Taylor Wimpey has advised that planned works are due to be carried out to the rear boundaries of properties numbered 31–61 Webb Road, on Herdwick Gate.

The works involve the replacement of approximately 140 metres of fencing located to the rear of these properties.

The footpath between Webb Road to Bailey Road will also be closed for safety reasons. 

The works are anticipated to remain ongoing for approximately 16–18 weeks, (although the sign says 20 weeks), starting on Monday 18th May, subject to site conditions and operational requirements.

A letter (shown below) has been issued to the directly affected residents, and the relevant Housing Association has also been informed to ensure that tenants are made aware of the proposed works.

Taylor Wimpey Letter #1

Dated 8th May 2026

Upcoming Essential Maintenance Works – Parking Request 

Dear Resident,

We are writing to inform you of upcoming essential maintenance works scheduled to take place within the development.

These works will require access for large vehicles and lorries, which need sufficient space to safely enter, manoeuvre, and carry out the required activities. The works are currently planned to take place on the following road: Webb Road

Works will commence week commencing 18^th May 2026

To help ensure the works can proceed safely and without delay, we kindly request that, where possible, residents and visitors refrain from parking on these roads during the above times. Vehicles parked on the roadway may restrict access for the lorries and could result in delays or the temporary suspension of works.

We appreciate that this may cause some inconvenience and thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding while these essential works are carried out.

Please note that access for emergency vehicles will be maintained at all times.

If you have any questions or require further information, please contact Customer Services via email.

End of Taylor Wimpey Letter #1

In addition, a separate letter (shown below) is being hand delivered to residents of Webb Road requesting their co-operation in relation to parking arrangements during the works, as access will be required for delivery vehicles and contractors.

Taylor Wimpey Letter #2

Undated

Dear Resident,

We are writing to update you on the essential maintenance works that is to be completed to your rear garden fence/boundary. 

The works are required to address an issue relating to ground movement (rotational slip) affecting a section of the boundary and will involve the replacement of approximately 140 metres of fencing.

Works are scheduled to commence on: Week Commencing 18^th May 2026 and are expected to continue for approximately 16-18 weeks.

For reasons of safety and security, the Works Area will have to be temporarily fenced off this will mean that the gravel footpath from Webb Road to Bailey Road will be out of use of use for the duration of the works. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and assure you that the path will be re-opened as soon as is safely practicable.

You will given notice prior to the day the works are to commence at your specific property.

It is anticipated that the entire extent of the works will take approximately 16 to 18 weeks to complete with the works commencing 

The Works will commence at number 31 Webb Road (plot 81) and working along the line of the fence, to finish on number 55 Webb Road (plot 68), with no more than 4 properties affected at any one time.

The first stage of the works will involve the removal of any plants, shrubs, sheds and any other items from the line of your rear fence, back to a line approximately three metres from the fence.

All items currently in this ‘three-metre zone’ have been photographed during the survey works that have already taken place. However, for the sake of completeness, our contractor will take further photographs immediately prior to any works commencing in your property. The plants and shrubs will be replaced with new, once the works are complete. All other items will be carefully removed and placed in an area of your remaining garden to be agreed with you.

Upon completion of the works, the photographs will be referred to, in order to restore your garden to its current condition.   

Following the removal of all items in the ‘three-metre zone’, a temporary ‘Heras-style’ metal fence will then be erected along the three-metre line. This will be for safety and security reasons whilst the works are carried out.

The existing rear fence will then be removed, and an area of ground, extending approximately one metre back from the fence line, will also be temporarily excavated to allow for the construction of a new retaining wall.

The removed soil will then be reinstated against the new retaining wall and a new close-board fence erected on top of the retaining wall.

Your side boundary fences will then be re-secured to the new rear fence.

The temporary security fence will then be removed and your garden restored as closely as possible to how it is now.

The works to your individual property should take no more than 2 weeks.

Please rest assured that your garden will be kept secure for the duration of the works and we will try to keep the level of disruption to a minimum.

The works are being carried out for Taylor Wimpey by Shines Environmental Company Ltd.

Any questions or concerns regarding the works should be directed in the first instance to Taylor Wimpey Customer Care.

Due to the nature of the works, there will also be increased activity in the immediate area, including the use of heavy goods vehicles to deliver materials. 

