Most of this meeting was taken up with dealing with resident queries, rather than the financials of the ManCo.
Estate Administration & Communications
Places App
Functionality improved so Estate Manager can raise issues ‘there and then’ on a site inspection, rather than having to wait until they return to a computer. This means reports will be more accurate.
Whitings
Some feedback was provided around the performance of Whitings, with some winter jobs still not completed despite regular chasing, site meetings and inclusion on site reports. Tom wanted to provide reassurance that this is being addressed with Whitings. A full tender will be completed this year ahead of next year’s budget.
Maintenance
Public Square
The group discussed the current position regarding the public square and associated remedial works. The square is being utilised in the construction of the community hub. The need for clear communication to residents was highlighted, particularly where works are developer-led rather than funded through service charge budgets. It was specifically requested that any ongoing communication regarding the use of the square and associated parking should make clear that restoration or repair works will not be funded from service charge funds, but rather by the developer.
Action: Tom to issue ‘statement’ reiterating all restoration costs to be borne by developer and that, while it might be an inconvenience during construction, the resulting hub will be a huge benefit for the community.
Water fountain
Tom said the expectation had been for it to be decommissioned as part of the ongoing works on the square, as the cost associated with repairs to date as outweighed the use, with recent vandalism to the unit resulting in the top section being broken off and disposed of.
Action: Tom to publish something to this effect on Places.
Action: James to amplify on Kingsgrove Residents.
Phase 1b grass area
Rough area
Ongoing concerns were raised about the condition of the grassed area, including patchiness and the risk of unsatisfactory piecemeal repairs. Tom advised that Whitings had been chased on the issue and that the matter remains under review until its completion. It was noted that, in the longer term, a more coordinated restoration approach may be needed once surrounding works are complete.
Manholes
Tom confirmed that discussions had taken place with St Modwen Homes regarding the manholes in the Phase 1b grass area.
St Modwen Homes indicated they would likely fund works to lift the manhole covers up to ground level if a quote could be obtained and the works arranged. A contractor was due to attend and quote for these works, with an aspiration to complete by the end of May if the quote is reasonable to St Modewn Homes.
Action: Sami to update Kingsgrove Issue Tracker to reflect this update.
‘Bike track’
Concerns were noted and raised in respect of some ‘bike tracks’ that have been built in the woodland between phase 1A and 1B. Tom reviewed the area on his last visit and spoke with some of the lads building the jumps. They have been advised that a clear path needs to be maintained throughout the woodland and holes filled in. On review of the woodland it did not appear any damage had been caused to existing woodland, with the ‘bike track’ limited to the path that has always ran through the woodland. The skate park is starting construction shortly, which should alleviate some concerns. The matter will continue to be monitored.
The skate park design can be found via https://kingsgrove-residents.co.uk/go/skate
Woodland Walk Flooding
Location: https://w3w.co/magically.football.royal
The corner has been prone to flooding for a long time. Whitings Civils Team has assessed the situation but other contractors have also been approached.
Farrier Crescent
Dead trees and hedgerows
James reported resident concerns about dead trees and hedgerows in the Farrier Crescent area and asked Tom to inspect the area on his next visit. Tom confirmed communal areas have not yet been taken over with handover ongoing with St Modwen Homes.
Action: James to forward info and photos to Tom
Apartments – communal area
James also reported concerns that the communal area around the flats was untidy and not being properly maintained. Tom noted that handover and management responsibilities in parts of Phase 5 remain complicated, with some areas still under St Modwen Homes rather than fully handed to the management company. Handover of completed areas is targeted for 1st June.
Estate infrastructure
Cherry Croft traffic calming measures
James highlighted a discrepancy in what’s being delivered along Cherry Croft, against the original plans which showed traffic calming measures.
Action: James to share documents showing traffic calming measures.
Action: Sami to review and consult with Brighton STM Developments.
Noticeboard
Tom confirmed that he had chased again regarding erection of the noticeboard outside the Co-op, but no further response had been received after an initially positive reply.
The matter has now also been sent to a generic Mid Counties Co-op management email address in case another contact can assist. However it is expected it will be easier to gain the relevant approvals once the units are occupied (see below).
Retail units
Sami advised that discussions relating to the retail units are progressing, but nothing sufficiently concrete could yet be shared publicly. It was suggested that there are not many obstacles remaining and that the finer details are still being worked through.
Parking
Parking remained an ongoing concern.
Action: Sami to continue to apply pressure to parking enforcement to attend more regularly and visibly.
