Author: CWRA Admin

April 2022 Issue No 26
Email: chair@cwra.co.uk

If you are not already a member of the Chocolate Works Residents’ Association (CWRA), please go to cwra.co.uk and click on Join Us. It is free and guarantees you get our Newsletters. We currently have 158 active members. Your contributions and feedback are invaluable in helping us identify which issues are of most concern to residents.

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Development Update
Completion of the development is planned for the end of April 2022. Access through to the Residence via Robert Street and Clock Tower Way is now opened up for pedestrians and cyclists with bollards being located at the top of Robert Street to prevent vehicular access (except emergency services access).

Co-op new Appeal 20/02501/FUL

An Appeal has been lodged by the Co-op to the Secretary of State in an attempt to overturn a City of York Council ruling that the store must close at 10pm. The Co-op is appealing to restore the 11pm closing which it had requested in the original planning application.

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If, like us, you wish to object to an increase in hours, please email erik.matthews@york.gov.uk expressing your concerns about the change, citing Planning Application 20/02501/FUL. Please do so before 26 April. The latest information we have is that work on the Co-op building may not begin for two to three months due to delays in sourcing of materials..

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Landscaping on Bayldon Square

We are currently working with Watson and DWH to try and secure the new scheme opposite the Chocolate Orange sculpture to include block paving, a circular bench and planting. In addition, a plaque has been ordered and will be installed on the wall of the sculpture to highlight its significance to Terry’s and the Chocolate Works.

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Landscaping Final Survey

A final landscaping survey between the Residents’ Association and DWH resulted in a positive discussion on the outstanding works required. We are pleased to report that DWH has noted all points and will commence the replacement of all dead items including shrubs and trees, and replant the bare areas during April. Forty trees have now been planted although the replacement of the dead shrubs has been hampered by supply issues.

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Planning application 21/02679/TPO – Tree Preservation Order

Work has been completed as per the above planning application, although the area behind Thistle House still requires attention with the reintroduction of the bank and tree planting to seamlessly match the rest of the scheme. A wooden knee rail fence has also been discussed as a security option to replace the dead laurel plants. In addition, the area immediately behind Thistle House needs to be levelled properly and seeded with grass and wild flowers.

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The final phase will be the removal of the builder’s yard to the side of Thistle House and replaced by landscaping and a footpath. We are also checking if a street lamp is planned for the above area to illuminate Joseph Terry Grove.

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Welcome Letters

DWH is nearing completion of the site, and there will be a number of new residents moving into the development. To remind us all, Watson will be sending Welcome Letters to all residents in April with details on how we can all make the Chocolate Works a great place to live. If you are a landlord, please ensure your tenant(s) receives the letter.

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Fire Marshalls

We are pleased to report that residents have come forward and we have nearly all apartment blocks covered with the exception of Neapolitan and Hallmark Houses.

If you feel you can assist in above, please email us on chair@cwra.co.uk.

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Roof GRP Guarantees

Despite a number of reminders, DWH has yet to forward the sub-contractor insurance-backed 10 year guarantees for the GRP channels to Watson for safe keeping.

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Parking

There appears to be a belief in some quarters that CWRA is the body that has drawn-up the parking rules on the development. We would like to clarify that the 12 hour stay period for visitors is a requirement which was set out by David Wilson Homes in the leases and TP1 house purchase documents, which all homeowners receive and sign upon completion. It is Watson who manages parking and sub-contracts the patrolling of the site to Bay Sentry. All correspondence should therefore be directed to Watson in the first place.

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Five Pod Point electrical charging units have been installed at Orange House car park, servicing ten Resident Parking Spaces. The requirement for these charging points has been issued recently by York Council, and DWH has been able to fully comply by positioning them at Orange House for Orange House residents only. The points are not available to other residents on the development. Although we have taken DWH to task on this, there is little we can do as it is in keeping with the planning agreement.

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The Visitor spaces at Orange House can be used by visitors the same as elsewhere on the development by following the rules on the parking signs.

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CWRA Committee and assistance

We are looking for more assistance on the Committee, and also looking for residents who would like to help improve the Chocolate Works. If you are interested please email us at chair@cwra.co.uk.

