Lengthy waiting lists for Solihull’s allotment sites

Many allotment sites across Solihull have closed their waiting lists, with rising demand among residents wanting to ‘grow their own’.

Every one of the ten council-owned sites in the borough is at capacity – and at six of these locations the waiting list itself is currently full, because of the sheer number of gardeners trying to secure a plot.

The level of demand locally is in line with a national boom in people cultivating their own fruit and veg, with some 90,000 residents around the country holding out for an allotment.

Only last month, the National Allotment Society ran its annual campaign to promote the health benefits of the hobby.

Concerns about pesticides, rising grocery bills and the environmental cost of transporting produce long-distance are also said to have fuelled interest.

A Solihull Council spokesman said: “Allotments are very popular in Solihull and currently all of our sites have waiting lists. We are trying to limit this to 15 due to the significantly low turnover of plots.

“We do encourage residents to consider joining waiting lists for sites with less demand to alleviate pressure.

“Over time some allotment plots have become overgrown or unsuitable to be used, so we are working hard to make sure where possible, council-managed plots are brought up to a suitable condition as quickly as possible.”

The council is currently reviewing its Local Plan, with an assessment of open spaces across the borough.

The document will ultimately shape planning policy for sports, recreation and leisure sites, including allotments.

Aside from Solihull Council’s own facilities, there are also six allotment sites managed by parish councils and five which are run by associations.

Although these are facing similar pressures, with the council’s webpage revealing that the Jobs Close site, in Knowle, has currently closed its list – given that the wait for a plot is around five years.

* Council allotments in Solihull

As of 28 August, the waiting lists are as follows:

Campden Green, Lyndon – 2

Chadwick End – Waiting list full

Coppice Road, Elmdon Heath – Waiting list full

Hobs Moat – Waiting list full

Holly Lane, Balsall Common – 12

Jillcot Road, Elmdon – 11

Lyndon Road – Waiting list full

Ralph Road, Shirley – Waiting list full

Scott Road, Olton – Waiting list full

Tanworth Lane, Shirley – 7

Read more: https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/lengthy-waiting-lists-solihulls-allotment-16888931