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 Monday 13th of December 2021 at 7.45pm in the Day Centre, Commercial Road.
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PRESENT: Cllr D Boyle, in the Chair
M Flashman, R. Moon, D. Sargison,
IN ATTENDANCE: Mrs C Reilly Deputy Clerk
Mr K Butler, Estates Manager
APOLOGY: Cllr R. Turk. Mrs N Reay, Town Clerk
ES51 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of interest.
ES52 MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
The minutes of the meeting held on 8th November were APPROVED.
ES53 MATTERS ARISING FROM THE PREVIOUS MINUTES
- E45 – TWBC have advised that the trees will be delivered on the 16th of December. Only the specimen trees and 20 whips will be delivered. The Estates Manager will arrange for the larger trees to be planted at the locations agreed with the Clerk. He will also arrange for a digger if required and will purchase support stakes and tree guards of an appropriate size. Estate’s manager to advise FHW volunteers that the first batch of whips are arriving.
Cllr D Boyle proposed, and Cllr R Moon seconded:
That reserved funds for the additional whips should be used for a staggered purchase.
Day Centre: Estate’s manager was asked where the cables had been found and he did not know. Office would check with company that did the survey. Replacement trees are in this year’s budget.
- ES46 – TWBC has carried out a 1 off collection of garden waste in Paddock Wood.
This was noted. The Parish Chairman’s meeting has been advised that TWBC are considering a monthly service commencing in January.
- c) ES47 –
S106 funding (a) – additional funding from the S106 agreements has been identified. Members noted the schedule and that the clerk is seeking a project consultancy to manage the planning and procurement of projects to be paid for by the larger contributions.
- b) –S106 funding from the Station Road development will be for public realm improvements. A request for funding for replacement paving, replacement commemorative benches and refurbishment of the railing around the War Memorial have been submitted via the TWBC Planning department.
ES54 OLD CHURCH YARD HEDGE
It had previously been agreed that the hedge around the Old Church Yard should be layered. The contractor had advised that further growth should be allowed before he could carry out the work. There is now sufficient growth, but the contractor employed is no longer able to carry out the work.
Quotes from two contractors were provided to members and discussed.
Cllr D Boyle proposed and Cllr D Sargison seconded:
That the quote from the contractor who proposed laying the hedge rather than a substantial replacement as proposed by the other contractor should be accepted. Unanimous.
ES55 WILD MEADOW SPACES
Members discussed the advice for management of the green space at the end of Green Lane.
Cllr D Boyle proposed and Cllr M Flashman seconded:
That this should be taken forward as per the advice provided, initially by obtaining a quote for the cut and collect so that the project can begin this year if possible. Volunteers to assist with scarifying should be sought. Unanimous.
ES56 CHILDRENS GRAVE SPACES
As advised the contractor has attended and replace a number of bricks, has subsequently sanded the area and is wating for a dry period to put down the sealant. Estates Manager to chase up this work.
ES57 TREES
- a) Following maintenance work on the trees at Mount Pleasant the contractor has advised that one of the trees needs felling as it is in danger of splitting. The Estates Manager will advise members. The Estates Manager advised removal. There was discussion of the risk posed by the poor state of on side of the tree.
Cllr D Boyle proposed and Cllr M Flashman seconded:
That the tree should be removed but the Council undertakes to replace it as soon as possible. Unanimous. (Note Species of replacement to be agreed at February meeting)
- b) Attached is a copy of the recent tree survey. Two trees have been identified as in need of immediate attention. The tree at Fuggles Close is not on Town Council land. Town and Country Housing who own the land have been notified.
The other work will be scheduled according to priority. This was noted.
ES58 FOALHURST WOOD WORKS
- a) Bridges -Cllr R Moon proposed and Cllr M Flashman seconded:
That the estimate for replacement of the bridges should be accepted. Unanimous.
- b) Car Park resurfacing and drainage. Deputy Clerk provided further clarification regarding the proposed surfacing which addressed members concern that the surface should be porous and not contribute further to surface water problems. This was noted. Members were concerned that the white lining of parking spaces might be out of keeping with the nature reserve and proposed that the contractor should be asked if a less prominent marking is feasible whilst keeping in mind maintenance issues. To be reported back at February meeting when a final decision would be made.
ES59 ESTATES MANAGER’S REPORT
It was reported that works are being undertaken in Foalhurst Wood by all three staff members as required for this time of year in addition to usual work.
Cllr D Boyle proposed and Cllr M Flashman seconded that Under section 1 (2) of the Public Bodies (admission to meetings) Act 1960 the public and press should be excluded from the meeting for the following item. Unanimous
ES60 KENT CLOSE ALLOTMENTS
The report was considered and discussed by members. The conflict of interest of the Council’s usual solicitor was noted.
Cllr R Moon proposed and Cllr M Flashman seconded:
That another solicitor should be appointed by the Clerk to take up this matter on behalf of the Council. Unanimous.
ES61 DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING
The next meeting will be held on Monday 14th February 2022.
