News

Council urged to get a grip on misuse of allotments

There is mounting evidence of houses and other “unauthorised structures” being built on allotments in the borough, reports Grace Howarth, Local Democracy Reporter

“Unauthorised structures” pictured at Barrowfield Allotments in Edmonton

Enfield Council is being urged to take stronger action over the misuse of allotment plots amid long waiting lists in the borough.

At Barrowfield Allotments in Edmonton a small house remains standing on one plot despite the council pledging to take action against “unauthorised structures” nearly six months ago, while residents have complained of other plots laying “derelict and misused”.

Dave Cockle, chair of The Enfield Society, said the poor condition of Barrowfield Allotments wasn’t unique in the borough and cast doubt over whether the council was taking the necessary enforcement action.

“Obviously this is a misuse of an allotment,” Dave told the Local Democracy Reporting Service. “The council does not appear to be monitoring allotments at present.

“A number of allotments across the borough are not being maintained despite a long waiting list for sites.”

The council insisted it was taking the matter of the house which has stood at Barrowfield Allotments for several months “very seriously” and acknowledged plots on the site had “breached the conditions of their tenancy agreements”.

The council’s website states a “small garden tool shed” is permitted on allotment plots but “dwelling houses, chalets, summer houses, kitchen facilities, verandas and canopies” are not allowed. 

The house at Barrowfield was built in March and has a window, door and chimney.

Asked for comment in May, the council said it would “investigate and take action as appropriate”. However, it remains standing now.

Approached again for comment this month, a council spokesperson said: “Allotments in Enfield are incredibly popular and can offer health and well-being benefits, especially for residents who have limited or no access to a garden space. 

“We are aware that a few plots at Barrowfield Allotment have breached the conditions of their tenancy agreements due to unauthorised structures that do not comply with the permitted size. 

“When the structure in question was first reported in May, the council immediately conducted a detailed survey of the site to take appropriate enforcement action. 

“These actions are ongoing. Enfield Council takes this matter very seriously and is taking the necessary steps to address the misuse of the plots and manage the long waiting list.”


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