Page 41 - ALG Issue 3 2021

North West
Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire
Welcome to our new members...
Swinton Allotment Association 7 Individuals
Manchester City Council
REPRESENTATIVE
Mr John Irwin
16 Parkdale Ave, Audenshaw, Manchester M34 5LW
0161 3207779 jirwin.nas@gmail.com
MENTOR
Vacant
Contact diane@nsalg.org.uk
if interested in volunteering with the Region
Salford Federation meeting with Salford Council
The City Council and Salford Allotment Federation(SAF) held a liaison meeting to discuss allotment provision in the City and to see what new sites can be considered. Applications to rent plots has risen
during the pandemic and many more residents realise the mental and physical benefits of working in the open-air, to grow crops for their own satisfaction
and consumption. If you would like any additional information on any of the following sites, please contact the City Councils’ Allotment Officer, or register your interest on the Council’s website.
Beechfield, Swinton: the latest update shows that it will be some time until the allotments can be in use. The layout is under discussion and finance is in place, but work cannot start until all parties have agreed the programme.
Poorlots, Irlam: initial clearance of undergrowth was planned for this spring, but it would have coincided with
the nesting season, so the work has been postponed until autumn. This will also allow for a ‘Big Lottery Grant’ to be submitted and for consideration of what permanent arrangements are to be made for local footpaths.
Blackleach, Walkden: a spectacular effort by the proposed committee has resulted in the dereliction of this site being transformed into a ‘blank canvas’ for remodelling the site. Community Payback have worked with the group and talks to establish a ‘self-management’ agreement are in hand with the Council.
Weaste, Salford: the committee is in discussion with the CVS in an effort
to secure funding for the proposed extension of the site and Don Booth (SAF chairman) is hoping to see early progress to provide additional facilities.
Buille Hill allotments: a visit by the committee of the SAF was hosted to
Several potential new sites are under discussion with
the City Council and the Council remains very supportive of the
SAF and allotments
show the work and facilities which have been provided by Mark Frith, the project leader, and his volunteers with the help and assistance of the ‘Friends of Buille Hill Park’. The cafe is subject to COVID limitations but is open and a very welcoming spot in the beautiful surroundings.
Ordsall allotments, Salford: the site is being reviewed with help from the CVS and consideration of its future operation and committee arrangements will be resolved at the earliest opportunity.
Several potential new sites are under discussion with the City Council and the Council remains very supportive of the SAF and allotments. Any questions, enquiries or comments can be referred to the Allotment Officer, preferably via the Council’s website.
Geoff Hamilton,
Salford Allotment Federation
Are the government finally listening?
The Government has recently sought views on the draft of the National Model Design Code and supporting Guidance Notes, which sets out how local design codes may specify levels of green infrastructure provision, including allotments and community gardens.
In addition to this, land can also be designated as Local Green Space through local and neighbourhood plans, which allows communities
to identify and protect green areas of particular importance to them. Designating land is a matter for local discretion, but the Government has set out in guidance that this could include green areas such as allotments.
We have sent this report to our Council, and this is the reply we have received: “I’m not entirely sure how this new planning framework will impact in Greater Manchester so will
need to follow up with colleagues in planning and get back to you.”
The Scottish Parliament has passed a statute that allows allotments
and community groups to take over unused or underused council land for community benefit. It’s a pity that the English Parliament hasn’t been willing to follow that lead – maybe one day?
Don Booth, Salford Allotment Federation
Editor’s note: A consultation on draft revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework and a new draft National Model Design Code ran from 30 January 2021 to 27 March 2021; they are currently analysing feedback. https://www.gov.uk/ government/consultations/national- planning-policy-framework-and- national-model-design-code- consultation-proposals
A photo of the roof being put on our new Community Centre at Westend and North Heysham Allotments. Also, all the plots ready for the new season with veg and flowers being grown.
L Croombs, W and NH Allotments
Allotment and Leisure Gardener 41