Allotments
Habitat Action Plan for allotments.
Aims:
- To make Bexley's allotments sustainable
- To increase uptake of allotments
- To encourage the keeping of biodiversity records
1. Current status
1.1 Status nationally
- Allotments make a valuable contribution of their own to local biodiversity. In some places (notably the Isle of Wight) species have been found that are unique to a single allotment
- Even in their choice of crops, allotment gardeners make an important contribution to the maintenance of biodiversity. The Heritage Seed Scheme helps keep alive strains of edible plants no longer of commercial significance, which are none the less, a significant resource for future plant breeding
- Numbers of sites are in decline. Some self-managed sites are securing their future survival through negotiation of long-term leases.
1.2 Status in Bexley
- Ten allotment sites have been closed in the last 10 years. Some of these sites were in exceptionally poor condition and had been empty of tenants for a number of years
- Currently, allotments in Bexley have undergone a review which has led to some closures of underused sites and investment in remaining sites including provision of water on all sites in Bexley, clearance of some vacant plots, laying of hard surface access ways and redefining of tenancy conditions
- The future of allotment sites in Bexley remains in the hands of the local authority and the support from residents, plot holders and individuals. Their efforts on allotment sites and associated work keep relevant issues in the arena of ongoing discussions with consultation at all stages of development necessary to secure the future of allotment sites in Bexley
- The Federation has a good working relationship with the Council and will continue to improve this relationship at all levels
Current factors causing loss or damage
- Demand for housing
- Local authority spending cuts
- Poor support of infrastructure
- Poor image of allotments/low tenancy take up/threat to existence of sites
- Vandalism to sites leading to loss of tenants
3. Current action
3.1 Legal status
- Authorities are duty bound to provide allotments under section 23 of the Small Holdings and Allotment Act 1908
- The Allotment Act 1922, defines the term allotment garden
- Statutory allotments regarded as surplus to requirements may only be sold with the consent of the Secretary of State under section 8 of the Allotment Act 1925
- Consent of the Secretary of State is still required for erection of any dwelling (but not sheds or greenhouses) on allotment land under section 12 of the Land Settlement (Facilities) Act 1919
- Statutory sites are directly protected by the above legislation but temporary ones are not
3.2 National action
- On 25 March 1998 the Government introduced a requirement for local authorities to demonstrate the steps they have taken to promote allotments in their area before they can obtain the Secretary of State's consent to dispose of statutory allotment land
- Planning Policy Guidance 17 (see right hand menu) has been rewritten to include more advice on allotments
- The Government recommends 'Growing in the Community a Good Practice Guide for the Management of Allotments', published in June 2001
3.3 Local action
- Council support for initiatives of the Bexley Federation of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners
- Council publicity campaign
- Pro-active support of site tenants by Technician Rangers
- Promotion campaign at Bexley Garden Festival
- Wildlife survey of allotments by Federation
- Self-managed sites are well maintained and tenanted affording sustainable future of site
4. Advisory
- The allotment legislation in England applies equally to Wales. Legislation in Scotland and Northern Ireland differs, most significantly in the fact that central government does not have a role in the disposal of allotment land
5. Links with other Bexley habitat and species action plans
- Private Gardens
- Hedgerows
- Bats
- Song thrush
See right hand menu for information on the above.
6. Links with other local and national policies
- See Planning Policy Guidance 17 link on the right
7. Table of objectives and actions
- This can be downloaded as a PDF from the right hand menu
Public involvement in allotments
Bexley has a number of plots available for rent with plot sizes ranging from 125m2 - 250m2. Concessions are available. There are currently no restrictions on the number of plots that may be rented by an individual other than those on sites with a waiting list.
The plot can be used for growing traditional crops such as vegetables and fruit, however bee keeping is allowed under agreement with the Council, flowers can be grown or an area grassed for leisure purposes.
A yearly newsletter is produced for allotment holders by the Bexley Federation of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners, giving advice and information on a wide range of subjects.
- Rent an allotment from the Council (Tel: 020 8294 6494 or collect an application form from London Borough of Bexley, Civic Offices, Bexleyheath).
- Get involved with the Bexley Federation of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners.
- Join local, regional or national committee.
- Develop your gardening skills.
- Garden organically.
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Parks and Open Spaces
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- Tel: 020 8303 7777
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