Introduction

All Martlesham Heath Village home-owners become shareholders in MHH when they buy their homes. The deeds of each house have a covenant to this effect, which passes to the new owners whenever a house changes hands.

Formerly known and registered as "Martlesham Consultants Ltd" when it was formed in 1973, the company has recently changed its name to the more meaningful "Martlesham Heath Householders Ltd". When the new village was being developed, the planning authorities required the developer, Bradford Property Trust (now Grainger Trust) to form a management company to own and manage the large areas of communal land and facilities which were to be a feature of the village when it was complete.

MHH is one of the few management companies borne out of similar UK housing developments. It continues to thrive almost 40 years after its inception while many other similar companies have fallen into disuse or have long since been liquidated.

Management

MHH is run by an unpaid Board of Directors (all local residents) who are elected by the shareholders (Martlesham Heath Village residents and owners) at the Annual General Meeting.

To carry out the efficient management of this property requires an adequate income. The Company's income from investments covers most of its office and secretarial costs. The cost of management and maintenance is met by an annual levy, together with charges made when new houses are built and when existing houses change hands.

The annual levy, which is binding on all shareholders, is currently £20.00 per property as agreed at the 2011 AGM.

The Company does not exist to make a profit, but as well as paying for regular annual maintenance, some provision is made each year for items of major work which become necessary from time to time.

Land and Property Ownership

As a limited company, MHH is able to own and administer land and property, and provide a complete safeguard against its possible future development.

It owns or leases most of the open space in the village, and is responsible for managing and maintaining its assets for the benefit of all residents.

These Assets include:

Objectives

MHH will manage, maintain, and improve its land and other facilities, to enhance the environment of Martlesham Heath for the benefit of the members of the Company.

It will do this by efficient use of available resources.

This includes grass cutting, maintenance of the heath land, the woods and planted areas within the hamlets.

As well as maintaining the land, MHH makes land available for the Martlesham Youth Football Club pitches, the Cricket Club and the children's play area near Gorseland School.

It makes the Control Tower available to the Martlesham Heath Aviation Society and has leased the Pavilion for community use. It has helped social and sporting clubs and finances litter collection in the Village.

Participation by Residents

The Company is run in accordance with the rules laid down by company law, and annual reports and details of the audited accounts are sent to all shareholders.

MHH can only continue to be effective if local residents are prepared to give their time and energy to its work. Shareholders who would like to be involved in the running of the Company are encouraged to put themselves forward for election as Directors, at the AGM which is held each February.

The Board of Directors meets monthly, and these meetings are open to all shareholders. Directors also participate in the work of the Committees, which deal with particular aspects of the work.

MHH aims to work in partnership with Martlesham Parish Council, and other community organisations, for the good of the whole Village.