Question Reference Number 864690
Local authorities in the UK have a statutory duty to provide sufficient allotments under the Small Holdings and Allotments Act 1908. Specifically:
• Duty to Provide Allotments
• Sufficient Provision: The council must assess local demand and ensure there is adequate provision. This includes maintaining waiting lists and monitoring trends in demand. How is Wigan Council upholding their Duty to:
A) Assess demand - including the monitoring of waiting lists and consulting with residents/community groups to understand their needs.
B) Allocating Land - Will you be working with developers / those building the influx of new houses to secure land for new allotments and to safeguard green space?
Response from the Councillor Chris Ready, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Neighbourhoods
Thank you for your recent query, please find outlined below a response in realtion to the points that you raised:-
A) Demand is assessed through the allotment waiting list. In the last 11 months, the Council have reviewed the waiting list at 15 allotment sites, and this has reduced the waiting list by 851.This review will now continue for the remainder of the allotment sites. The Council’s Community Asset Transfer allows community groups / residents to take control of Council assets – including allotments, this alternative and innovative approach often leads to an increase in capacity at allotments sites that are leased out.
B) When applicable, the Council works with developers to secure land for allotments and to secure funding to improve existing allotments.
Question Reference Number 864691
Given that it will take until 2028 for remedial flood prevention work to be assessed and carried out for the Hey Brook catchment area, (if funds are available) - how is it possible for planning permission to be granted in the interim period for new builds directly effecting this catchment?
Response from the Councillor Paul Prescott, Portfolio Holder for Planning, Transport and Environmental Services
All development proposals made through planning applications are assessed by the Council as Local Planning Authority, having regard to the development plan and all other material considerations, including extensive local and national policies, and input from internal and external stakeholders on the process and consultees, such as, in relation to flooding and drainage arrangements, the Lead Local Flood Authority, United Utilities and the Environment Agency. Planning applications are dealt with on their own individual merits in this context, having regard to this process and all material considerations. Only after a full assessment has been made in this context will planning permissions be approved.