BDC

Search
BDC Magazine

April 26, 2019

Trebor Developments Acquires Logistics Site

The joint venture between Trebor Developments and Hillwood has acquired a 25 acre site in order to develop a 400,000 sq ft building for the logistics sector. The site acquired by the pair is Gateway 4 in Doncaster, near the M18 motorway. A planning application is on its way as the

Read More »

Galliford Delivers Meridian Water’s First Homes

Galliford Try Partnerships has been named to deliver the first 725 homes at Enfield Council’s ÂŁ6 billion Meridian Water scheme. After a robust evaluation of four very strong bids, Enfield Council’s Cabinet decided that developer Galliford Try Partnerships is best placed to deliver on value, quality, design and financial robustness.

Read More »

How to register unregistered property

Since the 1925 Land Registration Act in the UK, which was replaced by an updated Land Registration Act in 2002, it’s been compulsory to register unregistered property and land. However, according to the HM Land Registry, there is still 14% of land in the UK that remains unregistered or unclaimed.

Read More »

GODWIN OPENS LONDON OFFICE IN LINE WITH UK EXPANSION

GODWIN Group, the UK-based property development and investment company, has continued its growth, recently opening a London office to add to its existing bases in Nottingham and Birmingham. The new London outpost, based in the heart of the capital in prestigious Mayfair, provides a new base of operations for both

Read More »

Travis Perkins delivers virtual reality training to 1,000 drivers

Travis Perkins, the UK’s largest supplier of building materials, has used innovative virtual reality technology to train over 1,000 drivers who work across the Group’s CCF, BSS and Keyline businesses, to deliver significant environmental benefits. The virtual reality method has been used to help improve learning as part of the

Read More »

A guide to building materials that can’t be mortgaged

The materials with which a property has been constructed are of utmost importance to mortgage lenders and, therefore, you, the buyer, as well. Before falling desperately in love with a property, try to think rationally and consider how challenging it may be to find a willing mortgage lender, as well

Read More »

Tips For Settling Land Disputes

When a land dispute comes up, you need to act fast but remember to stay calm. Find out our top tips for settling land disputes here in this article. Tips For Settling Land Disputes No one wants to have to deal with a land dispute but it can happen to

Read More »

Latest Issue

BDC 319 : Aug 2024

April 26, 2019

Trebor Developments Acquires Logistics Site

The joint venture between Trebor Developments and Hillwood has acquired a 25 acre site in order to develop a 400,000 sq ft building for the logistics sector. The site acquired by the pair is Gateway 4 in Doncaster, near the M18 motorway. A planning application is on its way as the venture aims to develop the building designed for the logistics sector over the next 12 months. Subject to planning approval, work is due to start on site in the summer and is expected to be completed in the first half of 2020. The development will be marketed by Trebor/Hillwood as Gateway 4, Doncaster. “We are delighted to be acquiring this site from Lazarus Properties and bringing forward such a major transaction in the North. We anticipate our current pipeline of schemes in the North of England delivering in the order of one million sq ft over the next 12 months, in a range of unit sizes,” commented Bob Tattrie, managing partner of Trebor Developments. The agents are CBRE and CPP.

Read More »

