Residents disputing service charges at new housing estate
RESIDENTS of a recently built housing estate are disputing maintenance charges paid to maintain public areas, believing the standards are not up to scratch.
Tenants of St Martin’s View, Castleton, are charged by property management company, RMG, for the maintenance of areas of the estate such as private car parks and a playground.
They have sent an open letter of complaint to Barratt Homes - for whom RMG manage the scheme.
Barratt Homes say RMG, whose annual service charge is £115, have been asked to organise a meeting with residents to iron out the concerns.
Resident Ste Worrall has lived on Ark Royal Avenue for two years, and believes that what he was sold by Barratt Homes is not what he’s got.
He said: “We have got completely different things. One of the reasons we bought this house is when we have children we can see the park from our house. But none of the apparatus is fit for children under the age of about six. They have put rubber grass mats down, but it’s full of holes which creates a trip hazard. They should have put soft tarmac down.”
He also added that just underneath the grass, there are red bricks, which could become exposed as the ground erodes, and believes there is a lack of protective fencing.
Ste, 34, said: “If children play football there’s nothing to keep them running after the ball into the road.”
Resident David Jones said: “We plan to visit Barratt’s sales offices to make our point.”
A spokesman for Barratt Homes Manchester said: “We are sorry that the residents at St Martin’s View have some concerns about the development. We will be responding directly to the points raised in their letter and RMG have been asked to organise a meeting with the residents to discuss the issues raised.
“We aim to be clear and transparent to all of our customers. Information on the management fees was provided to all customers on the purchase information sheet which is shown at the point of reservation. All customers also have access to independent legal advice throughout the buying process.”
A spokesman from RMG said: “RMG manage the private scheme on behalf of Barratt Homes. We are aware of the concerns regarding the costs of running the unadopted areas and we will be in touch with the residents to address their queries.”
RMG added that the budget is for the current year’s maintenance obligations, and the annual service charge this year is £115, of which £13.19 relates to the maintenance and inspections of the play area.