Management Companies: A Cautionary Tale
The national magazine for Town and Parish Councils invited our very own Julie Shirley (Hunts Grove Parish Council Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer) to share our experience with estate management companies, developers, and our ongoing campaign for “One Hunts Grove”
On the subject of “One Hunts Grove”, Julie said “The objective of Hunts Grove Parish Council is to unite the village as ’One Hunts Grove’, with all residents having equal rights and access to the community facilities and paying an equal and fair charge. Knowing the Section 106 agreement allowed for the community facilities to be transferred to the council, it started the negotiation process. However, the developer has effectively nailed down all legal agreements with property owners, house-builders, etc so only the ManCo could receive the community facilities. We haven’t given up our legal battle and welcome any council in the same situation to get in contact.”
Click the image below for a PDF of the article:
Talks Continue
As of April 2023, talks continue with Crest Nicholson to find a solution to the management company situation and explore ways and means to unite the management of open spaces and facilities at Hunts Grove under the responsibility of the parish council.
It is simply unacceptable to parish councillors that the village has been split down the middle with some residents paying hefty unregulated service charges to an agent based in Peterborough, for maintenance of current and future facilities that were intended for all residents. As your parish councillors, we all remain absolutely committed to getting this resolved and abolishing the management company.
