Council hands over lease to first self-managed allotment (From Times Series)

Barnet Council hands over lease to first self-managed allotment

5:00pm Friday 3rd February 2012 in News By Natalie O'Neill

Brook Farm Allotments in Whetstone is the first to become self-managed after Barnet Council handed over management responsibilities yesterday.

The council will retain the freehold of the land but Brook Farm Allotment & Horticultural Association has signed a lease for 38 years in return for low rent.

The new management scheme will allow the society to make all decisions about how the allotment is run, including how it sets rents as well as what maintenance and improvements it carries out on its two fields.

Peter Smedley, chairman of Brook Farm Allotments, said: “This is genuinely groundbreaking and we are pleased to be among the first rank of allotments to join in.

"The security of tenure under the new lease will encourage people to invest in their plots and make it possible for the association to apply for grants and finance for improvements which weren’t possible before.”

The council hopes all of 42 allotment sites in Barnet will become self-managed.

Cabinet member for environment Councillor Brian Coleman said: “This is good news for the allotment holders who can now set their own rates, and good news for the council tax payer.

“To be honest, plot holders are better placed to run their own allotments for the overall benefit of the community. This will allow holders to get on and run sites in the way they see fit.”