The Regulations:

For Cerne Abbas to remain an attractive place and its communal areas enjoyable for everyone it is necessary for us all to observe some rules. The basis of the rules is the legally enforceable covenant: Schedule VI of the contract of sale we all signed when we bought our houses. These original covenants have been clarified (with respect to CARA’s maintenance obligations) as agreed at the 2012 AGM.  The draft clarifications document was reviewed by our legal advisors and presented to the 2012 AGM where it was approved and issued as “The Regulations”.   This document can be accessed by clicking on the button at the bottom of this page.

The covenant-derived rules are summarised under the following headings:

General:

Residents (and their visitors) should not cause nuisance, annoyance or inconvenience to other residents.  Premises are not to be used for any business, trade or vocation. 

Cars:

The speed limit (not a target) is 10mph; speeds need to be much less in areas or times of poor visibility, or when children are present.

Parking is only permitted on driveways and in designated parking bays around the perimeter and the entrance rotunda. Parking is not permitted on roads or pavements. Parking spaces are not to be used for long term parking of vehicles not regularly in use. Overnight parking of commercial vehicles, caravans or boats is not permitted.

Dogs:

Dogs can only be kept with the prior written permission of CARA. Dogs are not permitted within the enclosed areas formed by the Phase 1 and Phase 2 gardens, and are to be kept on lead within all other communal areas. Any dog fouling is to be promptly bagged and disposed of in the owner’s black bin.

Gardens:

Changes to the gardens can only be made with the permission of CARA.

Houses:

Owners are not permitted to change the visible exterior; e.g. by fixing aerials, cables, trellis, window blinds, estate agents’ boards, etc. Any interior or exterior alterations require the prior written approval of CARA.   Click on the “Application Form…” button at the bottom of this page for details.

Compliance:

If you believe another resident is not complying you should first raise the problem with them in person. Only if that does not resolve the issue will CARA take up the matter. CARA may involve the Managing Agent to act on its behalf or ultimately engage a solicitor to enforce the covenants. 

This summary is not a complete list of the rules nor is it the actual wordings. It is intended as a practical guide. If you need the full details you should consult your property transfer – especially Schedule VI and addenda.

Guidance:

Further Guidance is provided in the following sub-page “Guidance” – and its attached documents accessed by clicking on the relevant buttons.