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UPDATES ON YOUR COMMUNITY
The following issues are things currently being raised or looked into as per meeting votes. This website aims to be updated at the end of every month but please note it is run by volunteers who are already giving time actioning necessary responsibilities for the estate.
If you have an issue that needs to be raised, please get in touch via the contact form on this website or
by emailing elizabethgardenshallroad@gmail.com so the issue can be put forward at the next resident meeting.
Date last updated – 23rd August 2026
DIRECTORSHIP
At the 5th February 2026 EGM, 7 directors were voted in, and as of April 2026 your 6 newly appointed Directors were made official. You can find out more about us by visiting the ‘Meet the Directors’ page.
Please bear with us as we settle into our roles, but be rest assured, we aren’t sitting idle. Here are our top priorities we are focusing on:
POD MAINTENANCE CHARGES & PROCESSES
We understand this is a huge sticking point for residents and how important it is. That is why we are prioritising looking into the estate’s finances, what has been spent previously, what budgets are in place, and how POD are handling things through their processes, contracts and items on invoices. This is a huge task that will take time but immediate actions have resulted in us arranging monthly meetings with POD to delve into details and to help steer.
We recently were involved in the 2027 budget, and were able to reduce POD’s initial budget proposal from a 9% increase to a 3% increase (in line with inflation). Everything we are looking at is in the hope to have healthy reserve funds and more streamlined budget spends and with the 2028 budget in mind.
LANDSCAPING & GARDENING
As part of us reviewing all contracts, we are focusing on Landscaping & Gardening. It takes up most of our budget and the hope is to have an updated maintenance schedule and SOW that reflects the actual needs of our community, that not only protects our wildlife and community, but also ensures we are getting what we pay for.
We have currently put out the estate contract to tender, and are building information for the next steps. We are also waiting on a review from Bellway, POD and CPC on the Western Park as a recent report highlighted incorrect plants had been planted among other disputes. Any corrections will not be at the cost to residents and we are watching the situation closely in case there is any backdating balancing that needs to happen.
HEALTH & SAFETY RISK REPORT
Every year a report is done around the estate to ensure different aspects are up-to-scratch, safe and fit for purpose. We have received this report and are currently reviewing and questioning POD’s recommendations. These items have currently built up an estimate for the 2027 budget, but we are ensuring we consider what is necessary, and weighing up removals, replacements and long-term solutions to be within the projected budget.
GATE SECURITY
We have taken the time to take several walks around the estate to review the current gates, how secure they are and if they are fit for purpose. This is after its became apparent usage of the Western Parks and estate pathways have been used and accessed by bikes and motorbikes, which will eventually effect maintenance costs for all residents.
LIGHTING
As we familiarised with lighting around the estate, we have begun questioning what we are paying for, as there seems to be an inconsistency with lighting on the adopted road, private roads, and the costs being charged to residents. While we cannot promise any outcome, we can promise we are thoroughly investigating and making sure things are as they should be, as well as us having the best processes in place for maintenance.
SCHOOL SITE
When the estate was built, the plans for a school site was proposed. It was then up to the council to make the decision if they want to build a school.
Due to local schools not being at capacity, and the expectation reducing, the council decided not to go ahead with a school build.
This now means the land has been passed back to Bellway, however we have been in talks with them and the council about what options are viable for the space that fits in with community goals, and of course maintenance and funding implications.
We hope to share information over the coming months, while obtaining resident’s views on their thoughts and wishes to help shape on how to proceed.
PATHWAYS
We had a major win last year where the pathways in the West park and the northern perimeter (including joining paths) were redone at the cost of Bellway. However we are continuing to monitor any paths that have not yet been handed over, and also to make sure that the recent work carried out meets expectations.
ROADS
It has recently come to our attention that the remaining roads have either been adopted, or they will be in due course. You might have noticed this from the speed signs that have gone up around the estate on the adopted roads. We are waiting for POD to confirm these details along with a timeframe.
BUS ROUTE
Once the roads have been adopted by the council, then the bus routes can be finalised along with this. We are waiting for an update from Essex County Council.
SWALES & DRAINS
Anglian Water adoption of the sewer system is still pending and we will be contacting Anglian Water to understand timings.
Elizabeth Gardens – Hall Road 