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General
21st century Planning and the Allotment Movement
Each issue this year we will be looking at how allotments
are affected by planning rules and regulations, localism, Neighbourhood Plans and Local Plans. We will feature a case study in each issue and provide information to support local people to protect and promote their local allotment provision.
Local Green Space Designation
Local Green Space (LGS) designation is for use in Local or Neighbourhood Plans, and is a way to provide special protection against development for green areas of particular importance to local communities. It should be noted that it is unlikely to be of use where the land has planning permission for development, unless compatible with the development or where planning permission is no longer capable of being implemented. The spaces can be in a village or in a neighbourhood in a town or city and must be demonstrably special to the local community. The designation can only be used in the following circumstances:
Where the green space is in reasonably close proximity to the community it serves.
Where the green area is demonstrably special to a local community and holds a particular local signi cance, e.g. because of its beauty, historic signi cance, recreational value (including as a playing eld), tranquillity, or richness of wildlife.
Where the green area concerned is local in character and is not an extensive tract of land.
How can this help to protect allotments?
For some years the Society has been advising allotment associations to apply to have their site listed as an Asset of Community Value.
We would still encourage associations to do so, as it is a key consideration in applying the National Planning Policy Framework criteria for LGS designations. Having LGS designation for your site
in your Local or Neighbourhood Plan could provide your land with stronger and more speci c protection.
Case Study – Bull Lane Allotments, Chislehurst,
London Borough of Bromley
In 2015 the plot holders from Bull Lane Allotments in Chislehurst were informed of plans to extend a neighbouring school onto the allotment land. The site has been growing food since 1884 and is leased from the Diocese of Rochester by LB Bromley. In response to the threat Bull Lane Action Group was formed, lea ets were distributed, meetings were held and petitions were signed! The group successfully petitioned the council for LGS designation in the forthcoming Local Plan,
and subsequently were granted Asset of Community Value status.
The group were able to prove that the site met the criteria for LGS designation and the following Statement of Signi cance lays out why the area is demonstrably special to the local community.
“Bull Lane allotments were laid out in 1884 to provide income
for the rector and food and employment for the working families of Chislehurst. Continuous use as allotments has improved the fertility of the soil. The site provides a secluded and beautiful recreational
space primarily enjoyed by the community of allotment holders for the bene ts they provide in terms of relaxation, locally grown food and access to nature. Over 80 plots are laid out in a lawned area enclosed by high hedges and trees with views towards the eastern elevation of the Statutory Grade II Listed early 20th century Easden House which sits adjacent to its north-western boundary. The allotments provide a quiet space approximately 100m from Bromley Lane (the A22) to the north and Royal Parade (the A208) to the east. They are open to all sections of the community and include a plot for children of the local St Nicholas School in Chislehurst Common Road. Some plots are used as a nursery to nurture native trees
and shrubs destined for Chislehurst Common. There is also a small orchard and a small pond. The site’s biodiversity bene ts from its use as allotments and it has been documented to accommodate common shrews, frogs and toads as well as slow worms. The north western hedgerow includes a good mix of native species including common hawthorn and hazel, providing important shelter for birds, invertebrates, mammals and reptiles. Uncut areas of long grass provide an important habitat for pollinators and the site includes
a variety of nectar sources which can generally be considered to bene t pollinators”.
In documents supporting their current draft, Local Plan Bromley Council has made the following statement about the land’s suitability for development for education:
“These sites are not considered realistic opportunities to meet need due to a range of site speci c issues such as size, ood
risk, strategic policy limitations associated with the protection of employment land and open spaces, notably the need to maintain the integrity of Green Belt / MOL policy and the robustness of their boundaries. Also issues of deliverability and the likelihood of the site coming forward for the use within an appropriate timeframe”.
As the action group explains, this does not guarantee that a planning application won’t be submitted, but it does make the process of getting planning permission signi cantly more dif cult. Most importantly, it sends out a very strong message that the community cares deeply about the allotments and will do everything they can to defend them; 1300 people signed the LGS petition, 17 plot holders and residents submitted testimonials, and a further 92 householders wrote in support of the application.
Further reading and support: https://mycommunity.org.uk/resources/neighbourhood-planning- local-green-spaces/
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/open-space-sports-and-recreation- facilities-public-rights-of-way-and-local-green-space
The website of your local council may also have information and guidance e.g. http://www.cotswold.gov.uk/media/880697/Local- Green-Space-toolkit.pdf
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