February 2022 Issue No 25
Email: chair@cwra.co.uk

If you are not already a member of the Chocolate Works Residents’ Association (CWRA), please go to cwra.co.uk and click on Join Us. It is free at present and guarantees you get our Newsletters. We currently have 148 active members. Your contributions and feedback are invaluable in helping us identify which issues are of most concern to residents.

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In this Issue

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Only two plots remain unsold, these are both two storey and located above garages. Completion of the development is planned for the end of March when access through to The Residence via Robert Street and Clock Tower Way will be opened up for pedestrians and cyclists.

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The scheme to mirror the Chocolate Orange statue on the opposite side of the central pathway has never been completed. It now gets waterlogged and is unsatisfactory. A new scheme to include block paving, a circular bench and planting is being considered with David Wilson Homes (DWH) being approached to carry out the works as a final gesture of goodwill. In addition, a plaque will be fitted to the wall of the statue to highlight its significance and history to the Chocolate Works and Terrys.

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A final landscaping survey between CWRA and DWH resulted in a positive discussion on the outstanding works required. We are pleased to confirm DWH have noted all points and will commence the replacement of all dead planting including shrubs and trees, plus areas of bare patches during February. In addition the planting of 40 trees will take place throughout the development.

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The application was partially approved and partially refused by the local Planning Authority following a detailed site visit. In summary, six out of the 17 tree removals were refused as the case was not proven to justify their felling. DWH still has the right of appeal.

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In addition, the Planning Authority has stipulated that similar, more appropriate species as agreed with them will be replanted and all works should retain the overall shape, form and character of the boundary. The replanted trees will be protected by the original Tree Preservation Order and will need to be replaced should they die within a period of five years.

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The site was handed over to the Co-op in good time for completion before Christmas, however there are still substantial delays due to problems with procuring equipment. Some items are on a 14 week lead-time and we await more information on when the store will eventually open. DWH are currently carrying out works to the rear of the building to upgrade the power supply.

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CWRA plans to meet with the Co-op senior management to introduce ourselves and develop a line of communication in order to work together going forward.

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DWH are nearing completion, and there will be a number of new residents moving into the development. To remind us all, Watson is sending Welcome Letters to all residents with details on how we can all make a difference to make the Chocolate Works a great place to live. If you are a landlord, please ensure your tenant(s) receive the letter.

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If you reside in one of the apartment blocks, the matter of the fire alarm is a real issue and much work has already taken place to clarify the procedure. However, we are looking for a minimum of three ‘marshals’ for each block to be trained in switching-off the alarm correctly and safeguarding their neighbours. If you are interested please email chair@cwra.co.uk

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Following our residents’ survey, DWH has agreed to supply sub-contractor insurance backed 10 year guarantees for the GRP channels. These will be forwarded to Watson to hold on file. Please therefore report any GRP issues to Watson via their portal in order to receive a copy of the guarantee for your property.

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York City Council is in the initial stages of adopting the development from DWH. Surveys on the landscaping, sewers, roads and footpaths have recently been completed and you will notice areas being marked-up for repair. It could take up to three years for all snagging to be completed and signed-off by the Council.

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We have been advised that the Council may instruct DWH to return all verges simply to grass and trees as per planning. DWH planted shrubs and hedging particularly along Clock Tower Way to make the development more saleable. If this planting has to be removed, we have agreed to relocate it in the shared areas of the development.

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The temporary LED style lamp posts are being replaced with new heads when available, however there will still be a mix of styles on the development.

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DWH provided 90 downpipe filter guards for residents to locate in the hoppers at the top of their first floor downpipes to prevent birds from falling in and becoming trapped. These have been circulated and a further 40 units have been ordered. Houses built during the last six months should have these guards installed by DWH and this is being checked.

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The new style Visitor parking signs are easily damaged and either break or get lost. Following a review with DWH to reduce future cost to residents a longer term solution of painting a white ‘V’ in Visitor spaces was agreed and will match those currently in the apartment car parks making them universal across the development.

January 2022 Issue No 24
Email: chair@cwra.co.uk

If you are not already a member of the Residents’ Association, please go to cwra.co.uk and click on Join Us. It is free and guarantees you get our Newsletters. We currently have 148 active members. Your contributions and feedback are invaluable in helping us identify which issues are of most concern to residents.

