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On Tuesday 29th October Colin Glover, Dave Skinner and I met with Alan Bloomfield from Taylor Wimpey to try and agree the works required to complete Holwood to residents satisfaction.
The meeting was very amicable and Alan was receptive to our wishes. He did however make clear that the financial implications of any agreement would require authorisation from his superiors.
Many of the issues talked about at the recent Residents Association meeting were discussed in detail. Alan listened to our arguments and views and was largely in agreement that our requests were reasonable. Subject to approval by his superiors we agreed as follows:-
1. The replacement of exterior inset paving lighting for Block A and for repair of the same in Block C – This is now done-
2. The same lighting for Block B will be closely monitored to see that the same fault does not develop here.
3. Alan would meet with Bromley Council to agree the future of Beckford Drive (the construction drive) – Whether this be returned to woodland track or left in its tarmacadam state.
4. Alan would seek approval to remove the Power Poles , Cable, and Lighting from Beckford Drive and arrange for the power supply to Beckford Lodge to be channelled underground.
5. All redundant signage and posts to be removed in this area.
6. Redundant camera at Beckford lodge and cables to security hut to be removed.
7. 7. Security cabins to be removed and security resited in the Undercroft room under Block C.
8. Existing security hut area to be cleared and tidied.
9. Area of land to be sold with Beckford Lodge to be fenced off with ranch style fencing.
10. All old security sensors etc on Main Drive to be removed.
11. Redundant CCTV camera where drive splits to be removed.
12. All one-way signs and posts to be removed.
13. Area around main gate keypads to be tidied.
14. Redundant telegraph and electricity poles to be removed.
15. Telephone cable to main gates to be properly re-instated and routed underground.
16. Tarmac Road between Mansion and Main Drive to be removed and the area returned to grass. –This work is in progress.
17. The grass area damaged around the old marketing suite is to be repaired.
18. Telegraph poles either side of Courtyard Drive to be removed.
19. All old water pipes and lagging in grass area opposite Crescent Block A and area opposite sewage panel to be removed.
20. A water supply is to be provided in a weather-proof unit to be installed in or close to the woodland near the sewage plant to facilitate cleaning/maintenance work to the pumping station.
21. Alterations to be made to the pumping station equipment supplied as per our independent engineers report. – This will include automated early warning systems in the event of pump failure, and automated telephone connection to alert maintenance/service engineers.
22. Leaking from pipework in Undercroft carpark areas to be repaired. – This is now done.
23. Other leaks through the roof to the Undercoft carpark to be solved. This is already under investigation.
24. Seepage through Undercroft walls particularly through the Outer perimeter walls. Alan reported that this was not structurally significant but agreed to insert drainage holes into the cavitys to help the water escape.
25. The Earthling boxes around the perimeter of the Crescent will be properly re-instated.
26. The electricity relay stations down the Main Drive will have their stolen roofs replaced with a zinc or tiled roof as appropriate.
27. Alan informed us that he had been unable to identify an anti-fungicidal ‘preventative’ treatment. Such treatments are only to kill the bacteria and so the Community will have to therefore finance regular washing of the render. At a cost of £12,000 per clean I would suggest we either do 50% of the buildings each year or the whole lot every other year. This will cost approximately £100 per Crescent resident per annum.This topic will be put up for further discussion by residents.
28. Alan has agreed to get the landscapers to improve the finish of the centre island landscaping. This will involve top-dressing the grass areas as appropriate to give a better grass surface, and additional planting.
29. Contractors will be instructed to continue the removal of the mortar blocking the drip grooves on the coping stones. This should reduce staining under the copings.
30. Further work will be done to improve the areas around the moat particularly around Block B. The drainage will be improved in the worst areas, there will be additional top-soiling and re-seeding, and edges of the moat will be properly smoothed off. The nettles and scrub will be cleared back to the tree line where possible, and additional shrubs planted as appropriate to improve the outlook for residents. Further details will be given after discussions with the gardeners.
31. Alan will look to expand the passing point on the Main Drive that is too small for easy entry and exit.
32. The Crescent has experienced problems with ‘cluster flies’. Affected areas have been treated but Alan will discuss longer term preventative measures with Pest Control.
I would reiterate that these items agreed with Alan still require financial approval from his superiors!
I will keep you informed of progress particularly when Alan writes to confirm proposed works. |
