Reading MP hits out at Woodley developers over leaseholding

The Leasehold Reform Bill is looking to reduce ground rents in new residential long leases to zero, meaning anyone with a lease of over 21 years could be charged only a ‘peppercorn rate’ of little to no financial value.

A leasehold is when the tenant owns the property but not the land on which it is built.

Speaking at the Houses of Parliament, Labour MP Mr Rodda said: “Is it not incredible that the UK still has this medieval system of ownership, which, as has been mentioned, so discriminates against first-time buyers, people on lower incomes, older people and many other groups, which in many ways deserve more support and encouragement to get on to the property ladder?”

“It is a feudal system and surely we need to end it once and for all.”

According to government figures, 26.1 per cent of property transactions were leasehold in 2020 and this figure is 27.1 per cent in Reading West.

Above: Reading East MP, Matt Rodda, believes it is time we ended leaseholding

Speaking on a more local level, Mr Rodda went into detail on two developments in Woodley which he believes have let his constituents down.

Loddon Park is an estate in which although the properties are freehold, Mr Rodda claims they still pay “potentially unlimited extra costs for the maintenance of some attractive grounds because no cap was written into the charging policy, and they did not realise that when they bought their properties.”

He went on to say: “That is very sad and deeply unfair.

“I respect the fact that the local authority had difficulties in trying to provide the properties, but I wish it had been more careful.”

In response, Loddon Park developers Taylor Wimpey stood by its charges and said all customers are warned of the costs before purchasing their home.

A spokesman said: " We recognise the concerns raised about maintenance charges for communal areas at our Loddon Park development.

“Annual maintenance charges paid by residents are set by the management company and go towards the ongoing maintenance of the areas of open space at the development.”

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Mr Rodda also described another unnamed estate, which has been built next to a transport depot, with residents “not told of the additional changes that would need to be made to these properties—in particular, the need to adapt to air quality problems, such as mechanical ventilation and other forms of enhancements to the properties.

“They were also not told about the noise and pollution from the depot when they purchased the properties.

“We hope that Housing Solutions will compensate these poor residents for the way that they have been treated and, indeed, buy them out of their properties if possible.”

When asked to comment, Housing Solutions said that they have asked Wokingham Borough Council to undertake air quality testing on their site, which has since concluded, and they have also offered to speak to Mr Rodda personally regarding the issues raised.

A statement continued: “Last September Housing Solutions had concerns that measures to mitigate noise levels inside the homes had not been installed in accordance with the specification originally agreed.

“Housing Solutions has made a number of interventions to try and get this matter resolved for our residents.

“In terms of the air quality and pollution in the local area, whilst this is not under Housing Solutions’ responsibility or control, we share residents’ concerns, and those of their families about the possible impact of dust and emissions coming from the haulage yard.

“We have stood shoulder to shoulder with our residents throughout this process and are gratified that progress has now been made to enable all parties to move forward.”