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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NOTICE OF A MEETING OF THE ESTATES COMMITTEE held on 8th September 2025 in the Day Centre Commercial Road at 7.45 pm.
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COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Cllrs D Kent, A. Mackie, R. Moon, B. Robichaud, D. Sargison, J. Thompson
APOLOGIES
ES37 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
ES38 MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
To APPROVE the minutes of the meeting held on the 11th August 2025.
ES39 MATTERS ARISING FROM THE PREVIOUS MINUTES
- a) FHW signs – the contractors have confirmed they will be installed in time for the unveiling on the 28th of September 2025.
- b) The Christmas lights have been ordered.
- c) The survey for the Podmore Building has been booked for 8th September 2025.
- D) Green Lane update – the survey work has started, and the initial report is awaited.
ES40 PUTLANDS BENCHES
In March 2025 (6 months ago) it was agreed that two recycled plastic benches should be installed alongside Putlands Pond. The chairman has asked for the Committee to reconsider the type of bench to be installed. It has been suggested that a more rustic style benches would be more appropriate in this setting. See the following links.
https://www.broxap.com/hodnet-seat.html
https://www.broxap.com/penwortham-seat.html
ES41 ADVERTISING POLICY
To consider the attached draft.
ES42 OLD WORKSHOPS
To consider the attached demolition costs and decide how to progress.
ES43 SPORTS PITCHES
- a) To consider the costs to improve the security at the Elm Tree by changing the gate for a barrier, with enclosed lock. The cost is £1900 and can be paid for from the maintenance fund.
- b) There are problems with the showers in all the pavilions. The Estates Manager is awaiting quotes from the plumber to resolve the problems.
ES44 FUTURE PROJECTS
The committee has agreed to the following projects for 26/27
- Upgrade skateboard park
- Improve White’s Corner
- Improvements to Green Lane pitches/pavilion once the S106 funding becomes available
It also needs to consider improvements to the Memorial Pavilion and site. The Council currently holds £183,268 of S106 funding for improvements to the sports facilities and is not therefore dependant on additional funding. Levelling work to the pitch has taken place this year.
The following items have been put forward for consideration:
- Croquet – Memorial Field
- Pétanque (boules) – Memorial Field
- Upgrade Mount Pleasant
The Elm Tree site also needs improvements to the pavilion, drainage and car parking. The deputy clerk has tried to obtain some S106 funding for the site but to date has not been successful.
The above improvements will need to be considered by the Forward Plan group.
The Estates Manager has also advised that the ride on mower will need replacing in 2026/27. Costs are likely to be in the region of £15,000 – £20,000. An example of the proposed replacement can be found using the following link.
https://mowshop.com/product/john-deere-z950r-zero-turn-mower-60
It is also anticipated that that in view of the number of projects the council wishes to progress going forward, an additional member of ground staff will be required. This will be discussed at the Personnel Committee meeting.
ES45 CEMETERY WORKING PARTY
Improvement work at the cemetery needs to be progressed. However, the working group needs reforming with new members. Councillors are needed to work with the Estates Manager & Cemetery Clerk to move this forward.
ES46 ESTATES MANAGERS REPORT
To update members on any other matters not covered elsewhere on the agenda.
ES47 DATE OF THE FOLLOWING MEETING
The next meeting will take place on Monday 13th October 2025.
NICHOLA REAY
Clerk to the Council
2nd September 2025