7PS) – Erection of 2 dwellings – at 7 Leicester Road, Billesdon, Leics. LE7 9AQ.
Melton Mr R Gillespie (c/o Agent: Nick Cooper, HSSP, Pera Innovation Park, Nottingham Road, Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE13 0PB) – Demolition of existing respite care home and rebuild of a new purpose-designed facility – at 66 Dalby Road, Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE13 0BH. Caister Castle Trust (c/o Agent: F W Keyworth, 5 Adcock Close, Melton Mowbray, Leics. LE13 1UU) – Change of use to form 3 dwellings including demolition of old canteen area – at Old Methodist Chapel, 2A Church Lane, Wymondham, Melton Mowbray, Leics. Projects 2000 Ltd (c/o Agent: Stansgate Planning, 9 The Courtyard, Timothy’s Bridge Road, Stratford upon Avon, Warks.) – Conversion of buildings to provide 20 dwellings, erection of 40 new dwelling houses, erection of block of retirement housing (38 dwellings), associated accesses and parking areas, demolition of Warwick Cottage and 22-24 Ankle Hill and construction of balancing ponds – at War Memorial Hospital, Ankle Hill, Melton Mowbray, Leics. Mr G Reed (c/o Agent: A Brewin Architectural Design Services, Lion House, Scalford Brickyard, Scalford, Leics.) – Outline application for 2 twobed dwellings – at The Homelands, 4 Dickmans Lane, Harby, Leics. LE14 4BG. Monkwell Ltd (c/o Agent: R Harris, Graham Harris Partnership Ltd, 11 Ridgeway, Littlethorpe, Leicester) – Change of use of public house premises to 2 residential dwellings, conversion of outbuilding to one residential dwelling – at The Marquis of Granby, 1 High Street, Waltham on the Wolds, Leics. LE14 4AH.
Continued on page 34 ...>
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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • SEPTEMBER 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069
Continued from page 33 ...>
Hinckley & Bosworth Mr Andrew Lloyd (c/o Agent: Mrs Hayley Butcher, Clear Planning, 9 Aldbourne Road, Baydon, Marlborough, Wilts. SN8 2HZ) – Demolition of existing public house and erection of 3 detached dwellings – at The Bull’s Head, 88 Main Street, Nailstone, Nuneaton, Warks. CV13 0QB.
Roof conversions now safer, faster and more effective
Mr Ian Anderson (c/o Agent: Stewart Redfern, Redfern Kirton Design, 3 Pryor Road, Sileby, Loughborough, Leics. LE12 7NS) – Erection of 3 dwellings with garages – at land rear of 38 Station Road, Ratby, Leicester. Chevron Contracts Ltd (c/o Agent: David Haynes, 56 Leicester Road, Groby, Leicester LE6 0DJ) – Erection of 2 new dwellings – at 12-14 Clarence Road, Hinckley, Leics. LE10 1DR. Unnamed Applicant (c/o: Rye House, Catesby Lane, Lapworth B94 5QY) – Erection of 2 dwellings – at land rear of 36 Bowling Green Road, Hinckley, Leics. Mr J Smith (c/o Agent: David Granger Design Ltd, The Old Dairy, Mill Street, Packington, Ashby de la Zouch, Leics. LE65 1WN) – Erection of 3 dwellings – at The Poplars, Watling Street, Hinckley, Leics. LE10 3ED.
Nuneaton & Bedworth Mr Mark Pritchard (c/o Agent: Adrian Calcunovitch, Calvitch Design & Build Ltd, 16 Bulkington Lane, Nuneaton, Warks. CV11 4SA) – Residential development – at Classic Coils Ltd, Anker Street, Nuneaton, Warks. CV11 4JL. Mr M Aslam (c/o: 250 The Long Shoot, Nuneaton, Warks. CV11 6JN) – Erection of a multi-storey building containing retail space, office space and 40 residential units – at Site 40CO26, Back Street/ Bond Street, Nuneaton, Warks. Davidsons Developments Ltd (c/o Agent: Miss Chloe Renner, John Ormond House, 899 Silbury Boulevard, Milton Keynes, Bucks. MK9 3XJ) – Erection of 66 dwellings including open space, landscaping and infrastructure (Reserved matters) – at land between 48-130 The Long Shoot, Nuneaton, Warks. CV11 6JD. Director of Housing & Communities (c/o: Town Hall, Coton Road, Nuneaton, Warks. CV11 5AA) – Erection of 7 houses and one bungalow – at Former Garage Site, Sycamore Road, Nuneaton, Warks.
