Living on the Estate

The road frontage charge

Every property contributes to the upkeep of the roads, lighting, drains, verges and trees through an annual charge based on the length of its road frontage. Demands are issued in October; a 5% discount applies if you pay by 31 October. The obligation runs with the property under the deed of covenant, so it passes to new owners on sale. Use the calculator to see what you'll pay.

Planning and the conservation area

The whole Estate lies within the Four Oaks Conservation Area. That means the City Council applies extra scrutiny to extensions, new buildings, demolition, boundary walls and gates, and some permitted development rights that apply elsewhere are restricted. Before starting work, check with Birmingham City Council planning whether you need consent, and read the Kerbing & Frontage Policy if the work touches the verge or your frontage.

Neighbours can comment on applications through the Council's planning portal. The Board also reviews applications that affect the character of the Estate.

Trees

Trees in a conservation area are protected. If you want to fell, top, lop or prune a tree in your garden with a trunk wider than 75mm (measured at 1.5m from the ground), you must give the Council six weeks' written notice first, and it may respond with a Tree Preservation Order. Trees on the verges belong to the Estate — please report any concerns rather than arranging work yourself.

Verges, kerbing and drainage

The grass verges are Estate land and part of what gives the roads their character. Please keep vehicles off them, and talk to the Secretary before any kerbing, crossover or drainage works at your frontage — the Kerbing & Frontage Policy sets out what is allowed. Report blocked gullies and standing water so they can be cleared before they damage the road.

Streetlighting

The lighting columns are maintained by the Estate's electrical contractor, not the Council. A full survey of every column is carried out after the clocks go back each autumn. At any other time, report a faulty light with the road name and nearest house number.

Bins and recycling

Refuse and recycling are collected by Birmingham City Council. Check your collection day and report a missed collection at birmingham.gov.uk/bins. Green waste collection is a chargeable subscription service. Please take bins back in promptly after collection.

Builders, skips and deliveries

Because the roads are private, damage from heavy vehicles, skips and site traffic is paid for by residents through the frontage charge. If you are planning building work, tell the Secretary beforehand, make sure your contractors know not to park on or drive across verges, and position skips on your own land where possible.

Covenants

Every property on the Estate is subject to a deed of covenant with Four Oaks Estate Ltd that covers the frontage charge and the use and appearance of the property. A sample deed is in the documents library. Solicitors acting on a sale or purchase should contact the Secretary for the information they need.