Craylands leaseholders told to pay £20,000 maintenance

Basildon Council has written to leaseholders in “phase south” of the estate telling them they must pay the huge sum ahead of maintenance work, including new roofs, doors and windows on the properties. 

The homes are the only properties still standing as part of the long-awaited £250million regeneration which has already seen “phase west” and “phase north” demolished and new homes built. 

Leaseholders claim the buildings had been allowed to fall into disrepair (Image: Google Maps) More than 15 years ago the scheme was initially launched to raze the estate to the ground and build 1,310 homes. 

In the letter sent to leaseholders, the council explains the works are now being undertaken “due to the unknown future” of the properties. The total cost of the proposed works is around £249,236.46, and leaseholders will be expected to contribute between £18,333.97 and £20,473.16.

David Bridgen is one of the leaseholders affected and bought his Craylands property almost two decades ago when there were no public plans for redevelopment.

Some parts of the estate have already been redeveloped (Image: Sanctuary)

The 66-year-old claims that as the redevelopment of the estate progressed, leaseholders like himself were told the properties would eventually be purchased by the council and demolished.

He said: “All of a sudden, I got a letter through saying they’re proposing to carry out major works on the remaining properties. Every block’s going to have a new roof, they’re all going to have new windows and doors.”

The frustrated leaseholder explained that while the council is offering payment plans to help private leaseholders cover the cost, as his property is not his principal dwelling, he will not be eligible for assistance.

Leaseholder - Colin Parkins (Image: Colin Parkins)

“They’re trying to make a silk purse out of a pig’s ear. I’ve never had such a huge financial hit in over 20 years of being a landlord,” he added. 

A spokesperson for Basildon Council said: “We are looking closely at a range of proposals for Beechwood Village Phase South and will engage with tenants and leaseholders at the earliest opportunity. 

“Work with our partners at Sanctuary and Homes England will be crucial to this work. Leaseholders are required by law to contribute to certain costs, and we have written to them to give them the notice they need.”

'I can't go out and just get a new mortgage'

Leaseholder Colin Parkins, 66, has been attempting to sell his property for almost a decade since major plans to regenerate the estate were first announced. 

Despite hundreds of homes already being demolished, Mr Parkins remains in one of the last blocks standing and has spent recent years desperately trying to move out. 

Now he has been told his block of flats will undergo repairs and although he will not have to stump up £20,000 like others, he will have to pay once his property finally sells. 

He said: “I’m a property owner and a leaseholder and they’re saying that due to the uncertainty, the remaining maisonette blocks will face a £250,000 facelift. 

“I actually live in the property. Because I’m over 60, I wouldn’t have to pay in one go and instead they would put a charge on my property. I just want to get out but the property absolutely unsellable.

“I had it on the market about eight or nine years ago but it fell through when the buyers found out it was being redeveloped.

“I literally can’t do anything. I’ve been moved from phase to phase despite the original deal being that I could sell my property to the developer. Because of my age, I cant go out and just get a new mortgage.”