In this Issue

1. AGM
2. Request for secretarial support to the committee
3. Carol service
4. Electricity sub-station update
5. Tree replacement – Bayldon Square
6. Landscaping – rear of Thistle House
7. Planning Application 21/02679/TPO Various Works including the felling of 14 trees
8. Planning Application 21/02748/FUL & 21/02749/LBC
9. AGM

1 AGM

The AGM was held on 1^st December 2021 in St Chad’s Church Hall, and there were 37 attendees in total. I will not summarise the notes of the meeting, since they were circulated recently. However, I would like to thank all those people who took the time to meet us and to contribute their ideas and questions. Your input and your interest is vital. Thank you.

2. Request for secretarial support

We currently urgently require someone who is willing to provide secretarial support to the committee and to the Chairman in particular. It is not an onerous role but would involve a minimum of sending out agendas for bi-monthly committee meetings, attending meetings, and taking and circulating the minutes. Please send expressions of interest to chair@cwra.co.uk

Also, we are looking for someone with a legal background who may be able to help us, pro bono, when eventually addressing issues related to the adoption of the highways.

3. Carol Service

Thanks to all who supported this year’s carol and live music community event in various ways. A BIG thank you to Cliff, Miranda, Bob and Emma our performers, what a festive and heart-warming event. The feedback from residents has been positively glowing… Encore!!

The lights, the food and the mulled wine went down very well too and all spaced out outside and in safety.

Carecent, our local non-profit charity for York’s homeless, was absolutely thrilled with the car load of quality warm clothing, toiletries and foodstuffs that were dropped off, as well as cash donations – £134.64 on the night, (an additional donation from a generous resident who couldn’t attend has since given £20 more).

4. Electricity sub-station

You may have noticed the work taking place at the electricity sub-station. Prior to Christmas the existing but ineffective sound proofing was removed. We have been informed that the work to replace and update the sound proofing is ongoing and expected to be completed at some time in February.

5. Tree Replacement – Bayldon Square

We are delighted that David Wilson Homes (DWH) has finally replaced all six of the trees on Bayldon Square. Here’s hoping that they actually thrive during the forthcoming growing season.

6. Landscaping – rear of Thistle House

We are aware that the landscaping at Thistle House leaves a great deal to be desired. We obviously hope that it remains a work in progress and that DWH will finish it to a high standard. Nonetheless we have asked Watson to be very careful about accepting the handover of the area until everyone is satisfied with the groundworks, planting, and repair of the area adjoining Bishopthorpe Road.

7. Planning Application 21/02679/TPO Various Works including the felling of 14 trees

Many people are already aware of this application which includes the felling of 14 trees and pruning of others. It is supported by a 2019 tree survey. There are two opposing schools of thought regarding this, each of which has its merits. It could be argued that the felling of any tree should be opposed where reasonably possible because of their many benefits including being a habitat for birds and animals and offsetting carbon emissions. On the other hand, during the last year, we have seen a tree collapse onto the pavement at the junction of Campleshon Road and Bishopthorpe Road. Therefore it could be argued that some of the trees (which are also known to be dead) could pose a hazard.

Equally, there are concerns that the cost of manging the area will fall to residents via their bills to Watson, once the area is officially handed over.

The Residents’ Association Committee does not have an official line on the issue, other than a concern that the tree survey is outdated and that an application of this sort should be supported by at least the latest possible information.

8. Planning Application 21/02748/FUL & 21/02749/LBC

We are also aware of a new revised planning application for the Liquor Store adjacent to The Clock Tower. This is now for –

• A dental surgery on the ground floor
• A delicatessen, café and artisan food shop on the lower ground floor
• Open plan office and studio space on the first floor mezzanine.

9. The Co-op

By the time your receive this we anticipate that work to strip out the sales office, and furnish the Co-op will have commenced.

November 2021 Issue No 23
Email: chair@cwra.co.uk

If you are not already a member of the Residents’ Association, please go to cwra.co.uk and click on Join Us. It is free and guarantees you get our Newsletters. We currently have 147 active members. Your contributions and feedback are invaluable in helping us identify which issues are of most concern to residents.

Summary of issues since last AGM
This newsletter will begin with a summary of some of the activities of the Association over the last couple of years to bring residents who have recently moved in up to speed.

