Span developments - Eric Lyons

[greendish]

Has anyone recently lived in a Span development (1960s housing)? I’m attracted to the ethos, greenery and the style of the buildings but worried about a few things. I suspect they are relatively cheap (compared to surrounding houses in area) for good reason.

Asbestos was used in some of the types of houses in roofs and flooring, but I don’t know if it was all of them, maybe not the later ones?

The service charges look to be about the same as other flats. Are there horrendous shared costs (or solo costs if in a house rather than flat) though if something goes wrong in the fabric of the building, given they aren’t standard construction?

What is it like to all be part of the management committee / general community? Bit worried about if I’d fit in. I did look at photos of one development and they were doing a torchlight procession for the Queen’s birthday…I’m not into things like that. I’m mid-50s and single, I don’t know if the demographic falls into families with young children and 70+.

Hi there! I live in a Span flat with my young family and we absolutely love it, despite not actively seeking a ‘Span’ house. I’d always wanted a Victorian era property, however the greenery and light totally sold me. To answer a few of your queries:

There is Asbestos in our development, however it is identified as managed and very low risk unless disturbed. Each block has a maintenance cycle every 5 years and it is checked as part of this.

Insurance is covered in our maintenance fee that we pay quarterly and has been so stress free if anything goes wrong…we actually had part of our roof blow off in a storm a few years back which resulted in zero stress + cost due to the committee sorting it out!

I wasn’t sure if we would fit in, as there are lots of creative types who live here (whereas my husband is corporate and i’m in healthcare!), however we’ve actually made friends for life. There are your more creative hippy types, but a huge range of people and personalities. I love the mix from young families to the older generations who live here!

Thanks @Maisie2409that’s encouraging! I shall put them back on my list for serious consideration. Do you have flat roofs on your development or pitched? I feel like flat would be more troublesome.

We do have a flat roof, which ties into it being troublesome like I said! No stress or hassle for us, as it was all sorted / covered by our residents association and included in our buildings insurance. However, trickier if your own house I guess!

Thank you :)