Forum Topic

No more pot plants or flowers on the balcony

We had our AGM on the Putney Vale Estate last night and was told an hour before the meeting by flyer that Wandsworth Council will be implementing it's policy for Leaseholders who will not be able to put pot plants on/over the balcony's and will shortly be removing them, when asked why are you taking such hard arsed attitude we were told "council policy" Okay, anyone who knows Putney Vale Estate will be aware it is made of blocks of 1 down and 2 up maisonettes, obviously downstairs has a garden upstairs has a communal balcony to which we for the last 40 years have spread joy to all that pass our  flat with our display of plants on the balcony and at no time have we received any complaints in fact always praise time and time again,we were also told that if you do not remove said objects the council will charge you to remove and recoup said losesI seem to remember a time when WBC promoted there selves as the "Brighter Borough" in fact Roehampton Voice ran an article in 2015 encouraging people to make the balconies brighter, oh well, times change .

Fross Walters ● 2694d16 Comments

I think you should challenge this.  The 'rule' is:You must keep your garden and balcony areas (if any) tidy and free from rubbish. You must not hang washing or other objects over the balcony walls or rails or from windows or do anything on your balcony which is likely to cause a nuisance to other people whether by allowing water to escape, holding barbeques or keeping an animal inappropriately.A few potted plants are not going to cause water to escape from off your balcony and damage anything below.  Brighter Borough indeed.Source: https://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/media/2960/restrictions_and_regulations.pdf

Clare Noeken ● 2694d

It is likely that post Grenfell any obstacle on a public balcony that could possibly impede any escape from the building is deemed unacceptable.Remembering that in a fire there is smoke and possibly panic a tripping hazard could cause death or injury if causing a blockage to an escape route.

Andy Pike ● 2694d

Do me a favour!

Simon Knight ● 2694d

Youd be amazed how the fire risk assessments have changed post Grenfell . Some ridiculous others not so . But everyone is now covering their arse. If you've ever experienced a fire you would be amazed what stuff you trip over on exit in your hurry to escape.

Andy Pike ● 2694d

The miserable barstewards.🤬My Mum and my Aunt both lived in LBH&F Council maisonettes, rather like the type you describe. They both had window boxes full of beautiful flowers, and even put up hanging baskets. None of their neighbours ever complained about them, quite the opposite, and several of them even put out their own. The burst of colour from all the flowers really brightened up the buildings and helped to create a nice atmosphere.Unfortunately I don't think you will get anywhere with a challenge because WBC is full of petty jobsworths who love to enforce rules. Some years ago I had a massive jasmine bush that grew all along my fence. Its perfume when in bloom was gorgeous and drew lots of compliments. However it did require a lot of trimming and if I ever let it go a bit too long I would receive a stroppy letter from the Council threatening to cut it back and charge me. I wish you luck anyway.

Sue Hammond ● 2694d

Andy, thankfully I've never experienced a fire (if you discount a tea towel catching light because it was left too close to the hob).You're no doubt right about the tuchas covering exercise but WBC might have offered an explanation rather than a dismissive "council policy" reason.Anyway, Sue, got a rebate yet? :(

Simon Knight ● 2694d

You are right Simon a full explanation should gave been given. I am surprised it wasn't as Putney Vale RA used to be very active within the borough and area panels and in the past would have demanded explanations. I hope that these policies would have been discussed at these consultation panels

Andy Pike ● 2694d

Hi Simon.😊No refund yet.

Sue Hammond ● 2694d

If I were you I'd deduct £15 from your next payment and enjoy letting them chase you!

Simon Knight ● 2694d

This should be challenged by a group of residents.Grenfell has shown what a mess our Building Regulations are.  Scottish ones I'm told are better and more up to date.  We do need to be more aware and not prop open fire doors or change them for non fire resistant ones or keep stuff in communal stairwells and corridors.  And there is much more that will come out hopefully at the end of the enquiry which we must make sure is acted on unlike at Lakanal. Is that what they are talking about?

Philippa Bond ● 2694d

Obviously I meant next Council tax payment.

Simon Knight ● 2694d

Go through your Councillors - not paying Council Tax can get you into a faceless scenario that's even worse.

Philippa Bond ● 2694d

We have lovely balconies, hanging baskets and potted plants where I live.  I hope the council don't ask us to remove them, would be such a shame as it looks so pretty and cared for.

Bunny Payne ● 2694d

Well, at least Sue Hammond, with her recent experience, may be able to advise leaseholders on hassle-free soil and pot disposal.

David Ainsworth ● 2694d

I wouldn't worry too much about this ....WBC has been sending letters to our estate for last 8 years that they will remove satellite dishes if people do not remove ...no removal thus far by residents or WBC...

Sally Bishop ● 2693d

"was told an hour before the meeting by flyer" whose flyer? Wandsworth Council? Or some third-party? Seems to me that there's little that can be described as fact here.

Mark Phillips ● 2690d