Category: Newsletter

Chocolate Works Residents’ Association

Newsletter, November 2024

Many thanks to those of you who attended the CWRA open meeting on November 13th. For those of you unable to attend the meeting, here is an update on the issues discussed.

Outstanding snagging issues
As you will be aware, there are a number of outstanding snagging issues that remain unresolved. Last week representatives from the CWRA and Watson PM spent several hours inspecting the site to create an up-to-date snagging list. Joe Langan from Watson PM agreed to produce the revised and updated list. Once received, I shall look at sharing this with members, subject to any confidentiality issues that may arise. My feeling, as Chair, is that there should be few, if any, confidentiality issues that arise but we have to have this position confirmed.

I expect Watson PM to both inspect the site regularly to identify any new snagging issues that arise and to provide updates on actions taken to have the issues resolved. To this end I plan to meet with Joe Langan, along with other members of the Committee, on a monthly basis where we go through the snagging list so that progress can be assessed. I will invite David Wilson Homes to send a representative to the meetings as most of the outstanding issues are the responsibility of David Wilson Homes.

The Committee would ask one thing from you: if you identify a problem on the estate that needs to be resolved, can you please bring it to the attention of the Committee by emailing details to admin@cwra.co.uk. We can ensure that it is added to the snagging list. For leaseholders who have problems with their apartments, you will need to inform Watson PM directly but, if you are willing, please also copy to CWRA so that we can add it to the snagging list to ensure that action is taken.

There is a problem with roofs on the estate. You will have noticed that there has been an escalation in the erection of scaffolding and much of that is related to leaking roofs. I was told by the scaffolders that they are to erect scaffolding around Cocoa House and Hallmark House so that their roofs can be repaired. This is to be confirmed. As the site is nearing its 10^th birthday, the warranties on the roofs will be scheduled to expire. Therefore, the Committee is going to look at the costs of having the roofs inspected to check their condition and whether any action is necessary before the warranties expire. We will come back to you with potential costs and further information.

Establishment of the new Management Company
There is nothing of substance to report on this matter. David Wilson Homes has gone silent on this issue. I have written again to them asking for a meeting to discuss this and other issues. I shall let you know of progress.

Landscaping
The vice-Chair and I met with Aspects, the company responsible for the landscaping of the estate, to discuss their experience of working on this site for a whole season. We were persuaded by the argument that bringing the estate up to scratch would take more than one year and are satisfied about their approach and progress.

You may recall that we submitted a planning proposal to erect a fence on the Bishopthorpe Road border of the estate, running roughly from the Nursing Home to the current laurel bushes. That planning proposal has not yet been granted with the planners unhappy with aspects of the original proposal and suggesting some changes.

In the meantime, we had a meeting with the tree surgeon following the necessary tree survey. The tree survey indicated that the leylandii on that boundary need regular attention and, even then, they may need to be cut down in the relatively foreseeable future. Until they are felled, assuming that they are, there will be a cost to the estate of around £3,000 per year for their maintenance!

There is an option is to have the leylandii felled now, improve the soil, and then plant a laurel hedge with specimen trees behind it. In that case, we would not need to erect the metal fence as currently planned, and costed at around £10,000. Obviously, this new proposal would cost additional money. The current estimates (guesstimates?) of the cost of this work is that it would cost around £25-30,000. That would indicate a funding gap of £15-20,000, a payback period of seven years. Speaking to Joe Langan from Watson PM, I can confirm that there does exist a sinking fund (like a reserve fund) which may be used to partially offset the costs.

The open meeting on Wednesday took the view that it would like the Committee to investigate further this second option. The next steps are for us to obtain more accurate costs, consider the issues involved in felling the leylandii and planting the new bushes and trees, identify potential options and potential funding sources. A big step will be to consider what planning restrictions may apply and, if there are, reflect on the implications. Once this has been completed, I will ensure the production of an information pack providing this information to all residents. Look out for this in the new year.

