Allotment-holders determined not to lose their plots - The Stratford Observer

Allotment-holders determined not to lose their plots

Stratford Editorial 23rd Jan, 2019   0

ALLOTMENT holders remain determined not to lose their plots.

Wellesbourne Allotment Association (WAA) voted to reject a proposal by the Diocese of Coventry which could see part of the historic allotment site on Kineton Road developed.

Originally church officials wanted to build 50 homes directly on the site.

But fierce opposition from WAA – and campaign group Save our Allotment Site – saw the proposal altered with church officials offering plot holders additional land adjoining the site in exchange for allowing an access road through to a housing development on an adjacent field.




During a general meeting, allotment holders overwhelmingly rejected the additional land offer, which also included a promise not to further develop it for 25 to 50 years.

The plot holders said the land offered was near to the floodplain which they feared could affect their ability to grow on it.


They also remain suspicious the move was simply a way for the diocese to eventually develop the allotments ‘by the back door’.

Following the vote chair Ian Hope said: “Plot-holders expressed a number of wide ranging views and concerns and overwhelmingly agreed to reject the proposal and to continue to fight to remain on land where local people have been growing their own food for more than 180 years.”

He revealed the WAA had previously offered to buy the land at agricultural rates but the offer was rejected by the diocese.

Members hoped the church might reconsider in light of the recent vote and allow them to retain ‘a much valued community asset’.

The Coventry Diocese said the alternative land would have provided improved facilities.

The WAA’s decision will be considered at its next committee meeting.

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