Minutes for the Allotment Committee 2025/26

held on Monday 16th March 2026 at 7:30pm in the Reading Room, Church Street, Barrowby

 

Mark Cherry (Chair), Ian Chambers, Pete King, Vi King, Cllr Nigel Eaton, Stefan Pcola, Cllr Anna McConnell-Good

 

Claire Vink (Parish Clerk)

 

PUBLIC FORUM: No members of the public were present. Meeting started 7:18pm

 

           The Chairman welcomed members to the meeting. 

                              

Apologies received from , Dave Lightfoot, Mary Lightfoot 

 

Cllrs Eaton and McConnell-Good  declared an interest in the Pony Paddock as Parish Cllrs.

 

It was RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the Allotment Committee meeting held on 15th December 2025. 1 person abstained.

a) The site report NOTED the following:

• The potholes have filled by the developer on Low Road with additional material left should the problem arise in the future. The committee expressed their thanks.

• A boundary check has been completed and a few holes were noted however it all appeared secure. Tenants are being encouraged to put tree cuttings into any gaps which will also support bramble growth. Action: Clerk to speak to RAGs about the whips currently earmarked for the Lowfields to see if any can be used to fill gaps in the allotment boundary. (Hawthrons / Blackthorne)

b) Options for possible grants available to extend the allotments into the pony paddock were shared. It was noted that the paddock is Parish Council land and is currently being discussed at the Buildings and Assets to decide on future use. Other possibilities being explored include purchase of the ransom strip on Walkers Way and selling part of the field to fund development. Action: Clerk to work with both B&A and Allotments Committees to explore all options for pony paddock.  A request to use the land to propagate Australian plants was considered. It was RESOLVED not to approve the request due to access issues through the allotments. Access to the pony paddock should only be through Walkers Way. There were 2 abstentions.  

        

6. ALLOTMENT ALLOCATIONS, PLOT REPORT AND WAITING LIST (25/039)         

a) It was RESOLVED to move into closed session in accordance with the Public Bodies Act 1960 due to the confidential nature of the matters to be discussed 

b) The plot report was NOTED. There is a waiting list of 12, 4 Barrowby residents, 7 non residents and 1 exiting plot holder. There are 28 associate members. 4 existing plot holders want to give up ½ plots. These will be reallocated in the new financial year. All rent letters have been delivered with most already paid up. There have been no plot inspections due to adverse weather conditions. Inspections will restart in April. It was noted that the site is looking good despite the weather. It was resolved to approve the erection 1 x greenhouse and 1x shed. 

c) The meeting continued in open session 

 

a) It was NOTED that the solar panels have been purchased. M Freestone was thanked for his support. They will be installed when the weather improves.

b) It was NOTED that the pony paddock was parish council land and maintenance should sit with the Buildings and Assets committee. Action: Clerk to contact BPCAC secretary to confirm dates of maintenance to allow access.

c) Grants for water butts were discussed. Action: Committee to come up with a list of requirements for the water butts (numbers, specifications, fittings etc) and to share with Clerk. 

 

Barrowby Gardeners Association members to review version 3 of the 2026 Terms of Reference, Complaints procedure and Appeals procedure. Action: M Cherry to coordinate and collate all comments and feedback to the Clerk. To be completed by 17th April to allow redraft prior to formal adoption at the May Parish Council meeting.  

 

Update on the Pony Paddock

The orchard: Options for a 3-legged ladder and a tree survey

Where the actual boundary is to determine tree ownership.

 

Monday 15th June 2026 at 7.15pm in the Reading Room.  

The meeting closed at 8.29pm