I object to the proposal of converting the allotments into a housing deleopment my argument against the
housing development on Allotment Site (1) as outlined below:
The planned development would mean the loss of an important and unique facility for horticultural and leisure
users in our village.
It would place additional burden on the local infrastructure, and change the character of the area for existing
residents.
It will have a detrimental effect on wildlife - namely bats roosting on the site, birds, bees, badgers
Cultivating an allotment is not a hobby that can be picked up and dropped. Gardeners invest labour ,time and
money. It takes years to get the soil into good working condition, to establish permanent crops such as
rhubarb and asparagus beds, and for trees to mature. ,
An established allotment is manageable and rewarding, but starting again is soul-destroying. When it's gone,
it's gone. It is regrettable that the council and developers can't be relied upon to work around allotments with
imagination - there is always an alternative before choosing the option of destroying what could not be
replaced.
Allotment gardening is an activity which is associated with increased neighbourhood attachment, it is
accessible regardless of income, education, ethnic background and age and supports social interaction with
family, friends and neighbours.
Green exercise leads to positive short and long-term health benefits, inducing feelings of relaxation and
reducing stress, stimulating physical activity and facilitating social contact and social capital.
The development of allotments is an innovative approach to community engagement and provides a broad
range of benefits to the community and the environment. The development of housing and loss of this (only)
facility in the area will have a very detrimental impact on those participating in the allotment activity, on the
community they live in and in the long run will have a negative impact on overall health (and mental health)
and additional cost for the local council.
The housing could be restricted to Preferred Options 2 and 4 which would save the existing mature allotment
site.