MINUTES OF THE ALLOTMENT COMMITTEE OF CHOPPINGTON PARISH COUNCIL MONDAY 25 APRIL 2022 AT THE PARISH COUNCIL OFFICES
Members present:
Cllr H Allsopp
Cllr J Foster, (Chairman)
Cllr K Grimes
Cllr A Iley
Cllr J Rowell
Clr P S Vaughan
Cllr L Watson
In attendance:
Mrs A Brindley Parish Clerk, Mr D Iley FO and 11 members of the public
A009/21 1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies were received from Cllr A Hart (leave), Cllr G Huntley (childcare) The meeting agreed that these were proper reasons for absence.
A010/21 2. MEMBERS’ DECLARATION OF DISCLOSABLE
PECUNIARY AND OTHER REGISTERABLE
INTEREST(S).
Cllr P Vaughan advised he was a tenant on an allotment not managed by the Parish Council, he could not see a conflict on the agenda but would remove himself from the meeting should it become evident through discussions.
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A011/21 3. TO RECEIVE THE MINUTES OF THE 24 June 2021
The meeting agreed the minutes represented a true record of the meeting, authorising they be signed as such by the Chairman and placed in the public domain.
A012/21 4. MATTERS ARISING
There were no matters arising
A013/21 5. PUBLIC QUESTIONS
There were no non tenant related questions from the public
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A014/21 6. LEASE REVISION
Members considered the proposed rule change as per appendix 1
RESOLVED:
- Approved changes to locking of the gate
2.` Approved changes to bonfire days but requested that it should include avoidance of smoke travelling over Liddells field play area.
A015/21 7. TENANTS OPEN FORUM
Issues discussed:
- Vacant allotment plots
There are currently 6 vacant plots with 3 plots requiring further work before being offered to tenants. 1 further plot has just been let. Tenants considered that a number of other plots are not in cultivation. The Parish Clerk had sent out renewal notices and would not know until May which plots will become vacant. This timetable is at odds with the growing season and it may be that an early intimation around September from allotment holders if they are relinquishing their plots would make more sense.
- Unauthorised access to site
Concerns remain regarding unauthorised access to the site through unlocked gates. Members were concerned that tenants should feel safe on site and asked that they bring to the attention of staff anyone who is not locking the gate. Unfortunately, security is undermined by the perimeter fence adjacent to houses.
- Fence alongside ditch by willows
Tenants advised the meeting that the perimeter fence alongside he willows side is subsiding because of proximity to the ditch.
- Access road to main gate
Vehicular access to the allotment site is over an unadopted stretch of road. The condition of this road continues to cause concern. The Parish Council is not responsible for the upkeep of this road but is exploring the best option to purchase filings and have it laid.
RESOLVED:
- The Parish Clerk to bring into tenancy the 6 vacant plots as soon as possible
- Agreed the proposal from Cllr Grimes that members will inspect plots in August/September to identify those not in cultivation.
The meeting closed at the conclusion of this item, there being no further business to be transacted.
Chairman……………………………………………… Date………………………