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To reduce the risk of working at height and revolutionise the speed of the new build market, Trussloft has developed Moduloft. The innovative concept delivers a fast, convenient and complete solution to roof and loft construction in social housing ensuring a smooth and quick move-in for residents and importantly, significantly reducing the need to work at height. According to The Health and Safety Executive*, statistics show that falls, including falls from height, remained the most common cause of death in the workplace, accounting for 56% of construction worker fatalities in 2012/2013 (22) versus 51% in 2011/12. As such, factory engineered offsite Moduloft pods are available as a standard shell or as a finished room in the roof with electrics, plumbing, windows and doors all pre-installed with Forticrete’s eco-friendly Gemini range of interlocking roof tiles, fitted as standard. The pods are built and then delivered to site when needed, reducing the potential risks associated with working at height, and in the process eliminating storage requirements, maximising crane time, reducing ancillary overheads such as scaffolding and labour, while reducing the risk of onsite construction delays due to adverse weather conditions. Specialised Trussloft installers then lift on each of the new, weather tight Moduloft sections into place. Most completed within two weeks Once fitted, it only remains for the join line to be felted and tiled, and interior edges sealed and skimmed to make the roof space ready for use. The roof units can be fitted with various and multiple types of insulation, and include cavity space for mechanical ventilation, water tanks and storage. End to end; most installations are completed within just two weeks – up to 50% quicker than an onsite roof and loft construction. Furthermore, bespoke details can also be incorporated into the design, such as dormer windows and chimneys, and tiling is fitted offsite at the manufacturing stage with any overlapping areas finished quickly onsite. As well as being extremely energy efficient, Forticrete’s Gemini roofs tiles are aesthetically pleasing and high in quality. They have been specifically designed as interlocking tiles which are just 270mm x 337mm overall, yet because of a carefully judged central groove and innovative ‘double cambered’ design, they have the appearance of two traditional plain tiles side by side when laid, effectively laying two tiles at a time. These next generation tiles offer significant cost and environmental benefits, with the cost to lay them also considerably reduced. They also offer more flexibility; whereas most traditional plain tiles can only be lay to pitches of 35° and use up to 60 tiles per m2, these interlocking tile solutions are fixed with only a single nail and clip, are able to be laid to pitches as low as 22.5° and only require 16.3 tiles per m2, a significant reduction. All Moduloft loft conversions are backed by a 10 year insurance guarantee, with all planning, engineering and building control done by Trussloft. For further information on Trussloft’s Moduloft loft conversion, or to view a video of the installation process, please visit: http://www.moduloft.co.uk
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Tutbury plot for sale: £50k guide A substantial plot situated in a relatively back water location, but within the heart of the historic village of Tutbury, is being offered for sale at the Graham Penny Derby Auction on Thursday 5th September 2013 (11.30am start). The plot – at 5 Silk Mill Lane, Tutbury, Burton on Trent, DE13 9NE – has detailed planning permission for a high quality fourbed detached residence. The Guide Price is £50,000. For further details, contact Graham Penny Auctions on 01332 242880 or visit the website at www.grahampennyauctions.com
Vacancy at BB&J
BB&J are now actively recruiting for 2 other commercial agents/Chartered Valuation Surveyors to join us in growing the BB&J business in both the agency and valuation sectors. If you know of someone who may wish to pop in for an informal discussion please can they contact Mark on 07973 692220 or email m.richardson@bbandj.co.uk.
