RVRA

Keeping You Informed

October News 2007

October 2007

 

31st October 2007

 

For further information on the Rowner Renewal Programme please click here.

 

29th October 2007

 

We would like to remind residents that ‘Christmas In The Square’ will take place on Monday 10th December 2008.  Please come along and support your community.

 

26th October 2007

 

The Decision of the Lands Tribunal is now available.  This decision was due to the Appeal made by Labyrinth Properties Ltd on behalf of the Landlord, on the LVT decision 2005.  To download your copy, click here.

 

In attendance were Mr Michael Baker-Harber of Rowner Estates Ltd, Mr Nick Faulkner of Labyrinth Properties Ltd and Mr Charles Dawson of Dawson and Associates.

 

Unfortunately for residents this means that the calculation for the Service Charges may go up.  Prior to the 2005 LVT Decision residents were paying 0.3457% for a 3 bedroom and .2987% for a 2 bedroom, (95%) of the Global Service Charge.  This was reduced at LVT to 0.3138% for a 3 bedroom and 0.2711% for a 2 bedroom apartment (86.3%) with the Landlord paying 13.7%.  Due to the Lands Tribunal Decision the due proportion may go up to 0.3451% and 0.2982% respectively (this to be confirmed).  We await to hear if this calculation will be backdated to 2003.

 

It would appear that at the hearing, held on 26th September 2007 at Southampton Combined Court Centre, there was no legal representation made to oppose the Appeal on behalf of the residents.

 

25th October 2007

 

Residents should all now have received their correspondence from Labyrinth Properties Ltd confirming our report that they were to consult with the Rowner Renewal Partnership with regards to the 2008 Service Charge (11th October 2007).

 

LPL and the RRP will set the 2008 Service Charge in accordance with the Johnson Report and the LVT rulings for the day to day running of the Village.  This will, hopefully, show a dramatic reduction in the Service Charge Demand compared to previous years.

 

LPL request that residents contact the Property Manager, Alex Shute if you have any queries, alternatively RVRA are more than happy to pass on any queries on your behalf.

 

18th October 2007

 

RVRA would like to remind residents that the “Neighbourhood Workshops” begin next Wednesday & Thursday.  Residents are urged to attend to enable them to become involved in the Regeneration Programme and which will also explain more about what is going on.  Further information can be found below.

 

12th October 2007

 

Many residents will now have noticed the shameful and sorry mess of the “pruning” of the trees in the Darwin Way/Raleigh Walk/Livingstone Court area.  Unfortunately this was undertaken by the members of the “Group” who call themselves the VRA.

 

We have received many complaints regarding this issue which included the many Health & Safety issues but unfortunately by the time they were stopped by the PCSO, four healthy trees were decimated, one an extremely pretty blossom tree, we think called a Bird Cherry Blossom Tree.  This does nothing for the “Community Spirit” of the estate claimed to be “second to none” by members of the VRA.

 

Having made enquiries we found that Suzan and the VRA have no authority to do anything.

 

With regards to yesterday’s situation regarding the Grange car park we find that Suzan was not acting as the Landlord’s agent and in fact the Landlord had suggested that the Consortium use the Grange car park.

 

The Landlord is “appalled” by Suzan’s behaviour.

 

This is now the second day in a row that Ms Veale has caused a scene which required the involvement of the local Constabulary and associates claiming she was acting as the Landlord’s agent and with his permission.

 

12th October 2007

 

Yesterday as you all know was the official Launch of the Rowner Regeneration Project at the ‘Youthie’ near Siskin School.  In attendance were the Mayor of Gosport and members of the Consortium.  It was a complete success - eventually!

 

Unfortunately there was a rather messy scene at the entrance to Grange/Hillary car park prior to the Launch.  Ms Veale who claimed to be acting as the Village Resident’s Association Chairperson, blocked off the entrance/access to Hillary/Grange car park.

 

It is alleged by her that this was undertaken to alleviate “fly-tipping”!!!!!! And that she (Ms Veale) was acting as the Landlord’s Agent (Mr Baker-Harber and/or others).  We asked why has it taken 18 years to take action against fly-tippers?

 

When confronted by members of the RVRA and Hampshire Police, Ms Veale had refused entry/access to many of the members of the Rowner Regeneration Consortium using the on site Security that all residents contribute to.

 

The RVRA members were informed at the scene that Ms Veale was not refusing entry/access to parents who will be picking up their children from school, customers of the Community Centre, deliveries to the Commercial Units or patrons of the local Public House.  We then enquired as to exactly who she was refusing entry to?  Ms Veale declined to answer.  Whilst in attendance only members of the Consortium -  PHA and the alike were refused, although Ms Veale had complaints including RVRA, residents and the Landlady of The Grange Public House.

 

Residents are now wondering if Ms Veale and her “Group” will be blocking entry/access to the car park every day or was it just on the day of the Rowner Regeneration Launch?  So far today and to our knowledge, no one has blocked off the car park, we are all left wondering why?  Do fly-tippers only come on Thursday 11th October 2007?  In fact this has been the only day before and since.

