Page 38 - Allotment Gardener Issue 2 2024

Welcome to...
Fornham All Saints Allotment Holders Lakeview Allotment Association
Mousehold South Allotment Association CIC Sharnbrook Allotment Association Stowmarket Town Council
Swaffham Town Council Trunch Parish Council Welwyn Hatfield Council 16 Individuals
Welcome to...
Bonar Road Allotment Society
St Dunstan’s College
Whetstone Stray Allottees Association Ltd 6 Individuals
EASTERN
LONDON
Hopefully spring is here, and the growing season has started in earnest
We have had a very wet winter. I have not seen so much rain and resulting devastation around the region before, except possibly October 1987. We must not dwell on the past but look forward to a good year.
Many associations and allotment sites are struggling with getting volunteers to help on their sites. I have heard from several secretaries that jobs are left to the few willing volunteers. I would encourage
all members to help on their own site as this will make for a better community and to get to know each other better.
Although peat compost has had another reprieve, I would encourage everyone to move over to peat free. I have heard many stories about varying qualities on the peat-free compost. It would be very interesting to hear what members think about compost. The good ones and the not so good. Please email me with your findings and hopefully we may be able to write an article for the magazine.
Support us at Gardeners World Live – Autumn Fair
This event is being held again at Audley End House and Gardens from Friday 31st August to Sunday 2nd September. After last year’s success, Eastern Region are hoping to be invited back for a third year with a bigger area. If you are interested in helping on any of the days, please contact me and I can include you on the list of volunteer helpers.
Over the winter months, we have had the usual problems on sites which, in the main, have been resolved. I have also visited various sites and local councils advising on improving site facilities and forming associations. Please support your councils and associations to help improve facilities.
Happy growing and here’s to a successful 2024!
Ray How - Regional Rep for the Eastern Region
Park Road Public Enquiry
Following a proposed development eating into allotment land in Hounslow, NAS has played a key part in ensuring that a planning permission appeal was dismissed.
A public inquiry was held by The Planning Inspectorate on 1,2,3,4 August and 11 Sept 2023 at Hounslow Council Offices regarding an appeal by Northumberland Estates against the decision to refuse planning permission for 80 dwellings and associated structures. Northumberland Estates own the land and the allotments do not have statutory status.
This proposed development, within the Isleworth riverside conservation area, would have greatly changed the Park Road allotment site. Following the development, only 21% of the original allotment space would have remained. The 38 current plotholders would have been left with “postage stamp” sized plots (in my opinion).
The original public inquiry was scheduled for three days, but such was the interest and passion locally, that the Inspector added a fourth day.
The National Allotment Society supplied written statements in support of Park Road Allotments and an in-person statement was made during the inquiry by myself. I was impressed beyond belief at the work of the Hounslow Council team and the Park Road allotment representatives.
The Inspector published his decision on 11th Dec 2023 and the appeal was dismissed.
This would seem like a victory for both the conservation area and the allotments - and it undoubtedly is. However, Council for Northumberland Estates were clear throughout the inquiry, that should the appeal be dismissed, the allotment site would be closed regardless. As a private landowner, this action is within their right, but it would be a very sad outcome in my view. At the time of writing, we await developments.
The full public enquiry is available to view via the London Borough of Hounslow website: https://www.hounslow.gov.uk/info/20010/planning_ and_building/2528/public_inquiry_hanworth_road
Terry Dickinson, London Representative
38 | Issue 2 2024 | Allotment Gardener