A highly-desirable estate in the Midlands with beautiful looking houses has retained such a status for one reason. It makes new residents read and comply to a 32-page handbook of stringent rules.
In this distinct Birmingham area, ownership of such sought-after homes was built on the legacy of the Calthorpe Estate, a historic site since 1717. Every homeowner is required to follow the detailed instructions laid out in the official Calthorpe Residents Handbook and pay an annual maintenance charge.
The handbook prohibits activities such as the display of laundry on Sundays, use of artificial grass, and prescribes a weed-free garden throughout the massive 640-hectare area, extending beyond Edgbaston into Harborne and Quinton. Visible bins are not allowed, and installing a satellite dish requires a formal request.
Principle Estate Management, which oversees the maintenance of more than 4,000 homes in the estate under a recently acquired property contract, appreciates these regulations. Brett Williams, joint managing director at Principle, cites the handbook as the key to preserving the area’s charm.
He says: “Back in the 18th century, there were large houses on tree-lined roads with horses stabled in coach houses, and large landscaped gardens next to fields and orchards. The careful stewardship of the Calthorpe Estate over the last 300 years means the area has retained the remarkable charm of earlier days.”, reports Birmingham Live.
“It is now one of Birmingham’s most desirable areas to live, with an attractive mix of old and new, with modern houses and apartments often standing next to large Victorian and Georgian properties.”
In the introduction to the Calthorpe Residents Handbook, Haydn Cooper, chief executive of Calthorpe Estates, stated: “Working with the residential community we have produced this residents’ handbook, to provide an explanation of the Calthorpe Estate Scheme of Management, which also contains guidance on maintaining or extending your property. We hope you will find it useful, and support us in upholding the standards on the Estate for both current and future generations.”
According to the rules, hanging out washing on Sundays is not allowed. Section 16 of the scheme states that owners ‘shall not hang or lay out washing to dry’ on any part of their property on Sundays so as to be ‘visible from the ground floor windows or adjoining or neighbouring premises.
Maintaining a neat and tidy garden is also a must. Owners are required to ‘cultivate’ their garden and keep it ‘free from weeds’ ‘at all times’. This includes giving ‘seasonal and appropriate attention’ to all parts of the garden. Paths must be kept ‘free from litter and refuse and in a clean and tidy condition’ too.
Those struggling to maintain their gardens aren’t even allowed to resort to artificial grass as it’s ‘not permitted to the front of your property or public areas’. For listed properties and those in a Conservation Area, this rule extends to all areas.
Domestic pets are allowed but traditionally, poultry was off-limits. However, Calthorpe Estates have eased these rules over time, allowing residents to “keep a couple of chickens in their rear garden, provided they do not cause a nuisance”.
The handbook features an image of a dog with a green tick and a rooster with a red cross. Residents are also urged to “be good neighbours by putting their bins out onto the street only on the night or morning before they are due to be collected”.
After collection, they’re expected to “move the bins to their bin storage area at the rear or side of the property where they are not publicly visible”.
The handbook suggests asking a neighbour or friend to move the bins on the behalf of those who are not home. Those looking to install a satellite dish or solar panels must first apply to the Scheme of Management for guidance on permitted locations.
The same rule applies to electric car charging points, which should be hidden from the road if permission is granted. Parking restrictions are enforced by Birmingham City Council on most roads, while on private roads, parking is limited to residents and their guests for temporary periods.
Sheds, greenhouses, and similar garden structures are allowed in rear gardens as long as they do not exceed specified dimensions. Consent may be required for larger structures or those that could infringe on a neighbour’s light or privacy.
Owners wishing to replace front railings, walls, hedges, or fences should ensure the new installations match the original design of the property.
Joe Jobson, joint managing director at Principle, commented: “One of Principle’s main jobs will be overseeing and, when necessary, enforcing the Scheme of Management, established by an Act of Parliament for the wider benefit of all residents. It ensures residents abide by everything from not putting washing out on Sundays to making sure their homes are properly maintained and decorated.”
He further added, “There are carefully planned restrictions on issues like management of trees and building maintenance, plus any alterations must be submitted for approval, which helps maintain Calthorpe Estate as a special place to live.”
