An HRRA committee meeting was held on Wednesday 12th October at St Mary’s School.
Present were: Nick Lowry, Nigel Hackett, Susan Pape, Cedric Sander, Andy Wade, Catherine Bridge, Andrew Armitage
Apologies : Christine Gaughran
Road/path/lighting
NL provided an update on the progress made on the adoption of the roads and paths.
Jon Birkin of Avant has provided a timetable of the dates involved following a highways inspection in September:
Highways inspection – Monday 5th September
Highways (expected) issue of remedials list – Monday 12th September
Commercial re-tender (4 weeks) – Monday 10th October
Remedials contract tender analysis and let. – Monday 17th October
Contractor materials order and lead in (4 weeks) – 14th November
Remedial and completion works commence – Monday 21st November.
Remedial and completion works duration – TBC dependent upon list but expected to be at least 10 weeks (completion Friday 11th February 2023)
Highways re-inspection – Monday 14th February 2023
Final remedials duration 1 week – Monday 21st February 2023
Surfacing works commence – Monday 28th February 2023
Surfacing works duration – TBC but estimated at 6 weeks – Estimated completion Monday 11th April 2023.
As of Tuesday 11th October Jon Birkin confirmed that the process was on target.
It was pointed out that those kerbstones which will be replaced have already been “white spotted”.
Sales office, hoarding, path and pitches
The old sales office has been removed from site and the landscaping process in this area has started.
The old hoarding at the top of the car park has been removed
The new path leading from the top of HRD at the corner of Bedale down to The Clocktower has been surfaced. It requires topping off.
The football pitches have finally been cut following many communications with Avant. Residents will note that the cuttings have been left on site, but these will be cleared and removed shortly.
New Social Club
It was confirmed that planning permission has now been submitted by Walker Builders to LCC planners for the new social club. Planning department notices have been posted around the estate.
The application number is 22/05951/FU which can be accessed via the LCC website.
AW added that following a survey sent out to residents and sports clubs, asking if people would use the facility and for what reason, 200 replies had been received. He further stated that they were all very positive and in favour of the new club.
The group set up to deal with the project on behalf of residents continues to liaise with Avant Homes, LCC and the wider community in order to provide a viable facility for all. It is intended that the group will initially establish a Community Interest Company which will oversee the management of the club and the surrounding sports facilities. The possibility of later seeking charitable status will also be considered.
The responsibility for maintaining the pitches would remain with the various clubs, with the Community Company sub-letting these areas to third parties, Crompark/Menston CC and Guiseley and Menston Junior Football Clubs.
Service Charge Budgets 2022/23
NL confirmed that he had had a conversation with Joanne Palmer at Trinity Estates regarding the budgets for the coming year. It was unknown at the time of the conversation when the budgets would be issued but Joanne provided some top line figures. These apply to the overall development and as such there will be some variances between blocks.
It is anticipated that the overall increase on last year’s budgets would be approx 18%.
The budget for communal electricity had increased by 159%. Trinity continues to pursue a change for communal electricity costs from commercial status to residential status.
Following comments and feedback from some residents regarding the standard of landscaping NL had asked Joanne Palmer to provide estimated costs for three “levels” of landscaping services. These would equate to a basic, medium and top range service provision.
The current service provision is based on the medium level.
Basic level: £49,999 incl vat
Medium level: £99,360 incl vat
Top level: £180,000 incl vat
The committee believe that residents need to manage their expectations when it comes to the landscaping. For example, one resident asked if all the large lawned areas could be subject to weed management regimes. This service would cost £26,400 p.a. and plant/shrub replacement on a weekly basis would cost £16,000 each planting season.
NL will continue to communicate with Trinity on this matter.
Blocks not yet in management
NL has had a further conversation with JP on this matter. The Clocktower was taken into management on 1st August.
This means there are now four blocks which still need to be taken into management. Aysgarth Court, Appleton Court, Grassington Mews and Cotterdale. Communications between Trinity and Avant continue to ensure specific maintenance is undertaken in external areas before Trinity will agree to take these blocks into management.
Menston Drive vehicular access
It had been brought to the attention of HRRA that a resident had witnessed a motorbike driving along Menston Drive. This road is part of the wider estate and as such is a private road. The barriers in place on this road however only prevent cars and vans gaining access.
This issue will remain under review as the only practical action would be to install signage at both ends of the road. As the road is private this signage would be unenforceable and would have to funded via the service charge schedule (wider estate charge)
Avant Personnel
NL informed the meeting that Dean Cutts, Avant’s Technical Director had left the company.
He has been replaced by Jon Birkin who takes responsibility for the High Royds development.
Alistair Hart is the new CEO of Avant, Yorkshire.
Both Alistair and Jon are very new to the company and have very little experience of the site.
Jon Birkin will deal directly with NL and NH on the estate issues. Alistair Hart will deal with AW and Russell Oliver on issues relating to the New Social Club.
All other issues or queries raised by residents should be directed through either Avant Homes Customer Services Department or via the Trinity Estates Residents portal.
HRRA Future
The committee agreed that we are at a critical stage in the evolvement of HRRA. It currently only has one elected officer (NL is the Treasurer). Once the final four blocks are taken into management it will be necessary for residents to take action if they wish to be formally recognised and their voices heard via either an established Residents Management Company, or a Recognised Tenants Association.
NL will prepare a briefing document to be distributed to all residents explaining the process involved.
Neighbourhood Watch
NL informed the meeting that a new Police Liaison Officer had written to HRRA.
Her name is Sam Puzycz. Contact details will be posted on the HRRA Website when available.
AOB
NH had previously raised the issue of the rabbit infestation around the top of the cricket pitch to Avant. NL had followed this up with Trinity. NL to pursue as this is now believed to be part of the wider estate and as such comes under the service charge schedule. There are concerns that the rabbit warrens in this area could result in one or more of the trees falling and causing serious injury or worse.
NL to follow up with Trinity to determine the exact lines of demarcation between the football/cricket pitches and wider estate.
Next meeting: tba (planned for early December)
High Royds Residents' Association 