Second Consult on Keighley Waste Incinerator

The Environment Agency have launched its second period of consultation on Endless Energy’s application for a permit to build and operate a waste incinerator at a site on Aire Valley Road, Keighley.

Local residents and groups which are interested have been invited to submit any new relevant information on the draft decision for Endless Energy’s proposals for a waste incinerator in Keighley, before any final decisions are made on whether a permit is issued or not.

The Environment Agency is minded to issue the permit following on from a rigorous environmental assessment of the proposed activities, taking into account all of the comments which were made in the first consultation which closed on December 13th, 2018.

The draft permit sets out conditions needed to protect air quality, groundwater, and surface water to ensure the safe storage, management and disposal of wastes. It will also impose conditions to minimise the risk of accidents, noise and odour and maximise energy efficiency. Should the permit be issued, the Environment Agency would robustly enforce these strict conditions to ensure that Endless Energy’s operations do not cause harm to people or the environment.

Carly Chambers, Area Environment Manager at the Environment Agency, said: “Following our assessment of the application, we believe that the proposal meets the legal requirements of the Environment Permitting Regulations and that it will be designed, constructed and operated in a way that will not harm human health or the environment. Unless any new information comes to light which significantly changes our assessment we will be legally obliged to issue the permit.

Our regulatory controls for the incineration of waste are in place to protect people and the environment. We do not permit activities that pose an unacceptable risk.

This further stage of consultation gives the public and interested groups an opportunity to see our decision making process, have their say on the draft environmental permit and bring to light any new information that they believe may require us to modify or change our final decision.”

Responses to the consultation can be made either electronically or via post, although electronically is encouraged This will facilitate the consultation during the COVID-19 restrictions.

The Environment Agency have also extended the consultation period from 4 weeks to 6 weeks. The consultation period started on June 6^th, 2020 and will conclude on July 21^st, 2020.

To access the application documentation, visit the consultation website at: consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/psc/bd21-4lw-endless-energy-limited-epr-zp3537at

People can comment on the proposals by responding directly on the website or emailing pscpublicresponse@environment-agency.gov.uk.

Envelopes containing postal responses must be clearly marked ‘Endless Energy Consultation’ and be sent to Environment Agency, Permitting and Support Centre, Land Team, Quadrant 2, 99 Parkway Avenue, Sheffield, S9 4WF.

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Work Starts on Mixed Use Scheme

Work has begun on a mixed-use development, which will produce 1,300 homes and hundreds of jobs opportunities, in Innsworth near Gloucester.

Developer Robert Hitchins in behind the shceme, with national house-builder Taylor Wimpey undertaking the residential side of the build. Work on a major roundabout on the A40 Gloucester bypass is also due to start in a matter of months, this will provide the main access point to Innsworth Park, and, will eventually link back to Innsworth Lane.

Once the scheme has been completed, it will include retail and leisure facilities at a ten-acre district centre, as well as commercial opportunities at a four-acre office park, and a 6.7-acre business park.

A new primary school, sports and leisure facilities as well as extensive landscaping are also included in the plans. The new roundabout will be between Longford and Elmbridge Court roundabouts, with a spine road being built leading from the A40 to Innsworth Lane, which will provide greater connectivity with the North East, Churchdown, Staverton and Cheltenham.

Senior Development Manager of Robert Hitchins, Michael Plimmer said: “Since planning permission was granted in 2017, a huge amount of preparation work has taken place and we are now pleased to be in a position to get started in earnest.

“It’s an exciting scheme which will give a massive boost to the local economy. It will not only deliver 1,300 much-needed homes to the edge of Gloucester, but will also bring important new local facilities to the growing population on the north side of Gloucester with an estimated 700 job opportunities in the district centre, office park and business park.”

The full development at Innsworth Park will take place in phases, the road and infrastructure and primary school should be completed by 2021. The residential area which will consists of two, three and four-bedroom homes has been name Whittle Park, in honour of local hero, Sir Frank Whittle, creator of the jet engine.

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Asite Help Develop New Business School

William Coates Ltd have selected Asite to help support the delivery of the installation of Mechanical & Electrical Services at the University of Brighton’s new Business School.

The new six storey building which consists of 6,400 sqm of floorspace will be located at the University’s Moulsecoomb campus, the development will also have a 600-space multi-storey car park. This project is set to complete works by September 2020, and, is part of the wider campus regeneration which looks to create a world-class learning facility.

Rob Clifton, Asite SVP for UK and Europe said:

“When completed, the new building at the University of Brighton will be home to a state-of-the-art business school, welcoming students from across the UK and the world for generations to come. The new building is at the heart of the University’s redevelopment creating an environment of learning, collaboration and innovation.