Parking
Many thanks to those who submitted a return to the parking survey. My apologies to those who did not receive the survey. I relied on Watson PM to distribute the survey as they hold a better distribution list. Unfortunately, they were not able to distribute it to residents in Orange House or Devon House as well as a small number of other residents. On this second point, you will note that Watson PM has recently sent correspondence asking residents to inform Watson PM if there are any changes to contact details. I understand that with over 300 properties it has difficulty keeping an up-to-date contacts list.

I distributed my thematic analysis of the results of the survey previously. Peter Lees, Gary Cole and I met with Joe Langan and Steve Scarborough (from Bay Sentry) to discuss the results on Friday 15^th November. At this point we will have to wait to see how sympathetic Steve Scarborough is to our collective views while recognising that Steve does not have the ability to accede to all our requests.

In the new year we will conduct a further survey of all Chocolate Works residents on possible proposals relating to our parking arrangements.

Developing interaction between the Management Committee and CWRA members
There was a discussion on how the Committee can work better with members and what would members like from the Committee. The Committee will consider the suggestions and take appropriate action. Members liked the newsletters and the open meetings and we shall certainly continue with these as the minimum. Once the Committee has discussed this further, we shall provide detail on proposed changes.

Update on meetings with Watson PM
Peter Lees and I recently met with Daniel Carrick, director of Watson PM. It was a helpful meeting. My takeaways from the meeting were:

• Daniel stressed the importance of the Chocolate Works site to Watson PM’s portfolio.
• Daniel agreed that there should be a fresh start on all issues, which should be tabulated. This is in effect the snagging and associated issues list. He would want to receive a copy of the revised list so that he can oversee action from the perspective of Watson PM.
• He agreed that Joe Langan should meet with me and the vice-Chair monthly, to discuss the snagging list and other issues that arise.

Finally …
We now have some 240 residents signed up as members which is nearly 75% of all residences. This is an improvement on the situation that existed a year ago. But please, when speaking to your neighbours, ask if they are members and, if not, please encourage them to join.

Happy Holidays!
I suspect that this will be the last newsletter for this year. Have a great Christmas and New Year holiday season.

Autumn Newsletter, October 2024

Summer has gone, we are beginning to turn on our heating, and Christmas is now visible on the horizon. Which means that it is the ‘season of mists and mellow fruitfulness’. And time for an update …

CWRA Open Meeting (please note the new date, 13 November)
It is approximately six months since we last had an opportunity for all members to meet. Therefore, the Committee would like to invite you all to an open meeting to be held on Wednesday 13 November at 19.30 in St Chad’s Church Hall. I hope to see as many of you as possible. Key items on the agenda are

• General update
• Resolution of outstanding snagging issues
• Handover/management company
• Parking
• Developing interaction between the Management Committee and CWRA members
• Update on meetings with Watson Property Management (Watson PM).

If you have any other issues that you wish to be discussed, please send them to chair@cwra.co.uk by the end of October. A formal agenda and papers will be sent out at the beginning of November.

Parking
Many thanks to those who responded to the survey sent out by Joe Langan on our behalf. There have been over fifty replies. The replies will be subject to analysis and key results discussed at the open meeting.

CWRA Committee Meeting
We held our autumn Committee Meeting recently. Please click here to read the approved minutes of the summer Committee Meeting in pdf format.

Bishopthorpe Road steps
You will recall that the Committee heard reports of two accidents occurring on the Bishopthorpe Road steps. I asked Joe Langan of Watson PM to have the safety of the stairs assessed and he did so. There is an issue as to whether or not the steps comply with building regulations. We are following this up with Watson PM, David Wilson Homes and City of York Council Building Control. We will keep you posted.

Hallmark House
There has been a problem with the electricity meter at Hallmark House for a prolonged period resulting in significant over charges to Hallmark House residents of up to £8,000. It is understood that this situation has lasted for over two years despite the endeavours of Hallmark House residents. You may  recall that this was raised by Hallmark House residents at this year’s AGM.

