Who'se perspective is it anyway?

This page aims to clarify and raise awareness about the differing perspectives held by residents and companies regarding their perception of estate management and associated fees. Opportunities to reduce or stabilize fees at anticipated levels are often overlooked. For instance, shared homeowners may remain unaware of significant fee increases or ongoing discussions, leaving their input, feedback, and concerns unheard. This lack of participation makes it harder for any Resident Associations to effectively challenge management issues or fee hikes in a way that is fair and truly representative. As a result, the system becomes less democratic and less responsive to critical issues.Using that lack of awareness as a buffer.

By recognizing these varied perspectives, we can biuld stronger representation meaningful action to improve transparency and communication. The Albany Wood InfoWEB represents a substantial step in this direction, fostering a high-quality and harmonious environment for all stakeholders.

'Whose Perspective is it ?'

Page Structure

 Utilizing a well-known project management framework: "Who, What, Where, When, and How' helps understand nuances of perspectives and hence promote different challenges against cost increases.

This structure further promotes comprehensive and effective communication among residents, ensuring that discussions are more organized and easier to follow.

Below is an overview of the various groups interested in the Albany Wood Estate and their reasons for involvement.

 

Albany Wood infoWeb

Sections of the Information Framework

Who are the main groups or companies interested in Albany Wood  ,

What is it they are involved in,

Where the various parts of the estate are located ,

When are key events; Timelines of expectations 

How will cost control management be achieved >

(Pages can be updated as progress and feedback  is received)

 

Groups Who are interested in Albany Wood Estate plus their reasons'

Who

  • Estate Landlord: The initial owner of the estate land  Crest Nicholson Operations ltd. (CNO) who usually set up the initial management structure and company forming part of the home sales package. 

What

  • Estate Landlord: The Registered Land  Freehold of the Estate plus original property freeholds. These are transferred with convents documented many listed in TP1, called Schedules . 

When

  • Estate Landlord: The initial estate Freehold is understood to be Transferred to The Albany Wood Management Co. at some 'reasonable' date determined b - TP1 Crest Nicholson Operation(CNO). experience of other estates  imply years,  none known  yet complete. Each Homeowners Freehold was transferred at purchase time  

How

  • Estate Landlord: ( the logistic of how the estate will be transferred is not known at this time-similar new build Estates, nearby, have no experience of this stage

  • Spamco feedback emails outline this on theBoundaries page

Who

  • Homeowners:(several groups -Freeholders, Shareholders, Leaseholders, Tenants) 

What

    • Homeowners Interest

      • : Their own Homes maintenance , Rates

      • Estate  Fee costs. e.g. maintenance, repairs, services, maintenance pump house, maintenance of road and lights . Plus any unexpected estate size expansion (e.g. inclusion of Meadows, costs to meet Estate planning approvals not yet met, Waste disposal claims on Meadows or other zones originally not considered as Estate bearing management fees.. Frequency of contract decisions. 

      • Laws that support their positions to sustain a measure of control over Fees.

      • Conscious  choice of becoming Directors  of AWMco legally  for running the Estate Fee controls  and approving contract decisions. 

      • Timescale  to have voting rights on all company contracts/decisions

    When

      • Homeowners: Timelines sales Onwards

        • Estate costs been HANDED OVER Sept 2024. 

        • Fees became payable for 2024 due end of Sept 2024

        • 2025 Fees invoiced for 6 months payable by 1st Jan 2025, 100% increase, Bins not validly placed!

        • Sales Indicated guide 'anticipated' lower cost for 10 yrs.-(ref Planning potential) 

        • TP1 sales agreed SCHEDULES date of TRANSFER PERIOD start at a reasonable time by Director HAND OVER is not TRANSFER.

        • Fees doubled for 2025 and without consultation.. Some residents are 'questioning the maintenance co.

        • Law does not support chanllenging costs on Estates (YET)

      How

        Who

        What

        • Albany Wood Management Company Ltd: (AWMco)

          • All homeowners (non-Tenant?)  . As defined in the sales contracts (TP1 schedules) Initially non voting status, some will be nominated as directors by the CNO existing director.

          • Directors legally responsible for running the business, company accounts, reports are  prepared

            • Status at Company House -Dormant no assets

              • PSC person with significant control . Crest Nicholson Operations Ltd.(CNO)

              • Shareholders. Currently none shown-zero assists 

              • Director named is also a Director of SPAMco

        When

        • (AWMco)

          • All residents remain non voting until following occurs..

          • Transfer at a date considered reasonable by director( at the time)*

            Land Registry TP1.

          • Directors.legally  running business

            • Selecting Timescale to nominate Home owner Directors @ Transfer Start Date. Could be 5 yrs hence unless circumstances encourage earlier timeline

            • AlsoRef to S38 conditions to be met/completed *management co.

        How

        • All homeowners remain non-voting members awaiting decisions by Directors to begin TRANSFER .

        • In the meantime recommended  setting up a formal Residents Association to meet and agree actions to control costs. fast path 3 stage strategy - See proposal below

        Who

        Contracted by the management company AMWco to perform upkeep and repair and servicesNOTE: This company is  also now Temp Directors of the management company (AWMco). Therefore they have power to decide on changes to the estate and schedules of TRANSFER to Residents

        What

        • Maintenance Company:   upkeep, repair services within the estate, outside private Freehold boundaries.

          • Contract bids & selection (without Resident votes) 

          • Paying contractors and management costs

          • As Temp Directors, Selecting the Timescale to nominate resident Directors & Transfer date

          • Accounting, build Sink Fund, Accounts Receivable (AR) Office for Homeowners.

        When

        • Maintenance Company: Contracted from 1st Sept 2024 for an unannounced number of years.
        • Completed when the Directors of AWMco (one and same company in this instance) decide to Transfer control to residents
        • Directors.Annually determine estimated estate cost
        • Invoicing Home owners 6 monthly 1 January & 1 June.

         

         

        How

         

        • Maintenance Company: Run their business in conformance to with their industry controls,
          • Property management companies are not governed by a single overarching regulatory body, but rather by a combination of associations and statutory requirements.
          • No current Law is active that protects Freehold Estate/Leaseholders :
          • 2024 leasehold reform act passed and awaiting activation soon 2025/6

        Who

        • Councils,
          • Parish and County  ; Planning Application & Approvals, Community -Led support, Public Services,H&S

        What

        Councils,

        • Parish and County Planning Application & Approvals, Conditions and compliance.

        • Developer adherence to specifications and schedules

        • Local Services for Home Owners covered by taxes

        • Parish and County , monitor progress and compliance of Estate, meadows, footpaths, Cycle ways,  Waste disposal service

        When

        Councils

        • Regular visits to locations

        • Scheduled  development  site progress meetings

        • Application approval dates for  progress and compliance 

        • Local Services provided covered by taxes

        How

        Councils,

        • Regular visits to locations

        • Scheduled  development  site progress meetings

        • Application approval dates for  progress and compliance 

        • Local Services provided covered by taxes

        Who

        • Utilities  Electric, Water, Fibre, mobile, Satellite.
        • Government
          • Courts and departments or organisations
            • Laws to protect lease and Freeholders
            • Laws and guidelines to protect Nature and the Environment