Testun llawn:
The proposed development is a direct contravention of Policy SC5 Protecting Open Spaces and the following objective: "To protect or enhance the local environment, including wildlife habitats, trees and gardens."
The allotment site was deemed "not suitable.... due to impact on an area of high landscape value" and "protecting recreation facilities" by WDC Planning Officers in a document dated February 13th, 2009. Plus I believe this was reiterated in a futher document in 2012. Nothing has changed, so why repropose the site. The loss of recreation facilities such as allotments goes against Government Policy.
The planned development would mean the loss of an important recreational 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 and foxes.
The allotment site has been established and cherished by those who use for over 50 years. A lot of time and money has been invested in the site by the allotment holders which cannot be recouped. The site is made up of fertile, well cultivated soil and mature fruit bushes and trees which cannot be replaced just like that. There is also livestock (chickens) and bee hives on the site which would be impossible to relocate without planning and a long notice period. Cultivating an allotment is not a hobby that can be picked up and dropped. 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. Any new site offered would take years to establish. If Thomas White Trust has other land they could offer allotment holders then it would be more sensible to use this land to build on rather than the allotments. However, although it has been stated in the proposal that the Trust will offer alternative land, no land has been outlined on the plan or any timescale given.
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.
Members of our Allotment Association describe the area as a 'sanctuary'. It allows social interaction in the community and allows members to define a role in the community.
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 and in the long run will have a negative impact on overall health (and mental health) and additional cost for the local council.
The benefits of having an allotment include:
- cheap source of fresh fruit and vegetables, and therefore a healthy diet
- sense of achievement and well-being
- reduction in stress and chance to escape the pressures of modern living
- helps community spirit and offers an opportunity to meet people from all walks of life
- environment benefits by providing green spaces and wildlife habitats
- gardening is a good form of exercise
- a chance for children to learn where food comes from.
The housing could be restricted to Preferred Options 2 and 4 which would save the existing mature allotment site.