June 9, 2020

Delivering renewable energy together

Together Energy, part of the Together Housing Group, has launched a dedicated website to share its journey to net zero carbon with like-minded organisations. Together Energy uses its investment in renewable energy and efficiency to make homes more affordable for tenants and better for the environment. Where possible it seeks

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Simon Dudley new chair of leading MMC project AIMCH

The Advanced Industrialised Methods for the Construction of Homes (AIMCH) project is delighted to welcome Simon Dudley, Interim Chair of Homes England, as Chair of the AIMCH Stakeholder Group. The stakeholder group provides vital two way engagement to disseminate project learnings and outcomes with industry stakeholder organisations. The project aims

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Great Service of Drain Cleaning in Toronto

In your house, plumbing becomes necessary parts. This is the water channels with pipes that will distribute the waste and waters from the sink. Some pipe channels are also created to distribute the water to bathrooms, kitchen, and other areas in the house. However, the plumbing is mostly covered by

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Latest Issue
Issue 324 : Jan 2025

June 9, 2020

Excello Law welcomes back Worcestershire commercial property lawyer Robert Sprake

Commercial property lawyer Robert Sprake, based in Worcestershire, has rejoined national, new-model firm Excello Law bringing with him over 25 years’ experience of commercial law and major real estate transactions. Qualifying in 1992, Robert developed his legal career at Wragge and Co in Birmingham for eleven years, before heading up the commercial property teams at two firms in Worcester. After initially joining Excello Law in 2012, Robert left in 2018 to pursue opportunities elsewhere, but has rejoined full-time, acting for property investors, developers and landowners, landlords and tenants in all aspects of their portfolios.  Robert is also qualified as a Notary Public to offer an additional service to his international clients. Robert has a particular interest in Church law as from 2005 to 2012 he was assistant to the registrar for the Diocese of Worcester, being appointed deputy registrar in 2009. In addition to being responsible for dealing with the Diocesan commercial and agricultural property portfolio, he was also involved in advising Bishops and Diocesan Officers generally on ecclesiastical law issues, charitable law aspects, trusts law and the application of new legislation to the work of the Diocese. On coming back to the firm, Robert commented: “I am so happy to be returning to Excello to work closely with my current and future clients as we navigate these strange times together.  Thankfully, already we are starting to see new opportunities materialising in the real estate world and being on hand to provide partner-level timely and commercially sensible advice has never been more important.” Joanne Losty, director at Excello Law, said: “We’re delighted to welcome back an old friend of the firm. We’ve enjoyed a buoyant spring in terms of recruitment as our fully agile business model continues to offer partner-level lawyers the freedom and flexibility to develop their practice.”

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Planning application submitted for first phase of £115m 72-acre ‘Canal Village’ in Warwickshire

Solihull-based Terra Strategic has submitted a Full Planning Application for 212 homes and community facilities, which is the first phase of the masterplan for the 72-acre (29.1 Ha) former Hawkesbury Golf Club in Bedworth, Warwickshire. The Gross Development Value of the whole ‘Canal Village’ is in the region of £115m. The entire length of the development area is bounded by Coventry Canal, with vehicular access provided from Stockley Road and Sephton Drive – both off Blackhorse Road.  Terra Strategic purchased the land unconditionally in 2018 and has since secured its allocation for at least 380 residential units, infrastructure and community facilities in the Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Plan, which was adopted last year. The site lies just north of Hawkesbury village, which is served by regular bus routes, schooling and local amenities. It was a Golf Course between 1990 and 2006, but historically had been used for mining activity. The planning application that has been lodged with Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council is for 212 high quality dwellings, including a 25 per cent provision of affordable homes. There are four ponds/pools across the site, including Hawkesbury Farm Pool, which will all be retained and will form a key part of the ecology strategy for the scheme. Across the 32 acres (12.9 Ha) covered by the detailed application, there is also the provision of extensive Public Open Space, foot and cycle paths including a new Sustrans link, landscaping, habitat enhancement, a children’s play area, allotments and an orchard, and a circa 2,000 sq ft community building with a dedicated car park for 18 cars. The masterplan for the whole 72 acres has been carried out by Hampshire-based Thrive Architects, with Birmingham-based Malcolm Payne Design Group responsible for the detailed design for the first phase. James O’Shea, Managing Director of Terra Strategic said: “This site has huge potential to create a vibrant new community, which is only a five-mile canalside walk or cycle ride into Coventry city centre. It will have a transformative effect on the local area, and we are especially keen for work to be able to commence as soon as possible, in order to create enhancements to the public realm in time for the 2021 City of Culture initiative. “While residential land of this size and scale requires phasing considerations, submitting a detailed application for the first 212 homes has enabled us to include a significant amount of much-needed community facilities, such as a new Sustrans link, children’s play area, allotments and a community building. We have engaged in constructive pre-application discussions with Nuneaton and Bedworth Council’s Planning Department and are currently working alongside officers and key consultees while the application is being considered.” The planning application proposes a wide range of accommodation incorporating one-bedroom maisonettes, two-bedroom apartments and bungalows, and two, three and four-bedroom family homes. The homes have been designed with a striking mixture of red brick and render. The site is traversed by three public footpaths, which provide links with Hawkesbury Village to the south; Bayton Road Industrial Estate and Bedworth town centre to the west; and along Coventry Canal and beyond to Coventry Way to the north and south. The planning application proposes retaining these footpaths, with new links to be created north-south and east-west through the centre of the site. New cycle ways will also be created. The application also proposes creating two acres of allotment gardens with timber storage sheds and a community orchard. Terra Strategic is an experienced residential land specialist, which enters into agreements with landowners and then pursues, funds and secures an agreeable planning permission. It also has the financial resources to secure land with or without residential planning consent to assist landowners looking for a quick sale process. Terra Strategic has a national reach, having secured residential land in Bedfordshire, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Somerset, Warwickshire, The West Midlands, Wiltshire and Worcestershire.

