A report went to the Policy, Projects and Resources Committee on 20 November 2018 which recommended that the existing allotment sites (as listed in Appendix A of the report) are given Statutory status and new agreements with the relevant Horticultural Societies are agreed. There are currently 10 allotment sites across the Borough as indicated on site plan Appendix A. Officers will work with the relevant Horticultural Societies to understand whether additional sites need to be developed or whether the existing sites are meeting the current demand.

Following a full discussion, Cllr Aspinell MOVED and Cllr Fulcher SECONDED the recommendations in the report. A vote was taken and it was RESOLVED that:

Members were requested to:

R1: Delegate authority for the Director of Environment together with the Leader of Council and the Horticultural Societies to:

A) identify possible new allotment sites

B) undertake a review of existing allotment sites to determine the capacity and unmet demand.

Reason for Recommendation

Allotments promote our green environment encouraging wider biodiversity, a reduction in ‘food miles’ compared with similar produce in local supermarkets, the opportunity for local people to get out in the fresh air, as well as the mental health benefits of being in an area of green spaces and the encouragement these sites provide for social interaction.

(Cllr Russell declared a non-pecuniary interest that he is an allotment holder.)