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New appointment at Wells McFarlane Having reported an 62% increase in activity in the commercial and rural property market over the past six months, East Midlands Chartered Surveyors Wells McFarlane, has appointed assistant surveyor, Rupert Bendell. Having graduated with a First Class Honours degree from the Royal Agricultural University, Rupert will work with land and planning expert, Trevor Wells, on planning permissions, development appraisals, valuations and land and property management. Rupert’s role will also see him supporting the Commercial team whilst completing his RICS Chartership and training to become a First Class Graduate of the Association of Agricultural Valuers (FAAV).
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0116 254 2655 sales@bradburyflooring.co.uk www.bradburyflooring.co.uk
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New Starter Rupert Bendell (left) with Wells McFarlane director, Trevor Wells.
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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • SEPTEMBER 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069
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Local clinic converted to 6-bed house Tree Tops Homes Ltd are pleased to announce the completion of extensive renovation works to the Grade two listed former NHS clinic in Humberstone, Leicester. The House is now a 4,570 sq foot luxury six-bedroom house. Leicester Building firm DW Hicks Building Co Ltd, were appointed as the main contractor in December 2012 to convert the building in the Humberstone conservation area. The building had fallen into a serious state of disrepair whilst it had stood empty, after the NHS moved its operations to a new location. Sam Hicks of DW Hicks Building said, “This was a very rewarding project. We have a great sense of achievement in bringing this Grade two listed building back to its former glory as a family home. We would like to thank Tree Tops Homes and project manager Rose Associates for the opportunity to be a part of this project, and we look forward to working with them again in the future.” The house, located off Thurmaston Lane, is now on the market. Interested parties HANDOVER: (l-r) Franco Bandegiati (Tree Tops), Sam should contact: Daniel White at Igloo Hicks (DW Hicks), James Clayton (Tree Tops) and John Living (dwhite@iglooliving.org.uk) Rose (Rose Associates) on 0116 243 7256.
Building for Life 12
Free event for property professionals in Leicester Landmark Planning of Leicester have organised a free event for property professionals to explain and review Building For Life 12, at the Parcel Yard public house, London Road, Leicester, on September 16th between 6pm-7pm. Building for Life 12 is the industry standard for well designed homes and neighbourhoods, endorsed by the Home Builders Federation. If you are interested in attending please Pre-booking is essential, e-mail mr@ landmarkplanning .co.uk. Or phone Michael Relph on 0116 2856110
Peter Wilkinson
Managing Director, Landmark Planning Ltd
I’m 52 but I prefer to think of myself as 11 centigrade.
Did You Know...? In addition to Leicestershire Builder, we also publish TWO local monthly magazines delivered through letterboxes. Groby Spotlight covers Groby & Field Head (3,500 copies) The Herald covers Markfield, Thornton, Bagworth, Stanton (4,000 copies) Local magazines, particularly ones containing a lot of local news and information, provide a quick, cost-effective advertising medium for local builders, decorators, roofers, window installers, etc.
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East Leake land with planning for up to 170 dwellings Strutt & Parker is instructed to sell land at Lantern Lane, East Leake following grant of outline planning permission for up to 170 dwellings (ref: 12/01821/OUT).
G N I L A E H L A T S Y R C P V T
Development opportunity at Linton JOHN GERMAN Estate Agents are offering for sale a 0.639 acre site with Outline Planning Consent for the erection of three detached dwellings in a secluded setting, together with a three-bed cottage in an attractive garden plot. The site – at Manor Cottage, Hillside Road, Linton, Near Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE12 6RA – has a total area of 1.126 acres. The Guide Price is £650,000. For further details, contact John German on 01283 512244 or email: burton@johngerman.co.uk
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Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • SEPTEMBER 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069
SBS teams up with Bostik to offer EWI training
Empty homes given new lease of life in Blaby Homes standing empty in Blaby district are being brought back into use with help from Blaby District Council.
