Angus Council is to make it easier for residents in private housing estates to transfer the upkeep of open spaces to the council, following a decision by the Neighbourhood Services committee yesterday, Thursday 13 January.

Currently, developers are able to transfer open spaces on housing estates to the council to maintain, provided this is done at no cost to the council and an annuity for 20 times the annual maintenance fee is paid to the council. Some developers have not taken this step and have made arrangements for upkeep between the residents and a landscape factoring company.

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The committee heard that this process had been organised at West Grange Estate, Monifieth but the residents were not satisfied with the arrangement and wished the council to take over maintenance of the grounds. However, the residents’ group were unable to raise the 20 year annuity payment of £250,000 required.

Convener of Neighbourhood Services, Councillor Jim Millar said: “Under this new arrangement, the residents’ association will be credited with a year’s reduction in the annuity for each year they employ the council continuously to maintain the open spaces on their estate. If, during the 20 year period, the association was able to purchase the annuity, there would be a reduction in the amount charged according to the number of years the council had been maintaining the grounds.

"In making this change, there are benefits to residents and no short-term financial implications for the council."

(GK)