• Objections to Blocks L & M
  In 2019 we successfully objected to the erection of two additional blocks of apartments (Block L, and Block M) at the top end of Clock Tower Way. These would have obscured the view of the Clock Tower, as well as leading to more traffic and an increase in density in the whole development.
  

• Wet rooms
  We successfully persuaded David Wilson Homes (DWH) to look at the crumbling grouting and leaks in shower rooms. Consequently, they changed the design in later properties and have instituted a large programme of replacements which is still ongoing.

• Perimeter Planting
  We successful lobbied DWH for planting on the perimeter of the development (not in the original planning submissions) to provide a better look and also reduce the risk of antisocial behaviour (especially on race days). Unfortunately, the planting going south from the Bishopthorpe Road entrance has largely failed due to dryness caused by the density of evergreen trees. DWH is aware and has promised to actively look at solutions to this prior to completion.

• Roof/Gutter leaks
  We asked DWH to investigate concerns over a number of failing roof channels. Their investigation was inconclusive but they tell us that there is a ten year insurance-backed guarantee covering this. We are still waiting for the guarantee to be circulated.

• Roof/Gutter maintenance
  Watson has agreed to provide a biannual check of house gutters and to clear any which prove to be problematic.

• Co-op
  Along with a large number of concerned residents, we succeeded in shortening the opening hours of the Co-op thus reducing noise at both ends of the day.

• Fire Safety – Apartments
  Guidelines and procedures have been agreed, and circulated in consultation with Watson. These have been particularly important since so many residents are new to apartment living, and safety is a vital issue.
  Recently, we have been speaking with Watson’s alarm contractor regarding silencing of the sounder automatically after an agreed time. Unfortunately this contravenes current legislation so we are looking to ask for residents to be instructed on silencing the sounder correctly after the above procedures have been followed.
  We have also requested a report from the alarm contractor on why there have been so many false alarms, to establish if there is a pattern which can be fixed.

• Planting
  As previously reported, we have engaged in constant dialogue with DWH to ensure that missing or damaged planting is replaced. We will review their final audit of planting and see if it matches our own.

• Grounds Maintenance
  Also, we have persuaded Watson to change the landscape contractor because of perceived limitations in the work of the previous company. We will continue to monitor the current contractor and consider whether they need to be allocated more hours to improve the quality of the work. Your feedback would be helpful here.
  We also asked Watson to devote £5,000 per year which could be allocated towards making improvements. In the first instance, there are plans to improve Bayldon Square. Thereafter, we anticipate that other areas of the development will be improved (where necessary) on a rotational basis.

• Electricity sub-station noise
  In November last year we received a commitment from Northern Powergrid that they would fix the noise from the electricity sub-station on Campleshon Road, at a cost to them of £200,000. We knew that this would not happen immediately but currently we are raising it on a monthly basis to get some indication of when the work will start!

In almost all cases we have experienced obstacles and delays, so often things which were promised seem to happen much later than promised or expected, which some residents may find frustrating. However, the reasons for this are manifold, and we have learned to be dogged and persistent.

Going forward . . .

1. David Wilson Sales Office/Co-op
   In our last Newsletter we mentioned that David Wilson Homes would vacate the Sales Office on 31 October 2021, allowing the Co-op to commence work on a refit immediately. The eagle-eyed amongst you will have noticed that this has not happened! The Co-op has delayed work owing to material supply issues, and the Sales Office will remain in situ for the time being. We understand that the fit-out will commence in the New Year.

2. David Wilson Homes (completion of works)
   DWH had set an optimistic target of completion by Christmas. This is clearly no longer going to be achieved. However, they look set for completion by early spring 2022. The pedestrian access from the Residence to Clock Tower Way has already been completed from the Residence side (but not yet from the Clock Tower Way side), and the other pedestrian access from Robert Street will be completed at the end of the building work.

3. AGM (Chocolate Works Residents’ Association and Watson Property Management)
   We last had an AGM, shared with Watson, on 14 October 2019. The pandemic led to the 2020 AGM being postponed. We are now happy to announce that the next AGM, for all householders, will take place on 1 December 2021, at 7pm in St Chad’s Church Hall.

This will be an opportunity to hear about the work of the CWRA, and also to ask questions of Watson. Invitations and an agenda have been sent out by Watson. We politely request attendees to wear face masks where possible. Please note that the hall has a capacity of 60. If we reach that number we will need to refuse entry to further arrivals.