It has taken a lot of energy to get Watson PM to resolve the issue. If the CWRA hadn’t picked this up there is no doubt in my mind that the situation would remain unresolved. But success is on the horizon. Daniel Carrick, a Director of Watson PM, has assumed responsibility for this issue and has informed us that he expects Hallmark Residents to receive refunds by the end of October. We shall see …

Thistle House
The saga that is the story of the fence at the back of Thistle House continues. Watson PM’s planning application was rejected by City of York Council. Watson PM are aware of the need for some form of barrier to prevent people cutting through on that part of the estate very close to residents’ windows. Again, an update will be provided at the open meeting.

Hi everyone. I thought I would send you an update on issues relating to our estate so as to keep you informed – Gavin

Snagging List
When I took over as Chair, I was handed a snagging list (a list of outstanding works needing completion). I have shared this list with both Ian Wormwell from David Wilson Homes and Joe Langan from Watson PM asking them to update their areas of responsibility. They both agreed to do so. While waiting for the formal feedback, the impression that I have is that it appears that a lot of the outstanding issues are now completed.

Landscaping
You will recall from an earlier note that I had been approached by residents that they were unhappy at certain aspects of the current landscaping management. Speaking today with members of the All Aspects team, this seems to be multi-factorial in nature including the recent weather patterns. Joe has agreed to arrange a meeting between All Aspects and the CWRA reps (Sally Clough as landscape lead and Peter Lees) to see what can be done. One issue that has been brought to my attention is that we must spend over £1000 -£1500 per annum on our landscape team collecting litter (my estimate based upon All Aspects information). This is money that could be better spent elsewhere or service charges reduced.
I think that we all agree that we have a shared responsibility not to drop litter on the site.

Parking process review
Joe Langan will shortly be in touch to ask residents three questions about the current parking regulations. Firstly, with what are you happy about the current parking regulations, with what are you unhappy about the current parking regulations, and what changes would you make to improve the parking regulations. I know that while some people are unhappy with some aspects of the current regulations there are others who are very happy with the regulations. I would stress that this exercise is a form of consultation and not a referendum. Once we have had your feedback these will be collated and the results discussed with Bay Sentry.

Service charge
Watson plan to send out the service charge for this year soon. You will have ten days to make payment. I know that this is peak holiday season and the charge may arise while you are away. Joe has assured me that if you are unable to pay within that initial ten day timescale you will be sent a reminder before any drastic action is taken.

Speeding
There is a general speed limit of 20mph on this estate. Unfortunately, it appears that a small number of people are driving at excessive speed. I would remind us all that this is a family estate with many young children and where pavements are not always clearly visible or do not exist at all. I would ask you all to make sure you keep your speed within the speed limit. The time saving in travelling the maximum distance on the site at 30 mph rather than the maximum 20mph is only around 15 seconds. Not exactly worth a person’s life.

Bishy Road steps
Joe has agreed to assess the risks associated with the Bishy Road steps and let me have a report once completed.

Bishy Road fence
City of York Council planning department rejected the initial proposal for the Bishy Road fence. Watson are re-examining its proposal and will keep us informed.

Committee Changes

Since the Annual General Meeting there have been a number of changes to the Committee. Mike Hurst, our administrative and technological lead has decided to step down from the Committee, although, I am very pleased to say, he has agreed that he will continue to be provide the essential technical support required by the CWRA. I would like to thank him for his time on the Committee and, personally, to me, for the support and advice that he provided to me after I took up the role of Chair. I am really glad that he will continue to provide support to us.

Norma Rees has decided to step down from her role as landscape lead for the CWRA Committee although she will continue to be a valued member of the CWRA Committee. Norma worked really hard on behalf of us all to try and gain control of the issues relating to the grounds and we all owe her a debt and our gratitude. I look forward to her continuing input into the Committee.

We have three new Committee members:
Jane Leach stepped forward and has agreed to become Secretary to the Committee, a role for which she has significant past experience. Sally Clough has agreed to join the Committee and to take up the role of Landscape Lead, a role for which she previously expressed interest. David Jenkins is also joining the Committee.

