SOUTHDOWN FARM BUILDING EXTENSIONS.

 

6^th April, 2003.

 

 

As you are aware the Owners' and Residents' Directory for Southdown Farm contains a section outlining the process that needs to be followed when an extension to a property is being contemplated. With any extensions it is necessary that approval of the plans must be obtained from both the immediate neighbours and the Board of Directors. The Board has always considered the interests of other shareholders when a proposal is presented as the land within Southdown Farm is leasehold with each owner having an equal share.

 

The Board now believes that the timing is appropriate to solicit some immediate feedback from all owners to find out what their thoughts are to the further development of individual units. The Board's view is that limited building, in keeping with the architecture and style of Southdown Farm, should still be considered and permitted on a case-by-case basis. The Board also intends to tighten up the approval process so that it pays closer attention to: 

 

1. Environmental impact - well water, cesspits, open space, traffic, noise, erosion  
2. Feedback from neighbours - proximity to buildings, topography, effect on skyline, parking, tank water 
3. Residential 2 Planning statement and regulations
4. Type of extension - does it change the size of the building footprint or does it just entail enclosing a porch/utility area
5. Extent of development already done on the Unit
6. The use of low maintenance materials
7. Approved building plans that change once construction commences

 

It is important to note that even if approval in principle is given by the Board for an extension, owners have the right to object through the normal planning channels.

 

As you can appreciate there are many pros and cons applicable to allowing further development of Units within the Farm; some of which have been alluded to earlier. This is an emotional topic with the proponents for further development reasoning that it upgrades and adds value to the units and to Southdown Farm itself whilst also giving some flexibility to owners to deal with their changing needs. Critics of further development feel that it favours some units more than others, puts additional pressures on the environment and general surrounds and reduces the open space and 'rural ambience' that Southdown Farm is known for. 

 

In order to obtain Owners views on this subject the Board is asking that each Owner answers the following questions:    

 

(1) Should extensions continue to be allowed based on the seven considerations outlined above? YES      NO

  

(2) If you answered YES to question 1 do you believe that a building extension levy should be imposed on new owners by Southdown Farm based on square footage?  YES      NO.

 

(3) Should there be a minimum period of time before a new owner can apply for permission to build an extension? YES       NO. If YES then what period do you consider reasonable?  ________YEARS.

 

Please would you complete questions 1 to 3 as appropriate and use the bottom portion of the page to add any further comments. Please send your response (include your UNIT#__________) either via email or in paper form to any Board member prior to Monday 14th April. It is obviously imperative that we receive as many responses as possible to get a view that represents all owners and the Board will be guided by your feedback. 

 

Thank you.  

 

 

 

________________________________

Andrew Holbrow 

For and on behalf of Southdown Farm Board of Directors.