St Mary’s Island residential properties are subject to restrictive covenants. The purpose of these covenants is to protect the environment and appearance of the Island

There is a standard set of covenants which is universal to all residential properties, and a number of specific covenants which apply to localised areas within the development.

Covenants are enforceable by the Rentcharge Owner (rentcharge ownership passes to Chatham Maritime Trust usually within a year or two of first sale), but SEEDA and housebuilders may also have rights of enforcement.

In early 2008 Chatham Maritime Trust carried out a review of its policy on the application of restrictive covenants.  This review included a survey of the views of Island residents, and consultation with other stakeholders.

The residents' survey produced a very strong 20% response, and of these the overwhelming opinion was supportive of the covenant policy being put forward.

The Restrictive Covenant Policy can be downloaded by clicking the link below.

Residents are urged to consult the Restrictive Covenant Policy before deciding on any alterations.