To all three a hearty thank you and I look forward to working with you on issues relating to the Chocolate Works.

Key post holders are, therefore:

• Chair: Gavin McBurnie
• Vice-chair: Peter Lees
• Treasurer: Geoff Parker
• Secretary: Jane Leach
• Landscape Lead: Sally Clough

AGM/Open Meetings

We tried to hold an AGM on 16 April but, unfortunately, not enough members attended to make it possible to go ahead. However, as a number of members did attend, we briefly discussed the AGM agenda on an informal basis. The planned open meeting for that date did go ahead. The reconvened AGM was held on 7 May.

Notes of the members discussion on 16 April together with notes from the open meeting that was held immediately after the members discussion have been sent to members. Also the draft minutes for the formal AGM held on 7 May 2024 have been sent. If anyone wants to follow up on the discussions or the AGM, please let me know.

We also held an open meeting for all Chocolate Works Residents on 11 June to which Joe Langan from Watson PM was our guest and answered questions put to him by residents.

Priority actions

Following discussions at the AGM and open meetings, the Committee has agreed the following five priority areas:

1. Landscaping: As I have previously reported, there have been longstanding problems with maintaining the estate’s grounds to the standard that they should be kept. With the appointment of All Aspects, following a tendering exercise and negotiation, the Committee has confidence that the grounds will now be maintained to the appropriate standard, albeit at an extra cost. There is work required to remedy the deficiencies in the landscaping that have built up in previous years in order that the proscribed standard at handover is met. There is funding within the budget which will enable us to begin this remedial work. Our new landscape lead will be asked to produce a phased costed delivery plan within the budget to enable this work to be completed, albeit probably over a number of years. We will share and discuss this plan with residents when prepared.
   
   
2. Snagging: When I assumed role as Chair, I was handed an outstanding list of snagging issues that needed to be resolved. Work on those issues had been ongoing but more work needs to be undertaken to ensure that they are resolved before David Wilson Homes formally hands over the remaining parts of the site not yet been handed over.
   
   
3. Parking: this issue was raised several times in the meetings. To me, there are two issues: the regulations that are in place and with which we must comply, and, secondly, the manner of the enforcement of the regulations. On the first issue, there is a need to consult with residents on what problems residents have with the existing parking regulations to identify common themes and issues and to look at good practice elsewhere which may inform any changes that we may propose. The position of the Committee is that the TP1 and leaseholders’ agreements are the starting point for the development of our parking regulations.
   
   The second issue relates to the enforcement of the parking regulations. Currently it is with Bay Sentry but many residents have voiced their unhappiness at the way that Bay Sentry operates. Therefore, we shall be seeking a meeting with Bay sentry to voice these concerns and to see whether or not Bay Sentry is willing to work with our community.
   
   
4. Involvement of residents: To me, the Committee and its work is quite distant from residents. There needs to be greater work undertaken by the Committee to ensure that all residents are aware of our work and to involve residents in key decision making. Part of this is to expand the CWRA membership so that it becomes more representative of all residents. Currently, just over half of properties are members of the CWRA. To start, therefore, Peter Lees is taking a lead on this to inform non-members of the CWRA and inviting them to join. The Committee will want to make sure that it has processes and policies in place to inform and involve residents. Please look out for more information on this issue. In this regard, we will send to members minutes of all committee meetings once they have been approved. In addition, the Committee would benefit from more residents who live in either Orange or Devon House. If you do, and would like to be involved please contact admin@cwra.co.uk.
   
   
5. Governance: Linked to the above, the manner by which the Committee operates needs to be improved. There needs to be clarity about the power and limits placed upon the Committee and its members. In addition, there also needs to be clarity about when the Committee needs to consult with members and on what issues. At the moment there is ambiguity on those issues and as we move closer to the establishment of the Management Company we should address these issues now so that good practice is in place. Sorting this issue was part of the feedback at the AGM and open meeting. Again, look out for proposals in this area.

