Frequently asked questions

What roads are covered by Area K+?

The area covered is shown on the map.

Why do we have a service charge?

During the planning process, the builders of Area K+ (Bovis, Barratt and Kings Oak) agreed with Winchester City Council that Area K would be handed over to Management Companies once the building work and landscaping were complete. This made it cheaper for the builder, and saves WCC money year on year as they do not have to maintain Area K.

Who are the management companies?

There are two: Area K is managed by Countrywide Property Management. The Plus area is managed by Solitaire Property Management Ltd.

What does the service charge cover?

In Area K, that covered by Countrywide, the service charge covers the cost of the provision and administration of the following:

• Communal lights for car parks and walkways
• Maintenance of 7 equipped Play Parks
• Rubbish bin emptying every 2 weeks
• Grass cutting every 2 weeks during Summer months
• Ongoing landscaping
• Weeding to an ad hoc schedule
• Fence repairs
• Maintenance of the Communal garage areas, e.g. killing the weeds in the block paved areas and maintaining drain covers:
• Maintenance on the sewage pumping station
• Insurance and accountancy

In the 'plus' area, that covered by Solitaire, the service charge covers the cost of the provision and administration of the following

• 1-21 Acanthus Court and 20-32 Bluebell Ways (evens)
• Maintenance of the grass areas in both of the play areas and shrub beds in Acanthus Court
• Maintenance of the two play areas in Acanthus Court and Jasmine Court
• Electricity for the bollard lighting in Acanthus Court
• mployers Liability of £10,000,000 and Property Owners’ Liability of £10,000,000.

The fee reflects the time that is taken managing the development by attending site, negotiating with contractors to provide the necessary services, corresponding with homeowners with regard to any outstanding issues or the maintenance of the development generally, invoicing as required in accordance with the terms of the Transfer Document and providing all necessary accounting information.

What is the ARK+ Residents' Association doing to help?

The Residents’ Association is staffed by volunteers who use their free time to represent you, the Residents. We are working on behalf of all Residents of ‘Area K Plus’ to ensure that the Management Company offers a fairly priced service and frequently maintains the defined areas of responsibility. We are representatives of local Residents who want to live in a tidy environment that is maintained to a high standard. On a regular basis, we walk the estate and identify any issues/problems and raise them with the Management Company. We liaise with the local Police on security and anti-social behaviour problems. We also work closely with Whiteley Parish Council.

What happens if I don't pay my service charge?

The service Charge is stated within your Transfer Plan (TP1) from HM Land Registry and should have been highlighted to you by your Solicitor during the conveyance process when you purchased your property. You will need to pay eventually, as you will be unable to complete the sale of your house until the amount you owe has been paid. In the meantime you will be charged interest on the outstanding balance at a rate of current base rate plus 4% while the fees remain unpaid.

As we pay a service charge in Area K+, do we get a reduction in Council Tax?

Unfortunately, no!

Why should I join?

The more members the Association has, the more influence we can have when dealing with the management companies. For example, when 66% of eligible households have signed up, we can even change management companies if we are dissatisfied with their services or fees.

Do I have to pay to join?

No -- currently you don't have to pay a thing. The Association has received a small grant from the parish council which will cover the initial cost of cost of publicity for recruting new members, this website, hire charges for halls for meetings and so on. However, there is provision in the constitution for a membership fee to be levied, should the need arise in the future, following acceptance at an AGM. It is unlikely to be more than about £2 a year.

If I join, do I have do anything?

If you don't want to, you do not have to do a thing! However if you do want to get involved there will be plenty of opportunity for you to do so.

What has ARK+ achieved so far?

In the few months since our formation, we have achieved a lot:

• We applied for and received a grant from Whiteley Parish Council
• We have the website up and running
• One sixth of eligible households have joined
• We've established a good relationship with Countrywide and have accompanied them on walks around the area to identify problems and issues
• We've received a verbal agreement that the Countrywide service charge will not be increased next year
• We've established communications with Solitaire and we're working with them to reduce the management charge element of their service charges

You've convinced me -- joining is in my interest! How do I join?

Simply complete a membership form and send to the chairperson whose address is on the form.

How can I find out more?

Use the contact form to get in touch with the committee or write to the chairperson at 52 Thyme Avenue, Whiteley, PO15 7GE.