Ownership and voting rights

Members in effect collectively own the freehold of the South Drive road, verges and circle through their membership of the SDRA, and have a say in matters relating to the road. Each property has a single membership and one vote.

Upkeep of the road

All properties having a direct access onto South Drive have a covenant in their property deeds that creates an obligation on the owner to "keep in repair such portion of…South Drive as abuts [onto their land] from the boundary of such…land to the centre of [the] road…".

Membership of the SDRA helps discharge individual covenant responsibilities for repair and upkeep of each property’s section of the road. This also spreads the cost of any one repair across all members. If any homeowner elects not to be a member of the SDRA, they re-assume responsibility for the maintenance and upkeep of the portion of road that abuts their property up to the middle of the road.

Whilst residents in South Close do not have these covenant responsibilities in relation to South Drive, as most front onto South Close, which is an adopted highway, they all use the entire length of South Drive, as do the vehicles servicing their property: they contribute to the wear and tear on the South Drive road, and help fund maintenance and repairs via their annual SDRA subscription.

Moreover, on behalf of the residents of South Close, the SDRA liaises with Ward Councillors and the Local Authority to ensure that the Council’s Highways department properly maintain and repair South Close road and footpaths. The SDRA is in a stronger position to apply pressure to get things done than individual homeowners.

The SDRA does not assume responsibility for maintaining the South Drive verges (including driveway entrances and verge trees, hedges and plantings). Although the SDRA owns the freehold of the verges as well as the road itself, residents are asked to maintain their own verges and driveways in order to avoid SDRA costs.

Keeping the road private

When a Local Authority decides to adopt a private road, it has the power to require property holders to pay the costs of bringing the road up to Highways standards. It is likely to cost a substantial amount to bring South Drive up to Highways standards. In addition to the cost, the work required would seriously detract from the character of South Drive, as footpaths, kerbs and other urban features would be included.

Maintaining the road in good order helps reduce the risk of the Local Authority adopting it, and helps preserve the special informal, rural nature of South Drive.

Insurance policy

The SDRA maintains a public liability insurance policy to cover any claims arising from loss, damage or injury caused to third parties using the road (e.g. by holes in the road, fallen trees, etc). This policy covers all members of the SDRA insofar as damage from their section of the road and verge is concerned.

Social events

SDRA members are invited to participate in social events among members. These include a Summer Buffet and other periodic events, such as Wine Tastings. This promotes good neighbourliness and a convivial living environment.

Representation and support in certain planning and highways issues

The SDRA has taken action in its own name and on behalf of all members in relation to the enforcement of the restrictive covenants on each property's deeds. These covenants provide for one-dwelling-per-plot, adherence to the building line, maintenance of boundary walls and fences, the road repair obligation mentioned above, and the prohibition of using any dwelling to carry out a trade or business. These covenants are designed to preserve the character and amenity of the area. For example, the one-dwelling-per-plot covenant was enforced successfully to prevent a "South Drive Village" that at one time was planned at 11 South Drive and to prevent other unacceptable development in the area. Collective action by the SDRA has proved to be particularly effective and economical, and expenses, such as professional fees, when necessary, are financed from membership subscriptions and other collective contributions.

Participation in the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme

The Neighbourhood Watch Scheme is run by the SDRA for the benefit of members helping to keep the neighbourhood safe. Some insurers reduce the premiums if you are a member of a Neighbourhood Watch scheme. The SDRA may also finance and install improved security measures should this become necessary.

Helping with property sales

Solicitors acting in connection with property sales for buyers or mortgagors invariably seek confirmation that membership subscriptions to residents associations have been paid up to date because of the reassurance that this brings in relation to maintenance and other potential liabilities. The SDRA assists members with such enquiries when asked.