4. CWRA Committee
   Since the 2019 AGM the Committee has continued to meet, initially monthly, and then bi-monthly via Zoom. During the two years, seven members have left and eight have joined. We now have eight working members (four from apartment blocks and four from houses) and also have had a recent change of Chairperson.

5. When David Wilson Homes vacates the Development
   There are a number of issues we are pursuing –

• DWH will provide an audit of all the planting on the site (both formal shared planting but also an audit of trees etc on the perimeter), compete with management instructions. We continue to pursue the replacement of dead and dying trees and areas of missed planting, having done our own audit.
• DWH is already engaged in a statutory survey of the drains to ensure they are not blocked.
• DWH will complete planting and cleaning at the care home edge of Joseph Terry Grove as well as at the side of Thistle House.
• DWH will compete a road survey which includes looking at road signs and identifying whether, among other things, speed limit signs are necessary.
• DWH will, upon completion, begin the process of handing the development over to the Council. This process can take a couple of years and the Council will be asking DWH to replace damaged elements such as kerbstones, damaged drain covers, sunken block paving, street lighting and road surfaces which are not up to standard. Only once all of this work is completed will the Council take on responsibility for the development.
• When the Council finally accepts the development they will take responsibility for the roads and public spaces (this may take two/three years). It is more complicated than usual, partly because our covenants state that residents lease their on street parking and courtyard spaces, and also because a scheme of parking and management of communal spaces needs to be in place.

Consequently, we will have a mix of privately owned and public spaces, which will lead to a partial adoption of the roads. What exactly this will look like and how it will be managed in a sympathetic manner is yet to be agreed. Also, once the Co-op is open there will be further potential challenges for traffic management.

Therefore, we have been in contact with the Traffic and Highway Development Officer at City of York Council and our local councillors to try to get a sensible solution to this going forward. Again, this is work in progress.

6. CWRA Committee priorities looking forward
We anticipate that most of our energies will be devoted to –

• Keeping channels of communication open with DWH as they begin to complete the development and prepare to leave, to ensure that all elements are completed satisfactorily and to planning specification.
• Planting and landscaping concerns, in conjunction with Watson.
• Discussion on adoption of the roads in conjunction with our Ward Councillors and the Traffic and Highway Development Office at York City Council.
• Developing a working relationship with the Co-op to help mitigate potential issues of noise, littering, parking, anti-social behaviour, etc.
• Continuing to attempt to liaise with Yorkshire Housing since they will be substantial stakeholders on the development.
• Building on the existing consultation and involvement with residents. This is something we were striving to do in early 2020, but the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns interfered with this.

September 2021 Issue No 22
Email: chair@cwra.co.uk

If you are not already a member of the Residents’ Association, please go to cwra.co.uk and click on Join Us. It is free and guarantees you get our Newsletters. We are delighted to say that we currently have 141 active members. Your contributions and feedback are invaluable in helping us identify which issues are of most concern to residents.

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1. David Wilson Sales Office / Co-op

David Wilson Homes will vacate the Sales Office on 31 October 2021. The Co-op will immediately commence work on a refit with the goal of being open for Christmas. The parking spaces outside will become the responsibility of the Co-op.

The Co-op’s appeal against the opening hours was unsuccessful, so it will not open before 7am and will close at 10pm.

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2. Wasps

There have been two issues relating to wasp nests on the development over recent weeks, and it is apparent that there are large numbers at this time of year. You can contact Watson if you have an issue and they will send their approved pest control firm out, and bill the householder. However, York Council use Vermex, a local firm, at a much better price.

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3. Roofs

David Wilson Homes (DWH) has confirmed all roof GRP channels including houses, garages, balconies and apartments have an insurance backed 10 year warranty by the Poly Group. A certificate for each household to be circulated in due course. In the meantime, DWH will continue to address issue which are brought to their attention.

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4. Bishopthorpe Road Residents’ Parking Scheme

A Residents’ Parking Scheme will soon be in place on Bishopthorpe Road, from the junction of Campleshon Road up to The Residence. This was approved by City of York Council on 11th August 2021, and will apply once signs have been put in place and parking bays have been marked out (no confirmed dates are yet available). We asked if residents at The Chocolate Works could apply for permits, but they have been expressly excluded from the scheme, partly because our roads are not currently managed by the Council and partly because the Council believe we may want to apply for our own Residents’ Parking Scheme at some point in the future.

