Bid to resolve dispute at allotment gardens

Councillors this week agreed to consult with all tenants at Eden allotment gardens as the local authority works to clarify - and, if necessary, revise - its tenancy rules and address grievances aired by some plot holders.

Monday’s meeting of the Development Services committee considered an internal report on some of the issues arising and heard from one tenant, who addressed members behind closed doors.

Alderman Billy Ashe, the committee chairman, told the TIMES: “I think the council needs to review its policy on the allotments. The success of the project is being compromised by the number of people who are dissatisfied and it is important that the council consults with its customers on what we need to do.

“There are problems that need to be resolved. Our current tenancy arrangement does not seem to be working and we need to produce a code of conduct that can be adhered to.”

In addition to an issue in the hands of the local authority’s legal advisors, the report to the council reveals that, since June 2009, a group of tenants have been seeking a relaxation of restrictions on the erection of perimeter fences around plots.

Under the standard tenancy agreement, no more than one third of the plot may be surrounded by a fence without express permission from the council.

Tenants wishing to wholly fence off their plots say they want to keep dogs and thieves out and their children in; the report counters that an unobstructed view across the allotment site is good for security as well as being more attractive and that the council has neither the time nor the resources to “manage the process” of introducing fencing or to remove it when plots are vacated.

Allotment holders are also thought to feel aggrieved by a perception of inconsistency in the application of some of the rules of the site and in the treatment of applications for additional fencing.

The report recommends the establishment of a new Allotment Forum, involving plot holders, council staff, the chairperson of the Parks and Countryside sub committee and independent members to assist with interpretation of the tenancy agreement and resolve disputes, amongst other functions.

A final decision has been deferred to allow consultation to take place.