05. PFAA 12.06.2025-HPC11

The Council Office, Diamond Jubilee Lodge, Wood View Road, Hellesdon, Norwich, NR6 5QB
Tel: 01603 301751 www.hellesdon-pc.gov.uk email: contact@hellesdon-pc.gov.uk

Minutes of the Meeting of the
Playing Fields, Allotments and Amenities Committee
held on Thursday 12th June 2025 - 7pm at The Council Chamber, Diamond Jubilee
Lodge, Wood View Road, Hellesdon.

Present: Cllr D. Maidstone (Acting Chairman)
Cllr M. Maidstone
Cllr S. Gurney

Also in Attendance:
Mr D Marshall (Admin, Minute Taker), Mr K Sage (Facilities Manager) and a member of the public.

The Chairman welcomed all to the meeting.

1. Apologies and acceptance for absence

Apologies were received from Cllr N. Barker, Cllr M. Hicks (Chairman) Cllr B. Johnson

Apologies were received after the meeting from Cllr D Fahy who had been tied up at the last minute.

2. Election of new Chairman/Vice chairman

Cllr D Maidstone is retiring from Chairman; Cllr M Hicks has been nominated as Chairman and Cllr D Fahy
as Vice Chairman. In the absence of Cllr M Hicks and Cllr D Fahy it was agreed that Cllr D Maidstone would
be chair for this meeting.

3. Declarations of Interest and Dispensations

No Declared interests or dispensations

4. Approval of the Minutes from 25th February 2025

The draft Minutes had been circulated from the meeting of 25th February 2025. These were AGREED
and signed as a true and accurate record of the meeting.

5. Public Participation

A member of the public reported the new tenants of the apiary had recently cleaned and reorganized the
shed and that after that a lot of equipment had been taken from the apiary shed at the allotments.

A further member of the public arrived at 7.07pm

Cllr S. Gurney stated that the equipment in question belonged to her along with other items that she had
left and donated to the Council. There were now many items in the shed (and the shed itself) that are

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Minutes 12th June 2025
 owned by the council. Cllr Gurney spoke with the Facilities Manager to confirm the items which had been
taken, ensuring he was informed. There are no more items to be removed, and what remains is intended
for the beekeepers who rent the hives at the allotments and will be owned by the Council.
Both members of the public left at 7.14pm.

6. Items from previous Minutes to discuss

It was noted that a permanent structure cannot be erected in Cottingham’s Park, as per the deeds.
It is advised to check the deeds with the solicitor for further clarification.

7. Allotments

a) Update from Facilities, plot numbers which need to be paid, and which plots are currently
available
There are currently 3 plots that are vacant and 2 half plots. No current plot fee is outstanding.

b) Red Letters sent out due to plots not following the correct rules
14 red letters were sent out at the end of May to plot holders not following the correct rules.

c) Bags of compost for the liaison group
It was agreed that this was a one-time arrangement and would not be repeated.

d) Update on Apiary
We currently have 2 active plots, 1 of them being a double plot.

e) Discussion on Car park extension
This has been accomplished, and a group of young offenders have helped. It is working well and
being used by plot holders.

f) Allotments open day Aug 16th
This is on Council land and should be advertised through the office. It was agreed that a quarter of a
plot can be advertised on Facebook.

G) Dog Signs
It was agreed that some signs would be made and put on the allotment gate to advise plot holders
who wish to bring their dogs onto the allotment would need to be on a short lead. Also, a sign
advising to lock the gate when entering and leaving.

8. Football Pitches

Prices have been compared with those of other venues. Firside would like to return but may require a
changing room. It was suggested that Cottingham’s Park could be used as an alternative. We also plan to
support some of the Firside juniors since they are local to Hellesdon. It was agreed that the cost for 5-a-
side bookings would be £27.50.

9. War Memorial

The war memorial on Low Road has posts for safety. The memorial needs a cleanup before November
and was repointed last year.

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10. Tennis Courts
Tennis Reserve Update: A quote from Simons Landscapes to resurface the courts was £38K.
Additionally, the electric gate is too small for wheelchair access. There is an earmarked reserve of
£66,000, and a decision needs to be made on how to proceed. The Facilities Manager would continue to
obtain quotes, and the Office would look at the LTA arrangement.

11. CCTV

A trench needs to be dug by HAHA, in order for the CCTV to be completed.

12. BBQ/Scarecrow competition

HAHA event, Cllr D Maidstone will be judging the best scarecrow. Cost is £3 a person which includes
BBQ.

To Confirm Date, Time and Venue of the Next Meeting
To be agreed.

MEETING CLOSED AT 8:32pm

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Minutes 12th June 2025