MINUTES FOR THE AMENITIES MEETING OF IPPLEPEN PARISH COUNCIL ON TUESDAY 08th APRIL 2025
Attendees.
Cllr Roger Carnell (RC)-Chair
Cllr Dave Burnham (DB)
Cllr Stephen Latter (SL)
Cllr Bill Jerwood (BJ)
Cllr David Palethorpe (DP
Cllr Jon Ranjit (JR)
The meeting opened at 19:00 hours
- The Chairman opened the Meeting and received apologies.
No Apologies received as all committee members in attendance
- To declare any interests arising at this meeting and to consider any dispensation requests relating to this meeting.
No interests were declared
- The Council will adjourn for the following items:
Public Question Time: A period of 10 minutes will be allowed for members of the public to ask questions or make comment regarding the work of the Council or other items that affect Ipplepen
Two members of the public were in attendance representing IpplePlanet.
- The Council convened to conduct the following business on the Agenda:
Prior to the meeting, IpplePlanet had emailed the Parish Clerk with specific questions for review and response by the Amenities Committee (AC).
Two members of IpplePlanet were in attendance.
Ruth Slade
Stella Westwell
Questions to the Amenities Committee (AC)
:
1.Watering the 2 trees in the Long Field
“Given the current dry weather, we have already watered the 2 trees in the Long Field. We want to check that whether we should be informing anyone in the PC when we intend to do this or whether, as we hope, we have blanket permission to do this whenever watering/ other maintenance to the trees is needed.
Our watering containers are very heavy and we cannot park in the lane alongside the recreation ground. It would be much appreciated if we could park a vehicle just inside the first gate at the end of the lane. Would this be possible?
RC advised that there was no issue with entering small field and parking a vehicle on the road owned by the PC to enable closer access to be achieved with water containers..
2,Rocks in Long Field
“We had intended to remove the rocks that were dug up when the 2 trees were planted.
We believe they are not affecting hedgecutting or a hazard, but do you wish us to remove them? Another idea could be to turn them into a small habitat feature for wildlife?”
The AC agreed that we are happy to leave rocks in-situ at this moment.
3.Fruit Trees in Allotment donated to IpplePlanet by DWT
“You have given us permission to keep some of the fruit trees in the allotment space. As you know some will need to be respaced/relocated next autumn/winter as they are too close together.
NB Please could you send us a map of the exact area that is available for planting?
Councillor Palethorpe recently suggested informally that the neighbouring ½ plot (towards the Long Field) might also be an option for fruit trees. Is this a viable option to consider?”
DP advised that the allotment half plot will still be available adjacent to tree nursery which can be used. Suggested we work with IP so it can be planned. DP to provide and annotate planting map for clarity
4.Other Trees in the Allotment
“ The adjoining allotment (towards the picnic benches) contains some oak and birch trees etc planted by Councillor Palethorpe in 2023 (?)quite close together. We just want to make sure all are aware these are not the responsibility of Ippleplanet. However, we would recommend that these are replanted/moved this coming autumn/winter to a more appropriate location.
DP confirmed that the AC are fully aware that the trees are not the responsibility of IpplePlanet and that we intend to use the trees available in the nursery and relocate around the village at a later date
Main Agenda
- Mill Centre fence.
RC advised that while the AC are happy to recommend potential contractors, it was not considered to be in the remit of PC to carryout any works to the fence.
DP advised that the works should come under the school safeguarding policy
- Gates to footpath on Orley Rd.
JR to discuss with Dennis Smith (Highways Committee) to confirm requirements and obtain quotes for next PC meeting. Establish if replacement gate or widening required
- Bowden Road roundabout – update.
DP has carried out a resident’s letter drop. All vehicles parked are taxed and insured which therefore restricts the ability of the PC to take any further action.
- Mill centre inspection – update
DB advised that building condition survey is currently scheduled to be carried out with Cllr Farrow on Good Friday. This may now be amended to Saturday 26 April after the PC visit to the Football club for annual inspection
- Cricket Club fence and Football Club inspection.
RC advised that we would discuss directly with the cricket club what fence is required during the annual inspection visit of the club facilities scheduled for Saturday 26 April
Football Club and Cricket Club inspections scheduled for Saturday 26th April 10:30
- Park play equipment and benches – update.
SL advised cost of repairing Cone excessive in relation to spending on new equipment. Considered to be more economically viable to spend on new benches
DP proposed all benches be inspected to establish condition.
RC suggested Cat obtain cost for replacement benches to match existing
SL Proposed purchase new roundabout and improved access pathway
- DAA lights update – update.
RC has advised that lights weren`t working but have now been repaired- transformer replaced
- Allotment no 6 trespassers caught on camera-complaint email submitted to PC from allotment holder
RC advised that while we sympathised with the situation, it was considered that we shouldn`t get involved
RC advised that cleaner Claire has asked if she can increase her weekly rate from £139 to £149. AC agreed unanimously to accept this request
RC advised that he`s requested spring catch to be welded to park gate to enable auto closure , Simon Birbeck will be requested to carryout the associated works to achieve this.
- To note the date of the next meeting as: Tuesday 13th May 2025.