Architects get the go-ahead to transform Derbyshire’s “secret” mansion into a luxury family home
A Derbyshire house which hit the headlines when planners discovered it had been built in secret and disguised as a humble cow shed is set to be transformed into a luxury family home.
Ashbourne-based Matthew Montague Architects has been granted planning permission to re-model and renovate Shedley Manor, a six-bedroom home complete with sweeping drive and countryside view on the edge of Yeaveley.
The work, which is expected to start later this year, will create a new entrance, porch and a double storey bay window at the front, with remodelling inside, new windows and bi-folding doors.
But it will also see the removal of the property’s most famous feature – the green metal cladding which ensured it looked like a cow shed, fooling council planners for years before its secret was discovered in 2016.
Shedley Manor was the tongue-in-cheek name given to the property by its owner, fraudulent businessman Alan Yeomans, who built it at the end of his mother’s garden, away from the prying eyes of neighbours and Derbyshire Dales District Council planners in 2002.
It was only when his illicit business dealings came to light – culminating in him being jailed for six years for drugs and money laundering offences 14 years in 2016 – that Shedley Manor was discovered, with the story hitting the national headlines.
The home, along with thousands of pounds of artwork, was seized and sold at auction and Matthew Montague Architects secured planning permission for the property to be knocked down and replaced.
However, although the building was renamed Carr Wood House, the plans were never realised.
Instead, it was sold to new owners last year who have decided to embrace its past and change the name back to Shedley Manor while instructing the firm to draw up plans to convert it into a more liveable and attractive property.
Matthew Montague, principal architect at Matthew Montague Architects, said: “Shedley Manor has one of the most colourful and unique histories of any home in Derbyshire and we’re delighted to be able to give it a new lease of life with the full approval of the council, of course.
“The fact that it had to double as a farm shed means that it has a few unusual features, including a hidden entrance and lack of windows down one wall, which our plans will rectify to give it the appearance of a house at long last.
“If every building tells a story, then Shedley Manor is a whole book-full of stories, and we’re looking forward to opening a new chapter. We’re very proud of our plans for this most unusual of properties and we have no doubt that it will become a much-loved family home.”
Jobs saved as buyer found for Mansfield packaging firm
A buyer has been secured for iTEC Packaging (Mansfield) Limited – securing 78 jobs.
Martyn Rickels, Simon Farr and Allan Kelly of specialist business advisory firm FRP were appointed as joint administrators to iTEC Packaging (Mansfield) Limited on 5 April 2023 and have now secured a sale of the business and its assets to Alpla UK Limited, a global leader in innovative packaging solutions.
iTEC Packaging was a plastic packaging designer and manufacturer that provided compression moulding and injection moulding of closures for the dairy industry, as well as the food and beverage sectors. The company faced financial pressures following difficult trading conditions and was placed into administration.
The sale of the company will see all 78 employees transferring to the new owner, Alpla UK Limited.
Commenting on the acquisition, Jens Seifried of Alpla UK said: “With the acquisition of the iTEC Packaging (Mansfield) business, the global packaging and recycling specialist ALPLA is expanding its expertise as a packaging system provider in the UK market.
“The plant in Mansfield manufactures closures for dairy bottles which are made from HDPE using compression moulding and injection moulding processes. With our global know-how, with this acquisition we can increasingly offer the UK dairy industry sustainable, efficient and innovative packaging solutions.”
Martyn Rickels, joint administrator of iTEC Packaging (Mansfield), said: “iTEC Packaging was a long-established business and player in the dairy supply chain so we’re delighted to have secured a new buyer.
“Alongside the transaction to sell the sister business in Chester-Le-Street, this has helped save nearly 200 jobs in a short space of time, as well as protecting the customer base with ongoing production.
“We wish Alpla UK and its team every success as they take the business forward.”
James Cameron, Samantha Latham, Samantha Poulton and Faith James of Pinsent Masons provided legal advice to FRP Advisory.
Visuals of Wavensmere Homes’ proposed Friar Gate Goods Yard redevelopment revealed
Wavensmere Homes has released computer generated images of how the 11.5-acre historic Friar Gate Goods Yard in central Derby could look if the green light is given for the derelict site to be redeveloped. A public consultation process has been launched welcoming local opinions on the plans.
The landmark site could be transformed into 274 houses and apartments, alongside the restoration of the Grade II listed Bonded Warehouse and Engine House to create potential health and fitness space, a restaurant/café, a flexible office space, and other amenities.
The plans also include new areas of Public Open Space, including play spaces and pocket parks. A new multi-purpose public realm and community space is also proposed for the area adjacent to Friar Gate Bridge, with retention of some of the original railway arch facades.
New vehicular, pedestrian and cycle access would be created at various points around the site, from Uttoxeter New Road, Great Northern Way, and Friar Gate, with the Mick Mack cycling route also extended.
