Decision details

Purpose of Report

1.    To consider the details of an application to the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) for the de-statutorisation of the Ermine Allotment site.

2.    To consult on, consider, and agree which parcel(s) of land would be included in the application as replacement land for the lost allotment provision resulting from the ‘disposal’.

Decision

1.    That the principle of replacing the Ermine allotment site following any sale on a like-for-like basis in terms of size be confirmed.

2.    That, following the determination of the proposals regarding the Birchwood Big Local project, any requirements in respect of proposed changes of land use be referred back to the Executive for consideration.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

None.

Reason for Decision

On 13 July 2015, the Executive agreed to pursue an application to the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) to de-statutorise the Ermine allotment site. Any de-statutorisation was likely to be dependent upon the provision of alternative allotment sites equivalent in size to the de-statutorised area. As such, members committed the Council to the principle that the total amount of allotment land lost through any sale of the Ermine allotment site would be met through the allocation of land of equivalent size elsewhere. A number of suitable sites were available and these would be selected having particular regard to factors including:

·         The number of allotment sites extant in different parts of the city and the demand for additional space in those areas.

·         The ownership of the land and the likely cost to the Council of acquiring the land for Council use.

·         The alternative uses available for any of the alternative land.

The ultimate decision regarding the allocation of land would be dependent on a separate decision to be taken by the Executive regarding the Birchwood Big Local project. The Birchwood Big Local project had developed plans to re-develop an area of Council land on Melbourne Road into a multi-use community park. These plans included allotment gardens as well as ‘community gardening space’.  If this were approved by the Executive, it was intended to provide the Council with an area of approximately 0.48 hectares to be identified as statutory allotment land. However, if these plans were not approved it would be possible to use an increased amount of land at the site.