Since 1985 the Mutual Covenantors and their successors in title have elected an Estate Committee.
This Committee has those powers and duties conferred and imposed on them by the Deed of Mutual Covenants.
The Estate Committee has engaged in litigation on only three occasions: Lakeman v Moat (1911), Price v Bouch (1986) and Cairns and Moore (2023). The Estate Committee succeeded in these cases. Copies of these judgments are available on request to the Estate Committee.
Current Committee
The Estate Committee is a group of resident volunteers elected by homeowners of The Painshawfield, Batt House and Birches Nook Estate to uphold and administer the Deed of Mutual Covenants.
The Committee meets monthly to:
- Respond to resident enquiries
- Consider planning and development applications
- Oversee common land maintenance
- Visit properties where works are pending approval or sign-off
The Committee is supported by a part-time, non-voting Secretary.
To fund this work, an annual subscription of £60 per household is requested.
Estate Annual Payment
Current Members
- Jen Adams
- David Elliott (Treasurer)
- Helen Rae (Chairperson)
- Tobias Zimmermann
- Brian McGurk
- Maryanne Spoor
- Philip Moore
- Chris Smedley
- Dave Pern
- Neil Chambers
- Secretary (non-voting): Judy Allen
Our Role and Powers
Under Clause 14 of the Deed of Mutual Covenants, the Estate Committee has authority to:
- Enforce established building lines across the Estate
- Review and approve plans for any new dwelling or building
No new building may be erected without Committee approval.
Planning and Development Criteria
All applications are considered on their merits, with particular regard to protecting the character and amenity of the Estate.
Key Principles
- Housing density must not exceed the established level
- The minimum plot size is one-third of an acre
- Minimum plot frontage: 33 metres
- Clear separation distances must be maintained from boundaries
- Designs and materials must harmonise with surrounding properties
- Natural, durable materials are preferred
Established building lines (set in 1896) apply across the Estate, with defined setbacks depending on road location. In any new development, including new highways, the minimum building line is 15.2 metres.
Through these powers and criteria, the Committee ensures that development respects the founding vision of a spacious, low-density and carefully managed estate.