Great Dunmow Grange, CM6

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Range and Quality of Local Shops: Most shops are quite far, especially for residents without a vehicle. Convenience and Availability of Transport Links: Public transport is not very reliable. Buses are often late and don’t run frequently to and from major shops or Milton Keynes Station. This makes it difficult for those without cars, who often need to rely on e-hailing services like Uber or Bolt, which increases the cost of living in the area. Living on Our Street: We really enjoy living on our street. Although there is still some ongoing construction, the builders are very respectful, and the street is cleaned regularly to keep dust to a minimum. Parking Availability: Parking availability is currently good. Each unit appears to have two allocated parking bays. I’m not sure if there’s a designated area for visitors, but it might be something the developers could consider in the future—especially once all units are occupied. Other Notes: Bin collections are efficient and well-managed. There are no issues with antisocial behavior, and traffic noise remains at an acceptable level.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Our property manager, Mustafa, is always helpful and works hard to resolve issues effectively and efficiently. However, there can sometimes be a delay between when a problem is reported and when it is fully resolved. From our experience, this seems to happen when Allsop needs to coordinate with external contractors or builders. For example, we reported a leak in the downstairs cloakroom. The plumber replaced several components except for the cistern, which he believed could be the cause of the ongoing water trickle. Unfortunately, he has not yet returned to complete the repair. Our water usage appears higher than normal, and we suspect the leak is contributing to this. We hope the issue can be resolved soon, as it may significantly increase our water bill over time. We are also still waiting for the pest control service provider to remove the wasp/hornet nest near our front door. This poses a potential safety risk, as adults, children, and pets could get stung if it is not removed promptly.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

We immigrated from South Africa to the UK in August 2025 and contacted Milton Keynes City Council (MKCC) immediately to arrange school placements for our 16-year-old twin daughters. On 13 August 2025, we applied to The Hazeley Academy, Denbigh School, and Shenley Brook End School. On 29 September, all three schools declined the applications due to oversubscription, and MKCC subsequently allocated our daughters to Walton High under the Fair Access Protocol. We have appealed the decisions of all three schools and are currently waiting to appear before their respective Appeals Panels. Our daughters have now lost more than two months of school. We are also waiting for the council’s assistance with transport to and from Walton High, as both girls have medical conditions that would be exacerbated by the approximately three-hour daily commute. It is clear that there are not enough school places in the area to support the growing population and new housing developments. Children should be able to attend a local school near their home so that they can make friends, participate in extracurricular activities, and become part of their community. Unfortunately, it seems our daughters may not have this opportunity—something we wish we had known before relocating.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

The overall infrastructure in Milton Keynes is very good. Excellent rail and road access (M1 and A5), with the City's roads built on the US grid system. Complimented by Redways that give access across the city for pedestrians and cyclists alike. The development in Shenley Wood is growing rapidly and would benefit from it's own local centre (shops etc) in line with the other Shenleys. We have regular weekly bin collections, thankfully no anti social behaviour and no traffic noise (located in a cul de sac). As the development continues to fill with new residents, parking is becoming more of a challenge with many multi vehicle households, some using more than the allotted two spaces, or parking on across the footpath and road rather than behind their property. It would be useful to have the bays numbered for each house.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

There were issues when we first moved in due to a fault with the heat pump, and a lack of knowledge / understanding as to who was responsible for resolving the issue. This resulted in a week without hot water, However since then, any issues that we have logged for maintenance have been resolved very quickly, with thanks to Mustafa Dar (Property Manager) for expediting any resolutions that require escalating. Mustafa went over and above when he went to retrieve a package we had been waiting for that had been delivered to an unoccupied property.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

The curtain pole above the patio doors in one of the empty properties we were shown is not standard for all! Also a simple guide for the heating system would have been a big help.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

The local area around Assembly Park is peaceful and safe. There are several supermarkets, coffee shops and restaurants nearby, and Telford Shopping Centre is only a short drive away. Public transport is convenient, with bus routes and the train station not too far. Parking on our street is easy, and bin collections are regular and reliable. Overall, it’s a pleasant and convenient place to live.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Management responded quickly and professionally to any issues, always making sure everything was resolved efficiently.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

It would have been nice to know that the management team regularly organizes community events. It really helps to get to know neighbours and makes the place feel welcoming.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

So far so good I am happy with the area I have not experienced any major issues . Parking is good . Bins collected every week.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Mustafa Dar has been really proactive in responding to all our queries and makings sure issues are resolved .

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

Non because I checked the area before moving so I knew what to expect .

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

The area in hassocks we leave in it’s a friendly and calm place. Pets friendly and lovely walking area surrounding the estate.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

All issues and queries are responded immediately. No problem ever with returning the call or issue

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

All is lovely and calm. The walk to the station with all roads reopened in the area is great and fast.