Minutes of the Biodiversity & Allotment Committee held at Blandy Hall on 21 November 2023 commencing at 6.30pm.

Present: Cllr’s J Cook, D Harrison, P King, C Smith, C Webster, and P Rabone, and S Snelling.

In attendance:  K Thomas.

1.   To receive apologies for absence.  Cllr I Spiller, and J Hughes

2.   Representation from members of the public.  None.

3.   To receive Declarations of Interest (if any) of Members in respect of the business to be transacted.  None.

4.   Approval of Minutes.

Resolved:  That the minutes of the meeting that took place on 10 October be approved as a true and accurate record. 

Matters Arising from minutes dated 10 October 2023

Item 5 – To review site access arrangements (to include gate lock / type of lock etc)

An update was provided to explain that a meeting was held with Cllr D Harrison, Cllr P King and AMSS.  The main car park gate was surveyed by AMSS contractors who recommended a post be attached to the gate with receiver in the ground to hold it open.  At the meeting, Cllr D Harrison also suggested that the most suitable locking system would be a heavy-duty chain with integrated combination lock; bolted to each gate / gate post. Considered was the design of the gates, reduction of the potential for loss / theft of the locks, ease of use for plot holders, and accessibility from both sides for health and safety reasons.

Cllr J Cook requested that her suggestion during the meeting of the 12 October 2023 of a fixed combination locking bolt for the allotment gates be added to the minutes of said meeting.

        Resolved:

Item 9. To Consider Installation of a Defibrillator at the Site:

Item 11. To discuss the Wildflower Meadow in Broadlands:

Item 12. To Consider Maintaining the Orchard in Broadlands:

Item 14. To Review the Biodiversity and Allotment Committee Budget:

5.    To agree new Terms & Conditions for allotment holders:

       An update was provided to outline that since the last Committee meeting a health and safety survey had been carried out on 15 November 2023 by D Watkinson CMIOSH with J Hughes present.  The outcomes of the survey will be presented in full at the next Committee meeting in February 2024.

       Resolved:

6.    To agree works & quotations for cutting back ash trees along track and ascertain ownership / responsibility long term.

Resolved:   

7. To agree signage to  both Car Park Gate & Allotment Gates

Resolved:  Signage and quotations were agreed by all members. Elite Signs & Graphics to produce and install signage.

8. To review the Biodiversity and Allotment Committee budget

Resolved:

9. To receive any recommendations from any other Committees or Council.  None

10. To review the Committee’s Meeting dates and consider any matters relevant to the Committee for discussion at the next meeting

Resolved:

There being no further business, the meeting ended at 2025hrs.