Here at Asite we work hard to provide our clients with the tools they need to bring their projects to life. We’re proud to work with William Coates and play our part in developing this exciting building ensuring it meets the needs of its occupants and transforms the University of Brighton for the future.

We are also pleased to be involved in another UK University project, building on our experience from projects involving Brunel University, University of Cambridge and Leeds Becket University.”

Gareth Holden, Senior Electrical Contracts Manager at William Coates said:

 “Asite has been a very useful management tool for our Brighton project. During design stage all users were able to communicate via comments, it facilitated drawing mark-ups and correspondence with ease. Asite has been especially critical during the COVID-19 pandemic. The processes set up for our project facilitated the design team to track, update and maintain flow of information”

The project is in conjunction with Brighton and Hove Council, and also aims to transform Brighton University’s campus, and the areas which surround it. Ultimately contributing over £500 million to the city’s economy over the next ten years and creating 1,000 new jobs.

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Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Agreement

The Crown Commercial Service (CCS) is supporting the drive toward a low carbon economy by making it easier for the public sector to buy vehicle charging infrastructure. This agreement is a Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) – enabling suppliers to join at any point during the agreement period. The solution supports the drive to increase the use of electric vehicles, reduce the UK’s carbon footprint and meet the targets for Central Government to electrify 25% of their fleet by 2022.

The services on offer include consultancy and feasibility, groundworks, civil engineering and construction, hardware, software, and back office solutions, through to full end-to-end services.

Suppliers, including SMEs. are now able to join this agreement, currently there are more than 50 suppliers in the process of applying to join, with eight already appointed.

Buyers can also use the agreement to undertake contracts to meet their specific requirements for vehicle charging infrastructure.

Joanne Kenny, CCS Commercial Agreement Manager, said: “We are seeing an increased demand for electric vehicle charging points at public buildings as more and more people use electric vehicles. This DPS complements other CCS energy and fleet agreements to offer a total green fleet solution for our customers.”

The DPS offers a broad scope of services within three main areas. Suppliers and customers are able to chose from ‘buyer funded’, ‘supplier funded’ or, a third option for customers who are yet to decide on the way they are going to fund the infrastructure.

The scope of the Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Solutions (VCIS) agreement provides buyers with a range of products and services which are available in the market and will enable them to define and procure the appropriate services and products to mee their individual needs and funding model.

This also includes the installation of VCIS for public sector fleets and their workforce, home charging and vehicle charging facilities which provide a service to the general pubic in locations such as on-street residential areas and off-street car parks.

The CCS supports the public sector to achieve maximum commercial value when procuring common goods and services. For more information, please visit the CCS website.

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Land & Water Complete Canal Project

Dredging firm Land & Water has continued essential work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and has successfully completed a project on behalf of the Canal & River Trust and Torfaen Council at Sebastopol on the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal.

Adhering to UK Government guidelines, Land & Water has continued to work on site throughout the UK. By following the guidance, they have been able to complete range if essential projects, including the collaboration at Sebastopol. By using their unique experience, the Land & Water team have managed to install floating pontoons at Sebastopol; the moorings were installed in the middle of a new housing estate, which always allows residents to see them.

The team adapted to the challenging conditions which are being seen throughout the country, and successfully completed the project on time and within the allocated budget.

Discussing Land & Water’s pride in its team, the company’s Operations Manager, Nick Lewis, who was responsible for the project, said:

“Our team have done an amazing job despite the obvious challenges we have encountered during this major pandemic. This required meticulous planning and a thorough risk assessment to ensure the safety of all engineers and contractors. Meanwhile, we encountered a couple of issues during installation which required rapid, strategic response. Firstly, the pontoon sections had to be lifted into the water almost a kilometre away and pulled along the canal using a tugboat, through a very narrow tunnel.

Secondly, the only access to the installation site was via water, as access by land would have meant coming through a big earth works site. Despite these challenges and the Government’s imposed restrictions, my dedicated team, led by Site Manager Darren Kendrick, did a fantastic job. Not only was this project completed to the highest possible standard, it was delivered on time and safely. We have subsequently received incredibly positive feedback from the Canal & River Trust; I couldn’t be prouder of our team.”

The project was part of larger dredging works which were funded by the local council and delivered via the Canal & River Trust contract, and, was completed in just two days. Land & Water’s efficiency allowed for the project to be seen through to fruition with ease, as workers adapted and responded to hurdles they encountered with professionalism and a vast understanding of the task at hand.

During the project at Sebastopol, Solent Marine formed part of the project team and supported Land & Water to deliver the new floating moorings.

