Minutes
Allotment Committee
6:00 p.m. 17th November2015
Civic Office, 133 Berw Road, Pontypridd
Present:
Councillor S. Carter – took the Chair
Councillor K. Bennett
Councillor L. Bengough
Councillor J. Brencher
Councillor B. Morgan (substitute for Councillor G. Whiles)
Councillor S. Powderhill
In accordance with the Rules of Procedure/Standing Order 14(b) on receipt of a letter from the nominated officer of the Labour Group on Council Councillor B. Morgan was the substitute Member at the meeting for Councillor G. Whiles.
Officers in attendance:
Gethin Williams – Chief Executive
Rob Strange – Direct Services Co-ordinator
JacquiHopkins – Administrative Officer
1.Apologies
Councillors T. Bates, A. Bevan, B. Fox and G. Whiles.
2.Declarations of Members Interest
Minute no. 3.2 -YMCA Community Allotment – Councillor S. Carter in his capacity as chair of the YMCA
Minute 6.1. – sale of land at Cilfynydd - Councillor K. Bennett –the applicant was a personal friend and
Minute 6.2. – sale of garage land at Oaklands – Councillor K. Bennett had a personal interest. In respect of both items Councillor K. Bennett had a prejudicial interest and left the meeting when the items were discussed.
3.Chief Executive’s Report
3.1Draft Guidance for Allotments and Community Led Gardening Projects – Welsh Government/Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens
The Chief Executive referred to a draft guidance that had been received and a consultation meeting at Merthyr Tydfil on the 30th November 2015. A Member attending the event at Merthyr Tydfil was entitled to travelling expenses at 45p per mile.
AGREED:
To note the report and that Councillor K. Bennett, Vice Chairman attend the consultation meeting at Merthyr Tydfil on the 30th November along with the Direct Services Co-ordinator.
3.2Budget/Precept 2016/17
Members considered the Chief Executive’s report and discussed the 2014 Practitioners Guide for budget setting and monitoring
Members considered the Allotment Committee needs for the forthcoming and future years and the present budget, income and its format. There was also a discussion regarding the need to ensure that the Allotments maintenance programme budget was adequate.
AGREED:
(a)To note the report and to agree the format for the Allotment budget as set out in the draft budget,to increase the budget with the addition of a further sum of £5,000 to be used in particular for
(i)maintenance/improvement, inspection reports at the former Lawn Terrace Allotments to bring them into usable condition,and
(ii) to clear pathways to seating areas at “the Common”.
Members also expressed the view that whenever possible that Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) received be used on appropriate projects in the Allotment budget.
(b)the Allotment Budget for 2016/17 and to submit the details to the Policy and Finance Committee for consideration as part of the 2016/17 budget/precept process.
3.2Community Allotment
The Chief Executive reported on a copy of a letter received from the YMCA enquiring whether the Council would be interested in collaborating in a project whereby produce grown on a Council allotment could be used to produce healthy lunches.
AGREED:
(a)To note the report and to encourage a collaborative approach to the aims of the Pontypridd YMCA.
(b)It was also noted that the Pontypridd YMCA had approached TWFA for use of their land to grow produce as part of the project. Members would consider, in principle, allowing a Council allotment to be used for the project if TWFA could not assistbut would require a further report before a final decision was taken regarding the allocation of a Council allotment.
3.3TWFA
Members considered the information and details provided by TWFA.
AGREED:
To note the report and to contact TWFA for an updated report as to what work was being undertaken on the land during the winter period when much preparatory work could be undertaken.
4.Direct Service Co-ordinator’s (“DSC”)Report
4.1Berw Field Allotment - Repairs to Tarmac Roadway and Rent Collection
AGREED:
To note the report.
4.2Taylor’s Field Allotment
AGREED:
To note the report and the request for a small windmill to be sited on the land but to await a further report before finally agreeing.
4.3Llandraw Allotments/Fencing/Rent
AGREED:
To note the report.
5.“That under the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 (as extended by s.100 of the Local Government Act 1972), the public and accredited representatives of newspapers be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as it relates to information involving financial information relating to an individual.
6.Chief Executive’s Confidential Report
6.1Sale of Land at Cilfynydd
It was reported that a request had been received to purchase the plot of land shown on the plan attached to the report.
AGREED:
(a)To note that the Council needed to secure the best consideration it could obtain for the sale of land and that the purchaser be required to pay in advance valuation fees for the sale. In due course if the sale proceeds all other costs including legal costs associated with the sale would be paid by the Purchaser.
(b)That when a valuer was instructed,based on the recommendation of the Director of Corporate Estates, RCTCBC, that advice be obtainedas to whether there was likely to be an enhanced future value in respect of the land, that the prospective purchasebe required to fence that part of the land bordering Council property to the satisfaction of the Direct Services Coordinator and that the Chief Executive instruct the firm considered appropriate.
(c)To receive a further report when a valuation had been received and to agree whether to sell the land.
2.Sale of Garage Land at Oaklands
AGREED:
That the Chief Executive contact the Chartered Surveyors referred to by the Director of Corporate Estates of RCTCBC for advice as to whether the price offered for the land was the best consideration that could reasonably be received for the property, the cost of valuation be paid in advance and that if the transaction proceed the purchaser tobe responsible for all the costs of the transfer.
The meeting closed at7.40 p.m.
Signed: ______
Cllr S Carter - Chairperson
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Allotment Committee
17th November 2015