North East Fife Constituency Branch Association of the SNP is calling for increased support for allotment provision.

 

Speaking on behalf of the Association, Convener Alastair MacPherson said:

 

“There is a growing interesting allotments in North East Fife, but with the exception of a small site at Newburgh, there is no provision. We are aware of interest from Cupar and Anstruther for allotments and there is currently a planning application put forward for a site at Upper Largo. There probably exists significant latent demand.”

 

Continuing Alastair said:

 

“Part of the challenge of providing allotments appears to be a lack of identified public land for this type of amenity. One solution is of course to identify and zone land for allotments and the ongoing development of the St.Andrews and East Fife Local Plan provides an opportunity for individuals and communities to make representations. It would also be useful if Fife Council can look into this matter in more detail as there are statutory obligations on local authorities to provide allotments where demand exists. The branch will be making representations to the Head of Community Services to this effect.

A pragmatic way of delivering provision, and something advocated by the Scottish Allotment and Gardens Society, would be to encourage private developers to include allotments in new housing developments.

 

The branch will also call on the Scottish Government to give allotments a higher priority and have put forward a proposal to include the promotion of allotments as part of the future National Food Policy.

Further information

Press Officer: Alan Reid