'Creating' Allotments?

Hi folks,

Just wondering what the protocol is to create allotments where there is none? It's a plot of land I've seen, and intend to approach the owners with the idea of turning it into allotments, which would bring in a little extra income for them, as well as tidying the plot up. But I want to know if permissions from the local authority are needed etc.

Thanks.

 

Can't help you with any advice, but what a great idea, there doesn't seem to be enough allotments these days; waiting lists running in to the hundreds in some areas I believe???

 

I was looking about 18 months back, and there was none relatively close, for me to get equipment etc. to, which were run by the local authority. There was a parish run one up the road, but they didn't even have the courtesy to get back to me. The plot I've seen, although overgrown, is probably good for about 10 plots. So not huge, but big enough to be considered a waste.

 

I suggest you look at this site and have a good read, then maybe contact them or more info too.

The National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners, NSALG, Allotments, protect, promote, preserve, grow your own

Steve...

 

Thanks, that looks to be just what I was needing

 

Your very welcome, please let us know how you get on or if you experience any problems etc...it will make for good info for others here.

Another site that may have some useful info is Landshare - connecting growers to people with land to share.

Good luck!

Steve...

 

NewGardener,
the answer would be yes, you would have to get permission from the local authority.
but please i urge you DO NOT get your hopes up!
they have a habit of turning people down!!!

 

That's crazy - why do you need permission? If it's private land I would have thought you could do what you want with it (within reason, obviously!). It's not like you want to build a tower block or set up an abattoir or something!

And why would they turn people down for something as useful and helpful and community spirited as that? Mad.

 

i know it's absurd isn't it!?
it's to do with the new regulations that the authorities have.
as i had a friend that had this problem, unless the law has changed then i will stand corrected.

 

I expect its deemed "change of use" isn't it?

Allotments probably not the same thing as Agriculture.

Probably with good reason (I may be being generous!) as it should cause the council to look at access, whether a load of people on the allotments would constitute some other problem - e.g. 10 cars parked in a narrow country lane where there are currently none; whether there are neighbours locally who might object; that type of thing

The fact that none of that may apply in this case doesn't mean that Due Process shouldn't be observed as, until it is!, its not possible to say that there are no snags.

But if it turns out there are ridiculous objects / requirements then I'll sit down and shut up!

 

After reading from the link that was kindly provided by Steve, I think the lad may be a little small, going by the guidelines set out. The link does state you need planning if the land wasn't previously agricultural land.