Pegasus Crossing of King Alfred Way to BOAT section of footpath
Location: https://w3w.co/deputy.requires.perch
The group discussed whether the footpath section in question should match the adjacent path treatment. Eve queried whether the current surface treatment may have been chosen due to the gradient in the area. Tom said he had not checked the planning documents in detail yet.
Action: Tom to raise the matter with Jag (ACS) on a forthcoming call to obtain clarification.
Dog bin relocation / addition
Tom acknowledged some frustrations with work recently carried out by Whitings, including recent installation of dog bins in the incorrect location. Confirmed a further bin is being arranged for the eastern portion of the woodland walk, with installation expected the following week.
(Lack of) Tarmac corner
Location: https://w3w.co/florists.loyal.freshen
Tom confirmed the area is within the footprint of Kingsgrove Community Hub to deliver.
Action: Tom to make the request again to see if anything, even temporarily, can be done to address the access concerns.
Other
Wantage Town Football Club
The football club had now taken residency and future community use/events were being explored, including a possible community day in July Kingsgrove.
Action: Tom to confirm the exact extent of the areas of the wider ‘Central Park’ area are going to be taken on by the ManCo and which are the responsibility of WTFC, especially where the football pitches and ManCo ‘meet’.
Wantage Town Council and Kingsgrove
An update was given on allotments, with Sami confirming that council-side details were close to being finalised, with only minor lease details still being ironed out.
The broader Woodland Walk/Wantage Town Council issues were discussed confirming that the matter is for the land owner to discuss with the council.
Fullers Field
Concerns raised around the lack of consideration made to KEMCL and how future construction on the site may impact the residents/infrastructure at Kingsgrove, for example how will construction traffic gain access to the site.
Action: Tom to check with Brighton STM Developments as to any updates.
Antisocial behaviour
It was again noted that the south east corner of Fullers Field is the location of antisocial behaviour. The contact details of the Neighbourhood Police Officer were shared.
Community
Nature Recovery Officer visit
Tom and Zoe accompanied VoWH District Council’s Nature Recovery Officer around Kingsgrove. It was an extremely positive visit.
Action: Zoe & Tom to capture ‘enthusiasm and positivity’ in some sort of article.
Action: James to amplify on Kingsgrove Residents.
Community Drop-in – Thursday 7 May
Zoe advertised the next Community Drop-in, which will take place on Thursday 7 May at 4:30pm (https://kingsgrove-residents.co.uk/go/2026-dropin-zn-may). Sustainable Wantage will be in attendance as ‘The Mix’, talking about what they have to offer and sharing surplus food.
Next meeting : Thursday 28 May at 3:30pm
Updates subsequent to meeting
Cherry Croft traffic calming measures
Sami reported:
There are ongoing talks between the master developer, their transport consultant and Oxfordshire County Council around adoption, layouts and so forth.
Oxfordshire County Council, as the highway authority, will have the final say on final design, including any traffic calming measures.
(Lack of) Tarmac corner
Now resolved.
Tom Tracy (Preim) Zoe Norton (Community Development Officer) Sami Chakchouk (Cratus, on behalf of master developer) James Hodgson (Resident Rep) Eve Morgan (Resident Rep) Akos Verebes (Resident Rep) Zoe Norton (ZN)
Action: Tom to issue ‘statement’ reiterating all restoration costs regarding the public square to be borne by developer and that, while it might be an inconvenience during construction, the resulting hub will be a huge benefit for the community. Action: Tom to publish article on Places about the removal of the water fountain. Action: James to amplify article on Places about the removal of the water fountain on Kingsgrove Residents. Action: Sami to update Kingsgrove Issue Tracker to reflect new information on sunken manhole covers. Action: James to share photos from Farrier Crescent residents with Tom. Action: James to share documents showing proposed traffic calming measures for Cherry Croft. Action: Sami to review and consult with Brighton STM Developments regarding documents showing proposed traffic calming measures for Cherry Croft. Action: Sami to continue to apply pressure to parking enforcement to attend more regularly and visibly. Action: Tom to raise the difference in surfacing at the end of the footpath near the Pegasus crossing with Jag (ACS) on a forthcoming call to obtain clarification. Action: Tom to see if anything, even temporarily, can be done to address the access concerns for No-Tarmac corner. Action: Tom to confirm the exact extent of the areas of the wider ‘Central Park’ area are going to be taken on by the ManCo and which are the responsibility of WTFC, especially where the football pitches and ManCo ‘meet’. Action: Tom to check with Brighton STM Developments as to any updates on access rights negotiations for Fullers Field. Action: Zoe & Tom to capture ‘enthusiasm and positivity’ of Nature Diversity Officer's visit. Action: James to amplify article on Kingsgrove Residents.