MINUTES OF THE ALLOTMENT COMMITTEE OF CHOPPINGTON PARISH COUNCIL WEDNESDAY 28TH JANUARY 2026 AT THE PARISH COUNCIL OFFICES
Members present:
Cllr H Allsopp
Cllr K Burn
Cllr D FitzGerald (Chairman)
Cllr J Rowell
Cllr L Watson
In attendance:
Mrs A Brindley Parish Clerk, Mr D Iley FO, Mr R Delap and 9 members of the public
A011/25 1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies were received from Cllrs J Foster and G Huntley (personal matters), Cllr M Jackson (prior appointment) These were accepted by the meeting.
A012/25 2. MEMBERS’ DECLARATION OF DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY AND OTHER REGISTERABLE INTEREST(S).
None.
A013/25 3. TO RECEIVE THE MINUTES OF THE 25 SEPTEBER 2025
The meeting agreed the minutes represented a true record of the meeting, authorizing that they be signed as such by the Chairman and placed in the public domain.
A014/25 4. MATTERS ARISING
The Parish Clerk advised an update regarding allotments out of commission would be covered in the Clerk’s report.
A015/25 5. REPORT FROM THE CLERK
Fees
Members were reminded that the last day to pay fees was 28th January.
Plot occupancy
Three allotment plots have been released and are now available for rental. In addition, four allotments are currently out of use. Quotations are being sought from contractors to clear these plots and prepare them for cultivation.
The installation of raised beds to support easier gardening for prospective tenants with mobility issues was discussed and identified as a project worth exploring. Given the large size of the plots, the option of subdividing them was suggested as a less daunting space for new gardeners to maintain.
Tipping
Tenants are reminded that they are responsible for the clearing of their own rubbish from allotment plots. The Parish Council provides a skip for new tenants when clearing their allotments and there is an offer to put a skip on site once a year for use by all tenants. The current rubbish outside allotments 9 and 10 will have to be uplifted at a cost.
Dog poisoning
Sadly a dog had ingested rat poison lying on the allotment tracks resulting in a costly vets bill. Although rats are a problem everywhere, rat poison should not be laid in public areas of the allotment. The Deputy Parish Clerk is awaiting details of a rodent management course.
Leaking Tap
Parish Clerk thanked the tenant who brought to their attention a leaking tap. the council had turned off the stop cock but it was still to be repaired.
Numbering of plots
The Parish Clerk reminded tenants to number their plots clearly to aid inspections.
A016/25 6. TENANTS OPEN FORUM
Issues discussed:
Clearance of tracks
The Operations Manager confirmed that the works being quoted included the flattening of the track between allotments.
Smaller plot sizes
The meeting agreed that smaller plots may help new tenants maintain their plots.
Identification of new tenants
Parish Clerk confirmed that every new tenant is advised of the time required to maintain an allotment plot and all give assurances of their commitment. Many new tenants
take on overgrown plots and manage to bring them into cultivation unfortunately others have unrealistic expectations of their own abilities and fall behind. Temporary 6
month leases are given to all new tenants which allows easier eviction if they do not work on their plots. It is usual however for work to begin well but decline over time.
Accompanied Council Visits
The suggestion that existing tenants accompany Council visits to highlight issues was discussed. It was felt that this could be perceived as assigning certain tenants a
leadership role similar to that of an allotment association representative. While tenants are encouraged to engage with Councillors during visits, the formation of an Allotment
Association has previously been rejected by tenants, and the meeting concurred that an Allotment Association was not required.
There being no further business to be transacted the meeting closed at 7.15pm
Chairman……………………………………………… Date………………………
Agenda Item 3
MINUTES OF THE ALLOTMENT COMMITTEE OF CHOPPINGTON PARISH COUNCIL WEDNESDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2025 AT THE PARISH COUNCIL OFFICES
Members present:
Cllr H Allsopp
Cllr K Burn
Cllr A Cottrell
Cllr D FitzGerald
Cllr J Foster, (Chairman)
Cllr M Jackson
Cllr J Rowell
Cllr L Watson
In attendance:
Mrs A Brindley Parish Clerk, Mr D L Nicholson DPC, Mr D Iley FO/AO
A01/25 1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Cllr G Huntley (family commitments) The meeting agreed that these were proper reasons for absence.
A02/25 2. MEMBERS’ DECLARATION OF DISCLOSABLE
PECUNIARY AND OTHER REGISTERABLE
INTEREST(S).
Although an officer is not required to make a disclosure DPC Mr D L Nicholson advised the Committee he was an allotment tenant
A03/25 3. PUBLIC QUESTIONS
There were no non-allotment related questions from the public
A04/25 4. APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRMAN FOR 2025/26
Cllr J Foster being the sole nominee was appointed to serve as Chair for the council year 2025/26
A005/2 A05/25 5. APPOINTMENT OF VICE CHAIR FOR 2025/26
Cllr K Burn being the sole nominee was appointed to serve as Vice Chair for the council year 2025/26
.
A06/25 6. TERMS OF REFERENCE
Members approved the terms of reference
A07/25 7. MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE 29 JANUARY 2025
The meeting agreed the minutes represented a true record, authorising, that they be signed as such by the Chairman and placed in the public domain.
A08/25 MATTERS ARISING
The Parish Clerk advised that the rodent management course run by the Northern Counties Allotment Association, has been cancelled twice due to low interest. The DPC is liaising with the NCA to see whether one could be organised in this area, that will attract more attendees.
RESOLVED: Members approved the initiative
A09/25 8. PARISH CLERKS REPORT
- Members have visited the site during the year and reported that there are two plots causing concern. These are 2 double vacant allotments plots. The 2 x 2 vacant plots are proving difficult to clear. The local team were able to partially clear one of the double plots, however the rubbish is still to be removed from the site. The other double plot is an extremely difficult one. There are building structures on it which may have safety issues and the land itself is known to be waterlogged. Currently officers are pursuing options.
- There is another plot that is uncultivated and will be followed up.
- The Clerk requested that plot numbers be clearly displayed on the fencing of each allotment. Although this has been done in the past, some numbers are no longer visible due to the removal or replacement of fence panels over time. Reinstating the plot numbers would assist in identifying individual plots during inspections.
A10/25 9. TENANTS OPEN FORUM
No allotment tenants were present at the meeting; however, it was observed that the main tenants meeting is held in January. Tenants are encouraged to contact the office as needed when issues arise.
There being no further items for discussion the meeting closed at 6.50pm
Chairman……………………………………………… Date………………………