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Netherton Development Maladministration

Ed Murphy has contacted the secretary of state concerning maladminstration and attempts by conservative councillors to sell of allotments fo inappropriate development.

Grange Road Development The Peterborough Labour Parliamentary Spokesperson has intervened over conservative proposals to build flats and houses on the Grange road allotment site. Ed was invited to meet residents about neighbourhood concerns on Monday evening of this week and has now contacted the secretary of state concerning the practices and policies of Peterborough Conservative Council. (See letter attached).Ed Murphy Labour Parliamentary candidate for Peterborough hopes that the city council will withdraw its own planning proposal as it is not in line with government policy and is opposed by many local residents.Ed Murphy Commented “We were told by a conservative councillor at the residents meeting that these plans were known about six years ago, however the conservative council leader has indicated that they can be withdrawn if there is public concern. I am astonished it has taken the conservatives six years to work out that there is public opposition to the loss of green space in order to make short term profits from opportunist housing developments. The city council should get on with building on brown field sites, reducing the number of empty dwellings and consider how new townships and Hampton can provided decent new homes, we also have the south bank and opportunities to develop former industrial sites. Concerning allotments and green spaces these should be protected and I am concerned about practices carried out by this council which have not promoted or protected green space and allotments.  Indeed it may be that the conservatives have actively searched for ways to sell off such sites in order to boost council coffers. This is a very short term approach and is highly detrimental to the long term environment” Ed added “ The cost of the planning application and any consultants fees on what is a speculative venture could have been put toward improvement of local amenities – the scheme is not acceptable to residents and may face legal obstacles – lets not waste anymore council tax on this one”  For more information contact Ed Murphy Tel   0777 9333 1920 or 315565 Note to editorMinistry for Communities and neighbourhoods policyAllotmentsWhat is our policy for allotments?Allotments and community gardens are valuable green spaces and community assets that can help improve people's quality of life by promoting healthy food, exercise and community interaction.Government recognises the unique role of allotments as places which bring all sections of the community together. They provide opportunities for people to grow their own produce as part of the long term promotion of sustainability and healthy living.Public interest in allotments has undergone a recent revival in line with current thinking on healthy eating, organic food and exercise.  This has created a greater demand for allotments in some areas, which is critical to protecting them from a change of use in the future as a consequence of disuse or dereliction.The Government's aim is to ensure that allotments are well managed, are considered as part of the overall green infrastructure, and are only disposed of where there is no demand for them and established criteria have been met.  We are committed to working with local authorities to promote best practice and ensure quality and appropriate availability now and for future generations.How are allotments protected?Allotments are uniquely protected through the legislative and planning framework within the wider context of a firm national policy to improve the quality of urban green spaces.Government has strengthened the policies and protections afforded to allotments. In 2002 we strengthened the criteria for disposing of statutory allotments and revised planning guidance (PPG17), within the wider context of a firm national policy to improve the quality of urban green spaces.The planning system through PPG17 (Planning for open space, sport and recreation) and PPS3 (Housing) provides a robust framework for the protection of urban green spaces including allotments and sets out that allotments should not be considered as previously developed land. (See related publications below).PPG17 recognises allotments, community gardens and city farms in its typology of open spaces and sets out that Local Authorities should undertake robust assessments of the needs of their local community for open space.PPG17 is supported by a companion guide: Assessing Needs and Opportunities (see related publications below).Allotments are further protected by specific legislation and their disposal is governed by a robust consents regime. To dispose of a statutory allotment a local authority must obtain consent from the Secretary of State under Section 8 of the Allotments Act 1925. Requests are made by the local authority to the relevant Government Office in the region and are considered against robust criteria including that adequate provision has been made for displaced plot holders and the allotments have been actively publicised. 

 

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