Friar Gate Goods Yard has been in the ownership of the Clowes family for 40 years, with a number of options for redevelopment proposed but not progressed, due to heritage constraints and commercial viability. Following the public consultation period, Wavensmere Homes and Clowes Developments will be in a position to submit a commercially viable planning application to Derby City Council this summer.
James Dickens, Managing Director of Wavensmere Homes, said: “We are very pleased with how quickly our design team has worked to create the inspiring visuals for how Friar Gate Goods Yard could be reanimated. Our plans are commercially viable, while maximising the amount of new Public Open Space, and investing millions into saving the two badly fire-damaged 150-year-old listed buildings.
“In addition to our masterplan visuals, cross-section plans of the houses can be viewed on the Friar Gate website, to illustrate the innovative designs and energy saving technologies that we are seeking to implement. We hope that the people of Derby will engage with the consultation process and welcome the collaborative efforts being made to create something truly special here.”
Glancy Nicholls Architects is designing the mixed-use scheme, with a huge emphasis being placed on the significant opportunity for exemplary placemaking. The latest green energy features will be incorporated into the design for the new homes and commercial space, to enable the highest EPC rating of A to be targeted. The proposed development would also be well in excess of the new Part L 2021 building regulations.
The site sits just outside the Friar Gate Conservation Area, which features notable Georgian townhouses with high-quality brickwork and fine architectural detailing. The Friar Gate Goods Yard was intended as the main goods depot for the Great Northern Railway line, to handle coal, livestock, timber, and metals. Designed in 1870, and entering operation in 1878, the Bonded Warehouse building contained extensive warehouse space and offices. It was used as a store for the American Army in WWII to house ammunition and other supplies.
The Engine House was also built for the Railway by Kirk & Randall of Sleaford. It is Italianate in style and built from Welsh slate roofs. The Engine House supplied power to the hydraulic lifts and capstans at the Bonded Warehouse. The site first became derelict in 1967, and overtime became overgrown and fell into a poor state of repair. An arson attack took place at the Goods Yard in 2020, which exposed the whole inner steel structure of the two historic buildings.
The Goods Yard redevelopment proposals promote sustainable development through the use of low carbon materials, modern methods of construction, and renewable energy generation. The environmental impact of the project is being carefully considered, with the vast proposed green spaces designed to create a new green oasis within Derby city centre, with significant opportunities for biodiversity enhancements and retention of the majority of the mature trees on the site.
Northamptonshire mechanical and electrical design company sold
Northamptonshire-based mechanical and electrical design company AVUS Consulting Ltd has been sold to Wintech Group Ltd, with KBS Corporate advising on the deal.
AVUS, located in Corby, specialises in the delivery of design solutions, offering a complete service package from feasibility studies through to the production of detailed drawings.
The business was founded in 2003, has developed its practical-driven ethos over the course of two decades and is now undertaking projects valued up to £60 million in the commercial, industrial and residential sectors.
Martin Fern, Managing Director of AVUS, made the decision to sell the business to facilitate his retirement plans while allowing design engineer Sarah Southgate to absorb his responsibilities.
Adam Nelson, KBS Corporate deal executive who oversaw the transaction, said: “My initial impression of AVUS was very positive. It was an attractive opportunity within a growing market and I was eager to present it to the right people.”
KBS Corporate document writer Daniel Calderbank worked with Adam during the marketing process to highlight the scope of the opportunity.
“AVUS’ expertise and diverse range of services have put it at the forefront of its industry,” said Daniel. “We made sure this was easily recognised across the marketing materials for potential buyers.”
Wintech was the successful acquirer and is currently expanding its group to diversify its service portfolio and extend its client reach.
With over 40 years of experience, Wintech is recognised as a Centre of Excellence for façade engineering.
Adam Nelson added: “This was Wintech’s first acquisition through KBS. I introduced them to our process and we were able to collaborate very well together.”
Moving forwards, Adam is confident a deal has been achieved that will benefit both AVUS and Wintech while optimising growth potential.
“I am very satisfied with the outcome of the sale,” said Adam. “We achieved a good valuation for AVUS, as well as a suitable target working capital and surplus cash figure for both parties through effective communication. I wish them the very best in the future.”
Both Martin Fern and Paul Savidge, Managing Directors of AVUS and Wintech respectively, commended KBS’ approach throughout the transaction and Adam Nelson’s invaluable role during the process.
Paul Savidge said: “Martin and I are both really pleased with the outcome and excited to see what we can now make of the future. I think Adam has done a fantastic job in keeping things moving and getting us over the line. Many thanks again to KBS — it’s very much appreciated.”
Lincoln shopping centre snapped up
Lincolnshire Co-op and Wykeland Group have acquired Waterside Shopping Centre in Lincoln.