Galliford Delivers Meridian Water’s First Homes

Galliford Try Partnerships has been named to deliver the first 725 homes at Enfield Council’s ÂŁ6 billion Meridian Water scheme. After a robust evaluation of four very strong bids, Enfield Council’s Cabinet decided that developer Galliford Try Partnerships is best placed to deliver on value, quality, design and financial robustness. “This is the start of a bright new era for Meridian Water and we welcome Galliford Try Partnerships to the team. We are extremely excited to be working with Galliford Try as they have demonstrated that they will be able to deliver quality, well-designed homes in a timely manner and social infrastructure that reflects the Meridian Water vision,” said Enfield Council’s Leader, Cllr Nesil Caliskan. The first homes will be built by 2022 and will include a significant number of affordable units, as well as new public squares, shops and leisure facilities. The new homes will be delivered around the new Meridian Water train station, which is due to open next month and serve up to four million rail passengers a year. Outline planning permission is already in place for the new homes, with construction enabling work having started in January 2017. The first phase forms part of the ÂŁ6 billion Meridian Water development, which will deliver 10,000 homes and 6,000 jobs, alongside world-class public spaces, community facilities and road and rail networks. “We are delighted to have been selected to work in close partnership with Enfield Council and the local communities on the delivery of Meridian One as a new vibrant mixed-use, mixed-tenure neighbourhood. We will create an environment for local people to thrive – providing quality affordable homes, opportunities for local start-up businesses to flourish, great public spaces and a design which celebrates the parkland character of the Lea Valley. It is a great opportunity to demonstrate responsible and accountable regeneration through a responsible, accountable partnership,” commented Stephen Teagle, Chief Executive of Galliford Try Partnerships. In addition, the search for a new developer for Meridian Two, at Leeside Road has also started. The scheme will deliver circa 250 affordable homes with workspace on the lower floors, earmarked to bring makers and creators to the area. The appointment of Galliford Try Partnerships as the Master Developer for Meridian One is subject to call in, the statutory stand-still period and is also subject to contract.

Read More »

How to register unregistered property

Since the 1925 Land Registration Act in the UK, which was replaced by an updated Land Registration Act in 2002, it’s been compulsory to register unregistered property and land. However, according to the HM Land Registry, there is still 14% of land in the UK that remains unregistered or unclaimed. Along with complying with the law, there are numerous benefits to registering land. But, firstly, let’s discuss how you go through the process of registering unregistered land in the first place. What is an unregistered property? This could be land or a building such as a house, garage or even something as small as a shed. Basically, it’s any property that is legally owned but is yet to be registered with the Land Registry in the true owner’s name. The owner will usually have Title Deeds that explain how they came to own the property. But simply having these Title Deeds doesn’t mean the property is registered, so to reap the benefits of having a registered property and to protect it from encroachment by others, it’s advised that you register the land as soon as you can. The two ways of registering unregistered property There are two types of registration, compulsory and voluntary. Here’s what you need to know about both. Compulsory registration Since 1925, a property that is ‘dealt with’ has the change of ownership officially registered and the new owner will receive a Title Register and Title Plan to confirm their ownership of the property. But what does ‘dealt with’ actually mean? It means that some activity has happened with the property that will trigger the compulsory registration. Some of these activities are as follows: A new lease of 7 years or over is granted. The first legal mortgage on an unregistered property is granted. A Freehold Estate is transferred in a sale of purchase. A Leasehold Estate is transferred with over 7 years remaining (this is known as assignment). In all these cases, it’s a legal requirement for the land or property to be compulsorily registered. You can do this by registering online with the HM Land Registry Voluntary registration You don’t have to wait for the property to become ‘dealt with’ in order to register it. You can simply make a voluntary first registration application in the same place where you would compulsory register it. While you can do this yourself, you can also instruct a land registry solicitor to do it if you want to make sure everything is done smoothly and legally. The solicitor can take your Title Deeds to find out how you came to own the property and submit an application to the Land Registry on your behalf, passing a copy of the Title Register onto you.

Read More »

