‘Living on the Summerley Private Estate’ - Code of Conduct
The Summerley Estate is a friendly, neighbourly Estate and this Code attempts to set out the guidelines for happy, communal living that has successfully evolved over the years. The Summerley Estate Management Company Ltd (SEMCO) 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. The Code of Conduct needs to be read in conjunction with the Covenants on each house in the Estate, the benefit of which has passed to SEMCO as part of its acquisition of the freehold of the roads and verges from LEWP.
Parking - Covenants concerning roads make it clear that residents may not obstruct the roads in any way; parking on the verges is similarly not allowed. Since 2016, a parking control scheme, approved by popular vote of the residents, has been in operation. Parking can cause problems for neighbours and the Estate has a ‘no parking policy’ which all residents abide by. This avoids congestion where the roads are narrow - more importantly it allows us to see non-resident cars. Car badges, visitor and trade permits can be requested via the residents portal.
Security and Residents’ Car Badges: 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 residents badge in their cars.
Speed - it is unanimous year after year that residents want to retain a low speed limit, therefore we have a 20 mph limit on the Estate roads. The roads are narrow and travelling too fast is dangerous. It is encouraged for registration numbers of persistent offenders to be taken and incidents to be reported to the police on 01243 642222 - Operation Crackdown. Reports should include the date, time, place and nature of any offence. SEMCO is looking into alternative schemes for enforcement of the speed limit, which will be put to shareholders to comment and vote on in due course.
Pedestrians - as footways are limited on the Estate, pedestrians use the roads so we ask that motorists please give them all the courtesy you would expect if you were walking. The Estate can be dark at night so pedestrians are urged to use a torch if they are unsure of the road. Pedestrians should also be mindful that they are walking on an unpaved road and should be ‘car aware’.
Wildlife – we have a great number of seagulls and foxes on the estate. Residents are asked not to feed them based on RSPCA & RSPB advice.
Refuse Collection – this is on a Thursday morning. Wherever possible, please put refuse bags in your refuse bin on the morning of collection to prevent wildlife from ripping them open.
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. Additional gardening is very much appreciated as the whole estate benefits from this. However, we do ask that where trees are planted please be considerate as to root growth and shade they create before planting.
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 SEMCO.
Décor and State of Repair of the Houses - poorly maintained houses detract severely from the attractiveness of the Estate and from all of our property values. Therefore we ask all residents to kindly keep up on maintenance for their households and if assistance is needed then neighbours are often available to give a hand.
Dogs - this is a dog friendly Estate. Dogs are allowed off lead on the beach from the Summerley Estate. However, it is the law that dog owners keep the beach, roads and grass areas clean and tidy, so please ensure you clean-up after your dogs – bins are available at the seafront. Please also ensure when walking dogs on the Estate to keep them on the lead and not allow them to go into residents’ gardens.
Boats, Launch Ramps - this is a marine Estate and boat-friendly. However, this is limited by the ADC byelaws which exclude jet skis and motor craft launching from the Beach in this area. Residents who want a key to the launch ramps (two ramps, same key) can request one via the residents portal. There is a deposit to be paid and an agreement to be signed. Please use the launch ramps responsibly, the ADC shore officer will remove access if usage becomes a nuisance to residents and the public. Therefore please don’t block the roads or leave equipment at the ramp while you are on the water; we also appreciate residents keeping their boats in garaged or back garden areas rather than outside the front of the house.
Caravans and Motor-homes - our covenants clearly state that caravans are not permitted on the Estate; motor-homes (essentially motorised caravans) fall into the same category.
Vans – although not under covenants are equally considered under the above category and we ask that wherever possible for them to be parked behind a fence, hedge or other screen.
Business Use of Premises - is not allowed within Covenants and by Local Council planning regulations. Action will be taken, and has been taken in the past, against obvious offenders.
Building & Development – under the covenants, any proposed new property, structural additions or alterations to an existing property, or new entry across a verge shall be subject to the approval of SEMCO. This process will assist in preventing uncontrolled development. Construction working hours should reflect industry and ADC guidelines, i.e. 08.00 to 18.00 on weekdays, 08.00 to 13.00 on Saturdays, no work on Sundays.
Live and Let Live - finally, the general good neighbours rule. We live on a neighbourly and good spirited estate. Residents are outgoing and live life fully, whilst respecting their fellow neighbours. We ask that everyone living here be respectful of their fellow neighbours, for example: keep intrusive noise to a minimum (especially at the weekend), don’t let barbecue or bonfire smoke be a nuisance, tell neighbours when you’re planning to have construction work undertaken or a late night party. If your neighbour is being a nuisance, then please contact SEMCO who will be happy to listen and help where possible. By the same token, if there are disagreements between you and other residents, please have a calm discussion and come to a civil agreement – we all want to live on this beautiful estate and get along with our neighbours.
Any queries or concerns should be submitted via the residents portal