Bathford Parish Council · Allotments

Extraordinary General Meeting

Minutes — as recorded · 7 November 2021

This is a public record, published to support open and transparent decision-making. The names of those present and any personal contact details have been removed. For a complete copy, or if anything here is unclear, please contact Bathford Parish Council.

Minutes of the Bathford Allotments Extraordinary General Meeting, held on Sunday 7 November 2021.

Communal plot

The meeting of plotholders was convened to discuss and vote on the proposal to convert the central half plot 42A (and possibly a little of 42B below, for bonfire and deliveries) to a communal area. This would include, in phases, a shelter/shed with a tap, a toolshed, a seating area, a noticeboard, a plant swap, a central bonfire pit, a delivery area and raised beds, as outlined in the October newsletter — plus a possible communal pond, to be voted on if and when a separate proposal is presented.

Issues raised:

• Upkeep would be managed by the wardens, but all input is welcome.
• It was suggested we approach a local volunteering group to help either with preparing the ground for the plot, or with helping anyone who needs it on their own plot.
• Funding would be minimal — by volunteer effort and donation. If and when needed, we may ask plotholders to make a voluntary contribution towards, for example, a drinking-water tap.
• It was suggested we ask around for a free shed that someone wants to get rid of.
• Design: the wardens to seek help with the design of the plot.

A concern had been raised outside the meeting that the allotments were there to be cultivated, not used as a recreation area. As the plot would continue to provide growing and biodiversity spaces, and would also offer facilities to enhance the plotholder experience (such as seed and plant sharing), it was felt that the beneficial and social aspects of a central plot outweighed this concern. Also, if the emergency access track at the top is approved, we may be able to open up a few more plots on the grassy area.

It was noted that the existing shelter at the top would remain.

Vote held (including advance votes): carried unanimously.

Pond

Keenly supported in principle; it remains to be seen whether anyone would like to put in a proposal. Support offered:

• A plotholder offered to source sand for the base.
• Several people offered to help dig.
• One plotholder offered gardening expertise but would not have time to lead.

Over to plotholders to come forward.

Composting toilet

It was proposed that we look into this as a potential real benefit, to replace the current lean-to at the top. The wardens are to explore cost and practicality and report back. Agreed, and carried forward.

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Last updated 23 July 2026