July 2020, Issue No. 12 Email: chair@cwra.co.uk
This is our first Newsletter since March 2020 and as such, we need to reflect some of the changes caused by the ongoing pandemic as well as update residents on activity around the development.
If you are not already a member please go to cwra.co.uk and follow the instructions for joining. It is free at present (to be reviewed later this year) and guarantees you get our Newsletters. We are also looking for people from the apartments who may be interested in working with the committee to ensure we remain representative of all groups.
Previously Advertised Meetings
Due to ongoing restrictions upon social gatherings we are unable to organise residents open meetings, as advertised in the March Newsletter. Equally, the impact on our future AGM has yet to be determined. Nonetheless, it is our aspiration to have more face to face meetings when it is safe and practical to do so.
David Wilson Homes (DWH)
We understand that there are now no limits on numbers of workers allowed, within social distancing guidelines, so we can expect work to be near full capacity from now on.
Pre-lockdown there were 130-140 workers on site at any one time. When work first recommenced this figure was nearer 40 workers.
DWH have also applied to start working on Saturday and Sunday in the future. This will not involve a change in start or finish times and is likely to be approved by the Council. DWH’s aim is to be finished by November 2021.
DWH have also indicated that they will do the following:
- Remove dead trees and debris from the perimeter of the development.
- Clean a two metre section of the whole perimeter of the development (to stop debris falling onto Campleshon Road and Bishopthorpe Road) and plant laurel hedging as a barrier.
- Plant further trees in the area behind Devon House in September.
- Undertake a tree survey and provide Watson with a maintenance plan going forward.
Bayldon Square
We continue to ask for replacement trees in Bayldon Square, and completion of the planting. This was due for completion in April, but it is possible that it will now have to wait until September.
Block G (Thistle House)
Piling will commence on this block in late July/early August. This will inevitably be noisy, but is the last piling for the whole development, as Orange House (Block K) has already been piled.
Carousel House – Medallion House
We are informed that –
- replanting will take place in this area
- concrete seats will be placed here
- pillars will be erected at the base of the steps, similar to those at the Clock Tower Way entrance. Lights will also be placed in the grass along the slope (similar to those in Bayldon Square)
Clock Tower Way
From 1st August until completion Clock Tower Way will be the road designated to take deliveries, although some will still come in through the site compound.
Cocoa House
Is close to completion. The first residents are expected to move in by the end of July.
Joseph Terry Grove
The road surface between Robert Street and round to the compound will be completed in the next month.
Robert Street
DWH hope to have the properties at the top of Robert Street complete for occupation by Christmas.
The Estate in general
We have now had a walk round the estate with both DWH and Watson. Among the issues discussed are –
- DWH will clean the paint spill outside Devon House
- They will also paint a V (for visitor parking) sign in the space behind Devon House which was missed first time round
- We have asked Watson to treat public areas affected by vine weevil. This will be discussed with the contractors in the first instance
- DWH will strim and clean up the verge adjacent to the Care Home
- Watson continue to be concerned about washing on balconies, which is contrary to the covenants. They are also concerned about bins and recycling boxes being left outside properties for prolonged periods.
- DWH will provide additional temporary parking spaces. Initially these will be in the unoccupied Cocoa House spaces and will be available once marked up
- A large parking space outside Medallion House which is currently used by up to two vehicles will eventually be designated for disable vehicle users.
- We tried to gain clarity about which areas are now managed by Watson and which are still managed by DWH. This is complex, vague and changeable. But one example is that the grass at the Carousel House side of the steps down to Bishopthorpe Road is managed by Watson whereas the grass on the Medallion House side is still managed by DWH.
Wet rooms
Cura Home Care are currently stripping out and replacing wet rooms which had failed, as agreed with DWH last autumn
Parking
Watson has appointed Autosec to manage and enforce parking on the development.
We do not have a date for commencement, but understand that a letter will be sent out explaining the system to all residents shortly.
Shop
Planning permission has been sought for a plant room for a convenience store which will open in the current sales Office area. This is expected to open in late 2021. At the moment there is no confirmation of who will run the store.
Wider Issues
Electricity Substation
Letters of complaint have now been sent to York Council about the noise from the electricity sub-station on Campleshon Road. This has been a continuing serious nuisance for residents, particularly in Neapolitan House.
Land South of the Residence
We have continued to support our neighbours at The Residence in their objection to further building to the South of the Residence. Planning Reference -18/02582/FULM – Erection of 85 apartments and seven town houses.
This is due to be discussed in August by the Planning Committee.
Clementhorpe Flood Protection Scheme
This has been agreed by the Council, with a need to revise cycle path provision before commencement.
This will last twelve months and have some effect on all those people who use Millennium Bridge or the riverside footpaths and cycle paths into town.
If you’re not yet a member of the CWRA but would like to join us please see our Membership page. New members always welcome!