Meeting with Watson PM

Peter Lees and I had a very constructive meeting with Ian Omant, the MD of Watson PM, and Dan Spencer from his team. We discussed how the CWRA and Watson PM may work more collegiately in future, the funding and calculation of service charges, the adoption process and Watson PM’s role in it, and the establishment of the new Management Company. It was agreed that we would meet with Joe and Watson’s account manager for the Chocolate Works to gain an understanding of how Watson calculates our service charges and formally manage the monies involved. This is going to be very helpful going forward.

This year we held two meetings with Joe Langan on the proposed service charges from Watson PM for the estate for this year. The first meeting was principally us asking for clarification on certain issues. Subsequently, the Committee gave its view on the proposals from Watson PM. In reality there is limited leeway to challenge the charges. Insurance costs and energy costs and usage are what they are, for example.

In addition, this year will see an increase in the costs for the landscaping. As this follows a tendering exercise and negotiation, I am not convinced that the work could be done to the standard required at a lower cost. There were a few areas where there was room for debate. There was discussion within the Committee on the cost of the remedial work that is required to be undertaken and it was agreed to recommend to the Management Company that a modest increase on the budget for this area of £2,000 for this year should be made. This equates to about £6 per property for the year. (For those in YHA housing it is not clear whether YHA will absorb this or pass it on to its tenants.)

With these budgets now set at reasonable rates, all other things being equal, it is unlikely that there will be a significant increase in these budget areas in future years. The budget is now with the Management Company for sign off as it is the decision maker on budgets and takes its advice from Watson PM.

Hopefully we will be meeting with Watson PM in the next fortnight to discuss the outstanding snagging list.

Meeting with David Wilson Homes

I met with Ian Wormwell from DWH, along with the vice-chair. We discussed those elements of the snagging list relevant to DWH. Most of these have been actioned now and Ian Wormwell committed to work on completing the rest. Of particular interest is the lamppost at the north end of Robert Street. Ian explained the process that needs to be undertaken and it is an example of British bureaucracy. One company has to dig a hole, another to make a connection, the first company has to return to fill the hole and a third company is needed to finalise the connection! However, work is ongoing although Ian indicated that it may take two months to complete!

We discussed with Ian the possibility of establishing the Management Company prior to formal hand over and adoption of the roads. Ian explained the challenges involved in delivering this, so instead we asked Ian to ask the Management Company to consider extending its number of directors to include CWRA representatives now. Ian agreed to do so but the decision is not in his hands. However, if agreed, it would be a welcome transitional arrangement, and allow residents to have a real say in final decisions relating to the Chocolate Works estate.

We did receive clarification from Ian about one issue that has been raised by residents – the removal of the zig-zag fence at the north end of the alley between the north end of Robert Street and Campleshon Road. It appears that this path will be adopted by the Council and therefore they have the final say on the street furniture and they wanted it to be removed. This does seem an unnecessary safety risk to children and the Committee will discuss how this situation may be addressed.

Social groups

One of the many positive things about this estate is the social activities that have taken place over the year, including events like the jazz nights or the Christmas concerts. We have been very lucky that Clare Skardon has taken on significant responsibility to make these events happen. Thanks very much to Clare. In addition, there are other groups like the knitting group that have been established. I wonder if there is more that can be done. I can remember an easter egg hunt and summer fayre that happened previously. It would be great to see what can be done to strengthen the social side of the Chocolate Works community. Any ideas or volunteers for this work please let me know.

Favour

Finally, a favour to ask, particularly those in Orange and Devon House or in other Yorkshire Housing properties. If you are not a member of the CWRA you will not receive our newsletter or other material. Joe Langan from Watson PM has agreed to send our material to people for which they have emails which is great. But Watson PM does not have the email addresses for residents in YHA properties. It depends upon YHA forwarding information and it is clear that many YHA residents do not receive our material. The best answer is for them to join the CWRA! It is free and you will get to know about, and be involved in, developments within your community. So, the favour is, if you reside in Orange or Devon House, or if you have a YHA resident as your neighbour, can you encourage your neighbours to join. We will be making some contact with them shortly to introduce the CWRA but if you can help then thanks.