Sustainable Building Solutions (SBS), part of the Travis Perkins Group, is now offering an installer and surveyor training course for External Wall Insulation (EWI) after working with its official training partner PPL to secure a relationship with Bostik. The training course is the first to allow both new and existing EWI installers to become approved Bostik Climatherm EWI installers and surveyors. The qualification gives surveyors the confidence to identify which fixings are required, decide on key materials such as fire break materials around chimney areas, and produce a precise list of requirements. The course also covers the crucial stage of assessing properties prior to the installation of EWI, which is essential to ensure time is spent as efficiently as possible on site. Ryan Hill from CP Plastering said: “I found the course really useful. I hadn’t appreciated what went into the pre-assessment, and now feel equipped to properly plan and complete an External Wall insulation project.” Sarah Malleson, Assistant Service Manager at SBS, added: “This is another fantastic addition to the portfolio of services that SBS can offer the Travis Perkins Group customers, thanks to our partnership with PPL. The first courses were launched in April 2013 and quickly became fully booked. We are confident that this popularity will continue with the array of courses we continue to develop with PPL Training.” There are numerous market opportunities for EWI as a key technology for improving the thermal efficiency of properties with solid walls. The UK has a commitment to retrofit millions of existing properties as 43% of all CO2 emissions in the country come from poorly insulated dwellings. One of the key benefits of the Bostik EWI system is its flexibility. A range of insulating boards can be used and a variety of render finishes are available; from brick-effect to acrylic. For further information regarding the Green Deal PAS 2030 accreditation visit www.sustainablebuildingsolutions.co.uk, call SBS on 0800 688 8388 or email sustainablesolutions@travisperkins.co.uk.
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The council’s environmental health team is helping home owners in the area bring their properties back up to decent homes standard by offering advice and support, helping to organise contractors, and provide funding thanks to assistance from the housing team. Mr Jones* was the previous owner of Arden Drive, in Braunstone, which had stood empty for over twelve years. The front and back gardens were overgrown and the door keys no longer worked in the locks. With the council’s help Mr Jones was able to sort the house out so it could be put on the market. He said: “The council getting in touch made me do what I ought to have done a long time ago. They explained what was required and helped to organise a contractor to clean up the front and back of the house. “I understand how others in a similar situation must feel; the best thing to do is speak to someone. From my experience the council were very helpful, they let me know what my options were and helped me to organise things.” The Arden Drive property is now under new ownership and is currently being renovated. Help is also at hand for landlords who have either bought an empty property with the intention to let or own an existing property which has stood empty for at least six months and is in need of repair. The council can provide an empty homes grant and offer a tenant finding service once refurbishments have taken place. Councillor Guy Jackson, portfolio holder for Regulatory and Neighbourhood Services said: “It is important that empty homes in our district are not simply left abandoned so they fall into disrepair, David Wilson East as it has an adverse affect on the neighbours and the community Midlands has teamed up at large. Instead these properties with Hinckley Golf Club deserve a new lease of life so they to offer new homebuyers are able to provide a home for an exclusive offer when someone wishing to live in the area. they secure one of the “The positive results of bringing new homes at The Greens these properties back into use are development in Hinckley. endless so I’m delighted to see the council is offering support to home Aptly named due to its location owners and landlords to accomplish adjacent to Hinckley Golf Club, this.” The Greens on Leicester Road offers a wide selection of three, Blaby District Council has a four and five bedroom homes pot of funding available to bring overlooking the fairway. empty properties back into use. The maximum amount of funding David Wilson Homes is currently available per property is £3,500 offering three year’s free social for a grant and up to £10,000 (0% membership to new home interest) loan, subject to inspection owners, meaning that buyers by a council officer. can enjoy all of the club’s social The funding is available to address facilities including the delightful any disrepair issues at the property Club Restaurant and the 19th and bring the property up to a bar. decent homes standard. In addition, the housebuilder For more information visit www. is also offering to pay a year’s blaby.gov.uk/emptyhomes, email membership to any existing emptyhomes@blaby.gov.uk or call members of Hinckley Golf Club the grants and loans department on who purchase a new home 0116 272 7536. (*not his real name) at the site.
Golf club tie-in
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