Our mansion tax! Rage of millionaires’ row after hike in security fees
WEALTHY neighbours on one of Britain’s most exclusive private estates are at war over plans for a huge rise in private security fees.
Managers of the upmarket enclave – where Sir Andy Murray, former England captain John Terry and the Sultan of Oman own properties – want dog patrols to deter burglars.
But the ‘ haves’ are in conflict with the ‘have yachts’ over the annual cost for each household, which will soar from £300 to £1,620 – more than 400 per cent.
While the most expensive homes are worth £16million, the ‘cheapest’ on the estate sell for about £3million. Protesters say the fear of crime is exaggerated and burglaries are a bigger risk to the super-rich who advertise their whereabouts online.
Last week residents of the estate in Oxshott, near Leatherhead, Surrey, narrowly voted to introduce the patrols by a margin of 118 household votes to 99.
But a legal battle looms as opponents say the management company has no authority to enforce the charges. Campaigning resident Donald Porter, a retired insurance executive, said: ‘It seems such a pity. It’s a nice neighbourhood where everybody used to live happily and peacefully.
‘Now there’s this big divide created by these wealthy people saying “We want more security – and we want everybody to pay for it”.
‘My own house is a pretty big one, but quite a number of the people against the proposal have got big houses. The question is whether they can impose on everybody a cost only for the benefit of the few.
‘I think one or two footballers have been burgled but that’s because they’re known to be footballers and unfortunately tend to say where they’re going.’ Ten break-ins were reported in the six months to April.
Three men were arrested nearby on suspicion of conspiracy to burgle and possession of a firearm in April following the string of raids.
The row between neighbours began earlier this year when the management company – owned by the residents – said security assessments had convinced the board of directors strong measures were needed to protect its four and a half miles of roads and 300 or so homes.
One report sent to locals in February warned the estate was ‘rich pickings’ for crime gangs.
The proposal approved by a majority last week involves a security guard patrolling the grounds and enhanced CCTV.
A pressure group has been set up to support the scheme.
Trevor Johnson, chairman of the estate management company, did not respond to requests for comment last night.
The board is currently seeking legal advice to respond to campaigners’ claims it has no right to impose the ‘subscription levy’ rise without a unanimous vote.