15th June 2026 Allotment Committee Minutes
Minutes of the Barrowby Parish Council Allotment Committee Meeting held on Monday 15th June 2026 at the Reading Room, Church Street, Barrowby at 7:30pm
In attendance:
Mark Cherry (Chair), Ian Chambers, Pete King, Vi King, Dave Lightfoot, Mary Lightfoot, Cllr Nigel Eaton, Cllr Anna McConnell-Good and Cllr Tim Lees. Stefan Pcola joined at 7.42pm
Officer in attendance:
Claire Vink (Parish Clerk)
PUBLIC FORUM: No members of the public were present. Meeting started 7:30pm
1. WELCOME REMARKS (26/001)
Mark Cherry was unanimously re-elected as Chair of the committee
The Chairman welcomed members to the meeting.
2. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE & REASONS GIVEN (26/002)
No apologies received
3. TO RECEIVE DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST AND REQUESTS FOR DISPENSATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LOCALISM ACT 2011 (26/003)
None received
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES (26/004)
It was RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the Allotment Committee meeting held on 16th March 2026. 2 people abstained.
5. SITE REPORT (26/005)
a) The site report NOTED the following:
• A boundary check has been completed, and a few holes were noted however it all appeared secure. Tenants are being encouraged to put large cuttings into any gaps as a ‘dead hedge’ to form a natural barrier
• Solar panels have been fitted to the container roof and are working very well. M. Freestone Electricals were thanked for their support with this.
• Orchard trees need pruning. Refer to minute point 10 BOUNDARY (26/010). Tree survey to be completed before pruning.
b) A verbal update on the pony paddock was received.
6. ALLOTMENT ALLOCATIONS, WAITING LIST AND PLOT REPORT (26/006)
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 11: 6 Barrowby residents, 3 non residents and 2 existing plot holders. There are 22 associate members. There has been 1 termination letter sent. The plot has been handed back and the key returned. It was agreed that the clerk should keep the key as a spare. Plot inspections were carried out on 15th May and 13th June. 2 plots on the watch list. No further letters sent. It was resolved to approve the erection of 4 x greenhouses and 1x shed. Request received by a Barrowby resident to mainly grow plants on a plot which are not for consumption (ie not fruit or veg) This is against tenancy rules and has been refused.
c) The meeting continued in open session
7. FINANCES (26/007)
A verbal update on the water butts was received. Action: Clerk to share details of possible grants and contact Taylor Wimpey about a possible donation. Committee to understand requirements for water butts.
8. WATER (26/008)
It was NOTED that 2 tenants were unhappy with the ban on sprinklers in polytunnels. It was reiterated that this measure has been put in place to reduce water consumption. Discussion took place around the issue. Historical abuse of the watering by tenants with sprinklers leaving them on for several hours and dominating the taps was sited. Installation of a water main on those wanting a sprinkler was deemed too difficult to monitor. It was NOTED that there would be no change in the rules regarding sprinklers at this time.
9. ORCHARD (26/009)
Several options for a 3 legged ladder were considered however it was decided to try and view in person before purchase. It was RESOLVED to approve a maximum budget of £600 (to include VAT) with Dave L and Pete K to be the lead members with a preference for a ladder meeting British Standard. Action: Clerk to take to Parish Council to authorise movement of funds from the Allotment reserves. Refer to minute point 10 BOUNDARY (26/010). for discussion of tree survey.
10. BOUNDARY (26/010)
Discussion of boundary and the trees. Exact boundary is not clear from documents held. The safety of the tree by the hens was raised as this has a big hollow looking crack and possible rats nest. Previously this has been managed by the farmer. Action: Clerk to contact Farmer to request maintenance of the tree. The ash tree with possible die back has been managed by the electric company. Action: Clerk to obtain x3 quotes for a tree survey for the orchard and all boundary trees to inform care by whomever is responsible. To be agreed by email. Fund transfer from Allotment reserves to be agreed by Parish Council.
11. CAPTURE OF FUTURE ISSUES FOR DISCUSSION / AGENDA ITEMS (26/011)
Budget considerations to be finalised before October Finance Committee Meeting.
12. DATE OF NEXT MEETING (26/012)
Provisionally set for 28th September
Meeting closed 8.25pm