May/June 2023 Issue No 34
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 200 active members. Your contributions and feedback are invaluable in helping us identify which issues are of most concern to residents.
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Landscaping
We now have new landscapers (Oakbrook) who will be visiting the development weekly through to September to cut the grassed areas and maintain the planted borders.
In addition, in conjunction with Watsons, a laurel hedge has been planted to both sides of the steps leading down to Bishopthorpe Road. Currently this is a single row but will be extended to match the laurel planted around the perimeter of the development.
In response to security concerns raised by a number of residents, a quotation is being prepared for the planting of a pyracanthus hedge along the development boundary from the steps down to Bishopthorpe Road to the gas station brick wall (behind Medallion and Thistle Houses). The quotation will include a three-bar fence next to the pavement to match similar fences on Bishopthorpe Road.
A tree specialist has visited the site and tidied up and replaced a number of trees throughout the development which have either died or are bowing. They have also tidied-up the edge of the external boundary to the footpath. The plan is to arrange twice-yearly visits to keep on top of the boundary undergrowth and pavement edge.
Recently, we surveyed the development with an independent experienced horticulturalist who has recommended the most suitable plants to purchase in the future. He also gave us a number of ideas to consider to improve the current planting which we shall include in our future landscaping plans with Watson. This work will be offered to local landscapers to keep costs to a minimum.
Finally, Watson has been requested by DWH to supply a quotation for turfing the area behind Thistle House, including additional tree planting across the gap left by the removal of the gates, plus making good and turfing around the border of the care home wall.
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Bayldon Square
Although we are considering a number of schemes across the development and are awaiting quotations, we are aware that the planting in the lawn on the south side of Bayldon Square does need attention. We had hoped to have this completed by now.
A number of alternative schemes have been proposed by residents, all including improved drainage. Some of the proposals include block paving and some include a seat with a variety of specimen trees. Another suggestion is to remove the current arrangement and return it to lawn with specimen trees to both sides. However, Watson’s tree surgeon recommends the current six trees should be left for a month or so to establish whether their canopies will fill out. If they do not, then in the autumn they will be replaced. The replacements will not necessarily be of the same type but with appropriate planting, they should have every chance of growing in the heavy clay soil. Watson have quotations to hand for various schemes and plan to contact residents to seek agreement on the preferred choice.
Unfortunately, there is now a further delay as a result of the horticulturalist suggesting that the drainage solution put forward may not be satisfactory. This has resulted in Watson seeking an assurance from the landscapers that the planned works will resolve the drainage issue before we can move on any further.
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Adoption and Home Zone
A number of residents on Robert Street have concerns that the Home Zone has not been constructed in compliance with the approved plans for the site. They have requested a meeting with David Wilson Homes and York City Council. Their concerns include incorrectly coloured blocks, missing trees, a missing lamppost and various safety issues.
We hope that during the meeting we will also be informed of the timescales for the adoption of the development and whether the planted verges on Clock Tower Way are to be returned to lawn.
Unfortunately, we have received no response from either DWH or YCC and consequently we have forwarded a list of non-conformities both in the Home Zone and the wider development to both parties.
York Council have responded suggesting that ‘Home Zone’ is a generic phrase for a ‘shared space’, and also any non-conformities are DWH responsibilities.
Following a CWRA Committee meeting which was attended by two of the newly-elected Micklegate Councillors, we have again pressed YCC on this, as all planning and DWH marketing material included a ‘Home Zone’. We have requested that YCC ensure DWH complete the WHOLE development to the most recently approved planning application. We await their responses.
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Conveyancing
We have learned of delays occurring in buying and selling properties in the development over the identity of the landlord. We have been told that your conveyancers should contact the landlord ‘Homeground’ via the Watson conveyancing department to establish if a ‘change of ownership’ document is required.
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Condensation
DWH is carrying out remedial works to those houses affected by condensation. It is a slow process as it will take time to establish if the treatment is successful.
We would strongly encourage any apartment owners who are suffering from excessive condensation to submit a claim to Yorkshire East (yorkshireeast@newhomecare.co.uk), to ensure their concerns are logged in the system.
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Racecourse
We trust everyone who attended the recent presentation and tour of the racecourse enjoyed the evening. We will try and make this an annual event.
We are pleased to say that the racecourse has kindly offered all CWRA members a 50% discount on Grandstand tickets for the race meetings on September 10th and 23rd. A code will be sent to all members to use when booking to secure this discount.
On planned race days we have arranged for traffic cones to be deployed on roads near the entrance to the development, plus additional patrolling. We will then be able to assess how successful they have been.
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Dog Owners
Signs have now been installed around the development to request dog owners keep their dogs on leads for safety, and to clean-up after them. This also includes the shared area around the Residence.
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Speeding
Additional 20mph signs have been installed throughout the development to remind motorists to keep their speed down. Certainly, we have had reports of residents, visitors and delivery vehicles all speeding and are concerned it will eventually result in an accident.
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Cafés and Wine Bar
We have been in touch with the owner of the new café/wine bar planned to open in the Liquor Store and have received confirmation that it is due to open in late June or early July 2023. There is also a new café/wine bar planned to open in June 2023 at 147 Bishopthorpe Road, previously the site of the showroom for Knaresborough Kitchens.
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McCarthy Stone Planning
Residents are reminded of that this planning application has been re-submitted for 72 extra-care apartments on the site of the contractors’ car park on the opposite side of Bishopthorpe Road to the Residence.
There is no CWRA Committee view on the development, but if you have your own comments or objections, please register them on the York City Planning Portal.
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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 and Treasurer.
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