This scheme will affect all residents who currently park cars in this area, and will put further pressure on parking within the development and on Campleshon Road. Applications for Residents’ Parking Schemes within the nearby side streets are also believed to be in progress.

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5. BaySentry Parking Management

Following a small number of concerns voiced by residents about the nuances of our own parking management, we have asked Watson to liaise with BaySentry and to review and clarify the current scheme in relation to (among other things) information given when purchasing properties, and the TP1 document which residents should have received from their solicitors when purchasing.

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6. Landscaping (Watson)

The new gardening firm has settled in and appear to be doing a more thorough job than the previous incumbents. They will start to weed and feed lawns in the autumn, as well as re-seeding affected grass verges.

They have also been consulting about completing the planting and design in the grass area adjacent to the Chocolate Orange in Bayldon Square. More information on this should be available in due course.

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7. Landscaping (David Wilson Homes)

DWH are completing a planting plan and are also in receipt of one from the CWRA which identifies all planting gaps and damaged trees. They will, among other things –

• Replace four trees in Bayldon Square
• Fix a plaque on the base of the Chocolate Orange now that the wording has been agreed
• Grass the verge adjacent to the Care Home prior to completion of the development
• Complete the missing areas of planting between Cocoa House and the Race Course field
• Make good the embankment adjacent to Bishopthorpe Road, South of Thistle House
• Spend £15,000 on the boundaries of the development including work on damage and dangerous trees
• Review the situation with the laurel hedging from the steps into Bishopthorpe Road towards the Care Home
• Create gravel paths to certain gas meters which are affected by planting (Cocoa House being one example).

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8. David Wilson Homes Completion of Works

DWH still aim for completion by Christmas, although they acknowledge that this is looking increasingly optimistic. Nonetheless, they –

• Have only 10 more units to sell (8 apartments and 2 houses)
• Are now doing an audit of outstanding works in preparation for adoption by the council eg they are now checking the sewers.
• Have started to fit the two missing street lights from the top of Robert Street.
• Are currently doing a landscaping audit (mentioned above)
• Hope to complete the pedestrian access through to the Residence (at the top of both Robert Street and Clock Tower Way) by Christmas. Although some liaison is necessary with P.J. Livesey to co-ordinate the groundworks.
• Will conduct a road safety audit which may include speed limit signs and explicit messaging that Robert Street is a designated “Home Zone”
• Will NOT be putting up a Christmas tree, or lights, this year.

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August 2021 Issue No 21
Email: chair@cwra.co.uk

If you are not already a member of the Residents’ Association, please go to cwra.co.uk and click on Join Us. It is free and guarantees you get our Newsletters. We are delighted to say that we currently have 139 active members. Your contributions and feedback are invaluable in helping us identify which issues are of most concern to residents.

In this issue:

1. Small bird/fledgling hazard (Update)
2. Apartments:
   Fire Strategy
   Electricity Utility Cupboards
   Bin Stores
3. Change of Chair
4. Planning Applications
5. Campleshon Road Electricity Sub-Station (Update).

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1. Small bird/fledgling hazard (update)

Many thanks to Lucy Ryan for raising this topic which was described in the June 2021 Newsletter. She has since lobbied David Wilson Homes who have supplied 80 downpipe filter guards which can be fitted to the ground floor hoppers to reduce the risk of birds falling inside and getting trapped.

Lucy can be contacted on 07909 757170 if you would like to fit one to your property. She has also kindly offered to fit them if you would prefer. David Wilson Homes will also fit them to all remaining houses.

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2. Apartments

A lot of work has been undertaken to try to standardise issues around fire alarms, access to electricity utility cupboards, and bin stores. We appreciate that this has been a source of ongoing concern but believe that the following changes may begin to make a difference.

• Fire Strategy

The following guidelines and procedures have been agreed with Watsons regarding what to do in the event of a fire or alarm sounding in all apartment blocks on the development.

• ‘In case of fire action’ posters have now been displayed on all floors in all apartment blocks
• Fire strategy documents have been displayed in all communal entrances for all blocks
• Alarm silence codes have been removed from all blocks.

