ALLOTMENT SALE ANGERS HOLDERS
ALARMED allotment holders could be turfed off their plots because the owners of the land have decided to sell up.
Villagers in Sandford near Crediton have been renting the 24 allotments since 1975, but last week the present holders received letters from owners the Creedy Syndicate telling them the three-acre site was going on the market.
The letters, sent out on behalf of the nine farmers who jointly own the land, invited the affected gardeners to band together and lodge a bid.
But Liz Culpeper and her fellow allotment holders say they are "dismayed and surprised" that their pride and joys could be taken away from them.
"Some of us have spent years cultivating our plots," she said.
"I have had my plot for ten years so have invested a lot of time in it. It's a bit sad as you always think it is going to be there forever but no one knows what is going to happen to the land now.
"We don't know why they want to sell it, especially now. Allotments are meant to be something that is being encouraged and property prices are at rock bottom."
The site is used by locals to grow a range of vegetables and fruit. In the last couple of years the village school has also started And the gardeners who currently pay £16 a year for their allotments are now discussing the feasibility of putting in a bid.
Mrs Culpeper added: "We realise the rent at the moment is very cheap and we would be happy to pay more, but we haven't been offered that option.
"We are looking into the possibility of alternative sites or whether we can form an association that would be able to pay an acceptable price."
The allotments, which are opposite Sandford Parish Hall, come equipped with sheds and standpipes.
Mrs Culpeper said: "Looking after the allotment is a therapeutic and restful thing to do go up and do for several hours. It's rewarding to grow your own produce and the views are lovely up there."
Demand across the country for allotments is at an all time high with waiting lists from residents eager to start growing their own fruit and vegetables.
Creedy Syndicate secretary Jean Howard told the Gazette they had decided to instruct Strutt & Parker to sell the land to the highest bidder in an informal tendering process.
She said: "The allotments are becoming a bit of a liability with the maintenance they need, so after a lot of thought have decided the syndicate has decided things can no longer carry on as they are. It will be up to the new owner as to whether the tenants are able to stay and what happens to the land."
2 Comments
by Michael, Devon
Saturday, August 16 2008, 3:41PM
“Unfortunately an unchecked draft was published above from me! The corrected text did follow.
I would now add that a campaign group can normally make a presentqation to the Council under Item 2 on their agenda.
Councils sometimes have problems with the turnaround in allotment interest, so helping them to carry out their legal requirement to provide allotments is a friendly first task. There should be an allotment officer and a councillor repsponsible for allotment policy to work with, as well as an allotment contact group or sub-committee to attend.”
by Michael Parsons, Devon
Saturday, August 16 2008, 9:55AM
“I suggest the Sandford plot holders might have at least some options.
First, the local council is the statutory alotment authority and has a duty to provide allotment plotsif local private provision seems inadequate. This stems from the the 1908 Smallholders and Allotment Act. At least six individual residents need to apply - doing tnis mkght be the first step to geting the council to take over the plots. They can do this by purchase or lease, including compulsory purchase or lease, and funding and advice is probablyt arranged throiugh the local district council.
Second. the alternative use of the land requires planning permision which has to go through stages. outli edunder the Planning Policy Note 17 and guidance withit. This can be found on the Section 8 advice section of www..allotmentsouthwest.org.
uk or by phoning 01271 379997 asking for a print-out. Membership is £2 per annum per person and that includes insurance The plans should include provision for allotment/green space areas..
The Local Government Association has circulated all councils reminding them of their duties to supply allotments, and they are allowed to raise money.
The plot holders, if they form a swcaa action group, can arrange renting from the council, or perhaps purchase over a long period of time. But Council ownership might be better choice to avoid disruptive decisions by some future plot-holder committee!
The Council must buy the land solely for allotment use to conserve it.
What was the use of the land before 1975? If it has traditionally been allotments it might be eligible for protection under Government procedures. Worth finding out.
Join swcaa.cic and form an action group!”