Multi-million pound project to build 200 affordable homes.

Work has begun on a multi-million pound investment programme that will see more than 200 new homes built in Lincolnshire.

The project, courtesy of the Partnership Homes division of Westleigh Developments Ltd, is reported to be worth about £18.5million.

Construction for the project is well underway at the three development sites in Church Street, Boston Road and Lincoln Road in Holdingham, Sleaford.

The work is expected to take until January 2011.

Once completed, Westleigh will have built 153 new houses and 53 new apartments in partnership with two regional housing associations.

The development in Church Street is being built in partnership between Westleigh and the Gainsborough-based Acis Group.

The two remaining sites are in partnership with the Nottingham Community Housing Association.

Business Development Director at Westleigh Developments Ian Jones said he was “delighted” by the project.

“We are delighted to be able to work with two local housing association partners to provide over 200 affordable homes to the Sleaford area,” he said.

“When complete, it is anticipated some of these houses and apartments will be available on a shared-ownership basis, while others will be available for rental.

“We have an extensive track record of working in partnership with housing associations across the Midlands and fully expect these three schemes to be as successful.”

Stewart Ogden, North Kesteven District Councillor and executive board member with responsibility for housing strategy, explained the project would go a long way to help the District Council’s target of building 850 affordable homes a year.

“It’s wonderful that we can work with developers in bringing these much needed affordable homes to the district,” he said.

“One of North Kesteven District Council’s main priorities is affordable housing and we hope that these new developments will help residents who might otherwise struggle to purchase a house.

“The houses on Church Street, Boston Road and Lincoln Road, in Holdingham, will offer suitable homes for people who cannot purchase or rent a house on the open market.

“Affordable housing is in very high demand, and it is vital this is met, especially given the current economic climate.”

Saxilby based business park continues to grow.

A growing business park near Lincoln has become the new home of three county businesses – and there is still room for more.

Allens Business Park near Saxilby is home to generator refurbishment company Lincoln Proud Resources, independent gas company VTF, and chandelier specialists Philips and Sons Inlighting.

At the time of going to press, a fourth company was in final talks to secure its place at the park.

Owner of Allens Business Park Mark Cox said: “We have another business interested in a unit, and they’re all but ready to confirm.

“They’ve had all the surveys done, and the contacts are just going through the solicitors, and then they’ll be set to move in.”

Mr Cox also explained there was still space available at the business park for any potential tenants.

“We still have three units left, with dimensions ranging anywhere between 3,000 square feet and 30,000 square feet.

“Tenants just have to tell us their requirements, and we’ll break the units up to suit what they need.”

Philips and Sons Inlighting is a chandelier refurbishment company, restoring and installing chandeliers of all styles and sizes up and down the country.

In addition, it boasts the largest collection of old chandeliers in Europe.

It occupies a 13,000 square foot unit at Allens Business Park.

Manager Phil Jaques explained that the move to Saxilby has been nothing less than beneficial for the business.

“Allens Business Park has so much potential,” he said.

“It’s a good size, and it’s just off of the main road, which means that the access is superb.

“You can’t ask for any better than the A57, seeing as it’s the main connection between Lincoln and the A1. Previously we were located on the outskirts of Lincoln, and let’s just say it wasn’t a very prime location.”

Mr Jaques also explained that he was impressed with the standard of the facilities at the business park.

“The units themselves are of a very good quality as well,” he said.

“You’ll find that a lot of older units in business parks require much needed tender love and care, but these are superb.

“The best thing about it though is the landlord. It might sound obvious, but a good landlord is essential with a place like this. We haven’t had a good history with landlords in the past, but we couldn’t ask for anyone better than Mark. He’s been nothing but helpful and positive.”

Mr Cox used Lincoln-based Langley Solicitors to finalise deals on the business park.

For any further information regarding the remaining units at Allens Business Park, contact Mark Cox on 07775361889.

Family coach business finds new home.

A county coach firm has moved premises after being taken over by new owners.

Hodson Coaches has moved from Navenby to the Enterprise Business Park in Saxilby.

Managing director Alistair Gooseman said the move was a pro-active attempt to look for new business opportunities.

“Basically, the business was being run as a cottage industry,” he said.

“We want to try and move it forward whilst remaining as a family business.”

Mr Gooseman and his family bought Hodson Coaches in July in what he described as an “amicable takeover”.

The previous owners, John and Stephanie Carter, conducted the business of the company from their home in Navenby, but wished to sell-up before beginning their retirement.

“Hodson Coaches has been a family business for 90 years across three generations,” explained Mr Gooseman.

“We want to maintain those same family values and run it exactly like the Carters did.

“We’re going to keep all the same, excellent staff, and offer the same, first class service. We’ve even kept the Carters on as outside consultants.

“We don’t want to expand the fleet or anything like that. We’re going to make sure we keep up-to-date and that the number of services will increase, whilst maintaining the good name of the business, which is important to Lincoln.”

The move to Enterprise Business Park took place on September 1.

Mr Gooseman explained that he found their new commercial home in the Echo’s business supplement.

Lincoln-based Harrison Estate Agents put the Goosemans in touch with the property’s owner, and the transaction was finalised through Langleys Solicitors.

“When we bought the business, the Carter’s allowed us to stay at their old workshop in Navenby for any time up to a year,” he said.

“But we wanted to get our own premises and set up shop.”

The new 5,000 square foot premises boast a modernised workshop, improved parking facilities, and all-new computerised systems.

“We’re currently putting modern computer systems in the coaches and trying to bring everything up to date,” said Mr Gooseman.

“We’re updating everything from records management to a new coach master system, making sure that everything runs as efficient as it can.

“We’re running the business professionally, just like people would expect from an executive coach company.”

As managing director, Mr Gooseman runs the company alongside his immediate family. His wife serves as director, whilst his two sons act as operations director and IT manager respectively.

Hodson Coaches offer a range of vehicles from seven seater mini-buses to 53 seater executive coaches.

For more information visit www.hodsoncoaches.co.uk.