CONTEXT AND JUSTIFICATION 

The Government is concerned about the continued loss of allotment land and intends to either amend legislation or issue guidance requiring planning authorities to protect the existing resource and take steps to increase provision where there is demand. The Plan aims to re-invigorate the economic, social and physical realms of the City in ways that are consistent with sustainable development. It proposes a target for the City-wide provision of recreational greenspace of 5 hectares per 1,000 population to be achieved over the 20 year period to 2020. Allotments are seen as having an important and long standing relationship to communities living at high density, with little or no provision for sizeable private gardens. Of the overall target, 0.05 hectares per 1,000 population is allocated for allotments and reflects the area currently given to their use.

During the period of the Plan, the Council intends to protect those facilities in its ownership and will expect owners of private sites to do the same. Existing allotments are covered by the Greenspace designation on the Development Policy Principles map.

There is a presumption in favour of retaining all land that is or has been used for allotments. Proposals affecting existing or proposed allotment sites will only be considered favourably if they meet the criteria set out below:

(a) if the developer makes provision for an equivalent (or better) replacement in the vicinity of the existing resource. The Council will have to be satisfied on behalf of the users that all relevant matters including location, access, aspect, soil quality, services and fencing are being appropriately addressed; and

(b) in assessing any changes or improvements to allotment provision, the Council will seek to ensure that households have reasonable, safe and easy access, particularly through walking and/or cycling, to the site.

See also Policy ENV 2: Development Related to Greenspace.