The two organisations have come together in a 50/50 partnership to secure the prime retail and leisure destination in the heart of Lincoln city centre.
The 130,000 sq ft Waterside scheme is 95% let with an impressive line-up of leading retailers including H&M, Next, New Look, Superdrug, O2, Office and Skechers.
Following the success of the Cornhill Quarter development, the purchase extends Lincolnshire Co-op’s role in the regeneration of Lincoln and also brings Wykeland’s property asset management experience and expertise to the city.
The partners will work together to operate Waterside Shopping Centre as a primarily retail scheme, while also aiming to develop the centre’s leisure offering.
Lincolnshire Co-op head of property Kevin Kendall said: “Working together with other local organisations, we’re proud of the schemes we’ve developed which boost the economy of the city and county, improve the local environment and provide a range of valued services.
“We’re always looking for opportunities where we could further support the retail and leisure offer within Lincoln and this partnership with Wykeland, focusing on a key site, is a perfect fit.”
Dominic Gibbons, Managing Director of Hull-based Wykeland, said: “We have been looking for opportunities such as this in high-quality locations and we’re delighted to have come together with Lincolnshire Co-op to acquire the Waterside Shopping Centre.
“We see this as a highly attractive asset in a vibrant city centre location benefiting from significant and ongoing investment, particularly the neighbouring Cornhill Quarter scheme where Lincolnshire Co-op have undertaken a fantastic regeneration scheme.
“This is great news for Waterside, as the centre is now in the hands of organisations with outstanding track records of commercial property asset management and development in Lincolnshire and the wider region.
“We share the same values, as investors with a long-term view and a deep commitment to supporting local communities. We look forward to working together to ensure Waterside makes the fullest possible contribution to Lincoln’s exciting future.”
Waterside draws from Lincoln’s 104,000 population and benefits from the city’s strong visitor economy and significant student presence. The centre has an estimated overall customer base of 376,000 people in its wider catchment area.
Living Without Abuse charity awarded £14,840 for office refurb
Local charity, Living Without Abuse (LWA), is celebrating after being awarded almost £15,000 in funding from the Severn Trent Community Fund to refurbish their Loughborough and Leicester offices.
LWA supports victims of Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. The funds will enable LWA to provide its hardworking staff with areas for mental wellbeing and relaxation, as well as a welcoming safe space for clients escaping trauma.
LWA has offered domestic abuse services since 1977 and is made up of paid staff and volunteers who provide a range of services to the local community, whilst managed by a team of volunteer Trustee Directors. The charity actively works to tackle the issues of domestic abuse head-on, whilst raising awareness and hosting numerous events and campaigns each year to support more victims.
This funding from the Severn Trent Community Fund, which awards grant money to improve the three elements of community wellbeing – people, places and environment – means there will now be modern, relaxing staff lounges and wellbeing areas at both offices. In addition to this LWA will offer a welcome and safe one to one counselling room at its Leicester office, for victims of domestic abuse and their families, along with a breakout room which will be used to provide therapy sessions.
Tammy Clinton-Harris, operational manager, says: “Having the funding to add separate spaces for staff break times has been vital for our staff and organisation to fully embrace trauma informed practice.
“Delivering services as we do and supporting vulnerable victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence can have an impact on staff’s emotional health and wellbeing. Vicarious trauma can be prevalent in this sector.
“The breakout space that we are creating will be a fundamental part of staff wellbeing to ensure they are practising in a safe environment and have space to step away and have adequate break times.
“The 1-1 space for service users will ensure we can deliver support sessions and counselling sessions in a calm and welcoming environment with fewer triggers. Service users have been part of the planning for the 1-1 space to make it feel homely and inclusive.”
Report enabled by Leicestershire foundation seeks to bring down re-offending while plugging labour shortages
Support from the Randal Charitable Foundation has helped enable a major report which is calling for 50,000 prison leavers to plug the current labour shortage.
The new report by thinktank The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) highlights that Britain would save billions of pounds of taxpayer money and plug many of its more than one million job vacancies, if it doubled-down on efforts to get prisoners into work when they leave jail.
The Leicestershire-based foundation collaborated with the CSJ to bring forward the report, which highlights that, of the nearly 50,000 people leaving prisons in the UK each year, only three in ten have a job six months later.
Those who struggle to find work are at serious risk of reoffending, which perpetuates the cycle of crime that blights so many families and communities.
Dr (Prof) Nik Kotecha OBE DL, founder of the Randal Charitable Foundation, said: “I’m immensely proud that our partnership with the CSJ has led to this ground-breaking report, which is now being considered by the Justice Minister.
“If enacted, it will go further and faster towards addressing the staggering £18 billion annual cost of reoffending, as research shows that being in employment is proven to help break the cycle of crime.
