On Wed, 21 May 2008 14:57:33 GMT, Tony Bryer
wrote:

On Wed, 21 May 2008 13:19:20 +0100 Maris wrote :
http://www.propertyfinder.com/cgi-bi...o&id=502649078

Robert

Oh dear, Eric Lyons will be turning in his grave. His best know
development in partnership with Span was New Ash Green. So it's not
just the concrete monstrosities by the likes of the Smithsons in the
fifties that have problems :-(

There are similar houses near me (Fieldend, Teddington): my
grandfather's house was one of those knocked down to build the estate.
The thing that would really put me off is that when you buy such a
house you have to sign up for a whole load of rules.

From the rules of Span, Weybridge

"Most two-storey houses have a small area in front, which is part of
the estate grounds and not the owner’s property. Maintenance of these
areas is the responsibility of the contractor and no unauthorised
planting or sowing is permitted. In particular, the landscape design
for the estate specifies that these areas should be planted with
non-flowering shrubs and plants. Flowers and bulbs are not, therefore,
appropriate or permitted"

though

" as a result of a referendum held in 1990, the Society now permit the
replacement of wooden windows and doors by UPVC ones on the condition
that only authorised profiles, materials and colours are used. Failure
to use specified styles and materials could render the householder
liable for violation of the lease agreement leading to enforcement
action,"

http://www.weymede.co.uk/resident_so...fact_sheet.htm

It might suit some people, but not me.

I know those conditions sound draconian but these houses were designed
for a particular clientele, who were, of course, middle class and very
design conscious. I would have been even more draconian and allowed
only wooden windows! As for the planting I've always favoured
architectural planting as opposed to pretty flowers. It's like
comparing the Royal Crescent, bath (and the discipline of its
uniformity - the whole is greater than the sum of the parts) with
council blocks where the tenants have changed their uniform front
doors with 'Carolina' style Magnet (when they were still making
joinery) doors.
Maris