Green Space and Communal Buildings Policy

Read our Green space and communal buildings policy here.

Green space and communal buildings management policy

Document Author Issy Taylor, Director of Customers and Communities
Document Owner Mike Redford, Head of Neighbourhoods
Legal Advice MSB Solicitors
Consultation Consultation undertaken with customers
Approved by Place Committee – 6 December 2023
Review Date October 2026
Corporate Plan Aim Place 
Equality Analysis

A full Equality Impact Assessment has been undertaken.

No further recommendations were identified as required. 
Key changes made EQIA undertaken 
Title change of policy to better reflect the content 
Updated repairs section to reflect repairs policy 
Inclusion of Fire Policy and associated requirements 
Updated Tree section to add in Tree Surveys


 
1    POLICY PURPOSE

1.1    To demonstrate One Manchester’s commitment to the delivering and upholding our obligations in relation to the management of green space and communal building under the neighbourhood management outlined in the Neighbourhood and Community Standard by the Regulator of Social Housing. This Policy will be reviewed when new consumer standards are introduced.

2    POLICY SCOPE

2.1    This Policy sets out how One Manchester will manage neighbourhoods and communal areas associated with the homes that we own. This Policy sets out how we will: 

  • maintain clean, tidy and well cared for neighbourhoods including communal areas both internal and external, including hardscapes, and landscaped areas and internal communal areas;
  • carry out regular visits and inspections of all our schemes and estates to identify and address any area falling below an acceptable standard;
  • actively seek feedback from residents on the effectiveness of Neighbourhood Management and its value for money.  

2.2   The specific areas this Policy covers are: maintenance of communal grounds;

  • tree maintenance; 
  • environmental improvements; 
  • neighbourhood and highways inspections; 
  • garages;
  • abandoned vehicles; 
  • pest control;
  • household refuse and recycling disposal; 
  • environmental crime.

3    POLICY STATEMENT

3.1    One Manchester will work in partnership with tenants, other members of the community, other stakeholders and public bodies to deliver effective neighbourhood management across our neighbourhoods.

4    OUR APPROACH

Element   Our approach
Communal areas

 We have in place arrangements for the management of communal areas (such as shared entrance ways, staircases, landings, drying areas and parking). We will make sure that these areas are: 
•    safe, secure, well maintained and clean; 
•    repaired in line with the Repairs Policy;  
•    kept clear of items;
•    adequately serviced and lit.

Where caretakers service communal areas, we have introduced specific service commitments relating to their activities. 
Grounds maintenance 

We ensure that communal grounds are: 
•    maintained to a high standard;
•    grass is cut regularly; 
•    flower and shrub beds are kept neat and tidy.

We have in place maintenance schedules and regularly
inspect communal grounds including play areas. 
Tree maintenance (both communal grounds and within individual gardens)     

We undertake a periodic survey of all trees located on communal grounds and in individual gardens to identify any required works.

We will, if requested, inspect trees where were receive a report from a customer, a colleague, member of the community or stakeholder for any hazard it could be posing.

We will not prune or fell trees when there is no justifiable reason to do so due to our commitment to the environment and green space.
Neighbourhood and highways inspections

We conduct regular Neighbourhood inspections alongside residents, stakeholders, partner agencies and local Councillors. These present an opportunity to involve our customers and stakeholders in identifying community concerns and associated solutions.

Relevant colleagues are trained to conduct highways inspections and do so twice a year. We work closely with Manchester City Council where required to resolve issues. 
Fly tipping Instances of fly tipping identified on One Manchester land will be assigned to be cleared up promptly by our Mobile Cleaning Team. We will use specialist contractors to remove any hazardous material. Any fly tipping not on One Manchester land will be reported to Manchester City Council.
Abandoned vehicles   We will work with partners to address abandoned vehicles on communal land. We work with Manchester City Council to identify whether vehicles are abandoned, who their owner is and to remove them. 
Pest control   We have measures to address pests within homes and communal areas. Residents affected by a pest infestation should contact One Manchester to report their concerns and for the necessary treatments to be provided.
Household refuse and recycling disposal

 We work closely with Manchester City Council to endeavour to: 
•    minimise the amount of waste generated from One Manchester homes; 
•    maximise the amount of recycling of waste materials; 
•    ensure that waste is disposed of appropriately.

We will do this by: 
•    ensuring that our new and existing properties have an adequate waste and recycling provision;
•    aiming to reduce the amount of waste from our activities as a business;
•    informing our colleagues, customers and partners about our waste management approach.


    

5    INVOLVING OUR CUSTOMERS IN OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD MANAGEMENT APPROACH

5.1    We will proactively encourage customers to be involved in our neighbourhood management approach and will take their views and feedback into account in the provision of neighbourhood management across One Manchester areas. 

6    COMPLAINTS

6.1    If a customer is unhappy about a decision in relation to this Policy, they should first follow our complaints process. If they are still not satisfied, they may then take the complaint to the Housing Ombudsman.

7    RESPONSIBILITIES

7.1    The Head of Neighbourhoods is responsible for ensuring that this Policy complies with regulatory requirements.

6.2    All managers, colleagues, and contractors are responsible for implementing this Policy.

8    EQUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT

7.1    A full Equality Impact Assessment has been undertaken and no risks or impacts were identified, there are no recommendations required.

9    MONITORING AND REVIEW

9.1    Compliance with this Policy shall be monitored by the Head of Neighbourhoods. We will review the impact of this Policy on customers with protected characteristics.

9.2    This Policy shall be reviewed every 3 years.

9.3         The Head of Neighbourhoods will be responsible for initiating a review of this Policy.

10    CONTACT PERSON

9.1    The Head of Neighbourhoods has responsibility for the effective delivery of this Policy.

11    ASSOCIATED POLICIES AND DOCUMENTS

11.1    Internal documents:

  • Leaseholder Management Policy; 
  • Repairs Policy; 
  • Anti-Social Behaviour Policy; 
  • Fire Policy.

10.2    External Documents:

  • Neighbourhood and Community Standard: Regulator of Social Housing