RULES ABOUT HOUSE ALTERATIONS
Contents:
Maisemore Gardens
offers a remarkable combination of features: a real
community, a stunning coastal location and interesting
properties that offer modern, spacious accommodation.
Over time the
original design elements of the estate have been diluted and
the challenge now is to regain a more unified appearance.
The COM believe that this is essential to maintain the
structure of the estate, and should be supported vigorously.
This document has
been produced to inform and encouraged residents to maintain
and improve their properties in keeping with the original
design ethos and terms of the lease.
A collegiate and
collaborative approach will create an atmosphere where
making the right choices in window, doors, paint colours and
glazing etc. will be a benefit to the whe community,
maintaining and increasing the value of the proper
To achieve the
objective of maintaining the overall standardised design of
the properties, it is necessary to establish what is
recognised as the ‘original’ design, and what is acceptable
as a modern equivalent based on sustainability, safety and
modern design practice.
2.1 Windows
1. The original windows
were minimalist sliding or fixed panes within a wooden
framework. This design has now been superceded by the use of
modern uPVC frames holding hinged double glazed panes.
2. First floor windows
should be of identical size and function, have minimal
framing and large panes as shown below.
3. Ground
floor windows vary depending on the type of house.
Houses with a large
window to the right of the porch should follow the basic
design shown below left, a centrally divided upper section
and a lower section below the glazing bar which can be
glazed or panelled in white for security.
Houses with smaller
windows to either side of the door should follow the line of
the standard door whereby the base of the window is level
with the top of the door glazing bar.
2.2 Fascia Boards
Fascia boards were
originally of plain render. When required these should be
replaced with white plastic panels, running horizontally,
approximately 6” deep, as shown below.
2.3 Tiles
The original hung
tiles must be retained in the appropriate colour for each
terrace, as shown below.
2.4 Front Door
All properties were
originally built with front doors of one design. These were
plain glazed, with a structural cross bar at a specific
height and the option of replacing the lower panel with a
plain white blanking sheet.
The modern replacement should retain the basic design as
shown right. Modern materials such as white uPVC
are acceptable,
glazing can be plain or translucent but
any
pattern in the glass should be subtle.
2.5
Porch
Where porches are
present they contain one pane with a glazing bar at the
standard height the standard door always to the right as
shown below left. The original wood construction can be
replaced with white uPVC structures with plain or
translucent glazing, the lower panel can be replaced with a
plain white panel for security.
Some
properties have internal porches whereby the door is central
with windows either side. These have a glazing bar running
across the windows as a continuation of the door bar, see
below right. All designs should be appropriate for the
property type within the terrace in which the property is
located.
2.6 Garage Doors
Garage doors were
originally panelled and glazed at the top. Many of these
have been replaced with a variety of up and over designs and
more recently with roller doors. It is recognised that a
design standard does not exist. A minimalist approach will
be supported that follows the majority of designs within a
terrace and retains the standard colour for the terrace.
A
colour guide
is
available on the Maisemore Gardens website.
Changes to these
standard colours can only be made when all the owners in a
terrace agree to
implementing the change.
2.7 Roofs
A consistent
roofline should be maintained along a complete terrace. This
retains the original minimalist look of the buildings and
avoids potential drainage problems caused by changes in roof
level.
2.8 Gutters and
downpipes
The original flat
roof design includes hidden gutters, set back from the roof
edge, that fed rain water into internal down pipes which
were linked into the estate’s drainage system. These should
be retained. New roofing felt must not reduce the size of
the openings into the original downpipes.
Where the efficiency of this system has decreased over the years, the installation of external hopper and downpipes connected to the estate’s surface water system is an accepted practice. Not every house will need this and a excess of the number of external downpipes is discouraged. (They only replace the internal down pipe).
Installation of
external gutters at the front of houses is not acceptable.
2.9 Structural
internal changes
The COM must be
informed of any planned structural modifications to the
internal framework and party walls of a property. This is to
ensure that any potential impact on a neighbouring property
(including party wall implications) is understood and that
the integrity of the building is not compromised.
2.10 Other
equipment (solar panels, aerials...)
Any equipment
attached to the house (including the roof) visible from the
road has an impact on the estate’s overall appearance. Such
equipment should be placed as far back from the road as
practical to minimise the visual impact.
2.11 Front
Gardens and Drives
The original design
was to provide an open and undivided vista throughout the
whole estate, uninterrupted by any object or structure. This
included cars, caravans (motorised or not), boats, sheds,
wheelie bins etc. As the majority of cars have increased in
size, the COM accepts that it is preferable to keep cars on
a drive rather than the highway.
Proposed changes to
the layout of driveways must also be submitted for
consideration by the COM. Emphasis will be given to
maintaining as much garden area as is practical, drainage
requirements, and the design and materials choices.
Materials should be in keeping with the original design and
colours; tarmac and large areas of block paving are
discouraged.
2.12 Rear Gardens
Rear gardens are the
only area within the estate where the addition of buildings
or extensions may be considered. Approval by the COM and
where appropriate, Havant Council Planning, is required.
Where replacement fencing is planned, approval from
neighbours should be sought.
3. Procedure and
Process for Alterations
The Design Protocol
and these notes on Procedure have been complied to provide
house owners and the COM with a structured process to ensure
that the conditions of the lease are met when alterations
are carried out.
The lease conditions are in place to:
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Ensure that any change or addition to a dwelling does not or may not cause any nuisance, annoyance or inconvenience to any member.
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That the overall uniform façade of the estate is maintained, as far as is
-
practical, as was originally designed.
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3.1 Notification
Any planned change to
areas of a property described in the Design Protocol must be
notified to the COM in writing for approval. It is strongly
suggested that approval is sought before any funds, or timings
are committed to.
The documentation should
include a description of the proposed changes together with
outline drawings.
Materials and fittings
should be specified in detail.
Where the changes, or
installation of the changes, may have an impact on any neighbour
or member, the documentation should include written acceptance
from such households.
On receipt of the
documents, the COM will log the planned changes and review the
proposal. Where necessary a visit to examine and discuss the
implications of the change will be arranged. Each proposed
change will be identified and recorded by application date,
house number and brief description.
When the COM are
satisfied that the conditions of the lease are being maintained,
the proposer will be notified in writing. This response may
include caveats that need to be addressed. This may include an
appraisal to ensure all potentially impacted members have been
notified and written approval obtained. If deemed necessary, the
works may be visited to ensure that they have been
satisfactorily addressed.
This application process
will be managed by the COM in a short a time as possible. If the
change is recognised as following the Design Protocol, the
request can usually be turned round within a week. Should the
application need a committee meeting to resolve any issues, it
will be discussed at the next COM meeting. These are scheduled
to be in an eight week period.
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