Issue details

1.      The land in question has been used as allotment land since the 1960s, with pedestrian access from Cranes Lane. It is divided into 4 plots. Total annual rental income to the Council is currently £60.

2.      Although all plots are currently rented, it has sometimes been difficult to find tenants; the land has not always been fully cultivated and has frequently become overgrown. The growth and spread of ragwort has been a common annual problem, resulting in concerns from adjacent landowners who graze horses and a cost to the Council of clearance.

3.      The area was considered as part of the Lands Appraisal but deemed unsuitable for development due to inadequate access and impact that development would have on the surrounding area.

4.      Some consideration has been made in previous years about other options for the site such as a managed public green ‘open space’ for the village but the general preference by village residents and the Parish Council was for it to remain as allotments.

5. Kingston Parish Council has requested that the land be transferred to them, to be retained for allotment or public amenity use.