Darras Hall Estates Committee

The Darras Hall Estates Committee Chairman writes:

The Darras Hall Estate

The Darras Hall Estate is one of the most desirable areas in the North East to live in is approximately 7 miles from the centre of Newcastle upon Tyne.

It was formed in 1910 by a group of forward thinking inviduals who became the Trustees of the estate, and wrote a formal legally binding document known as The Trust Deed which is supported by a book of bye-laws providing guidance and rules for managing the estate by an elected committee of 15 owners.

The total area is approximately 925 acres which was originally divided into 5 acre plots and then in time was subdivided into various plot sizes depending on approved development with the minimum plot size allowed being 0.25 acres as laid down in the Trust Deed. The Trustees rightly envisaged that the estate would be developed and we now have 2568 properties [which is close to maximum], which are serviced by a small enthusiastic shopping centre in the middle of the estate.

The Trust Deed principles and bye-laws which are followed very strictly by the committee have been challenged unsuccessfully in court a number of times which proves that they are standing the test of time and achieving the objectives of the founders set 95 years ago thus maintaining a countryside environment of trees and openness. However, it is important to mention that the committee have the legal right of total discretion as laid down in the Trust Deed and they can also review the bye-laws to suit the needs of present day living requirements. There has been a recent up dating of the byelaws, which now clearly define the ratio of plot size to building dimensions so that over development of a plot is avoided.

Finally the estate is going through a period of change, as it is clear that the smaller and older houses on the estate do not meet the needs of present day family requirements. We are therefore seeing many alterations to existing properties and also demolish and re-build .The committee are kept very busy by processing well over 200 planning applications a year ensuring that they comply with the regulations thus protecting a very desirable area to live in.

Chairman March 2005