Charity calls for more allotment space in Somerset

A Somerset charity wants developers to provide more allotment space when building houses.

Somerset Community Food says 1,000 people in the county are on waiting lists for allotments, but it thinks many more people want allotments.

The charity wants more of the money paid to the council by developers under Section 106 planning agreements to be spent on land used for growing food.

This cash most often goes on facilities such as parks and play areas.

A South Somerset Council spokesman said if people wanted more money spent on food-growing spaces, they needed to lobby their local town or parish council.

Community growing spaces

Local councils decide what Section 106 cash is spent on based on the needs of the community.

Linda Hull from Somerset Community Food said she would like developers to come forward proactively and "include community growing spaces within their developments without being forced to by a planning authority".

She added: "If you're going to build houses everywhere, at least leave spaces to enable people to grow food."

The charity is holding a meeting at Creech St Michael Baptist Church Centre later to enable people to discuss the options regarding allotment provision in the county.