Northfields Allotments Under Threat

Huge opposition over plans to build affordable housing on the site

(image credit David Fox)

A section of land at the oldest allotments in London - in Northfields - is under threat of development.

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.

Chief Executive, Clive Wilson has written about the redevelopment proposals saying:

'' There is an acute shortage of affordable housing for older people in Ealing, but demand is increasing all the time. We want to do more to improve the amount of good quality supported housing in the borough and play our part in helping vulnerable older people.''

They plan to redevelop properties at Dean Court and and build new homes at Mattock Lane. Pathways say the scheme will provide a total of approximately 110 social homes and 30 homes for sale.

A slice - around 10% - of the Northfields Avenue Allotment site will be needed for the development and the news has caused huge opposition.

The allotments were founded in 1832, when the Bishop of London gave the land over for the people of Ealing. There are now over 60 people on the waiting list for a plot and in June members of the public were invited to the ever popular annual open day.

( artist's impression)

Chair of Ealing Dean Allotment Society, Christina Fox, says, '' All of the plotholders at that end of the site will lose their allotments. Many are families with young children, many live in flats and this is their garden and a safe place for their children to play.

''One plotholder has had her plot for 25 years. Not surprisingly they are all very upset. People put a lot of time and effort into an allotment. But allotments are not like gardens, there are no fences between us. it is also about the loss of those friends and loss of a community that has built up over the years.''

She says she has been inundated with messages of support, including from the local Walpole Councillors and Ealing Central and Acton MP, Rupa Huq, and they are plan to coordinate a united response. A facebook page has already been set up (see here).

Rupa Huq says: '' I’ve spoken to committee members of Ealing Dean allotments and understand their legitimate concerns. I’m meeting with Pathways to determine precisely the detail of the plan but I am opposed to the destruction of this vital green space which has provided plotholders so much for so many years.''

Speaking on behalf of the Walpole Councillors, Cllr Gareth Shaw said: "The Northfield Avenue allotments are the hub of the local community, providing much escape from the surrounding urban environment, as well as learning opportunities for younger children about plants, food and wildlife.It's an invaluable resource that we appreciate.  Our residents are fortunate to have such an open space but for many of these allotment holders, it has been a labour of love, not just for a few years but for decades.

For these reasons we must do all we can to protect this allotment from being developed."
He added: “Whilst we appreciate Pathways offer to work closely with allotment holders to find alternative plots on the site, we feel that Pathways are failing to recognise the instrumental role this allotment site plays in bringing the local community together. Allotment holders and their families have invested both time and money into their allotments and this is very evident to us all particularly during the community open days.”

The Labour Councillors have set up a petition for residents to have their say.

Pathways say the proposals are in the very early stage of development and they will start 'a lengthy period of consultation with Dean Court residents, allotment plot holders and the local community.'

6 September 2016