GODWIN OPENS LONDON OFFICE IN LINE WITH UK EXPANSION

GODWIN Group, the UK-based property development and investment company, has continued its growth, recently opening a London office to add to its existing bases in Nottingham and Birmingham. The new London outpost, based in the heart of the capital in prestigious Mayfair, provides a new base of operations for both arms of the business, Godwin Developments and Godwin Capital. Godwin is already creating links to Greater London, the South East and South West of the UK and further expanding the geographical scope of Godwin Developments’ commercial and residential portfolios. The new location will also provide important access to London’s financial network and wealth-raising opportunities for Godwin Capital, the investment arm of the business. Andrew Mitchell, group investment director of Godwin Group, said: “As a leading international financial centre, London is a key location for Godwin Capital to enhance its corporate profile, provide expansion opportunities and access to one of the world’s deepest pools of capital.  “The build-to-rent (BTR) sector continues to grow apace; operators are looking to take advantage of improved yields and a wider selection of sites across the UK as infrastructures improve and lower land prices make development lucrative. “Many of the key players in this market are based out of head offices in London. Godwin Group’s new London office is strategically located to provide this vital link, local contact and expertise for its regional businesses.” The London office launch comes after a number of high-profile new hires at Godwin Group. Staff numbers have increased by 60% as the firm’s growing number of regional projects has expanded. Recent successes include planning approval for Godwin’s proposed new BTR scheme of 201 apartments at The Landmark development in Derby, Godwin Capital’s launch of innovative new investment products and the launch of the group’s BTR brand called Core Living – which plans to build up to 2,500 new homes over the next four years. Stephen Pratt, group land director of Godwin Group, said: “Godwin Group has seen huge growth over the past months. Our new London office will allow us to accommodate further expansion plans and look to reach new markets in our key sectors. “These are exciting times for Godwin Group and we are looking forward to expanding our network even further with the opening of our London office.” Visit Godwin Group on https://www.godwingroup.co.uk/

Read More »

Travis Perkins delivers virtual reality training to 1,000 drivers

Travis Perkins, the UK’s largest supplier of building materials, has used innovative virtual reality technology to train over 1,000 drivers who work across the Group’s CCF, BSS and Keyline businesses, to deliver significant environmental benefits. The virtual reality method has been used to help improve learning as part of the Group’s Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) compliance training, which is recognised by the FORS scheme. Using virtual reality has enabled Travis Perkins to facilitate learning in a quicker and more accessible way, and the method enabled the company to use its own Driver of the Year, Richard Ellson, in the simulations, taking drivers through his journey and showing them his view of the road from behind the wheel, and showcasing in practical and visible terms how he handles obstacles along local roads. Travis Perkins delivered the training through group workshops, where each driver who took part was provided with a set of virtual reality goggles and workbooks that were signed off after each exercise by the facilitator. The three businesses which took part have already seen significant benefits; saving more than 466,000 litres in fuel in 2018 as a result of improved Miles Per Gallon. Head of Fleet for Travis Perkins, Karl Wilshaw, said: “It’s been great to be part of this milestone training, and inspiring to see the ability that virtual reality has to reach our drivers and bring scenarios to life. This type of training has completely transformed the way we can show how drivers should conduct walk-around checks, drive more fuel efficiently, manoeuvre vehicles and handle road risk challenges. Thanks to The Resources Group who shaped the initial idea, we have been able to develop, build and deliver the programme.” “We specialise in material handling and safety training to raise standards of workplace training, and have worked closely with Karl and his team to integrate the virtual technology training. It’s been good to see how this training has enabled drivers to immersive themselves in their own environment, and how we have been able to use Travis Perkins’ own people to share knowledge and achieve some excellent results. We feel that integrating this innovative approach to learning offers an array of pathways and prospects for future training opportunities, and we very much look forward to pursuing these further,” said Head of Strategic Relationships for Katie Robinson, The Resources Group. Travis Perkins will continue its commitment to improving safety and fuel economy on the roads with the development of technology, such as the introduction of electric vehicles, and by engaging and rewarding colleagues who successfully reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions.

Read More »