As Land & Water continues to respond to evolving government recommendations, it is consistently re-evaluating its protocols on site. The company continues to protect its team’s wellbeing, fulfilling the needs of its workers and clients alike.

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CICV Forum Extend Post-Pandemic Consultation

The Construction Industry Coronavirus Forum (CICV) has extended its wide-ranging consultation to the whole of the Scottish construction industry.

The consultation was originally launched last week (5 June) to the Forum’s 50 member organisations. However, the unique collective is now inviting all other parties to give their opinion on what they want for the industry after COVID-19, and how this could be achieved.

Alan Wilson, Forum Chair and SELECT Managing Director, said: “We appreciate that not everyone in the construction sector is represented by the Forum – our major housebuilders for example – and we are anxious that all parties within our industry contribute to the national debate on where we go next.”

As companies are starting a phased return to work, the wide-ranging questionnaire addresses multiple issues which have not gone away during the pandemic, and, also suggests that the sector can’t realistically go back to the way it was.

Led by Consultant Len Bunton, the consultation was complied with the input of four leading quantity surveying firms, along with Ian Honeyman, Commercial Director of the Scottish Building Federation, and Ken Lewandowski, former local chairman of the Clydesdale bank.

Mr Bunton said that for everyone involved in construction, the ultimate objective for a post-pandemic future must be a construction industry which is fair and transparent, but also allows contractors and the supply chain to operate profitable businesses.

Mr Bunton said: “The questions in the consultation will be put not only to the many trade and professional bodies in the Forum, as well as their members, but to all parties engaged in the sector. We are seeking the broadest possible body of opinion to help form policy in the coming months and years.

“We want to look at the endemic problems of low tendering, low or no margins and the lack of regard for competency and experience. Serious cashflow and payment issues, poor quality and health and safety problems are also consistent concerns for the industry.

“We also need to hear from public and private sector clients who are the lifeblood of the industry, as their investment creates employment for the construction sector in Scotland.”

“The consultation makes the point that the CICV Forum, which was quickly and efficiently assembled to deal with the ongoing effects of the shutdown, has demonstrated the desirability of disparate parties coming together to work for the mutual benefit of the sector.”

The consultation is the latest in a series of initiatives from the CICV Forum. In the last two weeks it has released health and safety underpinning guidance, furloughing information for employers, a consultation about the future of the industry in Scotland and vital advice for apprentices and staff preparing to return to college.

A copy of the consultation can be obtained by emailing info@cicvforum.co.uk. The closing date for submissions is Friday 19 June.

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Trimble Metrics Cloud-based Estimating and Contract Management Software

Trimble Metrics is the new cloud-based estimation and contract management software helping MEP contractors to improve their profit margins on small projects by managing all their project costs and cash flows in one place.

Designed specifically to increase profit, Trimble Metrics allows users to perform digital takeoff, create estimates and manage their project profitability in real-time, from tender all the way through to completion. The easy-to-use software combines graphical takeoff, the LUCKINS database, integrated contract management, and cash-flow visibility with unlimited document storage into one solution that can be accessed via web browser.

Key features include:

1. Easy to use – Trimble Metrics walks the contractor through the simple intuitive training process of creating an estimate step-by-step, from start to finish, eliminating the need for hours of software training.
2. Integrated Contract Management – Trimble Metrics seamlessly integrates estimation with contract management, so users can automatically transfer the data from won estimates to the contract management section of the software to view the financial metrics of projects.
3. Content library of 500,000+ MEP items – Trimble Metrics is integrated with the LUCKINS Database, the UK’s largest comprehensive, accurate and up-to-date catalogue of Electrical, HVAC and Plumbing items. Trimble Metrics provides users with MEP systems and material picklists to produce accurate material and labour quantity estimates that can also be used for getting quotes and ordering materials from suppliers.
4. Graphical takeoff – Contractors can electronically measure, count, and mark up PDF drawings directly in the software, while automatically filling in the takeoff sheet during takeoff. 
5. Cash-flow visibility – Contractors can keep track of project admin with Trimble Metrics to send out and receive procurement lists, quotes, purchase orders and invoices in a sleek, centralised platform.
6. Cloud-hosted – Drawings and estimates can be accessed anywhere at any time, wherever you have an Internet connection. With shared access, office administrators can help set up and finish the estimate – the estimator needs only to worry about filling in the trade-specific detail.

Trimble Metrics is now available for MEP contractors in the United Kingdom. Contractors, estimators and installers can sign up for a free 60-day trial or purchase it online at https://go.metrics.trimble.com/

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