Manor Farm Mews, Sheffield

Assent and Patrick Feeney, Construction Director at P FEENEY Limited and Meridien Homes: A long-standing partnership built on success and trust

Oculus Building Consultancy, part of the Assent Building Compliance and Safety Group, has been instrumental in ensuring regulatory compliance and quality assurance at Manor Farm Mews, a residential development in Killamarsh, Sheffield. Developed by Meridien Homes, the project reflects the strong and ongoing relationship between Patrick Feeney, Construction Director at Meridien Homes, and Assent.

Located on Upper Thorpe Road, Killamarsh Sheffield Manor Farm Mews occupies a semi-rural position on the edge of the village, with proximity to open countryside. The site is funded by Homes England through the government’s SME Homes initiative, which supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in tackling the housing shortage.

Developed with a focus on quality, sustainability, and energy efficiency, each home meets the Code for Sustainable Homes, enhancing affordability and reducing carbon emissions over the long term.

A long-standing partnership

Patrick Feeney has over 40 years of experience in the construction industry and has worked with Assent since its origin. Patrick was first introduced to Assent by his architect, and since then, he has nurtured a strong professional relationship with the Assent team. This relationship has supported the growth of his construction business, P FEENEY Limited, and Meridien Homes, as they expand into new build developments while continuing to focus on domestic projects.

Commenting on their partnership, Patrick said: “Assent have been fantastic in their approach to working with us, and their professionalism is second to none. They are the only building regulations company that proactively tells you when something is wrong, ensuring that we improve with every project. Their inspectors are thorough, which encourages me to do better. If they cannot find anything wrong, it reinforces that we are doing our job well”.

Project progress and key findings

At this stage, all plots within Manor Farm Mews are completed, with connection of essential services. and major adopted roadworks completed. Final inspections scheduled for occupancy have been completed, our teams focused on assessing the critical elements of each plot, which all came with their own unique challenges.

• Plot 1 (1.5-storey semi-detached) – Accessibility was under review due to the site’s gradient, with compliance under Part M guidance now completed, safety measures required for the staircase window to prevent fall hazards. Utilities and fire safety elements were in place, including a gas boiler, smoke detectors, and mechanical extractors.
• Plot 4 (2-storey semi-detached) – The sloping approach was in place, pending final driveway surfacing. Fire doors were installed for a protected escape route, with smoke and heat detectors positioned to meet safety requirements. Ventilation systems included mechanical extractor fans, and drainage connections were completed.
• Plot 5 (apartment above garages, semi-detached to Plot 4) – Completion of fireproofing to lintels and separating floors was a key element for Assent in fire protection. Fire doors were installed, and all service penetrations were sealed to maintain safety standards. Escape provisions included means-of-escape windows, and a Juliet balcony was fitted to the rear kitchen patio doors.
• Plot 6 (show home, 2-storey detached) – Compliance with Part M accessibility requirements was confirmed. Structural elements included movement joints in the rendered façade and weep vents at DPC level for the timber-framed construction. Safety measures such as safety glass markings, handrails on stairs, and fire doors were implemented due to restricted egress window dimensions.
• Plot 7-10 (detached 2.5-storey) – A gently sloping approach was established, though driveway surfacing was still pending. Fire safety provisions included the installation of fire doors, a heat detector in the kitchen, and smoke detectors throughout circulation areas. Structural and utility considerations required the use of safety glass, adequate ventilation provisions, and mechanical extractors in wet areas.

Next steps and final inspections

As the project approached completion, our focus was shifted towards finalising compliance and ensuring all regulatory requirements were met. The next steps included:

• Loft insulation verification – Ensuring proper installation and compliance via access to loft hatches.
• Drainage compliance – Conducting below-ground drainage tests through witnessed inspections or video evidenced test with timed intervals recorded
• Final safety inspections – Confirming that all fire safety, ventilation, and structural measures met the required standards before occupancy.

Commenting on the inspection, Project Manager Nathan Briggs at Oculus Building Consultancy said: “Through rigorous inspection and collaboration with the client, Oculus Building Consultancy ensures that all plots meet high safety and quality standards before occupancy. By addressing key structural and safety concerns proactively, we help deliver compliant, well-constructed homes that meet both regulatory and resident expectations. Furthermore, Patrick has secured two more projects and intends to continue working with Oculus Building Consultancy, reinforcing the strength of this ongoing partnership. By focusing on growth, continuity, and high-quality standards, Meridien Homes, together with Oculus, continues to play an integral role in delivering excellence in residential development”. 

Patrick added: “The project has been embraced by Homes England, as SMEs become a key part of the government’s strategy for housebuilding. I would like to thank our valued partners at Assent for their diligence and focus, and their inspecting officers for ensuring that all standards are upheld to the highest level. We will continue to ensure our standards remain at the highest level, and with Assent maintaining and monitoring them, this can only be positive news for the industry.”