As access is limited, we kindly request that, where possible, you avoid parking on the roadway in the vicinity of the works during this period to allow safe access for vehicles and operatives.

While every effort will be made to minimise disruption, you may experience some noise and general disturbance during working hours. We will endeavour to complete the works as efficiently as possible.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation while these essential works are carried out.

End of Taylor Wimpey Letter #2

HGHF-RA Committee

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Platform Housing are organising a wildflower seed-sowing walk this week and everyone is invited to take part.

The walk will begin at 11.00 on Friday 15th May, from the Public Open Space at the end of Webb Road, on the Herdwick Gate development.

Platform, who manage a number of properties on the development are providing the seeds, so you just need to turn up.

The walk is expected to take in a couple of other developments - Herdwick Fold and Foxgloves (the old Norgren site).

Platform describe this as “a gentle, wellbeing walk around the estate, sowing seeds to help pollinators”.

If you’re free why not go along, meet your neighbours and help to bring some colour to our green spaces.

HGHF-RA Committee

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Shipston is a great place to live.  It’s certainly not a crime hotspot.  But that doesn’t mean we should be complacent.

At the Residents Association General Meeting of 18th March 2026 we were joined by two Stratford District Council Rural Crime Advisors.  They brought with them a number of crime prevention items in their “Crime Prevention Toolbox”.

The Residents Association now has this toolbox.  We set out below the things that we have.  All are available to residents free of charge - just ask us.

Things you can borrow and return

• Dremel Engraver - enables you to engrave your postcode, or other details on your possessions - for example bikes and garden equipment.
• UV Marker Pen - write your postcode or other identifying marks on your possessions.

Below: The Dremel Engraver that you can borrow.

Things you can have and keep

• Timer plug - make a lamp come on in your home when you’re away.
• TV Simulator - illuminates a room with flickering light, simulating a TV being on.
• Fake drinks cans - security cans for hiding valuable things.
• Faraday pouch - for storing car key fobs to prevent criminals scanning to get access your vehicle.
• PIR Motion Detector Alarm - can be used in garages and sheds.
• Shock/Contact Alarm - for doors.
• Vibration Alert Alarm - for use on windows - e.g. shed windows
• Key fob torch and panic alarm.
• Bells - to alert you if keys, purse or bag are being stolen.
• Mirror - to fix by door chain so you can see who is there.
• Number Plate Security Kit.
• UV Marker Pen - write your postcode or other identifying marks on your possessions.  (You can borrow one or keep one if you have lots of things to mark).

Below: Things you can have and keep.

We also have a supply of leaflets, booklets and notices.

Leaflets:

• Home Security
• Shed Security
• Cycle Security
• CCTV
• Caravan Theft
• Door signs

Booklets

• Crime Prevention
• Think Scams
• Fire Safety

“Shed Alarmed” Notices

We have a limited stock so it’s first come first served.  If interested please Contact Us.

Security Cameras

A quick word on home security cameras.

There was a recent act of vandalism close to our development which resulted in trees being damaged.  We managed to discover door camera footage that showed the person and after sharing this on social media we were given a name.  We passed on the video and the name to the Police who interviewed the man.  He admitted to this and the Police will now deal with him accordingly.

We tell you this to highlight how useful security cameras can be.  If you have them please make sure they are well positioned and working.  In the event of a crime or anti-social behaviour video footage can really help to track down offenders. 

Nobody wants to live under surveillance but there is a legitimate reason to have these if it helps the Police to keep us safe. 

If we do have incidents where security camera footage is available please be a good neighbour and share what you have.

HGHF-RA Committee

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On Tuesday 31st March 2026 at around 10pm a young man attempted to destroy trees along Campden Road as he walked home.

Video camera footage captured him carrying out this senseless attack.  He succeeded in completely breaking one tree near the Shepherd’s Gate development, and he loosened a couple of other trees, before casually walking off.

After the video was shared on social media a name was suggested, with a number of people recognising the man.  The video and the name have been passed on to the Police for investigation.  We await developments.

The shared video attracted a number of online comments from people who were shocked by this disgraceful behaviour.  We also got a direct message from someone who wanted to put things right.

Lenny Lomas is the 20 year old owner of Lomas Tree Care and he’s passionate about arboriculture.  So he couldn’t stand by and do nothing.  Lenny contacted us and offered to replace the broken tree - a Field Maple.