 

12th October 2007

 

RVRA would also like to bring to the attention of residents that Cliff the cleaner’s car was attacked on Thursday 11th October 2007.  This happened in the Darwin Way car park and seemed to be the only vehicle targeted.  He seems to be the only one receiving “anonymous “ mail on his vehicle and “anonymous “ telephone calls at home.  This has been reported to the Police and Labyrinth Properties Ltd.  If residents find any damage to their vehicles and/or anonymous mail, please contact Security and/or us and we will pass this information on.

 

 

11th October 2007

 

RVRA would like to inform residents that as a group, we emailed the Chairman of the VRA on 13th September 2007 to enquire as to when the VRA intend to hold an A.G.M.  We have (until today) had no reply.

 

Whilst speaking with the Chairperson today, we were informed that not only have the VRA held their A.G.M. but most residents that we have spoken to i.e. members of the previous VRA Committee and their members, had not been invited, only VRA Members.

 

The VRA Chairperson also informed us that she has been carrying out instructions set out by the Freeholder and that she is officially his ‘agent’.  We have informed her that she would be required to choose which role she played as the “Landlord, his agent or his employees cannot join or hold any position on a Residents Association.  This was dismissed by her.

 

Anyone wishing to set up a new Residents Association or Group should do so and if help is required we are sure that the RVRA Team Members and members of the previous VRA Committee will be more than happy to help.  Please contact us for further information.

 

11th October 2007

 

RVRA have been informed that in relation to the 2008 Budget, the Rowner Regeneration Group and Labyrinth Properties Ltd will be constructing a Budget together which will reflect the impending redevelopment.  This is expected within the next 2-3 weeks.

 

11th October 2007

 

RVRA would like to thank Mr Vic Burt (Chairman of the VRA until September 2006) and Mrs Sandra Burt for their continued support of the Village, for their valued opinions and comments as laid out in The News on 8th October 2007.

 

11th October 2007

 

Today was the launch of the Rowner Regeneration Project held in the Youthie by Siskin School.  Members of the Consortium were on hand to discuss with residents their views on the Project and hand out any relevant literature.

 

The Community Planning Process is as follows:

 

NEIGHBOURHOOD WORKSHOPS

 

Wednesday 24th October 2007, 6.30pm — 8.30pm

St Mary’s Church, 74 Rowner Lane, Rowner

 

And

 

Thursday 25th October 2007, 6.30pm — 8.30pm

Rowner Youth Centre ‘The Youthie’ Nimrod Drive, Rowner

 

‘BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER’ WEEKEND

 

Friday 23 November 2007, 2.00pm—6.00pm

Rowner Youth Centre ‘The Youthie’, Nimrod Drive, Rowner

 

And

 

Saturday 24 November 2007, 11.00am—4.00pm

The Nimrod Community Centre, Nimrod Drive, Rowner

 

REPORT BACK PRESENTATION

 

Tuesday 4th December 2007, 6.30pm—8.30pm

Venue to be confirmed

 

 

To see a Power Point Presentation that was given by the Rowner Renewal Team  please click here

 

 

8th October 2007

 

 

YOUR ENTITLEMENT TO HOME LOSS AND DISTURBANCE PAYMENTS

 

The information below outlines the payments you may be entitled to if you are requested to move as a result of the redevelopment of your home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HOME LOSS PAYMENTS

 

Owner Occupier: 10% of market value of the home, subject to minimum of £4,400 and maximum of £44,000

 

Assured Tenant:  £4,400

 

Assured Shorthold Tenant Or Licencee:  No home loss payment

 

DISTURBANCE PAYMENTS

 

Disturbance costs will generally include, depending on status above:

 

· Legal Costs of sale of the home e.g. conveyancing, Stamp Duty

· Removal Costs (cost of removal firm or hire of van)

· Disconnection and reconnection of services e.g. electricity

· Disconnection and reconnection of domestic appliances

· Disconnection and reconnection of telephone and one extension

· Costs of altering existing or purchasing new carpets and curtains (and refitting/adaptation of rails, blinds).  You will not be entitled to a disturbance payment for carpets and curtains if:

             a.  There are new or good condition floor coverings and curtains in the new

            property.

             b.  The carpets and curtains in the old property can be adapted to fit the new

            property.

· Redirection of mail for up to a year

· TV aerial disconnection and reconnection (and satellite dish if attachment to the new property is possible)

· Refitting security alarms or other security equipment

· Refitting of other fixtures and fittings

· Disabled adaptations where approved

· New school uniform if change of school is necessary

· Other expenses as considered appropriate

 

Only one home loss and/or disturbance payment will be made per property

 

 

 

5th October 2007

 

Residents should now have received their correspondence from Portsmouth Housing Association and the Rowner Renewal Consortium.  To make an appointment to begin initial discussions call Freephone 0800 008 7776 to make an appointment.  They are available from Monday - Thursday 09.00 - 17.00, Friday 09.00-16.30 and Saturday 09.00 - 12.00.

 

4th October 2007

 

 

RVRA would like to announce that last night at Gosport Borough Council a meeting was held to discuss the Regeneration Project of Rowner.  The Project was unanimously approved by Councillors.

 

Residents, not just within the Village, will receive letters today to inform them of what will and what will not be happening and giving some general advice.

 

We are led to believe that two members of the VRA made representation in opposition to the Project but the Project was strongly endorsed.

 

Anyone wishing to have their details passed on to the Consortium to begin discussions can contact RVRA on 07906 362744 or via our emails on our contacts page.