Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Julia Berry (Chair) and Alison Hansford.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the Overview and Scrutiny Task Group - Allotments meeting that was held on 11 August 2010 (enclosed)

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the Overview and Scrutiny Task Group – Allotments meeting held on 11 August 2010 be held as a correct record for signing by the Chair

Members are reminded of their responsibility to declare any personal interest in respect of matters contained in this agenda. If the interest arises only as result of your membership of another public body or one to which you have been appointed by the Council then you only need to declare it if you intend to speak.

If the personal interest is a prejudicial interest, you must withdraw from the meeting. Normally you should leave the room before the business starts to be discussed. You do, however, have the same right to speak as a member of the public and may remain in the room to enable you to exercise that right and then leave immediately. In either case you must not seek to improperly influence a decision on the matter.

No declarations of any interest were declared.

The Task Group has agreed to interview/ consult various witnesses as part of the review process:

• Mr Bill Taylor – Chair of Chorley Allotments Society and a member of the public that requested a review of Allotments
• Miss Eleanor Smith – Member of public that requested a review of Allotments
• Sarah Turner – Community Growing Officer

Eileen Bee, Disability Forum Co-ordinator is unable attend so her comments will be presented to the next meeting of the Task Group.

A Chorley Council Planning Officer will also be present a the meeting.

To enable the Members to put forward any questions regarding Allotments, the under mentioned people attended the meeting and took part in an informal discussion.

Mr Bill Taylor – Chair of Chorley Allotments Society and a member of the public who requested a review of Allotments.

Mrs Iris Smith (representing Miss Eleanor Smith – a member of the public who requested a review of Allotments)

Jennifer Moore – Head of Planning Services, Chorley Council

Steve Aldous – Enforcement Officer (Planning), Chorley Council

Sarah Turner – Community Growing Officer, Chorley Council

The following points summarise the views expressed by the representatives.

Question 1 – The Council are currently considering certain restrictions on the types of fencing and sheds to be erected, what is your view on this?

• Allotment holders held the opinion that plots should retain an element of individuality but that there is a need to avoid the “shanty town “ look.
• It was felt that if the restrictions became a requirement, this must be a ‘reasonable’ test rather than a design requirement.
• There was agreement for a maximum size of shed, with two sizes being put forward for consideration. (2 x 3 and 8 x 10).
• The type of materials to be used should be agreed upon and tenants to regularly maintain.
• The communal storage options put forward by officers were rejected.
• It was felt that perimeter fencing was very important for allotment holders in terms of security and that the Council should maintain this fencing more frequently.
• Adequate fencing materials should be stipulated and adhered too. Recycled doors for example were deemed to be inappropriate.
• It was considered that fencing for individual plots was sometimes needed for piece of mind (a post and marker would be sufficient), but not always not necessary; people should be free to fence of plots as they wish.
• It was however, recognised that ‘too much’ security may promote attractiveness to crime.
• Sometimes height was needed on a plot to grow certain types of produce, for example, runner beans.
• Some plot holders wished to fence of their plots to keep out rabbits.
• Some plot holders wished to erect poly tunnels but there were significant planning issues, especially on private allotment sites.
• There was also some concerns on costs, particularly those on benefits or retired.

Question 2 – Presently the Council supplies and pays for the supply of mains water on some of its sites. All allotment holders are in receipt of a water butt. What would be your views on the Council ceasing to provide water on site in keeping with the sustainability agenda.

• The LGA “Growing in the Community” was considered to be helpful guidance on the provision of water.
• Currently only 1.5 out of 5 Chorley Council sites have water.
• Chorley Council could fit meters and set targets for reducing usage. (Doesn’t have to be United Utilities that fit the metres)
• Plot holders that don’t have access to mains water should pay less.
• Existing water supplies should not be discontinued.
• Water butts  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.