And that’s exactly what he did on Friday 10th April, assisted by his co-worker Sam.  We think they did a brilliant job.

Below: Lenny and Sam remove the root of the broken tree.

Below: Lenny (left) and Sam (right) after planting the new Field Maple tree.

Whilst it is depressing to see someone in our community behaving in such an anti-social way, we think that Lenny Lomax represents the best of our community.  We thank him for being so public-spirited and for replacing the tree so promptly.

HGHF-RA Committee

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Here is an update on what your committee has been doing over recent months.

Before we get in to the detail may we remind you that we have a General Meeting scheduled for Wednesday 18th March, starting at 18.30, at The Hub off Pittway Avenue.  All residents welcome.  It’s a chance to meet with the committee and your neighbours, and an opportunity to ask questions.  Please make a note in your diary and come along.  It would be good to see you.

In our previous news report we outlined your priorities for 2026, as expressed in the annual survey of residents.  So what have we been doing?

We have been dealing with a number of key stakeholders as we strive to get the best possible outcomes for residents.  Specifically we have been in touch with Taylor Wimpey, Stratford District Council (SDC) and our local MP Manuela Perteghella.  We have also been talking to other new build developments in Shipston as well as across the wider Stratford district, so that we can learn from each other and provide mutual support.

Let’s look at some specifics.

Public Open Spaces (POS) Landscaping and Footpaths

We are in the middle of quite a wet spell and some of our green spaces are not looking their best.  Planting on both developments has been checked by SDC Planning, and Taylor Wimpey have been instructed to put things right where the reality doesn’t accord with the plans.  We are monitoring.

On Herdwick Gate the Breedon gravel footpaths are in a dreadful state due to the action of flowing water which is destroying the surface.  In places, notably the steps coming down to Bland Grove, the paths are dangerous.  There has also been vandalism to the playground facilities.  All of these things have been drawn to the attention of Taylor Wimpey who are responsible for maintenance. 

We have also raised concerns with both Taylor Wimpey and SDC Planning about the inappropriate use of Breedon gravel on both Herdwick Gate and Herdwick Fold.  This material should not be used on sloping land due to the increased likelihood of surface water erosion - as is abundantly clear on both sites.  Apparently there’s this thing called ‘gravity’ which makes water run downhill, and the steeper the slope the faster water flows, and the more destructive it becomes.  Who knew?

Both Taylor Wimpey and SDC Planning say that Breedon gravel was a requirement of the original planning consent.  It is preferred for its aesthetic qualities in such a rural setting, despite that fact that it will have to be repaired and reinstated on a frequent basis, at great expense.  This is just not sensible.

It is worth pointing out that although Taylor Wimpey are legally responsible for maintenance right now, and they pay the cost, once the developments are signed off as complete, the responsibility for ongoing maintenance will transfer across to a private management company (Trinity), and we, the residents will eventually foot the bill for repairs.  We don’t think that’s fair and we are challenging the requirement to have this “pretty” but “useless” surface material.

Just to cover off the anti-social behaviour, this vandalism has been reported to the local Police who are sympathetic but tell us that without witnesses there is little they can do.  We need to remain vigilant.  If you witness any anti-social behaviour please report it.  Vandalism should be reported to the Police.  Irresponsible dog owners who don’t clean up after their pets should be reported to SDC.  Also please let us know.

Surface Water Drainage

Inadequate drainage is an issue on both developments.  It’s the reason why our footpaths are in such an awful state, however it’s more than just a footpath problem.  We have seen significant pooling of water in some areas because the drainage solutions were either poorly planned or badly executed, or both.  The committee has an ongoing dialogue with Taylor Wimpey about this and whilst there is cause for optimism, we still have some way to go before this problem is resolved.

You may have noticed on Herdiwck Fold there has been a lot of activity at the back of the development and along the western boundary towards Campden Road.  Contractors have been working on an improved sub-soil drainage solution that will remove water from the north-west corner of the site (where the footpath leads to Foxgloves, the Cala development).

It remains to be seen how effective this will be, but we live in hope.  For those who have seen this work going on you cannot have failed to notice how the contractors have churned up the landscape with their machinery.  We are monitoring - this needs to be made good.

