Code of Conduct - Living on the Summerley Private
“LIVING ON SUMMERLEY PRIVATE ESTATE”
We do not make rules on the Summerley Private Estate. We are all bound by various Covenants on our houses, some of which are common to all and some of which vary, but that’s about the extent of what is legally enforceable. However, it is a friendly, neighbourly Estate and this Code attempts to set out the guidelines to happy, communal living that has successfully evolved over the years. SPERA will keep this Code up-to-date by reviewing it, and reaffirming support for it, at every AGM - issuing it to all new residents as part of the welcome pack.
Parking- the Covenants concerning roads make it clear that residents may not obstruct the roads in any way. Parking can cause problems for neighbours and therefore we try for no parking on the roads anywhere, ever. This avoids congestion where the roads are narrow - more important it allows us to spot the non-residents’ cars that we want to ban. It is a simple rule. If you find that you are unable to comply, for example if you have more visitors than can park on your driveway and you cannot make alternative arrangements, please keep neighbours informed by putting a note in the car and, if appropriate, informing the gateman.
Security and Residents’ Car Stickers- the main role of the gate security is to deter non-residents from entering the Estate and parking for beach access. This is far from easy and residents can help by displaying a SPERA sticker in their cars.
Speed- it is pretty unanimous year after year that residents want a 20 mph limit on the Estate roads. The roads are narrow and travelling too fast is dangerous. People feel strongly about this and residents are encouraged to take the registration numbers of persistent offenders and to report incidents to the police on 01243 642222 Operation Crackdown. Reports should include the date, time, place and nature of any offence.
Pedestrians- as footways are limited on the Estate, pedestrians have to use the roads so, motorists, please give them all the courtesy you would expect if you were walking. The Estate can be quite dark at night so pedestrians are urged to use a torch if they are unsure of the road. Pedestrians, too, should be mindful they are walking on an unpaved road and should be ‘car aware’.
Dustbins and wildlife - Dustbin day is Thursday when, early in the morning, we all leave our various types of dustbin at the kerbside for collection. In the past we have had problems if residents put out their rubbish in plastic bags rather than in sturdy bins. There is always at least one family of foxes on the estate and these are formidable scavengers. Plastic bags are often ripped open and the contents strewn about in a very unsightly manner. This applies both to food waste and hazardous waste. Best is to get sturdy bins that do not attract wildlife, next best is to leave it until Thursday morning, not Wednesday night, to put the rubbish out.
Verges and Twittens- each resident is responsible for maintaining the verges outside his or her house and for clearing overhanging growth into verges and twittens from trees and shrubs in his or her garden. The minimum is to keep the grass cut, the hedge trimmed and weeds down. There is no maximum - we all benefit from your beautifying. The only limit is to be considerate with trees - what will the roots do, what shade will they create, etc?
Surface water drainage is poor on this Estate. We are therefore cautious in allowing more kerbs on the Estate roads - since they can exacerbate the puddling - unless adequate provision is made for drainage. Any works on the roads will need authorisation from SPERA and the written agreement of LEWP.
Decor, State of Repair of the Houses- a tricky one this! Poorly maintained houses detract severely from the attractiveness of the Estate and from all of our property values. On the other hand, an Englishman’s home is his castle. How do we get the right balance? We do not (as yet) have any formal procedures - residents should simply be aware that their neighbours care.
Dogs- this is a dog friendly Estate. Dogs are allowed off lead on the beaches here. If you own a dog there are obvious things. Clearing up faeces is the owner’s responsibility and dog bins are provided on the sea front. Please keep your dog out of other people’s gardens and when walking your dog on the Estate please keep it on a lead.
Boats, Launch Ramps- this is a marine Estate. Boat-friendly. By agreement with LEWP, residents who want a key to the launch ramps (two ramps, same key) can obtain one from the SPERA Committee member in charge. There is a deposit to be paid and an agreement to be signed - but not everyone has a boat and they can be a nuisance. Please use the launch ramps responsibly. For example, don’t block the roads or leave equipment at the ramp while you are boating and please don’t keep an unsightly boat outside the house.
Vans, Caravans and Business Use of Premises- vans and caravans parked in view outside houses can be offensive. Frequent deliveries of goods by truck, the same. On the other hand, some residents use vans either commercially or privately. In general, be aware of the impact on the neighbourhood of what you do and try not to let it be a nuisance. In particular :-
Caravansare unpopular. The Covenants clearly state that caravans are not permitted on the Estate.
Vansare no more popular, although they are not specifically banned - but out of sight is out of mind. Parking behind a fence, hedge or other screen helps.
Business Use of Premisesis banned both by the Covenants and by Local Council planning regulations. Action will be taken, and has been taken in the past, against obvious offenders.
The Relationship with L E Walwin & Partners- Summerley Private Estate is a bit unusual in that residents do not own the common parts of the Estate. This can sometimes lead to confusion as to who does what (or who can do what). We have discussed this with Jacqui Shilton of LEWP and we are pleased to include her explanation of the issues on the next page.
Live and Let Live- finally, the general good neighbours rule. This IS a friendly Estate. People here tend to be pretty outgoing and live life fully but we all must be aware of how we impact on our neighbours. Common sense really - keep intrusive noise down, don’t let barbecue or bonfire smoke be a nuisance, tell neighbours when you’re doing anything odd like partying late. If your neighbour is being a nuisance, then don’t suffer in silence. Tell him or her (politely of course). By the same token, if your neighbour complains, don’t get cross just discuss the issues and amend your behaviour if required. Jaw-jaw is better than war-war!
SPERA Committee May 2011
Jacqui Shilton of L E Walwin & Partners
SPERA’s Code of Conduct is very helpful in clarifying issues affecting residents. I am pleased to be able to contribute an explanation of LEWP’s role in respect of the Estate.
LEWP has legal title to the common areas, notably the roads. LEWP is required to carry out the maintenance of the roads and common areas and the residents have to pay for this. By buying a house on the Estate, a house owner has agreed to his or her share of these costs.
Some years ago, it was agreed that SPERA should be formed to take on the task of organising road maintenance and duties regarding the Estate for LEWP. SPERA collects an annual membership fee (which includes the maintenance charges) and carries out the works. There is an agreement with LEWP giving SPERA the authority to do this. Non-paying residents have been taken to court in the past and ordered to pay their share of the maintenance charges.
LEWP has agreed also to consider any reasonable request from SPERA to enforce compliance with residents’ obligations under their Covenants provided that the cost of any enforcement is borne by the residents.
Access to the beach
Access to the beach is across land owned by LEWP. Access is controlled by LEWP and the use of the ramps by residents does not confer a right of way from LEWP. The use of the ramp keys will be available most times of the year from SPERA with the agreement of LEWP. Ramp access may be closed by LEWP on certain days.
Building and Development
The Covenants on each property also concern, amongst other things, the question of further development of a site. SPERA does not have any remit to involve itself in this and requests in these matters should be made to LEWP direct.
Jacqui Shilton
L E Walwin & Partners
01243 583888