Creation and Aims of the Society

Creation of

the Society

In 1971 the Calthorpe Residents Society was formed by a group of local residents worried about proposed development on the Calthorpe Estate, an elegant ‘Garden Suburb’ occupying much of Edgbaston and part of Harborne, a short distance from Birmingham City Centre. The aim was to form a group who could engage with the Calthorpe Estate management to make representations on behalf of and protect the interests of those who lived within the boundaries of the Estate, to mutual benefit.

The Society is independent, apolitical, secular and voluntary and is open to all who live on and work in the Calthorpe Estate, as well as those who just admire its heritage and beauty.

Mainly due to the efforts of the Society the older part of the Estate was, in 1976, designated a Conservation Area, one of the largest such urban areas in England. The Society has in the past given invaluable guidance to residents on the Leasehold Reform Act (1967) and subsequent legislation assisting many to purchase their own freeholds.

The Society continues to monitor the Calthorpe Estate ‘Scheme of Management’, the aim of which is to preserve the character of the Estate with its famously numerous, beautiful trees, open spaces and historic buildings. This is operated by Principle Estate Management for the Calthorpe Estate and the many residents who are subject to the Scheme should be aware of their legal obligations under it.

The Calthorpe Residents Society continually reviews planning applications and development on the Estate, offering help and guidance to individuals and groups as required. Talks and events of local interest take place each year. Increasingly the Society is linking with other local groups, promoting local charities and events to the benefit of as many residents as possible. Whilst the Society has had much past success in preserving historic buildings, continued vigilance is required to ensure that the wonderful streetscapes are not eroded by loss of trees, front gardens and inappropriate gates and railings. Traffic speed and anti social parking have become significant issues in recent years. The Society is becoming more proactive in improving amenities and influencing development.

Membership of the Residents Society is open to all residential owners and occupiers and to businesses and organisations on the Calthorpe Estate and those who know and admire the area, subject to a small annual fee.

Aims of

the Society

  • To maintain this attractive city “garden suburb” as a most desirable place to live and work, now and for the future by upholding the principles of the Scheme of Management and encouraging its enforcement.
  • To foster  a community spirit,  linking with residents, local organisations and local charities by promoting and staging local events.
  • To preserve and enhance our attractive environment, through the monitoring of planning applications, supporting sympathetic development, but objecting when necessary.
  • To promote admiration and respect for the Calthorpe Estate through knowledge of its history and appreciation of its unique character and heritage.
  • To act as a bridge between Calthorpe residents and various authorities; campaigning and making representations to the Calthorpe Estate’s Agent and other managing companies, to Birmingham City Council, to the local police, Councillors, our MP and central government as necessary.
  • To help residents obtain ‘good value for money’ in respect of management charges.
  • To campaign for improvements which will enhance the quality of life on the Estate.

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If you are a paid up CRS member you will be charged the CRS members fee (if there is one) for all social events. if you are not a member there will always be an extra charge (except your first event), but if you live on the Calthorpe Estate, you may join CRS for £10 per household per year and then not be subject to this charge.
If you are a Calthorpe Estate Resident, you may join CRS for £10 per household per year, which means you will pay the CRS members fee (if there is one) for all social events.
Please note that if you are a CRS member, only the two registered persons in your household pay the members fee. If you have selected 'More than two' or 'Variable number', please describe your requirements in the 'Comment' field.