Greenbelt drop-in session 12th December

Published: 01 December 2023

A statement, as received from Greenbelt Group with regards to this year's annual maintenance bill:

“We are aware that there have been a few queries since the issue of the annual bill for open space maintenance costs, earlier this month. It is our intention to explain this year's uplift and also the nature of the breakdown.

The annual bill for site green infrastructure areas of open space at Northstowe Phase 1 is £129.40 ex VAT per house. Last year's bill was £118.53 ex VAT per house. Although the bill is based on forecasted costs for routine maintenance in the forthcoming year, we also need to account for any unforeseen / non -routine costs that were incurred in the preceding year.

For this forthcoming year the Western Park Sports pitches will now be managed by the Sports Pavilion, operator and so there will be a reduction in Greenbelt Group management costs. This saving however, has been offset with significant replanting costs incurred in the winter of 2022/23 as a result of a long drought period in 2022, and the higher rate of inflation that is affecting all individuals and businesses in the UK at the moment.

With regards to those phases of houses that pay an additional charge for the upkeep of internal and phase specific open space, we recommend that they call us on 0800 028 1749 to discuss how this cost is calculated.

Greenbelt Group Ltd intend to host a drop in session alongside South Cambridgeshire District Council at the Cabin next to Local Square between 4 and 6 pm on the 12th of December, where any queries about the payment of bills and management services can be answered face to face.”