Garden Collection

By now you should have received information from the City of York Council (CYC) regarding the collection of garden waste. In summary, CYC is introducing a subscription service for the collection of waste, with an introductory cost of £46.50 per year. The cost will be halved if you are in receipt of Council Tax Support. Alternatives are to use a home composter or to take the garden waste to a recycling centre. For residents in apartments with no gardens and, therefore, no garden waste, this will not be an issue. Many residents with gardens have removed their grass and replaced it with hard ground materials or with artificial grass. As a result, they may generate very small amounts of garden waste and believe that there is no benefit from registering with the scheme. However, there will remain a significant minority of residents who will have garden waste that they wish collected. However, given the size of our gardens, in most cases waste collection will be necessary on an infrequent basis.

There is nothing within the rules which states that residents cannot share a bin and the associated costs. This may be something that those residents with courtyard parking may wish to explore with their neighbours. For example, one house assumes responsibility for registering with the scheme and agrees with participating neighbours both the funding and how you will operate the scheme together (who will host the bin, who is responsible for taking the bin out to, and returning the bin from, the bin collection point). Members with properties on streets but no courtyard parking (such as the even side of Clock Tower Way) can do similar although I suspect it will be logistically more difficult.

Finally, again, please encourage residents who are not members of the CWRA to join by visiting our website (www.cwra.co.uk) and clicking on Join Us. If you want to raise any questions or issues please let us know via admin@cwra.co.uk.

January 2024 Issue No 37
Email: chair@cwra.co.uk

Happy New Year to you all!

If you are not already a member of the Chocolate Works Residents’ Association (CWRA), please go to www.cwra.co.uk and click on Join Us. It is currently free and guarantees you get our Newsletters. At present we have over 230 active members. Your contributions and feedback are invaluable in helping us identify which issues are of most concern to residents.

New Chair
After several years in the role of Chair of CWRA, Steve Davenport stood down at the end of November 2023. Steve has worked tirelessly on behalf of residents during his tenure, almost all of it unseen, and probably with insufficient gratitude from residents. On behalf of the Committee and, no doubt, residents, we would like to thank him for his work on behalf of us all.

As a temporary measure, Gavin McBurnie of 8 Bayldon Square, has agreed to act as the Chair to ensure continuity and that essential work takes place until the AGM. Please look out for information about when the AGM will take place – probably in March 2024.

But Steve Davenport has not gone away completely. He has agreed to help the green space lead, Norma Rees, with improving the green spaces.

Grounds Maintenance
We are still liaising with Watson on the performance of the current grounds maintenance contractor as they are not fulfilling the agreed specification.

Landscaping
The area behind Thistle House has now been cleared and turfed. We plan to erect an 1800mm chain link fence along the boundary between the old wall and the end of the laurel hedging. This is subject to planning permission, and as an interim measure a temporary fence has been erected to prevent access from Bishopthorpe Road. We will review the pyracanthas hedging once the fence has been erected.

The border around the Care Home has now been turfed, and we still await the removal of the builder’s temporary buildings and equipment from the triangle of land to the right of Thistle House before the landscaping of the area can be undertaken.

The landscaping projects for the Co-op car park and the central beds of Bayldon Square have now been completed. We understand that David Wilson Homes (DWH) will be undertaking remedial work on the Chocolate Orange statue in due course.

We are hoping that David Wilson Homes will make a contribution towards the replacement of box and lavender plants around the development, which will then enable us to proceed with other landscaping projects around the development including Carousel House.

A new laurel hedge has been planted down the steps to Bishopthorpe Road. A second row of laurels will be planted shortly, and new rhododendron plants have been planted either side of the steps alongside the tree belt perimeter.