A guide to building materials that can’t be mortgaged

The materials with which a property has been constructed are of utmost importance to mortgage lenders and, therefore, you, the buyer, as well. Before falling desperately in love with a property, try to think rationally and consider how challenging it may be to find a willing mortgage lender, as well as a company to provide buildings insurance. What is a non-standard building? A non-standard building, also known as non-traditional, is one constructed using non-typical materials or methods whereas a standard building is generally defined as a home that has brick or stone walls and a tiled or slate roof. Examples: Pre-fabricated steel (prefab) Wood/timber (e.g. timber frame) Thatched roofs Corrugated iron Glass (walls and roofs) Concrete Wattle and daub Asbestos Certain flats (for example, those above shops) Listed properties Eco homes, ones deemed to be kinder to the environment in terms of construction and utilities, can also fall into this category, depending on the materials and methods used. Why can non-standard buildings be so problematic? Non-standard buildings can be pleasing to look at, but less pleasing when it comes to finding the perfect lender. Often the methods used are outdated or the materials are susceptible to damage from the elements, for example, during storms. Many pre-fabricated steel properties in the UK were not intended to be long-term dwellings, rather a post-second world war housing crisis solution for replacing houses, which had been damaged or destroyed by bombs. There was a shortage of traditional building materials and a desperate need for social housing. The concrete used tends to crumble with age, and the steel can corrode and suffer metal fatigue over time; it is almost impossible to predict when this may happen and, indeed, if the process has already begun. For these reasons, mortgage lenders can be reluctant to offer financial support readily.  However, your story does not have to end here, unless you would like it to. I’ve already fallen in love with a non-standard property. What can I do now? First of all, decide if buying, rather than renting, a house is for you.  In each area of the country, buying is cheaper than renting, but it might not be the perfect time for you to buy. If buying is your final decision, ensure that you compare mortgage rates regularly.  This will allow you to see which mortgage providers will lend against the precise materials with which a home has been built, and find the best deals specifically for you. It is important to take into account that many buyers are put off purchasing a non-standard dwelling for the reasons listed above. You certainly could use this to your advantage and offer (once you have consulted mortgage lenders) accordingly. Furthermore, there are ways to adapt your non-standard dwellings to ensure it is likely to withstand severe weather conditions. Although an expensive process, concrete panels can be removed and replaced with a brick alternative, meaning the property is able to be mortgaged more easily.

Read More »

Tips For Settling Land Disputes

When a land dispute comes up, you need to act fast but remember to stay calm. Find out our top tips for settling land disputes here in this article. Tips For Settling Land Disputes No one wants to have to deal with a land dispute but it can happen to the best of neighbours in a blink of an eye. Solving a land dispute is relatively easy, if you know about the steps that you need to take to keep things as civil as possible. Here, we are going to give you some of our tips for settling land disputes. Keep reading if you’d like to find out more about this sort of issue. Talk To Your Neighbour One of the most important things that you can do to solve a land dispute is to talk to your neighbour. Often, things get mis-communicated and this escalates the problem even further. If you take the time to discuss the matter carefully and ensure that everyone knows the facts – this can help to solve things a lot quicker; try to organise a meeting before you get in touch with a solicitor. This way, you might be able to settle the issue before things need to go any further. Gather Your Documents When the land dispute first happens, you might need to produce some sort of documentation to prove that you own a certain part of the land. To prove this, you will need to gather documents that include the deeds or the map created by a surveyor. Make sure that you have these documents handy to ensure that everything plays out the way it should. Contact A Solicitor If things get a little more serious then we suggest that you get in contact with a solicitor who specialises in land disputes. Finding the right solicitor can help you to ensure that you get what you deserve and that things remain civil between you and your neighbour. Make sure that you do your research and find a solicitor with experience in these matters as this way, you can settle the dispute a lot faster. Stay Calm While it can be easy for these sorts of issues to cause a lot of tension, you need to try and stay calm throughout the process. Getting angry at your neighbour who might have misunderstood the situation is not going to get you anywhere faster. Make sure that you are honest about the land that you own and be calm when speaking to your neighbour. This way, you won’t ruin your relationship and cause more problems for your family or your land further down the line. Final Verdict Land disputes can be extremely hard to navigate when you don’t have much experience in this area. For this reason, we suggest that you take on board the tips that we have given you in this article. Make sure to always stay calm and have a chat with your neighbour about the issue. If you need to go as far as getting a solicitor, then you should make sure that you choose one that is experienced in land disputes. This way you can settle the dispute in no time at all.

Read More »