4.71 Allotment sites are a statutory requirement for the Council but are usually managed by town or parish councils. Allotments serve not only local residents by offering them a chance to grow their own fruit and vegetables but also by offering them physical activities, a healthy diet, and general well-being. Allotments can also be important for their contribution to biodiversity. The overall benefits of allotments include:

• Providing a sustainable food supply
• A healthy activity for people of all ages
• Fostering community development and cohesiveness
• Acting as an educational resource
• Providing access to nature and wildlife and acting as a resource for biodiversity
• Providing open spaces for local communities
• Reducing carbon emissions through avoiding the long distance transport of food

Policy SP32 - Allotments

Allotments will be protected from development and their development will only be permitted if:

1. There is an overriding need for development that outweighs the need to protect the allotments which cannot be located elsewhere. In this case provision of alternative allotment space of at least an equivalent size and quality must be provided in a suitable nearby location to serve existing users.
2. There is no longer a demand for the allotments and they do not make a contribution to the visual amenity of the area.