PADDOCK WOOD TOWN COUNCIL
The Podmore Building, St Andrews Road, Paddock Wood
Tonbridge, Kent, TN12 6HT
Telephone: 01892 837373
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MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE ESTATES COMMITTEE held on Tuesday 11th April , 2023 at 7.00 pm in the Day Centre, Commercial Road.
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PRESENT: Cllr D Boyle, in the Chair
Cllrs H Atkins, R. Atkins, T. Bisdee, M. Flashman
IN ATTENDANCE: Mrs N Reay, Town Clerk
Mr C Smith, Estates Manager
APOLOGIES: Cllrs R. Moon, A Mackie, D. Sargison, R. Turk
ES69 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
ES70 MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
The minutes of the meeting held on 12th March 2023 were APPROVED.
ES71 UPDATE FROM THE PREVIOUS MINUTES
a) A copy of the Memorial Bench guidelines was attached. These are for benches in the Cemetery as well as the council recreation ground.
Following a discussion Cllr Boyle proposed, Cllr Flashman seconded:
That the guidelines should be adopted subject to an annual review.
CARRIED unanimously.
b) Levelling Up fund – the funds had now been received and work will commence on the wild flower meadow as soon as possible. Notices will be placed on site to inform residents.
c) ES61 – Play Equipment – another contractor had been identified who was willing to quote for the works required. His quote is awaited.
d) ES62 – all allotment holders had been notified of the price increases for the 2024/25. Where email addresses had been given on the tenancy agreement the notice had been sent by email.
e) ES64 – there was not further update at present
f) ES66 – the Estates Manager had been unable to contact the residents concerned. He had left his contact details for them to call him back.
ES72 CAR PARK FOAL HURST WOOD.
The Town Council is in receipt of £22,294 of section 106 money to mitigate any adverse effect the building of the adjoining housing development has on the nature reserve.
Members had previously discussed improving the car park surface and costs for a tarmac car park had been obtained. Cost two years ago was between £27,000 & £28,000. This was beyond the current budget.
The cost of replacing the surface of compacted road planings – similar is already there – had been obtained and was £6500.
Members discussed which surface they would prefer, and some members felt that the compacted road planings would be more in keeping with a nature reserve than a tarmacked carpark.
Costs of replacing the footbridges which were beginning to degrade had also been obtained. This would be £5,300.
Cllr Boyle proposed, Cllr Bisdee seconded:
That the car park surface should be replaced using compacted road planings, as per the specification given.
CARRIED 3 in favour, 1 against, 1 abstain
Cllr Boyle proposed, Cllr H Atkins seconded:
That the footbridges should be replaced/repaired as per the specification given.
CARRIED unanimously.
ES73 ALLOTMENTS
Members noted the attached correspondence from the allotment co-ordinator.
ES74 FOOTBALL PITCHES
Members considered the attached report whereby the Estates Manager had been questioned by the football leagues and clubs as to whether he had the authority to call of matches if he considered the pitches unfit for play.
Cllr Boyle proposed, Cllr H Atkins seconded:
That the Estates Manager has authority to call off matches on all the town council owned pitches.
CARRIED unanimously.
ES75 REPLACEMENT LIGHTING
Costs to replace the light fittings in the Day Centre and St Andrews Hall had been received.
Cllr Boyle proposed, Cllr Flashman seconded:
That all the light fittings in the Day Centre should be replaced as per the quotation
CARRIED 4 in favour, 1 abstention
Cllr Boyle proposed, Cllr Flashman seconded:
That all the light fittings in St Andrews Hall should be replaced as per the quotation.
CARRIED 3 in favour, 1 against, 1 abstention.
ES76 PONDS & CULVERTS
The estates manager has met with the council’s pond consultant in order to consider any future work to required. The fishing platforms at Putlands need repair/replacement. Members discussed whether all four platforms should be retained or some removed.
Cllr Flashman proposed, Cllr Boyle seconded:
That two platforms should be retained, and two removed.
CARRIED unanimously.
The culvert at Elm Tree is likely to need repair soon. See attached photo.
The Estates Manager would continue to monitor it.
ES77 PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY BOARD
The Public Rights of Way board which the council installed at the Eastern Car park no longer has a map in it. The map faded and was removed. It has not been possible to obtain another one as KCC no longer print them.
It is not practical to use it regularly as a notice board due to the difficulties opening it.
Cllr Boyle proposed, Cllr Bisdee seconded:
That the board should be removed, if possible, and the area made good.
CARRIED unanimously.
ES78 CORONATION BENCH
The Town council has approved a £1000 for a Coronation Bench. Members were asked to agree the design & location for the bench.
Cllr Boyle proposed, Cllr H Atkins seconded:
That the Wealden Coronation bench should be purchased and installed along the southern boundary of the Community Centre on Memorial Field. The Memorial Bench for David Henshaw should be installed alongside it.
CARRIED unanimously.
There was a spare bench from Putlands Field and that would be installed adjacent to the Rugby field.
If sufficient funds are left from the budget the Estates Manager has advised that it would be possible to obtain an oak tree which was also discussed at the Council meeting. This could be planted at Green Lane adjacent to the existing oak tree which has a TPO on it. A plaque to commemorate the Coronation could also be obtained.
Cllr Boyle proposed, Cllr Flashman seconded:
That with the remaining funds an oak tree and plaque should be bought and planted at Green Lane close to the existing tree.
CARRIED unanimously.
The Estates Manager advised that the tree could not now be planted until the autumn.
ES79 TENNIS COURT NETS
Members are asked to approve the purchase of the new nets for the tennis courts. £200 has been allocated for the nets. This item was deferred as additional funds would need to be identified.
ES80 DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next meeting will be held on Monday 12th June at 7.45 pm. TBC
The meeting closed at 9 pm.
