The Willowhayne Estate at East Preston
History of the WillowhayneThe estate started in 1930 when a private company was set up to buy land and develop an area for private homes.
When the company sold its houses it insisted on the signing of legal covenants. These covered the approval of building plans and alterations, a ban on any trade or business run from home – with the exception of some professions – and a ban on the keeping of farm animals.
The covenants also covered the maintenance of building lines and a 'catch all' covenant to stop nuisance to neighbours. Most of these covenants still exist and are part of the legal documents and deeds that continue to apply to residents today. The covenants have recently been upheld in legal proceedings, giving the estate and its residents the confidence that the safeguards to the estate as originally intended, continue to protect the nature of the estate to this day.
In the beginning, each owner had to pay a rate – about a shilling per foot based on the size of the property at the front to cover maintenance but as time went on this did not raise enough money. Consequently what we now know as the Willowhayne Residents' Association was a formed in 1973 to raise money through charges and to give residents a greater say in the running of the estate. Originally The Roystons and The Ridings had their own residents' associations but merged with the Willowhayne in 1983. The property company itself was wound up in 1998 and total responsibility was handed over to the Residents' Association.
Responsibilities of the Residents' Association
To make sure communal areas are properly maintained. These include verges, various lawns, the entrance gates, roads, signs, road markings and the Greensward – the area of lawn abutting the beach.
To maintain all existing covenants.
To collect the annual subscriptions.
To provide a budget and annual accounts.
The Board of Directors
The Board runs the Willowhayne Residents' Association. Election to it is open to all paid up members provided they are nominated by another member. Elections are held at the AGM, usually held in the summer. Each director retires after three years but can be re-elected for another three year term. After serving on the board for six years directors have to step down. When this happens, a director is eligible to apply for re-election after a period of one year.
Finance and Charges
There are 389 properties on the estate who all pay an annual charge. Other charges can be levied when planning permission for alterations is given.
The roads are – Angmering Lane, Tamarisk Way, Myrtle Grove, Michel Grove, Selbourne Way, Madehurst Close, Kithurst Clse, The Ridings, West Ridings, West Meads, Selhurst Close, The Oaks, Springfield Close, The Roystons, Cross Road, Fosters Close, fosters, Pigeon Lane (east side odd numbers) Manor Cottage Station Road.
Planning
There are strict rules concerning what you can build and what you cannot build on the estate – which do not necessarily coincide with what Arun District Council gives permission for. Having said that, the Planning Committee is sympathetic to people who want to change their homes provided it is in keeping with the estate and does not impinge on neighbours.
Security
If there is any crime – for example vandalism at your property – it is essential to report this to Sussex police. You can do this via their non emergency number at 0845 6070999. During the day this is often very busy. The alternative is to use their website to report online. To do this go to www.sussex.police.uk. Move the cursor on the left hand side to “Contact Sussex police”. Scroll down to “contact us via our online form” and fill in. Their fax number is 01273 404274 You will receive a crime number or a reference number. Please pass either one on to Hobdens.
courtesy of https://www.willowhayne.org/ Rita Tasker, Hobdens Property Management Ltd company secretary – Willowhayne Residents' Association Ltd, (WRA) 41a beach Rd, Littlehampton BN17 5JA 01903 724040