Christmas 2021 Newsletter

Hi Everyone

As Christmas approaches, we thought it would be a good idea to update you on some of the changes that have happened on the Estate and the OWRA Board and to briefly outline our plans for 2022.

OWRA management

After several years sterling service, Adrian Wise (Chairman) decided to stand down.  Whilst rebuilding the team, we took the opportunity to change the management team structure by splitting the Infrastructure role into 2 roles a) Drains and roads and b) Gates and security.  We also added a Communications position as we felt that the web site and general communications needed updating.  We have therefore been on a recruitment drive and now have all the positions filled.  The organisation chart below shows the new structure and who is in each role.  You will also see that, where possible, we have someone to assist with some of the roles in times of absence etc.

3-Year Plan

With the new team in place, we have started work on a 3-year plan.  We have several longer-term projects for roads, drains and security.   We aim to present the 3-year plan (activities and relevant finances) at the 2022 AGM.

Security and gates (David Morris)

There have been numerous questions as to how the OWRA can improve security / control access on the estate.  Especially in light of the increased numbers of local burglaries and other estates installing Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), CCTV or roaming security vehicles.  We are very aware that this is a subject that polarises opinion and therefore our first objective is to understand the views of the majority of residents.  To this end, we are working on a document to explain the options and their relative pros and cons and a questionnaire to understand how you would like us to move forwards.  Our aim is to have the results of the questionnaire ready for the AGM.  Please make sure to participate.

Drains and Roads (Paul Vasili)

The estate has 2 drainage systems.  1. The Thames Water storm drain system and 2. Estate owned soak aways.  Over the last few years there have been a number of problem areas and in general these have been tackled by updating the soak aways which have become silted up.  In order to make sure that we can maximise the use of the Thames Water system and that new soak aways will be effective, we are going to conduct a full CCTV survey of both systems.  Once this is complete it will underpin the drainage plan for the next few years, and obviously we need to tackle any major drain works before any major road resurfacing.

We have held back on resurfacing the Stoke Road end of Mizen Way until the development at 8 Mizen Way is completed.  We have also postponed resurfacing around the triangle at the Stoke Road end of Oxshott Way until 2022.  This year, the main road improvements have been on fixing a few potholes and damaged road surfaces.  In the 3-year plan we aim to detail how the roads will be resurfaced, when this is needed, with an idea on costs and the affect this will have on our reserves.

Planning (Nick Murray)

Planning has always been the most contentious issue the OWRA team have to deal with.  We feel that the current guidelines (Resident and Developer) are out of date, too complicated and in places unenforceable.  We are currently working on a new set of guidelines and these will be completed before the 2022 AGM where they will need to be voted upon.

Trees and Verges (Tiggy Walker)

2021 has seen our estate trees continue to flourish and bring great pleasure to all of us who live on the estate, as well as our guests and visitors plus the general public who use our estate for their own enjoyment. From the spring with our flowering trees, daffodils, and tulips through to autumn where the beautiful oranges, reds, and yellows adorn many of our deciduous species, the estate always has something to offer!

As with any tree management though we do lose some of our trees to disease and old age. However, our continued investment in the estate has seen 14 new saplings be planted this autumn. If you have a new sapling planted on your verge then please do regularly water the tree to give it the best possible chance to establish a strong root system.

This year has been David's 9th and final year looking after the trees of the estate. He hands over the custodianship of our trees to Tiggy Walker who with her keen interest in horticulture will do a great job!

Communications (Verity Peatfield)

Last month we added a Communications role to the OWRA management team. This position will initially focus on our website to update the content and improve the quality of the information presented there. In addition, it will include formulating and circulating (in various formats) a quarterly newsletter as well as ad hoc communications when necessary.

Finances (Rebecca Mayhew)

Our outlook for 2021 is a £26k overspend on the budget, which we will fund from reserves which stand at £411k.  This overspend has been driven by higher than expected costs on both drains and road repairs.  Going into 2022 our aim is to improve our budgeting process and in line with the 3-year plan to have a clearer view on both current and future year expenditure.  Our reserves, whilst very healthy, will be needed for the longer-term maintenance and repair of the Estate infrastructure.

We wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year

The OWRA Team