by, Simon Oldroyd
DWH promise immediate action on outstanding issues
Further to our news item earlier this week, TRRA Committee members yesterday held a very productive ‘online’ meeting with the David Wilson Homes management team responsible for Thurstan’s Rise. The DWH team included Martin Payne, (Technical Director for BDW South West), who promised immediate action to remedy the very many outstanding issues on the estate.
Specifically, David Wilson Homes have:
- Confirmed that work will commence this month to alleviate the flooding issues affecting Cadora Way. The works will also include clearance of the culverted sections of the ditch between the farmer’s field and the west side of the estate, to ensure the free flow of water. The groundworks contractor (EMG) will be carrying out preparatory works from Monday 5th October, with an anticipated start date of 12th October. They have committed to informing all affected households at least 7 days prior to any works being carried out. The drainage works are expected to take about 5 weeks.
- Promised that a risk hazard analysis will be undertaken with regard to how the balancing pond (Lake Caudwell) operates, as well as reviewing the functioning of the existing ‘hydro-brake’ chamber.
- Undertaken, in conjunction with Gloucestershire County Council, to carry out an inspection of the road and pavement infrastructure, reviewing the ‘patchwork’ nature of the estate (and other issues). They have promised that work will commence shortly after the exact schedule has been detailed and agreed. These works will also include completion of the walkway, and installation of the cycle chicane at the pedestrian access to Oakfields.
- Advised that a ‘landscape audit’ will be carried out within the next few weeks to establish the exact planting schedule, to comply with the approved site landscaping design, which remains uncompleted. They have confirmed that planting will commence as soon as this list has been established.
- Confirmed that the estate management and maintenance company ‘GreenSquare’ have the freehold ownership of all land designated as Public Open Space. Once all the landscaping and drainage issues have been completed, they will be responsible for looking after all the ‘green spaces’, play areas, and the balancing pond.
DWH have given assurances that GreenSquare will contact all households in the near future to, introduce themselves, explain the planned maintenance schedule, and confirm the annual charges that will be payable by each household. They have also assured us that GreenSquare will liaise with the TRRA with regard to their management responsibilities, and their on-going relationship with residents.
On a final note, Martin Payne confirmed that it is DWH’s intention to complete ALL outstanding works by early next year, so that the estate can be formally handed over and adopted by the Council.
The TRRA will continue to liaise with the David Wilson Homes team to monitor work schedules and to ensure that the promised timescales are met.
A good result we believe!