Fieldend Residents' Association Ltd (FRAL)
It was always the intention of Span that residents take an active role in the management of the estates, both socially and in looking after the buildings and grounds. From its inception, Fieldend has had an active Board of Directors run by its residents and this is still true today.
Fieldend Residents' Association Ltd (FRAL) is a limited company run by an elected board made up entirely of current residents who do this voluntarily. As each household is a shareholder of FRAL, they are actively encouraged to serve on the board. Its main role is to ensure the smooth running of the estate cost-efficiently and maintain the integrity of the Span development for the enjoyment of its residents.
The Board carries out the day-to-day management of Fieldend, these duties include:
- maintenance of the communal areas and gardens
- tree management
- lighting
- arranging for all properties/garages to be painted every 4 years
- organising window cleaning for all houses
- collecting the annual maintenance charge
- managing the accounts
Fieldend has benefitted enormously over the years from having a strong residents' management company which has proved very effective in maintaining the high quality of the estate's environment.
FRAL Directors
Chair & Maintenance: Theo Williams
Treasurer: Colin Hatton-Smith
Company Secretary: Judith Palmer
Minutes Secretary: Elizabeth Blunt
Gardens & Trees: Sally Stones
EV Charging: Tim Bystedt
Conservation: Zoe Fudge
Scheme of Management
When purchasing a Fieldend property all owners sign up to the Fieldend Scheme of Management. This legally binding document details several obligations including not altering the property's external appearance in any way without permission from FRAL.
Conservation Area
Fieldend Conservation Area was designated in 2005 in recognition of the area's special architectural and historic interest. It is one of seventy-two conservation areas in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames.
"The well-conceived relationship between buildings and the splendid mature landscape and the effective operation of the residents association has fostered a unique sense of community and sense of place. Fieldend is one of the best examples of an estate of its type and period in Middlesex, comparable to the now listed 1959 Span estate of Corner Green on the Cator Estate in Blackheath."
Extract from the "Fieldend Conservation Area No 71" document
Click here for information about Richmond’s conservation areas.
Article 4(2) Directions
In addition to Conservation Area status, Fieldend is covered by Article 4(2) Directions. The aim of an Article 4(2) Direction is to encourage the retention of high-quality architectural features and to preserve and enhance the character and appearance of the built heritage.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The Article 4(2) direction removes permitted development rights. Any modification to materials (eg replacing fascia boards or windows) that results in a material change to the appearance of the property will require planning permission.
Maintenance charge
Residents are required by the Scheme of Management to pay an annual maintenance fee. The charge covers the maintenance of the communal areas (including gardening), reasonable use of garage electricity, the repainting of the houses on the 4-year cycle, as well as other FRAL costs.
Any changes to the charge are voted on at the AGM.
Most residents choose to pay via monthly standing order. Please contact FRAL to set this up.
Community Involvement
Residents can get involved in the Fieldend community from volunteering to serving on the board, there are many ways to make a difference.