West London allotments saved as green space for all

Three acres of allotments in west London have been saved after campaigners saw off plans to build on the site. CPRE London provided some initial legal advice to plot owners, which helped win the case against Northumberland Estates, owners of the adjacent Syon Park.

Having fought off earlier building applications, current plot holders were determined to pursue their case through to the final inquiry. This followed an appeal by Northumberland Estates, after Hounslow Council rejected their revised plan.

This time 80 properties were proposed, allowing for less than a third of the former land to remain for allotment use, at a time when demand for allotments is at a peak.

CPRE stepped in to review a document to provide additional details. It argued the case that contrary to the Northumberland Estate’s claims, the new proposed allotments were insufficient for current and future local needs, and did not represent “improved facilities”.

News that the Inspector had found in favour of the plot holders was welcomed by the community. Residents were delighted that the site will remain as a green open space for the wider benefit of local people and wildlife.

The much-loved Park Road Allotments have been in use since 1917. Chair of the Allotment holders association Stephen Hurton said: ‘The allotments bring such joy as well as being a place of sanctuary and community where people, young and old, come together to grow food and be amongst nature. We thank CPRE for their timely help”.

CPRE Head of Campaigns Alice Roberts said: ‘This was a classic case of David versus Goliath, as the mighty Northumberland Estate took on local plot holders. We are pleased that our legal advice helped support the arguments that persuaded the Inspector to save this important community space from development.’