Agenda item

Councillor Sam Ross, Chair of the Food Growing Task Group, introduced the item. She explained that, if the Panel accept the report, it will be forwarded to the relevant Cabinet Member/s for response.

Panel members made the following points and asked the following questions:

Councillor Wait commented that the report was helpful in moving towards the development of a strategy. Councillor Auton thanked Councillor Ross for chairing the group well and highlighted the good participation.

Councillor Wait noted that there was nobody from Keynsham on the Panel. Councillor MacFie stated that the number of allotments in Keynsham differs from that of Bath and asked about allotment space coming through building developments.

Councillor Ross acknowledged the point about Keynsham but pointed out that a lot of similar issues were covered in the report – the group could not cover every area.

Regarding the planning developments Councillor Halsall stated that developers are generally encouraged to allow suitable areas for food growing. Councillor Ross stated that the location is important as some allotments (through 106 agreements) are not in or near the development.

Councillor Simon stated that commercial allotments are not mentioned. He added that allotments in Combe Down are under threat and would like Cabinet Member comment.  Councillor Ross explained that the group did touch on commercial allotments. She added that these are expensive (can be £600 annually as opposed to £25).

Councillor Hughes stated that from a parish/town Council perspective, allotments can be challenging, they must be self-sustaining as they can be expensive to manage.

Councillor Halsall commented that it is a good idea to create more diversity in size with existing Council owned allotments.

Councillor Ross stated that support could be limited in terms of support staff - responsibility was with the Parks Team.

The Chair invited Adam Reynolds to add a comment. Adam Reynolds commented that in Timsbury, he had an allotment plot and it had been a valuable community connection as well as a hobby.

Councillor Heijltjes stated that a lot of schools are involved in food growing. Councillor Ross commented that only 7 schools are now under Local Authority Control (not academized), she stated that the recommendations do mention ‘partnerships’ which could include schools. Councillor Wait commented that this generally worked best if there is an enthusiast on the staff.

The Panel agreed to refer the report to the Cabinet Member (the recommendations are set out below).

i)  Better use of space - To welcome the initiative of offering a more diverse range of allotment plots/community garden spaces and encourage the further development of this approach to help address waiting lists.

ii)  Better use of space - To invite allotment holders and the Allotment Association to contribute to a refresh of B&NES Council’s allotment rules and guidance

To include consideration of:

-  Provision of starter plots, introductory lessons, a buddy system to help new tenants.

-  Varying the size of plots to allow sharing and to consider groups to be tenants rather than just individuals.

iii)  Preserving growing space – to invite the cabinet member with responsibility for planning to ensure the developing Local Plan and its supporting guidance complements the aims of the developing Local Food Growing Strategy, whilst also recognising the environmental and economic value of local Grade 1 agricultural land.

iv)  Creating new space -. To encourage the cabinet member with responsibility for planning to explore through Supplementary Planning Documents the potential of putting more responsibility on developers, particularly through larger developments to ensure local food growing opportunities are incorporated into submitted plans.

v)  The council to identify an officer lead for coordinating and leading implementation of the developing Local Food Strategy.

vi)  The Task Group welcomes and encourages the proposal to create a new Food Partnership – council led- which brings together community partners to implement the new Local Food Strategy.

vii)  The council through its community forums to initiate a ‘big food conversation’, inviting our communities to input into delivery of the Local Food Strategy, ensuring collective ownership.

viii)  The council through its Parish Liaison or Community Area Forums to facilitate support and the sharing of good practice for town and parish councils requesting  support with the management of their allotments.