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.
In this Issue
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.