PADDOCK WOOD TOWN COUNCIL
The Podmore Building, St Andrews Road, Paddock Wood
Tonbridge, Kent, TN12 6HT
Telephone: 01892 837373
www.paddockwood-tc.gov.uk
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MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE ESTATES COMMITTEE held on 11th August 2025 in the Day Centre Commercial Road at 7.45 pm.
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PRESENT: Cllr J. Thompson, in the chair
Cllrs D Kent, A. Mackie, R. Moon, B. Robichaud, D. Sargison,
IN ATTENDANCE: Mrs N Reay, Town Clerk
Mr R Jamieson, Estates Manager
1 Member of the Public
ES22 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
There is no declaration of interest.
ES23 MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
The meeting held on the 14TH July 2025 were APPROVED.
ES24 MATTERS ARISING FROM THE PREVIOUS MINUTES
a) FHW signs – plans for unveiling at the volunteer meeting on the 28th Representatives from both Barsleys and Waitrose will be invited to attend as both had made contributions towards the wood. Members also agreed that it should be widely advertised so that residents could attend. Cllr Moon advised that is it was a volunteer day as well and they would be working that day and the lead warden should be contacted to discuss arrangements. The clerk pointed out that if members intended to have a larger event than had originally envisaged then members will need to consider parking arrangements etc. Cllrs Robichaud, Mackie and Thompson all agreed to be present.
b) Update on Green Lane – the work for the survey has provisionally been booked for 12th August – however that will be subject to ground conditions.
ES25 PITCH USAGE & TRAINING SCHEDULE
Members considered the attached schedule for pitch usage and training needs.
PWFC had previously asked to use the Memorial Field rather than the Field at St Andrews. This had been deferred until the overall usage of all the pitches had been reviewed. However, members did not wish to commit to the Memorial Field open area to being used every weekend for training.
The Estates Manager confirmed that teams could train on their pitches if the conditions were favourable. He also confirmed that there was sufficient space for a match to be played at Putlands and for training to take space.
Members also asked that the Finance Committee could review the pitch fees and consider charging for training area.
Cllr Thomspon proposed, Cllr Robichaud seconded:
That the schedule should be accepted and PWFC Juniors should continue to train at St Andrews Field
CARRIED unanimously
CARRIED 5 in favour, 1 abstention
ES26 BENCHES, PUTLANDS
At the meeting in March 2025 the Committee agreed that two benches should be purchased and installed by Putlands Pond. The agreed benches have been purchased, but the Chairman has requested that the committee re-considers the design of the bench now that they have arrived.
Following a discussion Cllr Thompson proposed, Cllr Kent seconded:
That this should be deferred until the next meeting.
CARRIED 4 in favour, 2 abstained
ES27 WHITES CORNER
Whites Corner needs improvement. Some clearance work was carried out two years ago but the planting that was carried out there has not proved to be successful. Members are asked to consider whether the complete area should be re-vamped, retaining the sundial and railway sign. The sleepers need replacement, and the trees and hedges have reached a height that makes it impossible for the sundial to be used properly as it is too shaded.
It was agreed that in the interim the Estates Staff tidy the area up with a plan being made for the longer term.
ES28 CHRISTMAS LIGHTS & TREES
The Town Council has budgeted £6,600/pa for a new three-year lease for re-furbished lights. Members discussed the designs which were available and decided that two designs for Commercial Road and different designs for the Car Parks.
Cllr Robichaud proposed, Cllr Thompson seconded:
That the designs Brassee and Flocon d’or should be installed in Commercial Road and Station Road.
CARRIED unanimously
Cllr Robichaud proposed, Cllr Thompson seconded:
That one of each of the following should be installed in the Car Parks:
Piero, Clara, Etoile de Nord, Opale & Arabica
CARRIED unanimously
ES29 SKATEBOARD PARK
This has been referred from the previous meeting. The Council currently has £30k in its own reserves for a new skateboard park, with a further £20k allocated for the skatepark this financial year. There is also a further £74,500 (rpi since 2019) from S106 funding which has been allocated for the skateboard park.
Now that the rugby has moved from Putlands to Green Lane there is a possibility of increasing the size of skate park slightly, if required.
Estimated figures previously suggested that total renewal of the skate park was £300,000.
It was agreed that this was a project which should be included for 2026/27.
ES30 POSTER CAMPAIGN
The date for the close of the poster campaign was extended from the 23rd of May 2025 to 18th July 2025. Two entries have been received and are attached for members consideration.
Cllr Robichaud proposed, Cllr Mackie seconded:
That both designs should be accepted and prizes awarded.
CARRIED unanimously
ES31 UNAUTHORISED ADVERTISING
Several banners & posters have been placed on The Batters fencing without town council permission. Members discussed whether that these banners and posters should be removed and a sign placed stating that banners will be removed if placed without town council permission.
There was a view that the space could be used to raise funds for charitable causes if businesses wished to advertise on the fence.
The Clerk was asked to draw up a policy which allowed commercial organisations to make a charitable contribution if they wished to use the location. Community groups would be allowed to continue to use it for free.
ES32 PODMORE BUILDING
Some new cracks have appeared in the Podmore Building and the skirting boards are rotting in the toilet suggesting rising damp. Members are asked to consider a structural survey of the building. Costs will be in the region of £1500. There is currently £2,500 remining in the in the Podmore Maintenance fund & £43,000 in the building maintenance reserve fund.
Cllr Thompson proposed, Cllr Robichaud seconded:
That the clerk should speak to the council’s insurance company to see if the Council was insured. If not, then a survey (up to £1500) would be commissioned.
CARRIED unanimously
ES33 TREE PLAQUES
Members considered the report from the Deputy Clerk regarding the placing of Tribute plaques in Foal Hurst Wood. There was concern that it could lead to floral tributes and gifts being left in the Woodland. However, it was felt that was some value in looking at the scheme for the community orchard as that develops.
It was therefore agreed that the project should be considered as the community orchard develops and be reviewed in about 6 months
ES34 PROJECTS FOR 2026/27
The Council will start its budgeting process at the end of September. Members are asked to bring forward any additional projects for the September meeting for consideration by the committee.
ES35 STAFF
The new member of the grounds team has successfully completed their probation period.
ES36 DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next meeting will take place on Monday 8th September 2025.
The meeting closed at 9.30 pm.