“Plugging labour shortages will also provide enormous benefits to the economy, as the Chancellor labelled employee shortages as a major threat to economic growth in his most recent Budget.
“But it’s more than that besides – it can help shape steps to support a long-neglected community – for meaningful remediation in an area of very real need in our society. We can and we should tackle this – as businesses, as communities and as policy shapers – together.”
The government will now consider recommendations including releasing more prisoners on licence to take up jobs and greater access to vocational qualifications, according to The Times newspaper which broke the story as its front page splash this May.
As well as wider releases for employment purposes, the report goes on to call for better education in the UK’s prison system, more digital technology, a wider range of vocational qualifications and earlier access to student loans.
Policy director of the CSJ, Joe Shalam, added: “If implemented, our recommendations would represent a major step forward. Because while the need to restore control and order in our prisons remains an urgent priority, the power of these measures is that they are focused on restoring something altogether more profound. Hope.”
The Randal Charitable Foundation has worked in partnership with the CSJ for a number of years. Through the foundation’s work with the national think-tank’s Policy Unit and Dame Carol Black, an additional £900m in Government funding for drug treatment services and to rebuild the treatment system has been recured, over a 10 year period. This was the biggest increase in funding for drug treatment services in 15 years.
Wellibus excursions to continue following donation
A donation of over £1,000 means that day trips put on by the Wellibus can resume after being put on hold due to lack of funds.
A project run jointly by local housing association, Greatwell Homes, and the Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd saw 10 clothing banks being placed across Wellingborough and surrounding areas.
Since the beginning of the project in July, nearly 17 tonnes of clothes, shoes and textiles have been donated. These donations equated to £1,299.40 of funds which has now been donated to the Wellibus.
The Wellibus, run by Shire Community Services, provides door to door transport to shops and local areas, as well as hospital trips for those who cannot drive, and has previously included day trips and excursions.
Jonathan Ekins, the Managing Director of Shire Community Services, said: “This donation will go towards re-starting the day trips and excursions again.
“These trips were really popular as it was a chance for people who don’t have much social interaction, or who may not be able to drive themselves, to get out together as a group. We have previously done trips to the beach, Market Harborough and Milton Keynes Shopping Centre but these have had to stop due to lack of funds. We’re excited to be able to get these back up and running again.”
Each year, SATCoL divert over 250 million items to good uses, including over 60,000 tonnes of textiles. The funds that Greatwell Homes receive from the use of the clothing banks will be donated to a local charity on an annual basis.
Plans submitted for new student accommodation scheme in Nottingham
Plans for a new student accommodation scheme at 265 Ilkeston Road, Nottingham, have been submitted to the city council.
“The site is currently occupied by vacant and neglected buildings, which has a negative impact on the surrounding area. The proposed scheme reinstates the historic street pattern, frames views along Ilkeston Road and creates active frontages to the surrounding streets.
“The architecture makes reference to the existing architectural style along Ilkeston Road, respecting the setting of the adjacent assets. The proposed development will provide 141 bedroom spaces with excellent space and amenity standards.”
Events and performance venue on the cards for Nottingham’s Island Quarter
The Conygar Investment Company has revealed further plans for Nottingham’s Island Quarter with a “potentially destination defining, events and performance venue” on the cards.
“To further support the placemaking strategy for The Island Quarter,” Conygar said that it is advancing discussions with a national operator for the possible use of the site’s existing heritage warehouses as an events and performance venue. It hopes to be in a position to confirm arrangements later this year.
It comes as construction progresses on a 693-bed student accommodation development at The Island Quarter, planned for completion in the summer of 2024, while detailed planning permission has been secured for two hotels, 247 build to rent apartments and 30,000 square feet of co-working space and, subject to documenting the section 106 agreement, a 249,000 square foot bioscience building.
More recently, Conygar says it has held “constructive discussions” with Nottingham City Council to agree in principle the parameters for a sitewide masterplan that will guide and support the future planning applications at The Island Quarter.
“This has resulted in a scheme which, subject to the granting of detailed consent and local demand, will enable the overall size of the development to increase up to approximately 3.5 million square feet,” the company says.
Elsewhere, the restaurant and events venue at 1 The Island Quarter has now been operational for just over six months, with the Cleaver and Wake restaurant recently promoted by The Times newspaper as being in its top 30 new waterside restaurants.
1 The Island Quarter – which had a delayed opening in a challenging economic environment and has operated to date only during the seasonally quieter winter months, with pressure on disposable incomes – has achieved solid revenues in line with projections, of £1.65 million.
However, the delayed completion of the development, due to various material and contracting issues, resulted in the events operation being unable to take advantage of the late summer and Christmas trade. This delay, when compounded by the phased opening, intentional overstaffing as operations were fully tested and margins being squeezed as a result of continuing inflationary pressures have resulted in an initial gross loss for the period, before administrative costs, of £0.1 million.
