Meeting: Residents meeting – Fusion/Bellway
Date of Meeting: 29th February 2024 at 8:30pm
Held at: Newhall Primary Academy Issued by / on: 28th June 2024
Present:
Zack Jermy – Property Manager from SHW (ZJ)
Dominic Brownlee – Estate Manager at Newhall (DB)
Marco Devereux – Project Engineer for Newhall Projects (MD)
Derek Hamilton – Communication and Community Development Coordinator (DH)
In addition to homeowners from 27 different properties (names & addresses omitted to comply with GDPR).
Introduction & Opening Comments
ZJ introduced himself to residents as the Property Manager at SHW looking after Newhall whilst Laura Dinnage is away on maternity leave. Introductory documents had been provided ahead of the meeting and residents were informed they can contact him after with any questions, or use his contact details should anything arise moving forwards. DB, MD, DH gave an overview of their individual roles.
Overview of Previous Meeting Minutes
ZJ discussed previous meeting minutes:
Thistle Mead Lane dog waste bins had been previously removed due to complaints from nearby residents, however these have now been replaced.
A repeated issue with a manhole had now resolved via Bellway’s technical director.
Concerns had previously been raised that pavement on Great Auger Street is slippery when it freezes over. ZJ confirmed there are now 30x grit bins around the estate and a cold weather plan in place on the website. Grit bins are equipped with self-help scoops for easy resident access.
Concern had been raised on crime levels at the previous meeting. ZJ advised crime statistics are very low in Newhall compared to other areas in Harlow, but this of course did not mean the estate was entirely immune. ZJ stated that residents should let the police know of any concerns.
Community ambassador initiative – ZJ and DH confirmed there remain plans to further introduce this scheme and more information will be made available in the near future when this is ready to be fully promoted.
ZJ advised that discussions are ongoing regarding the food-growing/community garden initiative.
MD informed that the proposal for a play area had been put forward to Harlow Council but had not been approved and therefore permission is yet to be granted. Amended plans are going to be put forward for a ‘woodland area’, such plans are currently being collated together and intend to utilise existing wood and natural structures. MD proceeded to explain the plans on the map which was on display highlighting current recreational areas available to residents and children.
Complaints were made by several in attendance that the proposed ‘woodland area’ is insufficient as children want/need proper equipment to play on, and spaces to make use of. MD reiterated that the council had not approved their recent play area submission, and they were exploring other suitable uses for the space so that it could be used as an amenity for residents.
Similar complaint was made by a resident stating the lack of designated play areas for children was unacceptable, and how it is causing/encouraging children to kick balls against properties. DH informed the meeting that he had previously asked said resident if the resident was able to keep a diary of such disturbances, but had not received a response. This is understood to have been because of time constraints. DH and ZJ encouraged residents experiencing similar issues to keep a record of such incidents so that it can be better monitored.
A resident raised a query regarding the disparity in alteration permission approvals, highlighting that their request to install a garage door across their car park had been denied whilst other residents on other parts of the estate had seemingly completed similar work.
ZJ advised permissions could differ between properties for a number of reasons, particularly if they were located in different areas/phases. He confirmed that when Newhall Projects consider an application, multiple factors are looked at, namely aesthetics, suitability, security, usage, and impact on the surrounding properties and area.
ZJ advised that some properties around the development had completed alterations without having sought the necessary approvals, and that these were being dealt with accordingly.
MD and ZJ confirmed the planting outside the primary school was due to be completed in the near future, and that fencing was also being considered to better direct pedestrians.
Service Charge Budget 2024 and Associated Increase
Copies of the budget had been provided ahead of the meeting along with Q1 charges. ZJ confirmed the annual estate service charge has risen by approximately £60 per year, per property. ZJ explained it was appreciated that such an increase was a concern for many and expressed his regret that it was not communicated farther in advance of the new bills.
ZJ explained that the approximate 17% increase had been necessary in order to better reflect anticipated expenditure. ZJ pointed to minimal increases applied over the last 3-4 years’ service charges, which had been maintained at between £300 and £325 since before Covid. When considering the total inflation over this same 3-4 year period, the estate charge had increased at a very similar level.
Residents queried what had driven the sudden large single-year increase.
ZJ explained the by and far largest difference had been due to landscaping costs. These were increased to reflect a new contract with Majestic Garden Services, which came into effect from April 2023, and was thus reflected accordingly in the 2024 budget.
Grounds Maintenance & Landscaping
ZJ expressed his appreciation for the work the new team conduct, and suggested that the overall response has been positive, and that residents are on the whole happy with the new contractors, Majestic.
A resident expressed concern that Majestic have been attending to areas outside of their remit, potentially on grounds that belong to Fusion (Harlow) Management Company Ltd. ZJ confirmed that the team possesses plans which detail the areas so they are not maintaining areas they shouldn’t be.
ZJ asked residents to approach him or DB the estate manager should they have further concerns with the gardeners rather than approaching or videoing them directly. He advised that the gardeners had expressed frustration and worry at the harassment they were experiencing from some residents, and asked that the gardeners are not recorded by residents or followed about as they conduct work.
A question was raised on whether Majestic should be maintaining residents own front gardens, ZJ confirmed correct as front gardens are not conveyed to individuals. They are not part of the private demise and remain with estate to maintain.
ZJ advised conveyance plans will be provided and uploaded to the website tomorrow.
Community Engagement, Communication, and Interaction
School traffic – DH advised there has been concerns regarding traffic around school and further measurers would be preferred. DH is currently in discussion with Essex Highways on what further measures can be introduced. DH and MD advised that they will work with the school where possible to to try and assist, but residents should also address concerns directly to the school and to the police if there are concerns, as neither SHW nor Newhall Projects can take action to prevent parents speeding.
MD confirmed he is working with highways to progress road matters and finalise roads across the estate for adoption; further guidance will be issued in due course. MD further explained the purpose of measures that are currently in place, and how these were approved as part of the planning process to slow traffic down as part of the Urban planning agreed at the outset of the scheme.
Residents suggested that SHW and NPL should be taking further steps to alleviate these issues. MD made comment suggesting that the effectiveness of the current measures had prevented any incidents involving children thus far, to which several residents raised objection to the manner in which this was communicated.
A question put forward on whether mirror can be put in place on the bend at Woodland Way. ZJ advised any changes to the road systems would need to be approved by the council, but they would look into whether there were any other easier options.
A question was raised on whether information between the Council and Newhall Projects can be shared. MD advised not all information can be provided as some information is sensitive. MD confirmed that he would need to seek advice before sharing any specific information.
A resident raised concern at the manner in which the residents’ meeting had been held and expressed options on how this could be improved moving forwards.
The meeting concluded at 9:40pm.