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NSM LETS FINAL UNITS AT PLATINUM COURT, ALCHEMY BUSINESS PARK, KNOWSLEY

Industrial asset management specialists NSM has fully let Platinum Court, on the Alchemy Business Park, Knowsley, securing The Vella Group for the last two vacant units on a 10-year lease. Terms have been agreed for the 15,700 sq. ft, space with the family-owned Group, one of the largest independent vehicle repair groups in the UK. With seven other sites stretching from Leominster to Workington, a prominent Knowsley branch will help strengthen The Vella Group’s growing regional network. NSM Head of Property for the North West, Dave Harrison said: “Now fully let, the scheme is helping to regenerate a significantly deprived area and create new job opportunities for local people. The Vella Group has an excellent reputation both as an employer and quality repair business and we are delighted that they have committed to Platinum Court.” As part of Alchemy Business Park, Platinum Court is conveniently located just off the A580, and less than 0.5miles from the M57. The high-quality development comprises 10 units giving a total of 93,000 sq. ft of industrial space, with units ranging from 6,775 to 21,363 sq. ft. for B1, B2 & B8 light and general industrial and warehousing uses. Each unit has its own secure gated yards and alarm systems as well as being covered by the wider estate’s CCTV security network. Heating to the industrial units is via roof mounted gas fired blown warm air units whilst the offices are individually thermostatically controlled for work space comfort and convenience. The Vella Group Operations Director, Mike Sarsfield added: “As part of our ongoing growth plans, we wanted to expand our footprint into the Liverpool area. The location of Platinum Court provides with great access to the greater Liverpool area, and also further afield with the M58 close by. The premises itself is modern, secure and really fits with the image we want to portray for a professional repair centre. I would like to thank the NSM team for what has been a smooth and supportive experience getting into the new site, it’s very much appreciated.” The Vella Group will join existing tenants Smith News Trading Ltd, National Grid Gas PLC and Applied Medical UK Ltd.  As an industrial asset management specialist NSM managing more than 4.3million sq. ft of industrial property across the north. It currently looks after 460 units nationally with a rent roll in excess of £14m. About NSM: NSM manages over 4 million sq. ft of industrial property across the north of England. Looking after 460 units and a rent roll in excess of £14million. The value of the assets under management is estimated at £237 million. Formerly part of Network Space, in 2019 NSM launched as an independent business. Based in Doncaster and Warrington, NSM provides property and asset management, agency and property consultancy advice to a range of clients across the north of England.

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Delivering renewable energy together

Together Energy, part of the Together Housing Group, has launched a dedicated website to share its journey to net zero carbon with like-minded organisations. Together Energy uses its investment in renewable energy and efficiency to make homes more affordable for tenants and better for the environment. Where possible it seeks to generate a return on investment and it is hoped that the new site will inspire good practice among other social housing providers, energy tech companies, energy suppliers and investment interests that share the same goal. Patrick Berry, Director of Energy Services at Together Energy, said: “We are living in unprecedented times. The world is awakening to the threat that climate change is having on the Earth’s eco-systems and on the way of life many of us have come to take for granted. “The UK is the first major developed economy to commit in law to achieving net zero carbon by 2050. This will have far reaching consequences. To achieve it will require a deep response across our economy, our homes, our transport systems and expectations of how we live our lives. “One of the more testing challenges is how to make the transition to renewable heat and power in our homes and to improve their overall level of energy efficiency. To do this will require both a broad acceptance of the renewable technologies that will enable a mass market appeal and sufficient reductions in the costs that will make large scale commercial investment a reality.” With around four million social housing properties in the UK largely occupied by tenants on low incomes that are most vulnerable to energy costs, Patrick says the social housing sector has a major role to play. Patrick adds, “Social housing has the financial clout and the assets to be market makers; bringing the technology into play, developing sustainable investment models and making a contribution to growth in low carbon economy jobs and businesses. In doing so there is a need to think innovatively about how we upgrade our assets, its impact on how we manage them over the long-term and especially the impact on our tenants. The progress to becoming net zero carbon can act as a major catalyst to this end.” So far, Together Energy has run a series of pilot projects in the social housing sector as it works towards the net zero carbon target. One project in Lancashire, funded by Together Housing Group and the European Regional Development Fund, saw 250 homes fitted with solar panels and batteries. On another pilot project, Together Energy worked in partnership with Kensa Contracting Ltd to replace storage heaters with ground source heat pumps in 1,000 flats at 12 locations across South and West Yorkshire.  Together Energy recognises that with these projects it has only taken the first step. The projects they have developed around renewable heat, solutions for new build properties and solar PV and battery systems have been designed to provide proof of concept so that much larger investments can be made across its stock. Underpinning this approach is the aim to use energy assets as investments that generate revenue in the emerging markets around demand side response, but also power purchase agreements that enable cheaper energy bills for tenants. Patrick added: “This approach is a step towards change in traditional thinking. The only certainty we have at this time is that the final outcomes are likely to be different than those we might anticipate now.” www.smartenergytogether.co.uk

