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Greenbelt Group- anyone else had dealings?
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Noddy68
Posts: 6 Forumite
We bought a new house off plan in 2001. Whilst we were waiting for it to be built, our attention was drawn to a maintenance charge which would be written into the deeds, that would maintain the greenspaces on and around the estate. The sales lady said it would be very nice when it was finished and that it would be fenced off and for the use of the residents only. Given that it worked out to a fiver a month, we weren't concerned and actually thought it was a good idea.
The reality however is very different - when we exchanged contracts, the solicitor told us that it was a public open space and would continue to be. He foresaw situations like fly-tipping, increased costs, lack of maintenance etc but by this time, our old house was sold and we'd moved out. He advised us to see how it panned out and if need be, form a residents group in the future to fight the company, should they decide to be a bit lax in their schedules.
The builders continued to look after the land until 2004, when it was handed over to Greenbelt Group. This is where the problems started. Since 04, they have not maintained the area to an acceptable standard and have increased charges. They have gone from a non-profit organisation to a full blown company. They send red letters and threats of court to non payers (myself included) but do not answer emails, letters etc. I have personally taken around 500 photos of this area since 04, which I've kept as evidence.
On any gven day, one can find litter, dumped rubbish (mattresses, fridges) uncut overgrown grass, dog mess. THe best bit is, the company charge US EXTRA for removal of dumped rubbish, when none of us are responsible for it!
I keep reading horror stories on the web from other affected homeowners. I have contacted Trading Standards, who aren't interested My local MP isn't that bothered either. I don't know who to turn to.
If I could get it removed from my deeds, I would do.
The reality however is very different - when we exchanged contracts, the solicitor told us that it was a public open space and would continue to be. He foresaw situations like fly-tipping, increased costs, lack of maintenance etc but by this time, our old house was sold and we'd moved out. He advised us to see how it panned out and if need be, form a residents group in the future to fight the company, should they decide to be a bit lax in their schedules.
The builders continued to look after the land until 2004, when it was handed over to Greenbelt Group. This is where the problems started. Since 04, they have not maintained the area to an acceptable standard and have increased charges. They have gone from a non-profit organisation to a full blown company. They send red letters and threats of court to non payers (myself included) but do not answer emails, letters etc. I have personally taken around 500 photos of this area since 04, which I've kept as evidence.
On any gven day, one can find litter, dumped rubbish (mattresses, fridges) uncut overgrown grass, dog mess. THe best bit is, the company charge US EXTRA for removal of dumped rubbish, when none of us are responsible for it!
I keep reading horror stories on the web from other affected homeowners. I have contacted Trading Standards, who aren't interested My local MP isn't that bothered either. I don't know who to turn to.
If I could get it removed from my deeds, I would do.
0
Comments
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I think you would be better advised to contact the action group against this company
http://www.spanglefish.com/GreenbeltGroupAction/"The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts."
Bertrand Russell. British author, mathematician, & philosopher (1872 - 1970)0 -
I am in constant communication with that site. I was wondering if anyone on this fourm had experiences and what they'd done about it.0
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