We have also highlighted other areas where poor drainage is resulting in surface water run-off, which is discolouring roads and even affecting private driveways.  We are assured there will be remedial works.  Again, we are monitoring.

POS Maintenance payments

For background on maintenance payments please see our earlier report: Maintenance costs on the Herdwicks

We also set out our position on where we should be going with this in our recent Priorities for 2026 article.

Your committee has been quite active in this regard.  The Shipston New Build Forum, an informal alliance of six local new-builds which we helped to set up, has been meeting to discuss a way forward.  We have also reached out across the wider Stratford district to find others with similar issues.  Where those contacts have been made we have discussed how we can best pursue our goals and we have learned how others have fought and won.

For example we now know of two new-builds where residents were being charged prematurely for maintenance payments, but after challenging this they had the charges cancelled and obtained refunds.  These are important precedents and provide hope for us for the future.

Just to be clear nobody on Herdwick Gate or Herdwick Fold should be paying a penny for POS maintenance yet.  This is being done by Taylor Wimpey and they stand the cost.  Once responsibility transfers across to Trinity we then have seven years where Taylor Wimpey fund all maintenance costs - they must pay Trinity, not residents.  If they try to charge us before then, we will challenge this.

But there is a bigger picture here.  It’s our contention that SDC should adopt all POS and all we should be paying is council tax.  We have made this point to the SDC Task & Finish Group, which is looking at private companies managing POS.  We gave a presentation to them earlier this month. 

Soon we will have a meeting with our local MP, Manuela Perteghella where we intend to make the same argument.  The UK government has set up a couple of consultations on this subject.  We want to discuss them with our MP and find out how we can best contribute to this national debate.

If you wish to have your say here are the links to the two UK government consultations.  Both have deadlines of 12th March 2026.

Reducing the prevalence of private estate management arrangements

Enhanced protections for homeowners on freehold estates

The Herdwicks Residents Association & the Shipston New Build Forum

Some people have asked what’s the difference between the two.

The Herdwick Gate & Herdwick Fold, Shipston on Stour Residents Association is an unincorporated organisation, with a constitution, a committee and a website.  We also have a Facebook Group page.  It operates for the benefit of residents on those two developments.  We hold regular meetings which are minuted.

The Shipston New Build Forum is an informal alliance of six local new-build sites across town.  It’s simply a forum - a place where representatives from each site can sit down and discuss the bigger issues.  It’s not a Residents Association as such and doesn’t discuss the smaller (but still important) issues for individual sites.

We are currently looking to expand this forum across the wider Stratford district, in which case it will become the Stratford District New Build Forum.

Finally we would like to thank those residents who have donated to the Residents Association over recent months.  We don’t need much to keep going and every little helps.  If you would like to contribute here’s the link: Make a donation

We hope to see you at the General Meeting on 18th March.

Best wishes. 

HGHF-RA Committee

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Following on from the recent survey of residents we wanted to update you on what’s happening with issues that are important to us all.

Roads and pavements

It’s great news that both developments now have roads and pavements.  On Herdwick Fold we are waiting for final checks and remedial works before everything is signed off and the clock starts ticking on the 12 month monitoring period prior to Warwickshire County Council adopting.

Herdwick Gate is further along this journey and we expect adoption to be confirmed in 2026 as long as there are no emerging issues.

Public Open Space (POS) Landscaping

Taylor Wimpey remain responsible for landscaping and employ contractors to maintain trees, bushes and grassed areas.  The Residents Association has previously provided them with feedback about planting failures and we know that Stratford District Council (SDC) Planning Department has also been out to check things for themselves. 

Taylor Wimpey has carried out some re-planting work but issues remain.  So this is still something we continue to monitor as a ‘Work in Progress’.

Surface Water Drainage and Footpaths

The poor condition of the footpaths is inextricably linked to the issues we have with inadequate surface water drainage on both developments.  This is a massive issue for residents, especially during the winter period.  If you use the footpaths you will know how waterlogged and uneven they are from erosion, making them difficult and dangerous to use. 

Even if you don’t use the footpaths it’s still a problem because if we are not careful we will all end up paying for the cost of putting this right.  Repairing the footpaths across our two developments will cost thousands of pounds.  We must ensure that we don’t end up footing the bill.