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Simon Dudley new chair of leading MMC project AIMCH

The Advanced Industrialised Methods for the Construction of Homes (AIMCH) project is delighted to welcome Simon Dudley, Interim Chair of Homes England, as Chair of the AIMCH Stakeholder Group. The stakeholder group provides vital two way engagement to disseminate project learnings and outcomes with industry stakeholder organisations. The project aims to tackle the UK housing crisis by using cost effective MMC delivered using industrialised offsite panelised solutions. Dudley brings a wealth of experience to the role having been involved in major construction projects, including those as part of Maidenhead Borough’s regeneration during his three and a half year tenure as borough leader. Simon Dudley, new chair of the AIMCH Stakeholder Group, said: “I’m delighted to join as chair of the AIMCH project.  The stakeholder group draws together key interests and views, to share learning and concerns, providing a collective approach and wider market impact to drive the uptake of MMC systems. “AIMCH is forward thinking and committed to delivering high quality cost effective housing. The AIMCH project will have an even greater role to play as the construction sector resets from Covid-19.  The clear benefits from Modern Methods of Construction will address the challenges faced in a post-pandemic economy made more complex with Brexit and net zero carbon goals. Industrialised offsite panelised solutions will act as a catalyst for a step change in the industry. Capturing all these benefits through this project are key insights for industry going forward.” The three-year AIMCH project, which has been live since early 2019, has been trialling new digital design tools, manufacturing advancements, improved near-to-market offsite systems and lean site processes on live housing projects over the past 18 months.  The ultimate goal of the project is to support the sector by delivering the 120,000 target for the same or less cost than traditional methods, are built 30% quicker and have 50% less defects. The project has potential to impact on 35,000 homes being delivered by AIMCH partners across the UK, each year.

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Great Service of Drain Cleaning in Toronto

In your house, plumbing becomes necessary parts. This is the water channels with pipes that will distribute the waste and waters from the sink. Some pipe channels are also created to distribute the water to bathrooms, kitchen, and other areas in the house. However, the plumbing is mostly covered by walls. Even if there are visible parts, these are the ones coming from the sink and dish washer. Because of its location, when there are some problems occurred on the plumbing, it will bring serious issues. Some problems are still possible to handle. The wastes of foods, ingredients, and other dirty materials still can be removed as long as it is still reachable. However, as it grows deeper in the plumbing, it will take much effort, and even it requires special tools to do it. When you are actually not confident in solving the problems yet you still do it, it may lead to some serious issues. Once the plumbing is broken, it will only give you leaked water, and you will get many areas of your house soaked in the water. When it is clean water, it will not be big problem since it will not have bad impact. However, it becomes disaster when it is the water from the waste. It will give you awful smell, and it is surely uncomfortable. That is why it is always better to call the drain cleaning and plumbing service. This is the best solution to do. You do not need to work all things by yourself, and you do not need to take big risks that may ruin everything. Fortunately, there are the plumbing and drain cleaning services in Toronto. When you want to have a good recommendation, there is great drain cleaning Toronto to choose. This is trusted service provider that can help you in handling the issues on your plumbing. You do not need to worry about its service, and surely you will not get disappointed. This plumbing and drain cleaning service has many methods to deal with the problems. When you find that your sink is blocked by some materials or waste of your cooking and ingredients, they have the tools to easily remove the problems. Of course, it is not only about the tools. Behind the useful tools, there are also professional and trained staffs that know what to do for certain problems on your sink and plumbing. They also have drain snaking method to do. When their regular means are not effective, this is good to use. This can easily unclog the drain. Of course, it may seem simple, but it is hard to operate, special training is necessary to be able to operate the drain snake. Other than these, there are other tools that are always brought by the team. Once you get problem and you call, they will soon respond your problems and come with the complete tools. They will start the procedure by seeing the problems and analyzing the issues. Once it is clear, they will start to solve the problems. Even when you also ask for some tips regarding the maintenance, they will gladly answer your questions and give some suggestions.

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