As part of the adoption process, the shrub planting on the entrance verges and along Clock Tower Way and Joseph Terry Grove will be removed and replaced with turf by DWH to retain uniformity throughout the development. DWH has also agreed to replace those trees that have died around the development including those on Bayldon Square.

We are grateful to Norma Rees for the large amount of work she does for the benefit of our green spaces. In addition, you may have noticed the improvements to the area around the Co-op car park and that work has commenced to improve Bayldon Square. Thanks again to Norma.

Safety Audit
David Wilson Homes has informed us that a safety audit will be undertaken on 25 January by an independent auditor. Much to our disappointment, they have tried to exclude residents from participating in the safety audit. As Chair, Gavin has raised our objections to this exclusion to Ian Wormwell, the site project manager, and to Daniel Smith, CEO of David Wilson Homes. Hopefully, they will allow the CWRA to participate.

In addition, we are trying to arrange a further snagging meeting with David Wilson Homes to look at other issues affecting the site.

Annual General Meeting
As stated earlier the Annual General Meeting will be held soon – probably in March. Please look out for details and the Agenda.

If you would like to consider joining the Committee that would be great. This is meant with absolutely no disrespect to current Committee members who give their time generously and without reward, but the Committee does not appear to fully represent the diverse nature of residents of the estate. As the Committee undertakes important work on behalf of residents, representing the residents’ voice with David Wilson Homes, Watson Property Management and other outside bodies, in order to maintain its legitimacy, it is essential that it is as representative of the community as possible.

If you have questions about what it entails then please don’t hesitate to contact Gavin McBurnie, the chair, at chair@cwra.co.uk for information.

And Finally
From the York Press, The Chocolate Works development was singled out for praise in the Large Housing Development category in the 2023 Brick Awards. The Brick Awards were presented at a glittering ceremony at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in the heart of London’s West End with television personality George Clarke as compère. Run by the Brick Development Association, they are the clay brick industry’s Oscars. Keith Aldis, the chief executive officer of the Brick Development Association, said: “The Chocolate Works is one the most striking residential developments in the beautiful and historic city of York in recent years. … The imaginative use of brickwork gives this popular development an individual and timeless character. As a consequence, this was a very strong entry in this year’s Brick Awards.”

Have a great 2024!

September/October 2023 Issue No 36
Email: chair@cwra.co.uk

If you are not already a member of the Chocolate Works Residents’ Association (CWRA), please go to www.cwra.co.uk and click on Join Us. It is currently free and guarantees you get our Newsletters. At present we have over 230 active members. Your contributions and feedback are invaluable in helping us identify which issues are of most concern to residents.

________

Landscaping
We are still liaising with Watson on the performance of the new landscapers as they are not fulfilling the agreed specification.

During the next few weeks the area behind Thistle House will have the builder’s rubble removed, levelled and then turfed. It has now been agreed to erect a 1800mm chain link fence along the boundary between the old wall and the end of the laurel hedging. However as an interim measure, a temporary fence will be erected across the gap where the old gates used to be, to prevent access up the bank rather than by the steps from Bishopthorpe Road.

In addition, once the builder’s temporary buildings have been removed (prior to December 2023) the triangle of land where they are currently located will be landscaped along with the narrow strip around the Care Home wall.

A pyracanthus hedge is planned for the inside of the perimeter treeline behind Medallion, Harlequin and Thistle Houses. Also the wooden benches between Carousel and Medallion Houses are to be repaired and varnished during the next few weeks.

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Autumn Planting
Quotes are being obtained from local landscapers to begin the planned improvements starting with the planting scheme on Bayldon Square, the Co-op car park and the area around Carousel House.

In addition, and in consultation with David Wilson Homes (DWH), we have met with Watson to highlight the trees which have died around the development. A site meeting is planned with DWH to agree the replacement of these trees this year, including those on Bayldon Square.

The laurel hedge down the steps to Bishopthorpe Road will also be made good with an additional row alongside the row that has already been planted.

