Council Can Create at least 58 more Allotments

There's good news for the 160 people on waiting lists for allotments in that the Council can go ahead and create new plots for use next year.

A meeting of the borough council's Leisure Committee on Monday 27th October agreed to use uncultivated land on existing allotment sites to make 58 new plots and that number could double next March. The council intends to serve notice on tenants who don't cultivate plots at that time and added to the normal turnover of allotments, another 50 or so could become available. Tenancy agreements will also be reviewed and a further progress report will be discussed by the Leisure Committee in March 2009.

Cllr Colin Taylor who brought the matter to the attention of the Leisure Committee was delighted. "This is really good news for people on waiting lists. A rental increase will probably be necessary but even a relatively small increase in the charge per square metre would raise enough money to fund some clearance work. There is still likely to be a waiting list on the Alexandra site, but it's undoubtedly a step in the right direction."

Cllr Julie Morris, an allotment tenant herself, told the Leisure Committee that allotments are a growth area and much in demand. She confirms that developers of both St Ebbas and West Park former hospital sites have been made aware that space for new allotment sites is important. Epsom & Ewell have about 760 plots at present. Neighbouring borough Reigate & Banstead has 1000 plots in total and a waiting list of 300.

The borough council owns ten allotment sites. Three are self-managed and one is not available for use at the present time. Proposals are to create 4 additional plots on the Alexandra Road site, 21 on Christ Church Road, 17 on Northcroft Road, 6 on Salisbury Road and 10 on Lane End.