Northfields Allotments Given Asset of Community Value Status

Campaigners battling against development welcome latest development

Campaigners fighting to save a section of Northfields allotments from development have welcomed news that its been recognised as an asset of community value (ACV) under the Localism Act 2011.

The decision to include Northfields Allotments on Ealing Council’s list of ACVs was confirmed on Friday 7th April 2017 by Ealing Council.

London’s oldest allotments join other sites and buildings in Ealing listed as community assets including Southall Library, Hanwell Community Centre and part of Warren Farm, also in Southall.

Northfields Allotments on Northfield Avenue in Ealing dates back to 1832, making it London’s oldest surviving allotment. The site’s classification as an ACV recognises its importance to the local community.

Plot holders have been told that owners, Pathways , want to build new 'affordable' homes which could mean around 10% of the current site being lost.

A petition opposing the proposed development on Northfields Allotments has been set up by plotholders and has received over 2,700 signatures to date. This will be delivered to Ealing's planning department once Pathways submit their application for the development in the coming months.

Christina Fox, chairman of the Ealing Dean Allotment Society (EDAS) which oversees the management of the Northfields Allotments, said: ‘Receiving formal recognition for Northfields Allotments as an asset of community value means a great deal and confirms what we knew already, namely that the benefits the allotments bring to both plotholders and the wider local community are extremely important and worth protecting.

“Since we were informed by our landlord Pathways that it intends to build on the allotment site, we have been overwhelmed by the strength of local feeling against the plans. It is clear that the majority of our neighbours strongly oppose any development of Northfields Allotments and the resultant loss of an important part of Ealing’s natural heritage to housing.

“The site’s status as an asset of community value will be taken into account by Ealing Council when it decides whether to approve the planning application from Pathways, however it will only be one factor in the decision, so it is vital that everybody in Ealing who opposes the plans continues to make their views known.

“We would urge people to continue to show their opposition to the proposed development by signing our petition and would like to thank everybody who has already added their name."

Ealing Today has contacted Pathways to find out if ACV will make any difference to their development plans.

10th April 2017