Minutes of the Annual Allotment Holders meeting 27 March 2025

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Chard Town Council
The Guildhall, Fore Street, Chard, Somerset TA20 1PP
Tel: 01460 239567 www.chard.gov.uk
Mayor Cllr Victoria Bates Town Clerk David Bell

Minutes of the Annual Allotment Holders meeting
held on Thursday 27th March 2025 in the Town Hall at 5:30 pm
Present:
Councillors: J. Baker (Chair)
In Attendance:
Kevin Dyer (KD) – Operations Manager
Sarah Steggall – Admin Assistant
There were No. 16 members of the public present and No. 0 members of the press
present.
The meeting started at 5.30 pm.
1. Apologies:
Apologies were received from Councillor N. Watson (Vice Chair) and Mike Lee.
2. Minutes of Last Meeting
The minutes from the last AGM meeting held on 18 September 2023 were
confirmed.
3. Maters Arising from the Last Meeting
Water Tanks – Now have hinges and are lockable.
Hedges – work has started and ongoing. Landowner happy with the plans.
Sheds/Greenhouses- proposed that tenants be allowed 25% of plot to be taken up
with sheds/greenhouses. This will be on the agenda at next Amenities and Events
committee meeting.
Car Park Extension – Unable to use Halcombe Park area. KD looking into turning
vacant plots into additional parking.

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Budget Report - KD provided an updated budget report for the current financial year
and confirmed that there would be no rent increases for the next year- October
2025 to September 2026.
4. Report on Allotment Data
There are 181 manager plots – 164 full size and 17 half size.
2025 - 24 vacant plots
2023 -7 vacant plots
2022 – 13 vacant plots
Currently 86.74% occupancy
Allotment inspection took place during September 2024 following which letters were
sent to 19 allotment holders. The next inspection is due during May.
Number of plots terminated –
1 Oct 23 to date – 22
1 Oct 22 to 17 Sep 23 – 22
1 Oct 21 to 30 Sep 22 – 22
New Allotment Holders –
1 October to date - 19
1 Oct 22 to 17 Sep 23 – 19
1 Oct 21 to 30 Sep 22 – 16
Waiting Lists – 4 applicants (3 outside of Chard area) on waiting list and 10 current
allotment tenancy holders would like another plot.
5. Any Other Business
Plot Clearance- discussed whether to charge new tenants if plot clearance is
required. Allotment Holders Association confirmed that equipment is available to
hire for a small charge.
Re-numbering of Plots – Will be re-numbered once the work on the car park
extension has been completed.
Compost Toilet – KD to research and site visit the compost toilet at the reservoir.
Chard Allotment Holders Association - contact details to be added to the Chard Town
Council website and details to be given to all new tenants.
Rubbish – It was raised the issue of rubbish in the area of the gateway. This will
remain as it is used for compost but will be tidied up.

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Parking on Paths – Any parking that causes inconvenience to be reported to
reception at the Guildhall.
Terms and Conditions – Once agreed by the Amenities and Events Committee copies
will be available from Reception at the Guildhall, the Chard Allotment Holders
Association and displayed on Chard Town Council’s website.
Lease – Landowner has confirmed that the lease will be continuing for another 3
years. KD has enquired if this can be extended to a 10 year lease.
The chair thanked members and staff for attending. There being no further
business the meeting finished at 18.35.