Steve Bosson and Russell Parkins (of Thundridge and High Cross Parish Council) met with Jim Nicol
and Malcolm Nicholls (David Wilson Homes). Meeting minutes from 15 March 2016.
North Drive drainage connection: Expected end September 2015. Redesigned due to clashes with
other services. Latest news was that the first half (to be installed with Water diversion) was
described as ‘imminent’ as at 08 Feb 2016 – however, no progress at date of meeting. No news on
the second half (gas pipe diversion) or progress on the Church owned ‘ditch’ area.
When progress , need to re-confirmation all parts agreed to be addressed: (bringing the main
drainage pipe across, putting in the secondary diversion pipe and blocking off the existing drain
under the houses and ‘sculpting’ North Drive to ensure proper surface drainage).
Update 15/3/16………………
The first half (water pipe diversion) should happen in the next few weeks. Timing on the gas pipe
conversion is not yet known. Permission to build on the church owned land is still yet to be
approved, but undergrowth clearance has been completed. During the meeting, it was again agreed
that all of the above (main pipe, diversion pipe with blockage of old pipe and the road sculpting all
remain in scope).
POST MEETING NOTE: A new tentative date has been set for this first part of the work for the week
of 3-6 May.
Potholes caused by trench across North Drive: Regular reminders and commitments reported 31
January will be done without delay 08 February and again 29 February. This action was never
completed by DW Homes, but repaired by the Council instead. Refilling is already needed.
Update 15/3/16………………
Buxted will be asked to do this ASAP.
Out of hours complaints made: 04 October, 14 October, 13 November, 14 December, 29 February.
Hours are 07:30-18:30 and 07:30-13:00. End of February was especially blatant (18:00 on Saturday +
from 07:30 on Sunday all day). Then they worked again the following week end (both days) –
(apparently with permission from EHDC). Post meeting note work continued until around 4PM on
Saturday 12th March which I reported to EHDC on their noise disturbance line. This was extremely
noisy including the use of mechanical tools cutting paving stones for patio slabs, diggers, truck,
scaffolds etc..
Update 15/3/16………………
Jim agreed that future working would be restricted to approved hours.
Rats problem reported November. Action promised by DW Homes in November, then January.
Rentokil engaged for quote in February, still waiting.
Update 15/3/16………………
Rentokil should contact Steve Bosson this week to coordinate with impacted residents.
POST MEETING UPDATE: No contact made as of 27 March.
Regular newsletter promised September. One delivered in October. An invite issued to visit show
homes when they were ready. Nothing further.
Update 15/3/16………………
A further newsletter is expected in the near future.
On site visit for impacted residents promised for virtually every month from October through
February. No progress and now many of the fences are already in place so can no longer be
influenced. Serious concerns from residents in High Road and North Drive regarding fence levels on
elevated plots + concern over soil piled up against a High Road residents fence.
Update 15/3/16………………
DW Homes have now declined to proceed with this.
Assurances were provided that, where there are higher ground levels on the site, the 1800MM high
fences would be installed at the highest boundary point on the development side in order to offer
the maximum screening effect.
Regular meetings have stopped. E-mail and text communications are no longer replied to (despite
escalation) within DW Homes.
Update 15/3/16………………
Malcolm agreed to meet on a monthly basis moving forward. Next proposed meeting is set for
Friday 15th April.
Other issues to be discussed if meetings were to resume –
Boundary treatments for areas of high overlook and along North Drive,
Update 15/3/16……………… No further work will be undertaken on the ransom strip area. Malcolm
will contact Michael George regarding the formal transfer of the ransom strip ownership to the PCC.
Tree pruning issues
Update 15/3/16………………
Malcolm to follow up with the tree owner.
Plastic wrapping adorning trees around High Cross
Update 15/3/16………………
Malcolm requested to have the plastic renewed.
Dangerous parking of the road sweeper:
Update 15/3/16………………
Malcolm requested to follow up.
Additional item discussed – from Tuesday 8/03
Large lorries using Lime Cottages right of way, driven over domestic brick driveway of Magnolia
Cottage (see attached). Reported to Malcolm Nichols by voicemail. Cannot leave message for Steve
Osborn – mailbox full.
Update 15/3/16………………
Malcolm: This was a one off. The entrance would be closed to vehicles in the near future.