Please read all the information provided and be aware of your individual and collective responsibilities in relation to fire alarms. Particular notice should be taken regarding the event of a fire alarm sounding:

1. Ring 999 for the Fire Brigade
2. Ring Watson (0113 273 8788) to report the occurrence
3. Watson’s Out Of Hours service will contact the nominated Fire Alarm contractor to attend, check the fire alarm panel and silence the alarm – these calls will be given priority by the Out of Hours service provider and the contractor will attend as soon as possible.

Please do not silence the alarm under any circumstances unless training has been given by Watson’s approved contractors. Silencing the alarm sounder merely stops the noise from the alarm systems, and if silenced incorrectly the system won’t be reset and will not sound again in the case of a subsequent fire.

• Electricity Utility Cupboards

All electricity utility cupboards, in all apartment blocks, should be locked in line with Health & Safety procedures. The cupboard doors have recently been left unlocked after DWH staff have been bombarded with requests from residents to unlock the cupboards to facilitate meter reading.
Please note that access for those with combination locks will remain the same.

Going forward all cupboard doors will be locked. Access for owners only will now be available by purchasing an FB2 key from either ‘ironmongerydirect.co.uk‘ @ £1.26 each or Amazon @ £1.75 each. It is important that these cupboards remain locked after readings have been taken to prevent unauthorised entry.

• Bin Stores

Notices have been displayed in each bin store regarding the disposal of larger items and the flattening of cardboard boxes. Watson’s contracted cleaners have now been instructed to regularly sweep out and do a general litter pick in the bin stores replacing stray items in their relevant bins. Talks are ongoing with the cleaning contractors to extend this service to include bin cleaning as well.

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3. Change of Chair

Terry Wilson, a member of the Committee since it was set up in autumn 2018 and Chair since June 2019, is stepping down from the role of Chair. This role will now be filled by Steve Davenport and we wish him the very best going forward. It is hoped that we will have an AGM in the autumn of this year (jointly with Watson) at which this decision can be formally ratified.

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4. Planning Applications

Numbers (e.g. 20/02501/FUL) refer to planning application details. Go to https://planningaccess.york.gov.uk/online-applications/search.do?action=simple&searchType=Application to read the applications or choose to make comments.

• The Co-op (in the Marketing Suite)

20/02501/FUL | Installation of louvres, doors and external Amazon lockers alongside provision of plant and changes to previously approved store opening and delivery hours.
David Wilson Homes Limited Marketing Suite Hallmark House Joseph Terry Grove York YO23 1PX.
This application has been granted but the Co-op is now asking for closing hours of 11pm rather than 10pm. The Residents’ Association, and some individual residents have objected to the attempt to change the hours. If you are likely to be affected, take the opportunity to make your voice heard.

• Supported Living Acommodation (Kraft Car Park Bishopthorpe Road)

20/02517/FULM | Erection of extra care accommodation including 73 apartments and decked car park with associated private amenity space, landscaping, substation and vehicular access alterations. Chocolate Works Residents Parking Bishopthorpe Road York.

• Land South of the Residence

21/01758/FULM | Erection of single and two storey residential healthcare building (use class C2), to include 40 bed spaces, associated treatment rooms, car parking, servicing areas and landscaping. Land South Of The Residence Bishopthorpe Road York.

The latter two applications appear to have less immediate impact upon residents here. However, they will each contribute significantly to the traffic using Bishopthorpe Road. They will also put additional pressure onto an already struggling Jorvik Gillygate Doctors’ Practice with no additional resources being provided.

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5. Campleshon Road Electricity Sub-Station (Update)

You may recall that Northern Powergrid have agreed a scheme of works to reduce the noise from the sub-station. The latest information we have from the Environment Officer at York Council (after much nagging) is –

“Campleshon Road has thrown up some unforeseen issues with how the bunds are constructed under the transformers and this has unfortunately affected the designs.  These have now been redrawn but because dB Attenuation are working on a number of projects for other authorities as well as for Northern Powergrid so works on site will be a little later than planned.  Whilst the site installation works have been delayed, the enclosures for Campleshon Road are being constructed by dBA at their factory and as soon as I have dates from them and from the NpG staff looking after the installation works, I will be in touch.”

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