Warwickshire councillors move towards banning housing developers from charging residents for upkeep of open spaces

The practice sees residents often having to pay more and more each year for the privilege of having such areas on their development - even though those areas are open for all the public to enjoy.

The controversy was flagged up to Stratford District Council by those living on a new housing estate in Alcester and now councillors are ready to put an end to it.

At this week’s (November 9) cabinet meeting, councillors voted for a policy that would see the council take ownership of any public open space linked to a planning application if the town or parish council decide not to take up the option.

A report to the cabinet meeting explained: “Members will be aware of the concerns raised by many residents within these new developments relating to the ‘hidden’ charges levied by the private management companies appointed by the developers to maintain the POS [public open space]. Furthermore, the quality of the maintenance work carried out is often of concern to residents.”

And Cllr Chris Kettle (Con, Bishop’s Itchington), the community portfolio holder added there were cases around the country of residents being charged fees that increased each year.

He said: “It is a charge for which they cannot get out of and which they potentially have no control over.

“This [proposal] will mean that maintenance will either be managed by the parish council or the district council for the benefit of all.”

Cllr Ian Shenton (Con, Wootton Wawen) added: “In my opinion this is a really major step in eradicating these sometimes onerous levies colloquially known as ‘fleeceholds’ so I would definitely support this.”

Cll Susan Juned (Lib Dem, Alcester Town) asked: “I do welcome this but it does beg the question for areas like the Kinwarton Farm Road estate [in Alcester], who already have the arrangements in place, whether anything can be done for those developments already caught by this very, very unfair practice.”

While the proposal, which will go before full council next month, will benefit those moving onto housing developments still to be built, Cllr Kettle explained that the council’s legal team was looking into the existing problems to see if they too could benefit.