This week NAS announced a new service that provides guidance and support to enable and encourage developers and local planners to include allotments in new housing developments.
We recently caught up with Chloe who has been on one of these plots in Northampton for the last 2 years to find out what a purpose-built site on a housing development is like in reality.
How big is your plot?
5 poles which on my site is 25m x 5m
How did you get your plot?
I applied via the council website and was added to the waiting list. I was on the list for around 6 months before I was offered a half plot.
How much does it cost & How is the site managed??
Around £25 a year including insurance, water and access to the onsite facilities including a toilet.
There is a site committee of volunteers who do a wonderful job of running the site including lettings, plot inspections, upkeep of communal areas etc. Without them being generous with their time the site wouldn’t have the same community feel and wildlife projects it does. I’m not a committee member but as a tenant I find it works well. I know sometimes there’s a challenge to get people to help out.
Do you live in the development or is it open to the wider community?
You can be added to the site waiting list if you live within the local area but that isn’t restricted just to the immediate estate. It’s a facility that the wider area can benefit from.
Do you think it was received well by the local community?
Overall, yes, apart from the odd noise complaint about our gate (it can be loud!) it’s well received. We hold an open day annually and it’s always well attended by the community.
Have you encountered any issues on the site that might be specific to it being on the housing development?
When I first took on my plot, I had to work hard improving the soil as there was quite a bit of rubble and debris in it. Adding organic matter has helped and removing the debris as I find it too. Also, some areas become shaded quickly because there are houses and tall building around the site.
Would you like to see more sites like yours on new developments?
I think there’s so much opportunity for new sites to be built. They’re such a wonderful way to encourage people outdoors, excellent for health and make great, productive use of the allocated green space areas. They often can have better facilities than older sites too like toilets, kitchen facilities and better access to water.
Chloe said: 'Our site came about because it was part of the allocated green space for the housing development, and they’d already put in parks and things. Then the argument of long waiting lists across the county is what ultimately worked'
Find out more about 21st Century Allotments in New Developments
Follow Chloe's allotment journey on Instagram
