Tuesday 3 April 2012

Comment from Independent Councillor

I have had a response from LES who advise that the current Allotment Rules and Regulations do not permit the erection of structures within allotment sites without the approval of Land and Environmental Services.

Following the launch of the Allotment Strategy in 2009, this Service has consulted with a range of communities in relation to the potential to increase allotment provision and reduce waiting lists, through the creation of new allotment sites.

These consultation exercises have generated a comparatively high number of responses, with consultees expressing a wide range of views. One notable theme to any objections received has been in relation to the perceived negative appearance of structures within allotment sites and the potential for this to cause a loss of residential amenity.

Land and Environmental Services would wish to work with allotment associations and with the wider community, to increase the supply of land deemed suitable for allotments use, so that allotment provision is seen as a positive component of the local greenspace amenity and so that allotment waiting lists might be reduced.

They would expect that each application for permission to site structures within new or extended allotment sites will be considered on its own merits, with consideration given to the size and materials proposed, the visual impact on surrounding properties and previous correspondence received from neighbouring properties during consultation and operational phases..

They advise further that they have reviewed the proposal received from a plot holder of Oatlands Gate Allotments and have now responded, advising them that due to its prominent location on the Clyde Walkway and its place within the regeneration of Oatlands, that sheds are unlikely to be permitted at Oatlands Gate, but that to allow plot holders to have somewhere on their plots to store their tools and other personal equipment, secure lockable containers, similar to those proposed in the plot holders email of 1 March (156cm x 74cm x 64cm), are likely to receive approval.

They have asked the plot holder that, to allow this proposal to be fully considered, they would be grateful if the total number of storage containers proposed for Oatlands Gate was confirmed and whether or not they are proposed to be of uniform size and colour.

I hope that this is something that will be considered by all as a way forward to address this current issue. Happy to discuss further.

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