BPC Minutes August 2025

Cllr Elliott due to leave, accepted.

Cllr Whittaker was absent.

None.

Members considered a project proposal for the Community Orchard (information previously circulated).

The Chair reported that recent work carried out at the Orchard had resulted an opportunity to further enhance the area. A report had been circulated outlining the proposed works and the associated costs. Cllr Cole reported that the original intent had been to clear a space and planning permission had been granted for the removal of some trees.  The ground had then been dug out which had resulted in additional works being required to shore up the bank. Members noted that the project proposal had associated costs of £3,000.

In considering the project members had regard to a tabled list of NDP projects, which the Chair introduced.  It was noted that there were likely to be significant calls on PC finances for future projects. Members further noted the importance of prudently managing financial allocation to projects, and ensuring that any project requests from the community were supported by detailed plans and fully costed project timelines presented to Council in advance of any works being commenced.

The CIL funds associated with site 321 were referenced and the Clerk was asked to obtain absolute certainty as to the funds which would be due to the PC at what stage.

In discussing the proposal from the Community Orchard, Members noted the importance of the space to the local community and its increasing use as a space for community events, including its use by the Primary School as a ‘forest school’.

Members reviewed the costings which had been provided with the proposal and there was a level of concern that these were not robust enough and did not include any contingency provision. It was noted however, that the benefit of volunteer labour was an important aspect. It was felt that alternatives should be offered for the supply of the benches, to ensure that the costs were competitive and represented best value for money.  Following debate, it was agreed that the most important part of the works was to ensure that the ground was made secure. The installation of benches could be addressed further down the line.  In reviewing the costings provided Members felt that the sum of £1,200 could be allocated to the required ground works – representing the costs provided of £963 with the addition of the aforementioned contingency fund.

It was therefore proposed by Cllr Lewis-Jones, seconded by Cllr Waller and resolved to allocate the sum of £1,200 to the Community Orchard Project from the Site 321 CIL Fund EMR; the allocation to cover the costs of the proposed ground works with the further aspects of the proposal to be considered at a later date.

The Clerk confirmed that an account had been set up with Haven Timber and she would confirm the details with Cllr Cole, as well as ensuring he was an authorised account user, to enable the materials required for the works to be purchased without delay.

Tuesday 9^th September 2025 – Jubilee Hall.