More objections to allotment changes
Published:
January 16, 2011 17:11
by Radfordian |
Neighbourhoods:
Nottingham City Council is planning to impose sweeping changes to how their allotment tenancies are handled and, most importantly, how much people are expected to pay for allotments. Allotment owners are objecting to these changes on a number of grounds and we want to highlight some of these to others who may be thinking of objecting.
The proposals are set out in 4 sections: A - Using your plot, B - Ending your tenancy and the role of NCC, C - Rents & D - Plot allocation.
As we see it, there are problems with each section of the new guidelines.
Section A proposes that maintenance of hedges and gates, previously the responsibility of the landlord (NCC) will now be transferred to the plot owners. Owners will be expected to keep hedges to 1.5m in height themselves. For those who have substantial hedges and no access to the appropriate equipment this will be very difficult.
Section B would make it possible for NCC to pursue the tenant for costs if they do not leave their plot in good condition. There is no definition of what "good condition" constitutes and this could be open to abuse by Council officials to make money. No provision is made for people who inherited plots with rubbish, asbestos and other problems.
Section C - The percentage increase in rent (180%) and water charge (150%) far exceed the rate of inflation and come as NCC relieve themselves of some maintenance duties to the allotments (e.g. hedges, gates). This is completely unacceptable. It is contradiction to NCC's supposed respect for diversity of allotment holders as it actively discriminates against those on low incomes. If a 25% discount for those of limited means was considered necessary on the current ground rent rate of 7p/sqm then surely it is a farce to consider the new discounted rate of 16p/sqm any kind of 'discount' at all. These changes encourage a gentrification of the allotments by the replacement of those on low incomes (who benefit most from a plot of land) by those who are wealthier and whose need for an allotment is not as great.
Section D - It does not seem reasonable to introduce new rules to make it harder for organisations and community groups to rent allotments. These groups can provide allotment space for more people than individually rented plots. They provide easier access to allotment holding for those who are not ready to take on their own plot. Collectively owned plots also allow the passing on of expertise and knowledge to new people. It is unlikely that there are many groups who want to own allotments and it makes sense to prioritise these over individuals as they enable access to allotments for more people.
The net effect of the proposed changes would be to make it harder for community groups and individuals on low incomes to rent an allotment whilst opening up access to middle class people who have a lesser need for an allotment. Meanwhile the regulations regarding allotment use are being made very prescriptive, meaning that it will be easier for NCC to get rid of existing tenants whilst keeping their money. This is totally unacceptable and amounts to a gentrification of the allotments of Nottingham.
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Comments
Interpretation is the Key
Published: January 17, 2011 14:49
by
Windy Miller
To answer some of the points in order.
A) with regards to hedge cutting internal hedges have always been an allotment holders responsibility in Nottingham and on sites run by committees as opposed to direct let council sites, its been the tenants responsibity. Its not really a difficult job that requires more than a pair of shears and loppers. Yes, older gardeners etc should be offered assistance but as a general rule its not necessarily bad. If I do my own hedges at least I know its gonna be a good job!
B)Yes a lot of people inherit asbestos, glass etc and if there are no skips they can't easily dispose of it. At the same time a lot of people dump the most random rubbish on allotments and it takes time and money for this to be removed, some of it can be pretty toxic too, eg car batteries, old electrical stuff, paint,chemicals etc. A better wording would be to hand them back as they were found. If you've just taken on an allotment then take lots of photos to prove that you inherited the rubbish.
C) re rent increases. I think most people would be suprised that they only cost on average £50 a year. Even with a rent increase the cost of an allotment is still less than a pint of beer a weeek, easily replaced by the cider you can produce from it! Yes there needs to be a rent cap and this could be the thin end of the wedge but at the moment you can get a hell of a lot for not much cash.
D) Totally agree, especially as most allotments in Nottingham are difficult for one person to manage well. the more shared allotments the better.
Fair play to you for highlighting the issue, lets hope a compromise can be found that prevents some of the problems that occur on allotments but also protects them from the planners and paperpushers at the council.
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allotment rent rises
In a case in 1982, a steep increase in allotment rents in Reigate and Banstead was quashed in the High Court as unreasonable and unjustifiable on the ground that it was out of line with the general rise in charges for other recreational activities.
There are various references to this court case available on the internet. Check out if any other 'recreational activities' have seen a comparable increase, and then tell the Council the increase could face a legal challenge. Alternatively start organising for a rent strike!