THE HISTORY OF LAUREL MANOR
Laurel Manor was constructed between 1973 and 1975 by a local building company, Searle Bros.
The development comprises 68 flats divided equally between one and two bedroom and is arranged in five blocks (A to E ) split between two buildings. Between the buildings the service road leads to the garages at the rear of the development. Each flat has its own lock-up garage.
Block A was completed first and comprises Flats 57 to 68. (Don't ask!).
Two limited companies, Laurel Manor Management (No1) Ltd. (flats 41 to 68) and Laurel Manor Management (No2) Ltd., (flats 1 to 40) were set up in the early 1970's to safeguard the interests of the first lease holders which gave them one ordinary share per flat and a directorship of the relevant company. This is still the case today. The leases were originally 99 years from 1974/5 and consideration was given in 2005 to the purchase of the Freehold, but the interest expressed fell far short of the minimum 50% required.
In 2007 some 16 lease holders sought extensions of 90 years with no ground rent from the landlord under the Leasehold Reform Act 1993 (as amended). However, in view of uncertainties created by the Sportelli decision and subsequent appeal, those applications were withdrawn. They were not favourable to us in terms of cost and it is doubtful consideration will be given to any further application under the Act on a corporate basis for some considerable time.
It is possible to extend the lease through the landlords. In March 2010 a premium of £16,500 was paid for a 153 year Lease with a nil ground rent and, separately, £13,950 was paid for a 125 year Lease at a ground rent of £175 per annum doubling each 25 years to reach £1,400 per annum. Over the years 34 Leaseholders (exactly one-half) have gone down this route.
Laurel Manor Management was created to co-ordinate the maintenance of the "Manor" as a whole. Apart from a brief period of external management, an annually elected committee of leaseholders continues to manage the "Manor's" affairs.
Huge improvements to Laurel Manor have taken place. External and internal decorations continue on their three and five year cycle and the internal common areas are cleaned regularly and the grounds maintained throughout the year. Four of the five roofs have been replaced in the last five years the last in September 2009; all common areas have been double glazed, carpeted and cleared of asbestos. External wood cladding has been replaced with a light resistant washable plastic and the estate's trees have been cared for. The service road has been made wider, the garage area resurfaced, and the security lighting has been upgraded and a security entry phone system installed.
In December 2009 a smoke alarm system was fitted in all blocks (VIEW INSTRUCTIONS).
All this has been achieved through Laurel Manor's own management team and with possibly the lowest maintenance charge in Sutton!