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Adoption and Home Zone
We met at the Council Offices with DWH and York City Council Planning/Highways to discuss a list of non-conformity issues prior to adoption by the City Council. Issues raised include clarification on the Home Zone/Shared Space principles including street lighting, signage, planting, safety and surface finishes.

We learnt that DWH hopes to finalise all snagging prior to Christmas 2023 to then allow for a twelve month maintenance period prior to adoption by the Council. Agreeing the correct approved plan has proved difficult and DWH are going to formally issue for comment an amalgamated master plan derived from the various iterations already approved.

In addition DWH will commission an ‘as built’ survey of the highways and materials which will form the basis of the discussion with the Council on the matter of traffic calming measures including the narrowing of the southern entrance of Robert Street to match that already created at the northern end, plus applying for a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) to officially install 20mph signs.

Planning for the undercroft gates was also raised, as we are still awaiting a final decision. However, subsequently the Council has approved DWH’s planning application to omit these gates, therefore only the gates already installed on Clock Tower Way will remain. We are currently investigating if this decision can be reviewed.

DWH confirmed the bollards to be placed at the southern end of Robert Street and also Clock Tower Way have been ordered and are due to be installed by their contractors.

The shrub planting on the entrance verges on Clock Tower Way/Joseph Terry Grove is to be removed and replaced with grass to retain uniformity throughout the development. It will also be easier and less costly to maintain.

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Racecourse
We have highlighted our disappointment to Watson that the traffic cones and additional patrolling on race days have not been consistent. When in place they make a huge difference and we are seeking assurances they will be in place on future race days.

Those who took advantage of the half price race tickets on the Family Race day were rewarded by excellent weather and a really enjoyable family day out. Please take advantage of the next half price offer on 23 September, by contacting 01904 620911 and speaking to Karen in the Bookings Office.

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Parking
Prior to adoption of the roads, visitor spaces will be denoted by a white painted ‘V’ and residents’ plaques replaced with robust plaques. Also, disabled spaces will be clearly marked. Double yellow lines will be introduced to control on-street parking.

The Council agreed to review the planning for the granted electric charging spaces at Orange House as it could form part of subsequent planning enforcement notice.

The Council also made it clear that their policy is not to allow car charging leads to cross adopted space such as pavements. Details can be found on the Council website www.york.gov.uk/EVChargingStrategy. It states

EV charging cables trailing across the public highway are prohibited. Charging your vehicle on the street by trailing a cable across the pavement, including the use of a cable protector or cable ramp is not-permitted.

We don’t permit any cable to be placed across the public highway (including pavement). This is because it represents a health and safety hazard, and an obstacle to the safe use of the highway by the visually and/or mobility impaired, or other affected user groups.

Under the Highways Act 1980 action may be taken to remove cables that are deemed unsuitable or unsafe. This method of on-street EV charging is therefore not considered a suitable approach for residents without off-street parking provision to charge their EV.

Incidentally, six new vehicle charging points have been installed directly behind the racecourse main entrance at the end of Racecourse Road.

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Chocolate Orange sculpture
DWH has agreed to review and make any necessary repairs to the sculpture as the block paving is failing, the brick walls need pointing and the sculpture itself is corroding with gaps around the edge of the slated area.

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Roof Cleaning
Watson have confirmed the cleaning of the roof channels will commence in September/October with photographs being taken of possible ongoing roof issues. We have requested these are clearly marked for each property for ease of identification. Should there be an issue, please contact Barratt Yorkshire East as roofs are covered by a 10-year warranty.

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Planning Permission
Please note planning permission is required on the development for any change to the buildings, boundaries or change of use. These include the following:

• extending your home by constructing an extension or a dormer window
• putting up a garage
• putting up a boundary fence or wall
• extending your garden onto adjacent land
• using your home or a property you own as a short term let or holiday home
• using your home for business purposes
• erecting outbuildings or garden structures, such as a summer house, shed or home office.

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Committee
If you have the time and interest in improving our development, please contact the chair at chair@cwra.co.uk as we would welcome new members. Currently we are looking for a Secretary.