Government looks to bolster "grow your own" revolution with unused sites
The government said this week that it would back a range of proposals made by local authorities to make it easier for people to “grow their own” fruit and vegetables.
It is also looking to introduce ‘meanwhile leases’ – similar to those used for empty retail sites – in a bid to increase the land available.
The suggestions put forward by Brighton & Hove, Waltham Forest, Birmingham and Sheffield councils under the Sustainable Communities Act include:
- Clarifying that there are no legal restrictions on gardeners selling genuine surplus produce to local markets and shops
- Making better use of existing powers around allotments, and
- Introducing new lease arrangements that will make it easier for people to take control of abandoned land.
The government said it is also working with the Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens with a view to setting up a new national community land bank.
The bank would act as a broker between land-holders and community groups that want somewhere to grow food. Discussions with Brighton and Bristol councils are ongoing with a view to piloting the scheme.
The government also said it would make it easier for local residents and organisations to set up growing spaces on land that is currently unused or waiting development. This might include stalled building sites or sites waiting for planning permission.
The Development Trusts Assocation has been commissioned by the government to prepare standardised ‘meanwhile leases’ so that organisations can access land while it is waiting to be used, with the intention of giving landlords and tenants certain legal assurances.
Communities Secretary John Denham said: “We are making it easier for community groups and keen gardeners to access the hundreds of acres of unused land. This will mean communities can grow their own food while brightening up the neighbourhood by turning unloved spaces into fragrant her gardens and abundant vegetable or flower beds.”
New guidance has also been issued by the Local Government Association aimed at helping councils reduce the length of time a person has to wait before being allocated an allotment plot.