This is why we have been very clear in explaining our concerns to both Taylor Wimpey and to SDC Planning.  We are holding them to account to make sure the footpaths are made fit for purpose and we also wish to ensure that surface water can be properly drained so that erosion does not happen again.

You may have noticed work going on with new drainage chambers being installed on the Herdwick Fold site.  See below.

We believe that some of the ones along Campden Road are to do with a redundant drainage pipe that could be re-used to take away surface water.  This would be good news. 

Furthermore we understand that work is about to start on the west side of Herdwick Fold (pictured below) that will hopefully mitigate the flooding on that side and towards the back of the development.  We continue to monitor the situation.

Maintenance Payments

We are doing a lot behind the scenes on this to make sure we don’t get stung by premature or excessive demands for maintenance payments.

For some time the Residents Association committee has been talking to Taylor Wimpey, SDC and Trinity (the designated maintenance company).  More recently we have helped to establish the Shipston New Build Forum, where representatives from six Shipston new build sites have come together to share experiences and provide mutual support, as we seek to get a fair outcome for residents.

You may be asking why is this even an issue?  After all, most of us are not paying anything for maintenance yet.  The answer is that we have seen residents on other new build sites in the area treated unfairly therefore we want to be on the front foot, so we don’t get caught out.  We have three aims which we could call the Gold, Silver and Bronze medal solutions.

Gold Medal

The best solution would be for the council to fully adopt our POS, whereby all we would pay is our normal council tax, with no additional maintenance payments.  This is an aspiration that is worth fighting for but it may be a hard battle to win.

Notwithstanding the fact that all of us signed a contract to pay maintenance it is in our view an unfair contract term.  Why should a small number of residents have to pay to maintain space that can be accessed by the general public?  This should be maintained by the council and covered by council tax. 

Our local District councillor Dave Passingham agrees with us on this.  He is on the recently established SDC ‘Task & Finish Group’ looking in to the maintenance of public spaces by private companies.  We are feeding our views in to this review.  It’s also something that our MP Manuela Perteghella is trying to get traction on in Parliament, as this is a national issue.

Silver Medal

In the short term we are focused on ensuring Taylor Wimpey honour their legal obligation to fund maintenance costs for the first seven years following SDC issuing a certificate to sign off the development as complete.  This is a clause in our Section 106 agreement - a legal document between the builders and the council.  See image below which shows an extract from the S106 agreement for Herdwick Fold. 

We want Taylor Wimpey to do the right thing and if necessary we want SDC to enforce this agreement.  Clearly if they pay for the first seven years that means residents don’t have to.  This could result in savings totalling thousands of pounds for each home.  That's why this is a big deal.

The issue here is that a number of nearby new builds have seen developers ignore this seven year clause and residents have been asked to pay.  This is wrong.  We know of one development in Wellesbourne where they managed to get these payments refunded, but we know of others who are still paying.  We have repeatedly asked Taylor Wimpey to confirm they will do the right thing and they have refused to answer.  We have told SDC we expect them to enforce the Section 106 agreements but their response has been less than satisfactory.  So the fight goes on.

Bronze Medal

Whilst we are working to achieve Gold or Silver, the very minimum we expect is some say in how our maintenance is delivered.  In this regard we have already engaged with Trinity and we have been promised a seat at the table of the management teams who will deliver our maintenance services.  So at least we will have input when it comes to putting together a schedule of services and the ongoing monitoring of standards.  At the moment Taylor Wimpey do the bare minimum, with no visible maintenance schedule.

Community Spirit

With the festive season rapidly approaching it’s worth remembering that despite all these issues our recent survey of residents revealed that this is a great place to live. 

We are blessed to be part of a brilliant community in a delightful town on the edge of the Cotswolds. 

At this time of year let’s take time to think of our neighbours, especially those who may live alone.  Why not have a chat with a neighbour you haven’t seen for a while and spread a little Christmas cheer.

The Residents Association committee would like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a peaceful and happy new year.

HGHF-RA Committee

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P.S. A huge thank you to those who have made a voluntary donation to the Residents Association.  These have ranged from £5 to £25 - all gratefully received.  Our running costs are very modest but we do need a small amount to cover things like the website, stationery/leaflets and public liability insurance.  If you would like to contribute please click on the following link: Make a donation