01 Environment Minutes 30.03.26

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 Hellesdon Environment Committee
on Tuesday 10 March 2026 5.30pm
held in the Council Chamber, Diamond Jubilee Lodge, Hellesdon

Present at the Meeting
Cllr Ian Duckett (Chairman)
Cllr Andrew Lock
Cllr David Maidstone
Cllr Mel Maidstone

Also Present:
Dave Marshall Office admin (minute taker)
Jonathan Hall (Clerk & RFO)

Cllr Ian Duckett took the chair and welcomed all attendees, opening the meeting at 5.30pm

1. Apologies and acceptance for absence
Apologies were received from Cllr David Britcher and accepted.

2. Declarations of Interest and Dispensations
No declarations were made or dispensations requested.

3. Public Participation
No members of the public in attendance.

4. Approval of the minutes from Monday 18th November 2025
The minutes were APPROVED and signed as a true and accurate record of the meeting and were
signed by the Chairman.

5. To discuss and agree logistical arrangements for the completion of the mini forest project
following successful bid of grant money received from Broadland District Council.
The Committee noted that £5,000 in grant funding had been received and would be match-funded by
the Parish Council, providing a £10,000 project budget (excluding labour).
Councillors discussed creating three small forest areas across Cottingham’s and Mountfield Parks,
with costs and required logistics still to be confirmed. Educational noticeboards were proposed to
support community learning. Cllr Mel Maidstone suggested enhancing Cottingham’s Park to increase
attractiveness.
Cllr Ian Duckett encouraged involving community groups and examining similar projects elsewhere.
A site visit with Debbie Pegg will be arranged, Cllr Ian Duckett to propose dates. The committee
requested that Kevin Sage produces a report for the next committee to explore the options of where
the forest areas would be best placed and to include details of suggested species and planting
options such as bare root. The wildlife benefits of using the proposed species should also be
considered.
The Committee agreed to proceed with improvements at Mountfield Park and to explore involving
local schools in projects at Cottingham’s Park.

Approved…………………………………………………...…

Date………………………………………
HPC Environment Committee Minutes 18th March 2026
6. To Consider production of environmental communications within the parish.
Members discussed community engagement options, noting the potential to mirror the volunteer ed
approach used by ‘Just Hellesdon’. It was agreed that promoting opportunities through adverts in
‘Just Hellesdon’ would be preferable to leaflet distribution. The Committee supported the installation
of information boards within the forest areas. It was further agreed that the first advert would be
scheduled once publication dates are confirmed.

7. To Consider arrangements for other projects identified in 26/27 budget.
Members discussed holding a community competition with entries such as a story, photograph or
drawing, with separate categories for schools and the wider community.
The Committee also considered options to enhance local environmental areas, including improving
verges and flower beds—such as at the top of Plantation Road—and inviting public ideas to improve
the appearance of local bus stops. The Bull Roundabout, which is maintained by the Council, was
also identified as a possible site for future enhancement.

8. To confirm the date, time and venue of the next meeting
The next meeting would be held on 12 May 2026 at 17.30pm in the Council Chamber, Diamond
Jubilee Lodge, Wood view Road, Hellesdon Norwich NR6 5QB

Meeting closed at 6.16pm.

Approved…………………………………………………...…

Date………………………………………
HPC Environment Committee Minutes 18th March 2026