Allotment holders threaten legal action over decision re-taken by Pickles

A group of allotment holders are threatening to challenge a fresh decision by the Communities Secretary to give consent to building on the site of their plots.

Eric Pickles admitted in August 2013 that his original decision to give consent to building on the Farm Terrace site in Watford was unlawful and should be quashed.

Watford Borough Council says the land is needed for the viability of a scheme to expand Watford Hospital and build around 700 homes. Its Cabinet decided in December 2012 to appropriate the allotments.

The allotment holders threatened judicial review proceedings after the Communities Secretary granted consent under s. 8 of the Allotments Act 1925.

In a statement on its website this week, the allotment holders’ law firm Deighton Pierce Glynn said: “After our intervention and a vigorous campaign [the Communities Secretary] was forced to reconsider his decision, but just before Christmas he again granted consent unconditionally.

“We have been instructed to challenge this decision as well, and a letter before claim was sent on 19 February 2014 setting out the plot-holders' case.”

Adam Hunt, a partner at the firm, has instructed Jason Coppel QC and Hannah Slarks of 11KBW as counsel.